Colombia Adventure Moto Tours: 5-Day Andean & Coffee Region Expedition

Embark on an unforgettable 5-day moto tour from Medellín, a journey that plunges you into Colombia’s vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and the heart of its famed Coffee Cultural Landscape. Get ready for thrilling rides, charming colonial towns, and immersive coffee experiences, all while keeping an eye out for diverse birdlife and the progression of coffee fruit across varying elevations.

Day 1: Medellín to Jardín via Jericó – Colonial Charm & Mountain Vistas

Your adventure kicks off bright and early in Medellín (Elevation: 1,495 m), where you’ll meet your Colombia Adventure Moto Tours guide and get acquainted with your motorcycle. We’ll quickly hit the road, heading south on spectacular, winding paved mountain roads. As we ascend, the air cools and the lush green Antioquian countryside unfolds, offering panoramic views.

Keep an eye out for coffee farms nestled into the hillsides. At these mid-elevations, you’ll see coffee plants with fruits in various stages of ripeness – from small green cherries to the vibrant red of fully mature beans, ready for harvest. Birdlife is abundant here; listen for the distinct call of the Andean Motmot with its unique tail feathers, spot various tanagers like the Golden-hooded or Blue-gray, and perhaps even the melodious Great Kiskadee.

Our first stop is Jericó (Elevation: 1,910 m), a beautifully preserved colonial town, bursting with colorful architecture and significant as the birthplace of Colombia’s only canonized saint. We’ll enjoy a traditional Colombian lunch and explore its charming main square and historic churches.

From Jericó, our journey continues to Jardín. This route offers a mix of paved and some unpaved sections, revealing the raw beauty of the region with dramatic hills and deep valleys. We’ll arrive in the picturesque town of Jardín (Elevation: 1,773 m), often called “the most beautiful town in Antioquia,” settling into the charming Villa Juliana in Jardín, Antioquia. Spend your evening strolling the vibrant square and enjoying a delicious local dinner.

Day 2: Jardín to Salento via Riosucio (Off-Road Adventure) – Coffee Heartlands & Wax Palms

After a hearty breakfast at Villa Juliana, prepare for an exhilarating day of riding! Today’s route takes us from Jardín to Riosucio on challenging yet rewarding unpaved mountain roads. This section will test your off-road skills with rocky and potentially muddy stretches, but the remote hamlets and untouched natural landscapes make every turn worthwhile.

As we traverse this terrain, coffee plantations will be ever-present. Expect to see more intensely ripe red coffee cherries, especially in the slightly lower, warmer valleys, indicating active harvesting seasons. Birdlife here might include the striking Andean Cock-of-the-Rock in forested pockets or the vocal Turquoise Dacnis.

We’ll make a brief stop in Riosucio (Elevation: 1,783 m), a town known for its unique carnival and indigenous heritage, before hitting the paved highway towards Salento. As we enter the heart of the “Coffee Cultural Landscape,” the scenery transforms into rolling hills meticulously covered in manicured coffee farms.

We’ll arrive in the iconic town of Salento (Elevation: approx. 1,900 m), famous for its colorful architecture and as the gateway to the Cocora Valley. Your accommodation for the night is the luxurious Luxury Glamping Salento, offering a unique and comfortable experience immersed in nature. Enjoy the tranquility and stunning views from your glamping site, or venture into Salento’s lively main square for dinner and artisanal shops.

Day 3: Valle del Cocora, Salento, and Santa Rosa de Cabal – Wax Palms & Thermal Springs

Today brings a quintessential Coffee Region experience! After breakfast, we’ll take a short ride to the breathtaking Valle de Cocora (Elevation: approx. 2,200 m), home to the towering Quindío Wax Palms, Colombia’s national tree. You’ll have ample time to walk among these magnificent palms, taking in the surreal scenery – a prime spot for birdwatching.

The Humid Montane Forest of Cocora Valley is a haven for avian species. Keep your eyes peeled for the critically endangered Yellow-eared Parrot, which relies on the wax palm for its habitat. Other notable birds include the Collared Inca hummingbird, various toucanets, and the striking Green-backed Becard.

Depending on group interest and time, we can incorporate a visit to a local coffee farm near Salento for an immersive experience. Here, you’ll gain insights into the entire coffee cultivation process, seeing cherries at various stages: green, yellow, red, and deep burgundy, indicating peak ripeness.

After returning to Salento for lunch, we’ll embark on a scenic ride to Santa Rosa de Cabal. The route continues to offer beautiful mountain roads and glimpses of the Coffee Cultural Landscape. We’ll arrive in Santa Rosa de Cabal (Elevation: 1,715 m) and check into Termales de Santa Rosa de Cabal. The evening is dedicated to pure relaxation – indulge in a soothing soak in the natural thermal hot springs, the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploration.

Day 4: Santa Rosa de Cabal to Doradal via Honda – Descending to the Magdalena River

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Termales de Santa Rosa de Cabal before we begin a significant descent today. We’ll ride from the cooler coffee highlands to the warmer Magdalena River valley, heading towards Honda, Tolima, a historic colonial port town. The scenery will gradually transform from lush green mountains to drier, more tropical landscapes.

As we drop in elevation, coffee cultivation becomes less prevalent, but you might still see some lower-altitude varieties or farms on the fringes of the coffee zone. The coffee fruits in these warmer areas tend to ripen faster. The birdlife will also shift; in the lower elevations around Honda and the Magdalena River, expect to see more lowland species such as the Great White Heron, various Kingfishers along the river, and the colorful Tropical Kingbird. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the majestic Jabiru.

We’ll arrive in Honda (Elevation: approx. 220 m), a beautifully preserved colonial town on the banks of the Magdalena River, famous for its intricate bridges and rich history. We’ll pause for lunch and explore its charming streets.

From Honda, we continue our ride along the Magdalena River, taking the highway towards Doradal. This leg offers faster riding and different vistas of the river. We’ll arrive at Hotel Tekal del Rio, located just outside Doradal (Elevation: 173 m), offering a tranquil setting right by the Magdalena. Enjoy the warm evening by the river, perhaps with a refreshing swim or simply relaxing and taking in the serene atmosphere.

Day 5: Doradal to Guatapé & Return to Medellín – Lakeside Beauty & Iconic Rock

Our final day of riding begins after breakfast by the river. We’ll depart Doradal and head towards the stunning lakeside town of Guatapé. This journey involves more winding roads as we ascend back into the Antioquian mountains.

As you climb in elevation towards Guatapé, you’ll once again pass through areas where coffee is cultivated, though perhaps less intensely than in the core Coffee Cultural Landscape. Around the reservoir and forested areas near Guatapé, you might spot water birds like the Anhinga or Neotropic Cormorant, along with common highland birds such as the Vermilion Flycatcher or Russet-backed Oropendola.

We’ll arrive in Guatapé (Elevation: approx. 1,900 m), renowned for its vibrant zócalos (frescoes on buildings) and, of course, the iconic El Peñol rock. You’ll have the opportunity to climb the 740 steps to the top of El Peñol for an truly unforgettable panoramic view of the intricate reservoir below.

After enjoying lunch in colorful Guatapé, we’ll begin our scenic ride back to Medellín (Elevation: 1,495 m), completing our incredible 5-day moto tour with Colombia Adventure Moto Tours.

Ready to experience the adventure of a lifetime through Colombia’s stunning landscapes?