Santa Fe, Antioquia
Day Trip Adventure: The Old Road to Santa Fe de Antioquia
Embark on a captivating full-day motorcycle journey with Colombia Adventure Moto Tours, tracing one of Antioquia’s most historic and scenic routes. This tour takes you from the bustling streets of Medellin over the western mountain range, following the legendary “Antigua del Mar” road through charming towns, culminating in the colonial jewel of Santa Fe de Antioquia for lunch, before a smooth highway return.
Level of Difficulty: Moderate. This ride primarily uses paved roads. The “Antigua del Mar” section is very winding with steep ascents and descents, demanding attentive riding. The return highway is straightforward. Suitable for riders comfortable with mountain curves and varying traffic conditions.
Preferred Moto Type: All motorcycle types are suitable for this paved route (e.g., touring, cruiser, sport, naked, dual-sport). Dual-sport motorcycles offer added comfort on some of the older road sections, but are not strictly necessary.
Medellin – Boquerón – Puente Colgante – Santa Fe de Antioquia & Return
- Morning (7:30 AM – 8:30 AM): Departure from Medellin HQ
- Location: Colombia Adventure Moto Tours HQ, Calle 10a #41-11, El Poblado, Medellín.
- Elevation: 1,495 m (4,905 ft).
- Activity: Bike briefing, gear check, and preparation. We’ll navigate out of Medellin’s urban environment, heading west.
- Climate: Mild, “eternal spring” climate, typically around 18-28°C (64-82°F) with high humidity. Mornings are pleasant.
- Views: Initial cityscape of Medellin.
- Late Morning (8:30 AM – 11:30 AM): Over the Mountain & “Antigua del Mar” Descent
- Terrain Type: Begins with paved, winding mountain roads. We’ll ascend towards Boquerón, then embark on the “Antigua del Mar” section – a very scenic, winding, and steep paved road with numerous curves as it descends into the Cauca River valley.
- Key Point: Boquerón Pass
- Elevation: Reaching approximately 2,500 – 2,600 m (8,200 – 8,500 ft) at the highest point before beginning the descent.
- Climate: Cooler, often misty or cloudy at this altitude. Expect a crisp, mountain air.
- Vegetation: Transitions from urban fringe to agricultural lands (dairy farms, potato fields) and patches of humid montane cloud forest.
- Views: Panoramic views of the Aburrá Valley looking back towards Medellin. As we pass over, expansive views of the western Andes mountain range unfold.
- Wildlife: Common urban/agricultural birds like Sparrows and Eared Doves in open areas.
- Key Point: Descent via Palmitas & San Jerónimo
- Elevations: Rapidly descending from ~2,500 m to ~700-800 m (2,300 – 2,600 ft) by San Jerónimo. Palmitas is roughly midway in this descent (~1,200-1,500 m).
- Climate: Rapidly warms up as we lose elevation, becoming increasingly hot and humid, typical of tropical valleys.
- Vegetation: Transitions dramatically from cool montane forest to sub-tropical dry forest, then tropical dry forest in the lowlands. You’ll see mango, citrus, and other tropical fruit trees.
- Views: Dramatic vistas of steep mountainsides, deep valleys, and eventually the broad Cauca River valley. The winding road offers constant changing perspectives.
- Wildlife: Greater Kiskadee, Tropical Kingbird, various hummingbirds. Look for Black Vultures soaring in the warmer air currents.
- Mid-Day (11:30 AM – 12:30 PM): Puente Colgante Occidente
- Location: Crossing the Cauca River between Olaya and Santa Fe de Antioquia.
- Terrain Type: Paved road leading to the bridge, the bridge itself is a historic structure with wooden planks – a unique riding experience!
- Elevation: Approximately 500 – 600 m (1,600 – 2,000 ft), in the heart of the hot Cauca River valley.
- Climate: Hot and tropical.
- Views: An impressive and iconic view of the engineering marvel that is the Western Suspension Bridge, stretching over the wide Cauca River, framed by the surrounding dry, rolling hills.
- Wildlife: Riverine birds, various water birds, and soaring raptors like Black Vultures are common.
- Lunch (12:30 PM – 2:00 PM): Santa Fe de Antioquia
- Location: Historic main square or a charming restaurant within the town.
- Elevation: Approximately 500 – 600 m (1,600 – 2,000 ft).
- Activity: Enjoy a delicious traditional Colombian lunch in one of Santa Fe’s many excellent restaurants. Afterward, take some time to stroll through the vibrant main square and admire the well-preserved colonial architecture.
- Climate: Hot and tropical, typically dry and sunny. Average temperature around 27°C (81°F).
- Vegetation: Characterized by tropical dry forest, vibrant bougainvillea, palm trees, and lush gardens with various tropical plants.
- Views: The town itself is the main view – a beautifully preserved “Pueblo Patrimonio” with cobblestone streets, white-washed buildings, and intricate wooden balconies.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM): Highway Return to Medellin
- Terrain Type: Modern, well-maintained paved highway (Troncal del Occidente / Ruta 62). This route includes the long Fernando Gómez Martínez Tunnel (Tunel de Occidente), providing a faster and smoother return compared to the morning’s scenic route.
- Elevations: Gradually ascending from the warm Cauca River valley (~600m) back up to Medellin’s elevation (~1,495m). The tunnel bypasses significant mountain climbs.
- Climate: Gradually cools as we ascend back into Medellin’s temperate climate.
- Views: Efficient highway views, showcasing different angles of the surrounding mountain scenery. Less intimate than the morning route but still impressive.
- Wildlife: Less prominent wildlife directly visible from the fast-moving highway.
- Evening (5:00 PM – 5:30 PM): Tour Conclusion
- Location: Arrive back at Colombia Adventure Moto Tours HQ in Medellin.
- Activity: Debrief, return bikes, and conclude your memorable day exploring Antioquia’s western routes and colonial heritage!
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