Fly from Dublin (or your location) to El Dorado Airport, Bogata. You will probably need to fly via Amsterdam, France or Spain. Avoid connections in USA and Canada if possible as they are a pain.

From the EU you are travelling back in time so will likely arrive the same day.

As all participants may arrive at different times from different locations you will be required to take a taxi to the first hotel in Bogota city. This is very easy and stress-free with ample taxis available. Your taxi will be priced on a meter and will cost approximately €30. You will get a good night's sleep before picking up your Royal Enfield motorcycle on Day 2.

If you are getting an earlier flight into Bogota then you can enjoy the city and downtown nightlife and meet your fellow participants later at the hotel.

Or, if you are arriving as a group, we will arrange transport for you as a group which will be waiting for you at the airport upon arrival. This will be charged at cost and is the most economical option.

Overnight in Bogota.

No meals provided today.

Breakfast and lunch provided. 150km

After breakfast at the hotel you get acquainted with your ride for the tour ahead! We’ll have a group briefing covering topics such as a general introduction to Colombia with the areas you will be visiting, rules of the road and driving safety plus Q&A on the tour itinerary.

Departure to Ubaté. 7 hour ride today with 80% of asphalt. We will ride through the Altiplano Cundiboyacense where we will find cow fields and potato plantations (like being at home really), until we arrive into the Hacienda in Ubaté.

Overnight in Ubaté.

Breakfast and lunch provided. 90km

We will have the unique experience of crossing the countryside of The “Valle de Ubaté” pasing through oak forests, typical towns like “Raquira” and La Candelaria Desert.

Villa de Leyva is a Colonial town known for its rock built Central Square, the biggest in all Latin America and Colombia.

Overnight in Darjeeling.

Breakfast and lunch provided. 230km

Winding through ever-changing terrain and scenery, past rural plantations, we arrive in the charming town of Barichara, a jewel along the historical trade route between Bogotá and the Caribbean Sea.

Our journey here combines paved and generally well-maintained unpaved roads ( about 30km aren’t in the best shape, but it’s all part of the fun), crossing shallow riverbeds where crystalline water forms tranquil rock pools. Here, we pause for a delightful lunch prepared by a resident, enjoying our meal beside the gentle flow of the river.

Known simply as ‘The Most Beautiful Town in Colombia’, Barichara embodies the quintessential Latin American village, with its vibrant colours, rich history and distinctive character.

As daylight fades, the town’s terracotta rooftops are bathed in an ethereal glow, creating a spectacular display of colours across this colonial gem

Overnight in Barichara.

Breakfast and lunch provided.

It’s rather fitting that in the indigenous Guane dialect, Barichara translates to ‘Place of Rest’!

The day is yours to savour at your own pace. Wander the cobbled streets, letting your feet guide you through this historic haven – or embrace a more active adventure.

Perhaps try your hand at rafting, trek the scenic path to the rustic town of Guane, or visit the local paper workshop to witness the fascinating traditional papermaking process.

Even if you choose to relax and simply watch the world go by, Barichara’s timeless beauty and rich heritage will leave an indelible impression. 

Overnight in Pelling.

Breakfast and lunch provided. 130km

After our rest day, we’re up with the sun for one of our most epic rides.

The morning’s journey weaves through a tapestry of terrain – smooth tarmac giving way to rugged unpaved roads that at times narrow into humble farm tracks meandering over the hills.

As the morning unfolds, nature delivers a breathtaking surprise: the Chicamocha Canyon comes into spectacular view. This natural colossus is truly awe-inspiring – plunging 2,000 metres at its deepest point, spanning 108,000 hectares, and stretching 227 kilometres along Colombia’s spine.

As the second-largest canyon in the world, it’s a testament to nature’s raw power – and we’re about to ride right through its heart.

Countless twists and turns guide us down into the valley, our route a ribbon of tarmac unfurling through the mountainside.

Overnight in Gangtok.

Breakfast provided. 230km

As we journey northward, the landscape transforms dramatically – the rolling green hills of Santander giving way to the rugged terrain of the Magdalena Medio.

Our route traces an abandoned railway line – a ghost of Colombia’s past that offers thrilling adventure at every turn. We cross towering bridges – some with railings, others thrillingly exposed – suspended above rushing rivers that glitter far below. The journey takes us through ancient railway tunnels carved through sheer rock faces, their cool darkness a welcome respite from the tropical sun.

By now, you’ve conquered an extraordinary descent, dropping from Bogotá’s dizzying altitude of 2,500 metres to just 150 metres in Aguachica. Here, nature puts on a magnificent display: brilliant butterflies and exotic birds dance through the air, weaving between tropical fruit trees that line the streets in a riot of colour. The achievement of navigating this dramatic elevation change, following the paths of pioneering travellers, creates a profound sense of adventure.

Overnight in Gangtok

Breakfast and lunch provided. 195km

Today starts the off-road section of your tour. After securing the necessary road permits we head towards the northern high mountains of Sikkim, bordering southern Tibet. 

Expect a drop in temperature as we climb the windy Himalayan road where the scenery turns into Alpine. Our destination today is the beautiful town of Lachung.

The name comes from Tibetan language meaning small pass. At an elevation of about 9000 feet Lachung is surrounded by snow capped peaks, gushing streams and apple orchards. We call it an early night to start fresh for Yumthang valley the following day.

Overnight in Mompox.

Breakfast and lunch provided.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is impressive. With stunning colonial architecture hinting at the history behind this beautiful town, plenty of vibrant restaurants, and a variety of venues to choose from with incredible and authentic cultural experiences, you’ll have plenty to see and experience on your rest day – even if you just choose to take a walk around town.

There are so many activities that you can choose from in Santa Cruz de Mompox. Discover the intricacies of Filigrana – a very delicate type of silverwork – and perhaps even take part in a day workshop to create your masterpiece.

Enjoy a canoe on the Magdalena River, explore the grounds of a beautiful hacienda riding a horse, or just relax by the hotel pool.

Overnight in Mompox.

Breakfast and lunch provided.

Today is a corker of a day and if we needed it, a tropical silver lining, reaching the bright Caribbean Sea after a ride through the town of Magangué with a surprisingly African feel.

As far as the eye can see, you’ll experience colours and scenery with the typical savannah vegetation you’d expect to see in Africa.

After checking into our accommodation near the ocean, we arrive early enough to enjoy a dip in the Caribbean Sea. 

Tomorrow we head into the Land of the Thunder Dragon!

Breakfast and lunch provided.

At this day we will drive by the Caribbean coast, passing for a road with mangle, and a mix of landscapes that will charm the travelers.

Finally we will arrive to Cartagena (one of the most beatifull cities of the Caribbean).

Overnight in Cartagena.

Breakfast provided.

Today you have a choice! Either grab a taxi to Cartagena airport for your individual flight home (taxi cost approx €30) or STAY LONGER IN THE CARIBBEAN!!

Note: Most international flights will connect at Bogota.

Ask us about optional stays in Cartagena.

Breakfast included

Total Tour Cost in Euro (inc all taxes)

Single Rider - €4,695

1 person, 1 motorcycle, 1 room based on single occupancy

(Good for solo travellers that don't fancy sharing with anoter solo traveller.)

2 Riders Sharing - €3,995 per person

2 persons, 2 motorcycles, 1 room based on double/twin occupancy

(Good for couples, or two friends happy to share a twin room, or two  unrelated same sex single riders happy to share a twin room and save money over a single occupancy room.)

1 Rider, 1 Pillion Sharing - €3,995 + €2,250

2 persons, 1 motorcycle, 1 room based on double/twin occupancy

(Good for couples where only one rides. The Royal Classic motorcycle is generally suitable for 2-up riding but certain small sections of the route might necessitate the pillion dismounting and or riding in the support truck.)

All flights are excluded. 

International Flights

You will book your own international flights to and from Colombia. You are free to make your own choice of airline and class of travel - choose the price and level of service that's right for you.

Use Kayak, Expedia, LastMinute, TripAdvisor etc for the best flight deals. 

We can offer all the advice you need during the booking process. Talk to us before booking as we encourage everyone flying from Ireland to take the same flights.

Right now (Sep 2025) a return flight from Dublin to Bogata, Cartagena to Dublin with KLM is approx €1000 in May 2026.

Internal Flights

Internal flights are not necessary unless you wish to return to Bogota from Cartagena before your international flight home. Sometimes it's more economical this way.

Again, we can offer all the advice you need during the booking process. Talk to us before booking as we encourage everyone to take the same flights.

Colombian Visa

Irish citizens do not need a visa for short tourist or business trips to Colombia, for up to 90 days, but require a passport valid for at least six months on entry and proof of onward/return travel.

Vaccinations

You'll need to check with your doctor to see if you need vaccinations. We cannot advise on this so your GP is the best person to consult.

Travel Insurance

You'll need to take out travel insurance to cover you and your own possessions including repatriation. See our separate tab on this below.

Meals and Drinks

Breakfast and lunch are included EVERY DAY in the price of the tour. 

Evening meals are payable locally.

You might want to set up a kitty within your group to cover meals and drinks - it's up to you.

In any case we will make recommendations each meal time as to where you can eat and drink. You'll need cash or a credit card to cover the bill.

You may also wish to buy souvenirs on route.

The Revolut app is a great way to split bills easily and without fuss.

Entry Fess and Tips

You'll need to pay entrance fees to certain attractions and heritage sites.

You'll also want to tip your guides and support crew in cash at or during the tour. Your guides and crew work on a low wage and rely on tips for payment.

Currency

Colombian Pesos are available before you leave so we recommend you get some for incidentals.

Price includes third party insurance and damage liability limited of €500.

A €1,000 per person non-refundable deposit will be required at time of booking with the balance due three months prior to the tour start date.

A €500 refundable deposit is to be paid on each motorcycle rented. This will become due in cash on collection of your motorcycle. Minor damages (smaller plastic parts and other minor accessories such as mirrors, headlights and indicators) will be deducted from the deposit where required. Where no damage occurs to the motorcycle the full €500 deposit will be refunded on immediate return of the motorcycle.

We accept debit cards and direct bank transfer only. All payments to be made in Euro.

(Prices subject to currency fluctuations where warranted. Prices are based on a tour group size of 12 persons minimum. All deposits and payments are non-refundable.)

Hire of Royal Enfield Classic 500 Motorcycle

Return of your motorcycle from the end of the one way tour.

Fuel for your motorcycle.

High quality hotels / lodges.

Breakfast and lunch every day.

Services of an experienced full time Road Guide and back up support of a trained mechanic, including the cost for their meals, accommodations and daily allowance.

Support of a 4x4 vehicle as a backup for the tour.

All spares parts for the motorcycles.

Comprehensive medical kit.

Please note the food on tour may not fully provide for vegetarians, vegans or those with severe allergies.

International flights.

Internal flights.

Airport transfers.

Personal riding gear such as helmets, gloves, jackets, pants, riding boots etc.

Personal insurance and evacuation charges.

All expenses of personal nature such as lunch, dinner, drinks, where not provided and laundry etc.

Tips to guides, drivers, restaurant and bar staff, etc.

Costs and or delays incurred due to natural calamities, severe weather, strikes, civil unrest and break-downs beyond the control of RetroVentures and its associates.

Colombia Peso - US Dollar - EUR currency fluctuations - price may increase or decrease if there are unsustainable swings in currency values.

Any item not included in the above “What's Included”.

It's important you get personal travel insurance for your trip. This will normally cover Cancellation / Curtailment, Delayed Flights, Lost Luggage, Lost Documents, Medical Expenses, Abandonment, Personal Liability etc.

We've carried out research on your behalf and found a provider of travel insurance that will insure the activity of motorcycle riding above 125cc.

We suggest Ireland resident customers go to https://www.insureandgo.ie/. We have confirmed with them that Irish and UK licences are valid for their cover.

For UK resident customers the insurance market is much bigger and a quick Google of motorcycle travel insurance will show several providers of cover.

If you are a reasonably outgoing person, happy to mix with other reasonably outgoing people, and willing to compromise on group activities which may not be quite your cup of tea but are the cup of tea for the majority of the group, if you are willing to challenge your riding skills without challenging your pride, willing to accept the need to learn some new riding skills on uneven road surfaces, poorly constructed roads, damaged roads, on dust, gravel, sand, rocks, mud, water, tarmac without getting stressed and upset, if you are willing to ride in the sun, rain, mist, hot, cold, mild, or humid weather and are willing to ride in the light, dark, pitch black, dawn or dusk, if you don't mind heights and riding cliff-edge roads, if you are willing to ride a motorcycle that you are not necessarily familiar with, a motorcycle with different performance characteristics to your normal ride, a motorcycle with a potentially firmer or softer seat with potentially firmer or softer suspension, if you are open minded enough to try local foods and drinks without the need to starve yourself, if you are happy to sleep in accommodation of varying standards which might not be your usual pick, if you can accept a harder or softer mattress for a night, if you are happy getting up earlier than normal, later than normal, leave earlier than normal or later than normal, if you're happy to ride long days to fulfil certain parts of an itinerary, or just ride a couple of hours each day, if you have a respect for local cultures, religions and heritage sites, and if you are a generally happy soul with a desire for life and safe adventure, then you are the kind of person for this tour!

If you are a miserable sort, where it's your way or no way at all, and you can't deal with the highlights of our adventures noted above, then please don't join us!

Rest assured though, we will do everything in our power to make sure your trip is a safe and enjoyable one and we'll give you all the tuition and encouragement you need along the way.

So in summary, we are not responsible for the heat, cold, dust, unusual food, water supply, hot water supply, damaged roads, poor roads, pot holes, your fellow riders, soft pillows, hard pillows, or crazy driving.

We are responsible for providing you with the most fantabulous, exciting, eye opening, awe inspiring, senses attacking, emotional immersion into the unique culture that is Colombia! And the Royal Enfield legend of course.

Please bring your motorcycle driving licence and an international version if not in English.

Bring all your own riding gear - including your crash helmet and sturdy footwear. Pack some layers to allow for adjustment to temperatures but generally the weather will be warm / hot. Ventillated riding gear is generally in order.

Bring a waterproof. Accommodation is generally middle-end so evening wear will be useful - but nothing too fancy - clean jeans and a nice t-shirt will suffice and alternative shoes or boots for the evening (other than your riding boots).

Most of your gear will be transported in the support vehicle so please pack as light as possible as there will be a lot to squeeze in.

Pack a camera and / or Go-Pro.

Pack your normal medication plus Imodium for the occasional upset tumtum. Pack your sunglasses and or riding goggles. Bring your passport, cash and credit cards.

Get 15% off riding gear at Sprocket & Hubs Motorcycle Emporium in Adare, Co. Limerick when you book this tour.