“Miradores de Medellin – Night Edition” – Half-Day Scenic Ride

Get ready for a unique perspective of Medellin with the “Miradores de Medellin – Night Edition” adventure ride! This tour offers a thrilling experience of seeing the city’s twinkling lights from high in the cool mountain air, combining stunning views with a taste of local culture.

Duration: 3 to 3.5 hours

Departure Time: 7:00 PM from Colombia Adventure Moto Tours HQ (Medellin, 1,495 m elevation)

Inclusions: 1 helmet per rider, 1 traditional Colombian pastry, 1 coffee or hot chocolate.

Level of Difficulty: Moderate. This tour is primarily on paved, winding mountain roads. Night riding requires increased awareness of surroundings, potential glare from oncoming traffic, and reduced visibility of road imperfections. Riders should be comfortable with night riding conditions and have good motorcycle handling skills. While not off-road, the curves and elevation changes, combined with darkness, elevate the difficulty from an easy daytime ride.

Preferred Moto Type: Dual-sport motorcycles are ideal due to their comfortable riding position, good ground clearance for any unexpected road imperfections, and often better headlight illumination. Their versatility makes them well-suited for winding mountain roads in varying conditions.

Itinerary:

7:00 PM – 7:30 PM: Colombia Adventure Moto Tours HQ (Medellin, 1,495 m elevation)

• Activity: Welcome and safety briefing specifically for night riding. Gear up, ensure helmets are properly fitted (clear visor is essential for night riding!), and get familiar with your motorcycle’s controls, especially lights. Enjoy an initial coffee or hot chocolate at the shop to warm up before the cool mountain air.
• Climate: Medellin in July/August at 7:00 PM is typically mild, around 18-20°C (64-68°F), but it can feel cooler once the sun sets. The humidity will be present (around 78-87%).

7:30 PM – 8:30 PM: Ascent to Alto de Boquerón (Western Mountains)

• Route: We’ll begin our ascent from Medellin, navigating the winding, paved roads up the western side of the Aburrá Valley. The city lights will gradually recede below us, transforming into a sparkling tapestry.
• Key Stop: Alto de Boquerón (approx. 2,500 – 2,528 m elevation)
  • Views: An absolutely breathtaking, sprawling night view of Medellin, stretching across the entire valley like a sea of twinkling diamonds. The distant mountains will be dark silhouettes.
  • Vegetation: Visible mostly as dark forms against the sky or under ambient light, consisting of montane forest and agricultural clearings.
  • Climate: Significantly cooler and often chilly at night compared to the city, with temperatures dropping to 10°C (50°F) or lower (with wind chill). Mist or fog can roll in quickly, potentially reducing visibility but creating an atmospheric feel.

8:30 PM – 9:30 PM: Ride to San Félix

• Route: From Boquerón, we’ll continue along winding mountain roads connecting to the area of San Félix. While generally paved, watch out for reduced visibility of potholes or uneven surfaces due to darkness.
• Views: Offers different vantage points of the glowing city, as well as the dark, peaceful mountain landscapes.

9:30 PM – 10:30 PM: San Félix Panchocha Viewpoint

• Key Stop: San Félix Panchocha Viewpoint (approx. 2,510 m elevation)
  • Activity: The highlight of our night tour. You’ll be treated to another stunning, expansive night view of Medellin, particularly the northern parts of the city and Bello, glittering below. You’ll enjoy your included Colombian pastry and coffee or hot chocolate. The ambiance is vibrant, with local vendors and sometimes other visitors.
  • Views: The city lights create intricate patterns, highlighting the valley’s contours. Distant stars might be visible on clear nights above the city glow.
  • Birds: Minimal bird activity, but the sounds of the night will be more prominent – perhaps crickets.
  • Vegetation: Mostly seen in silhouette, comprising high-altitude grasses and some sparse trees.
  • Climate: Similarly cool and fresh as Boquerón, making the hot chocolate and pastry even more enjoyable. Be prepared for potential mist or fog.

10:30 PM – 11:00 PM: Return to Colombia Adventure Moto Tours HQ

• Route: We’ll begin our comfortable descent back towards Medellin, using well-known, paved roads.
• Climate: As we lose elevation, the climate will gradually become milder, returning to Medellin’s typical evening temperatures.

Recommendations for What to Wear and Bring (Night Edition):

Given the cool mountain temperatures at night and the potential for mist/rain, layering and visibility are paramount for this ride!

Motorcycle Gear (Provided by Colombia Adventure Moto Tours):

1 Helmet (full-face or modular with a clear visor is absolutely essential for night riding).

Personal Gear (Highly Recommended to Wear/Bring):

Warm Layers! Night temperatures at elevation can be surprisingly cold.

Base Layer: A long-sleeve, moisture-wicking thermal shirt.

Mid-Layer: A warm fleece jacket or wool sweater.

Outer Layer: A waterproof and windproof motorcycle jacket is crucial. Rain can start quickly, and the wind chill at night on a motorcycle will be significant. Consider a jacket with reflective elements for added visibility.

Pants: Warm, durable pants. Motorcycle-specific riding pants are ideal, or warm jeans.

Gloves: Warm motorcycle gloves are a must to protect hands from cold and wind.

Footwear: Sturdy, closed-toe shoes or motorcycle boots.

Warm Hat/Beanie: For when we stop at the viewpoints and remove helmets.

Neck Gaiter/Balaclava: To protect your neck and face from the cold wind.

Hydration: A small bottle of water.

Small Backpack: For personal items, extra layers, and to carry your pastry if you don’t eat it immediately.

Camera/Phone: For capturing the incredible city lights (though photography at night from a moving motorcycle is challenging). Ensure it’s secure.

Cash (small denominations): For any extra purchases.

Enjoy the magic of Medellin by night from its stunning mountain “miradores”!