Colombia? Are you crazy? The drug dealers, the kidnappings, the guerrillas? The violence? Are you sure you want to go to Colombia on a motorcycle? If I had a penny for every time someone mentions these things when I talk about the possibility of coming to Colombia, I would have the largest collection of motorcycles known to man. The truth is that Colombia has changed dramatically in the last 15 years and it has changed for the better. We still have problems, there are still security problems, we still have guerrillas and drug trafficking, we still have poverty and many other inequalities; just like countless other countries in the world. But we are working on it. All of these things are part of our history but they do not determine our future. Compared to where it used to be, Colombia is in a very different and much better place.
Gone are the days when massive bombs went off in city centers, gone are the days when you couldn’t ride a motorcycle from one city to another, gone are the days when travelers around the world avoided Colombia on their transcontinental trips.
Yet somehow, in the eyes and ears of many, we haven’t been able to shake off the reputation of the most dangerous country in the world. A country where the risk of something terrible happening when visiting was justifiably high.
Let me tell you a little bit about Colombia. A little bit about riding a motorcycle in this magnificent place I call home. A little bit about its people. Hopefully this will help change your perception and shed some light on the positive aspects of this country. Hopefully, this will make you want to share it with skeptical friends. Hopefully this will convince you to come and ride a motorcycle in Colombia. And if so, we here at ELEPHANT will be waiting for you.
Colombia is located at the northernmost tip of South America, where we are blessed with the best things the continent has to offer. From white sand beaches to snow-capped mountains in an area 2 thirds the size of Alaska. The majestic Andes reach into Colombia and are divided into three separate ranges (Western, Central, and Eastern) that cover most of the territory with countless mountains and valleys, making it a dream destination for curve-loving motorcyclists. Because we are just north of the equator, we are blessed with 365 days of perfect riding weather, with no harsh winters, just a couple of rainy months a year.
BMW Motorrad USA Brand Ambassador Shawn Thomas and his daughter Hailey feed hummingbirds in Colombia.
Few places I know offer endless winding roads and perfect weather year-round. If you have a week off, you’ll be able to ride day after day through such diverse landscapes that by the end you’ll have thought you’ve ridden an entire continent. What you see today will be completely different than what you see tomorrow. Enjoy it all. Mountain passes, river valleys, African savannahs, deserts, lush jungles, oceans, sun, rain, exotic fruits, and so much more. You’ll experience it all in less time than it would take you to Google: Is Colombia safe?
No country compares to riding a motorcycle in Colombia. I’m Colombian so you might think my opinion is biased, of course. But this same sentiment is shared by countless non-Colombian motorcyclists with whom I’ve had the pleasure of sharing riding stories. Many of the bikers I have met, who have traveled through the country, have been forced to extend their visit for weeks and sometimes months. More than one has fallen in love with a Colombian and extended their trip forever.
This country is contagious, in the best possible sense. For a biker, the contagion comes from different places: 1. The amazing landscapes loaded with winding routes. 2. The diversity in terms of climate and geography. 3. The warm and welcoming character of the people.
The people! Colombians are wonderful people! Despite the history of violence we maintain a positive attitude towards life and our hospitality knows no bounds. What makes riding a motorcycle through Colombia such a magical experience are the interactions with the locals. They go out of their way to help you, give you quality information, let you know how proud they are of their country and show you things you could have easily missed.
Riding a motorcycle through the majestic landscapes of Colombia is a once in a lifetime experience.
These encounters enrich the experience, enrich our spirit and the positive energy is wiped away like magical fairy dust. It is a fresh and welcoming feeling. As a Colombian I invite you with all my energy to come and ride in this country. Colombians are good-willed and naturally positive.
If you come to Colombia by motorcycle you will be an extremely happy person. You will have amazing memories and stories to share with friends. You will have lived an unforgettable and once in a lifetime experience. You will be able to say that you rode a motorcycle in Colombia; one of the most beautiful places in the world. And that, my friends, is something worth saying.
Whether you are looking to rent a motorcycle or take a motorcycle tour in Colombia. Here at Elephant we will be waiting to show you this amazing country.
Come ride with us! We are happy to show you around!