6 Day Hidden Emerald Circuit: Guided Mixed-terrain Motorcycle Tour in Colombia

Overview

This listing has one of the 10 most popular offers available in Colombia This six-day expedition takes you from Bogotá into the heart of Boyacá’s emerald country - a mix of legendary roads, hidden trails, and raw Colombian culture. Along the way, you’ll cross high mountain passes, ride through natural tunnels, soak in hot springs, and stand beneath thundering waterfalls. You will get exclusive access to a working emerald mine, where you’ll dig alongside locals and keep the stones you uncover. With boutique guesthouses, hearty Colombian meals, and bilingual guides handling every detail, this is an adventure that blends comfort, culture, and serious riding. Intermediate to advanced riders only - this is the Colombian Andes at their best, and they don’t hand out emeralds easily.

Highlights

• Starts and ends in Bogotá
• Ride through 12 natural tunnels en route to Chivor
• Visit Zipaquirá’s underground Salt Cathedral
• Off-road detour to Pozo Azules lakes and Boyacá’s historic bridge
• Horseback access to a working emerald mine - keep what you find
• Visit La 70 waterfall and a night in a natural hot spring
• 5 nights stay in boutiques and guesthouses with authentic Colombian hospitality

Itinerary

1. Day 1: Bogotá to Villa de Leyva (213 kilometers / 132 miles)

   - Riding hours: 5 hours - Paved/Unpaved: 100:0 Kick off from Bogotá into the Andes - Ride Bogotá’s Andean countryside, full of mountain views and villages - Visit Zipaquirá’s underground Salt Cathedral - Explore Ráquira, the colorful pottery town and crafts - Arrive in colonial Villa de Leyva, with time to walk its cobblestone plaza - Cruise Boyacá’s lush valleys and mountain passes - Overnight in a boutique guesthouse

2. Day 2: Villa de Leyva to Machetá (132 kilometers / 82 miles)

   - Riding hours: 3.5 hours - Paved/Unpaved: 90:10 From valleys to hot springs - Scenic ride through Boyacá’s valleys and mountain passes - Ride to the turquoise Pozo Azules lakes - Detour to Muro de Gachaneca dam - Stop at Puente de Boyacá, a key site in Colombia’s independence - End the day soaking in thermal baths, boutique hotel night

3. Day 3: Machetá to Chivor (110 kilometers / 68 miles)

   - Riding hours: 5.5 hours - Paved/Unpaved: 70:30 Tunnels, waterfalls, and emerald country. - Ride from dry highlands into lush emerald country - Ride through 12 natural tunnels - Stop at “La 70” waterfall for photos and a swim - Emerald workshop with a local expert - Rustic mountain lodge stay in Chivor

4. Day 4: Chivor Exploration (50 kilometers / 31 miles)

   - Riding hours: 2 hours - Paved/Unpaved: 0/100 A miner’s day in Emerald Country - Horseback ride to a working emerald mine - Dig for stones alongside miners - and keep what you find - Traditional “fiambre” picnic lunch - Afternoon off-road loop into remote trails - Immerse yourself in rural Colombian farm life

5. Day 5: Chivor to Choachí (174 kilometers / 108 miles)

   - Riding hours: 5.5 hours - Paved/Unpaved: 65/35 Remote roads and river crossings - Ride through canyons, rivers, and forgotten towns - Pass through the ghost town of La Calera - Afternoon off-road into Choachí - Overnight in a guesthouse near La Chorrera waterfall

6. Day 6: Choachí to Bogotá (60 kilometers / 37 miles)

   - Riding hours: 1.5 hours - Paved/Unpaved: 100/0 A final day of waterfalls and coffee - Coffee farm visit with tasting - Hike to La Chorrera, Colombia’s tallest waterfall - Scenic return ride into Bogotá, arriving mid-afternoon - Panoramic views of Bogotá from the mountains

Ride Details

Terrain

mixed terrain

Bike

rental bike (Honda XR 190) with option to upgrade to Honda XRE300

Mileage

739 kilometers / 459 miles

Daily rides

50 - 213 kilometers / 31 - 132 miles

Riding gear

included: helmet, riding gloves; available to rent: elbow and knee pads, riding boots, rain gear, and full protective gear set

Meals

5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners

Accommodation

You’ll stay in a mix of boutique hotels, rustic guesthouses, and mountain lodges that showcase the best of Colombia’s Andean hospitality. Expect comfortable shared rooms with hot showers, clean beds, and authentic local charm. In Villa de Leyva and Machetá, you’ll enjoy boutique stays with modern comforts, while in Chivor and Choachí the lodging is more rustic and immersed in nature. Private room upgrades are available for those who prefer extra privacy.

Food

All meals are included during the tour: hearty breakfasts, roadside lunches, and traditional Colombian dinners. Expect fresh fruit, eggs, and strong coffee in the mornings; soups, grilled meats, and arepas on the road; and home-cooked dinners in guesthouses after long riding days. A highlight is the miner’s “fiambre” - a traditional packed lunch served during the emerald mine visit. Vegetarian and dietary preferences can be accommodated with advance notice.

Getting There

This tour will start and finish in Bogotá, Colombia’s vibrant capital at the foot of the Andes. [+](https://www.tripaneer.com/adrenaline-addicts/6-day-hidden-emerald-circuit-guided-mixed-terrain-motorcycle-tour-in-colombia# "Zoom in") [−](https://www.tripaneer.com/adrenaline-addicts/6-day-hidden-emerald-circuit-guided-mixed-terrain-motorcycle-tour-in-colombia# "Zoom out") [+](https://www.tripaneer