Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
Routes South from Bogota Routes South from Bogota
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10 Aug 2006
RickMcD's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Oxnard, Ca. USA
Posts: 187
Question Routes South from Bogota
I will be flying my KLR to Bogota (from Panama City) in late October/November and heading south for TDF. Looking at my Colombia map there seems to be two ways to head south toward Ecuador. Hwy 45 past Neiva then east to Popayan OR a couple of other ways east (south first) to Ibague, Armenia, Cali, etc. or northeast to Manizales, Tula, etc. What route do most use? Which do you all recommend and why? Thanks for the input.
Last edited by RickMcD; 11 Aug 2006 at 00:45.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11 Aug 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Forest, Va
Posts: 46
Rick,
I'm watching your thread with interest, hoping you'll get some good replies.
If everything goes as planned, I'll be going through Panama/Bogota area about
the same time as you. I'll be riding with another HUBB member Bob Forsee. May
see you there, Bob will be on a KLR also, and I'll be on a Wee Strom.

Harold
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 11 Aug 2006
RickMcD's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Oxnard, Ca. USA
Posts: 187
Routes South from Colombia
Harold, keep in touch. Maybe we can plan a meet. I have been reading other trip reports and it seems that the route straight south may not be a good choice. Some have reported a very bad road on the southern end and also some country that may best be bypassed for any number of reasons. I hope I get some more input. I sent Paul Thorsen (owns a moto hotel in Colombia) an email and ask for input. I'll let you know if he replies.
Rick
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 11 Aug 2006
RickMcD's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Oxnard, Ca. USA
Posts: 187
South From Bogota
Quote:
Originally Posted by hillcityrider
Rick,
I'm watching your thread with interest, hoping you'll get some good replies.
If everything goes as planned, I'll be going through Panama/Bogota area about
the same time as you. I'll be riding with another HUBB member Bob Forsee. May
see you there, Bob will be on a KLR also, and I'll be on a Wee Strom.

Harold
Harold, did I see some posts recently from you or your partner about an Alaska ride? I just returned to Southern California from Prudhoe Bay. Reprovisioning, resting and planning for the "rest of the story" :=)
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 11 Aug 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Forest, Va
Posts: 46
Quote:
Originally Posted by RickMcD
Harold, did I see some posts recently from you or your partner about an Alaska ride? I just returned to Southern California from Prudhoe Bay. Reprovisioning, resting and planning for the "rest of the story" :=)
Rick,
Yes, I did Prudhoe Bay in June. Like you, I'm just waiting for the season
to change so I can head to TDF via Bogota. E-mail me: hbrookz@msn.com

Harold
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 11 Aug 2006
JTA's Avatar
JTA JTA is offline
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Bogotá, Colombia
Posts: 11
Lightbulb From Bogotá-South
Few bikers have gone through Neiva, but I strongly wouldn't reccommend it: There's a long (3-4 hrs) unpaved strech past Neiva en route to Popayan that we (colombians) try to avoid. Instead, the road Bogotá-Girardot-Ibagué-Armenia-Cali, etc is in good shape anf has lots of interest spots. Even tough, some has gone Bogotá-Medellín, and the south Medellín-Manizales-Pereira-Armenia-Cali, etc. A third alternative (1 day longer) could be Bogotá-Honda(yes, there´s an old town called Honda)-Manizales-Pereira-Armenia-Cali, etc.

If you have enough time (2-4 days) I would reccommend alternative #2. Otherwise take any of the other main routes.

JorG
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 12 Aug 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Mimbres, New Mexico, USA
Posts: 510
Hi guys,

I am currently in Oaxaca City Mexico, headed slowly south. Planning on a similar route through Colombia, keep in touch. I suspect I am far enough ahead of you that you won´t catch up, but who knows.

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 12 Aug 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Forest, Va
Posts: 46
Quote:
Originally Posted by AndyT
Hi guys,

I am currently in Oaxaca City Mexico, headed slowly south. Planning on a similar route through Colombia, keep in touch. I suspect I am far enough ahead of you that you won´t catch up, but who knows.

Andy
Andy,
Give us some feed back on your border crossings, would like to know if it's
a good crossing or a PITA. Hope to see you at TDF, it'll take that long to catch
up! Have a good trip.

Harold
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 12 Aug 2006
RickMcD's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Oxnard, Ca. USA
Posts: 187
Bogota Info.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JTA
Few bikers have gone through Neiva, but I strongly wouldn't reccommend it: There's a long (3-4 hrs) unpaved strech past Neiva en route to Popayan that we (colombians) try to avoid. Instead, the road Bogotá-Girardot-Ibagué-Armenia-Cali, etc is in good shape anf has lots of interest spots. Even tough, some has gone Bogotá-Medellín, and the south Medellín-Manizales-Pereira-Armenia-Cali, etc. A third alternative (1 day longer) could be Bogotá-Honda(yes, there´s an old town called Honda)-Manizales-Pereira-Armenia-Cali, etc.

If you have enough time (2-4 days) I would reccommend alternative #2. Otherwise take any of the other main routes.

JorG
JorG. Thanks a bunch. That is exactly the kind of info I was looking for. Up to date from someone there. Thanks Again.
Rick
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 12 Aug 2006
RickMcD's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Oxnard, Ca. USA
Posts: 187
Trip Info.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AndyT
Hi guys,

I am currently in Oaxaca City Mexico, headed slowly south. Planning on a similar route through Colombia, keep in touch. I suspect I am far enough ahead of you that you won´t catch up, but who knows.

Andy
Andy, I second Harold's reply. Let us know about what borders and such. I have crossed into Belize at Chetumal and then into Guatemala at Mencos then into Honduras at El Florido. No problems at any of those borders. Probably will go that way this time also (maybe not up thru Belize). Probably won't catch up to you but keep in touch.
Rick
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 15 Aug 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Medellin, Colombia
Posts: 29
Hola Rick, it looks like you already got your reply. It would certainly agree with JTA's post. You want to avoid the route south from Bogota that appears to be the most direct to Popayan, via Neive.

If you have time, the route north from Bogota past Villa de Leiva, San Gil, Barichara (Canon de Chicamocha) and Bucaramunga is - in my opinion - one of the best routes in Colombia. From Bucaramunga there is a good highway west to Medellin, and then from Medellin south through Manizales to Cali is another great scenic route, stopping off in Salento along the way.

Medellin also has great moto shops and parts (inc tires) if you need them at that point, which you probably will!

I wouldn't worry about security on any of the main highways mentioned above. If you have the time, don't miss out on some of the best riding in South America, and do a nice big loop through Bucaramunga and Medellin (or even throw in Cartagena). If you don't have the time then sure, head west from Bogota to Armenia and then south to the Ecuador border, although then you would be missing out on some of the best that Colombia has to offer.
__________________
www.motoadventures.org Photo Journal of My Alaska to Argentina trip.
www.casakiwi.net My Moto Hostel in Medellin, Colombia...with a garage of course.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 15 Aug 2006
RickMcD's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Oxnard, Ca. USA
Posts: 187
Colombia Routes Info.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul Thoreson
Hola Rick, it looks like you already got your reply. It would certainly agree with JTA's post. You want to avoid the route south from Bogota that appears to be the most direct to Popayan, via Neive.

If you have time, the route north from Bogota past Villa de Leiva, San Gil, Barichara (Canon de Chicamocha) and Bucaramunga is - in my opinion - one of the best routes in Colombia. From Bucaramunga there is a good highway west to Medellin, and then from Medellin south through Manizales to Cali is another great scenic route, stopping off in Salento along the way.

Medellin also has great moto shops and parts (inc tires) if you need them at that point, which you probably will!

I wouldn't worry about security on any of the main highways mentioned above. If you have the time, don't miss out on some of the best riding in South America, and do a nice big loop through Bucaramunga and Medellin (or even throw in Cartagena). If you don't have the time then sure, head west from Bogota to Armenia and then south to the Ecuador border, although then you would be missing out on some of the best that Colombia has to offer.
Paul, thanks for the great info. I sent you an email at your hotel reminding you that we met in Mexico in Dec. 2002. I have just looked up your suggested route (big loop up to Bucaramunga) on the map and depending on time (trying to make Cusco around Thanksgiving to meet my sweetheart), I may try that route but will definitely try to make it to your hotel in Medellin. Thanks again.
Rick
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
South America Motorcycle Adventure Movie: Contest Announceme motorbikewithmike.com Travellers Seeking Travellers 79 12 Dec 2007 22:59
Shipping: Norway to South Africa Wheelie Trip Transport 1 6 Mar 2006 19:07
Routes South Thru Eastern France GoEastYoungMan Route Planning 3 12 Apr 2004 05:19
Few notes on buying Eezi Awn from South Africa roamingyak North Africa 12 3 Aug 2002 07:26
Add'l info on the road South waward South America 4 20 Jan 2002 04:59

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 19:26.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top