Weather: Spring – Peak season | Summer – Scorching heat | Autumn | Mid season | Winter – Lovely Day temps, Cold at night (around 6 degrees)
Highlights
Aït Benhaddou
Aït Benhaddou is an ighrem along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech in present-day Morocco. Most citizens attracted by the tourist trade live in more modern dwellings in a village on the other side of the river, although there are four families still living in the ancient village.
Aït Benhaddou, Morocco
Telouet Kasbah
Telouet Kasbah is a Kasbah along the former route of the caravans from the Sahara over the Atlas Mountains to Marrakech. The kasbah was the seat of the El Glaoui family’s power, thus sometimes also called the Palace of Glaoui, and it was built in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Telouet Kasbah, Morocco
Telouet Kasbah, Morocco
Telouet Kasbah, Morocco
Telouet Kasbah, Morocco
Kasbah Amridil, Morocco
Marrakesh
The ‘Heart of Morocco’ is a fantastic mix of craziness, colours and food. Wander around the maze of alleys in the main medina and then head to one of the many roof terrace to escape the heat and crowds of people below.
Weather: Spring – Peak season | Summer – Scorching heat | Autumn | Mid season | Winter – Lovely Day temps, Cold at night (around 6 degrees)
Highlights
Les Gorges Du Todra (Todra Gorge)
Todra Gorges are a series of limestone river canyons in the eastern part of the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco.
Both the Todgha and neighbouring Dades Rivers are responsible for carving out these deep cliff-sided canyons, on their final 40 kilometres through the mountains.
Todgha Gorge, Morocco
Todgha Gorge, Morocco
Gorges Dadés
The Dadès Gorge are a series of rough-cut mountain valleys carved by the Dadès River. The river originates in the High Atlas Mountains and flows some 320 kms southwest before joining the Draa River at the edge of the Sahara. The many-colored walls are thrilling to ride through.
Weather: Spring – Peak season | Summer – Scorching heat | Autumn | Mid season | Winter – Lovely Day temps, Cold at night (around 6 degrees)
Highlights
Sahara Desert
The hottest desert in the world and comparable to the size of USA or China. The Sahara section in Morocco is easily accessible with good tarmac roads and enough dirt trails to explore for days.
This city in the Sous Valley in southern Morocco. It is situated east of Agadir on the road to Ouarzazate and the Sahara desert and south of Marrakesh. The town is known as the “Grandmother of Marrakesh” because it looks like a smaller Marrakesh with its surrounding ramparts. In the sixteenth century, the Saadi dynasty briefly used Taroudant as a capital before it moved its royal seat onwards to Marrakesh.
To the tourist, Taroudant is much less touristy than the grandfather, Marrakech.
This Epic Ride takes place in Scotland, on a route is known as the Malt Whiskey trail. The short ride passes through the biggest cluster of Malt Whiskey Distilleries.
Roads: All asphalt. Check out this great write up here
Highlights
There are many distilleries on the route. I’d say make your own way… Here are some I visited.
The Tomatin Distillery
Founded in 1897, the Tomatin Distillery is a single malt Scotch whisky distillery in the village of Tomatin, 25 minutes south of Inverness.
Tomatin Distillery, Scotland
Tomatin Distillery, Scotland
Ballindalloch Single Malt Distillery
The distillery was only built in 2011 on a site that dates back to 1820.
The Malt Whisky Trail, Scotland
Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens
Nestled deep in the beautiful Spey valley, Ballindalloch Castle has been the home of the Macpherson-Grant family since 1546. This Castle and gardens is not a distillery but is definitely worth a visit.
Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens, Scotland
Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens, Scotland
Autumn in Scotland
Tormore Distillery
The Tormore is one of the younger Scottish whiskies, the distillery construction began in 1958 and was completed in 1960. It was the first new distillery to be built in the country in the 20th century.. It’s one of the most architecturally striking distilleries as it is made of granite, has copper rotors and a clock which plays four different Scottish songs each quarter of an hour. The topiary hedges in the garden are also clipped to the shape of a bell or still
This Epic Ride takes place on Scotland’s self pro-claimed ‘Ultimate Road Trip’, the nc500. The North Coast is 500 miles long and follows the coast of some of the most remote and isolated places on the Scottish mainland.
For most people the nc500 will start in Inverness (the capital of the Highlands). There is also an option to start the route closer to Applecross if coming from the Isle of Skye. (highly recommended)
The Ride
As of 2019, mostly asphalt with alot of single lanes and narrow roads. It’s a tourist hot spot in the summer months. With a lot of Camper-vans overwhelming the roads
The route has been heavily advertised by Scottish Tourism and this has put a massive strain on the local resources of the small communities. So go slow, take your rubbish back to a city and using the Passing Lanes with care 🙂
The west side of the route is by far the most interesting and remote. The east side is a little underwhelming.
Magnet Trophy after riding the nc500
Highlights
Applecross and the Bealach na Ba (Pass of the Cattle)
The Bealach na Ba to Applecross is a historic and one of the most famous passes in the UK. Bealach na Ba, meaning pass of the cattle, was used in earlier days to drive cattle from Applecross and surrounding settlements to other parts of the Highlands. Crossing the Bealach na Ba is a great ride if the weather is good. :0
Google Maps view of the Route
Applecross Pass, Scotland
Applecross Pass, Scotland
Applecross Pass, Scotland
Smoo Cave
Smoo Cave is a large combined sea cave and freshwater cave in Durness in Sutherland, Highland, Scotland. The cave name is thought to originate from the Norse ‘smjugg’ or ‘smuga’, meaning a hole or hiding-place.
The Glenmorangie Distillery Co
Glenmorangie Distillery, Scotland
Glen Coe is the crown jewel of valleys in Scotland. It is famous for the James Bond Scene in Skyfall and therefore can be very busy in the summer. I’d recommend camping at Kinghouse Hotel. It is free and you can use the showers etc. It has a great pub for food and drinks.
For those looking for the Skyfall Scene location. It is actually in Glen Etive. The road is a dead end and is equally amazing as the road through Glen Coe. The exact spot is here
This Epic Ride takes place on one of the most magical island in the world. Isle of Skye. It is the largest island in the Inner Hebrides, a group of 35 inhabited islands as well as 44 uninhabited islands.
Since 1995 a bridge from the mainland allows an easier journey to the Isle (Some would say it has also changed the dynamic island way of life)
The Isle of Skype is the largest of the Inner Hebrides, an archipelago of the West Coast. 5 hrs drive from either Glasgow or Edinburgh and 2.5 hrs from Inverness.
The Ride
As of 2019, mostly asphalt with alot of single lanes and narrow roads. It’s a tourist hot spot in the summer months. With a lot of Camper-vans slowly circling the island.
Summer | Crazy traffic, best weather, alot of midges
Autumn | Less traffic, less midges. Amazing scenery with the Autumn colours
Highlights
Neist Point and Lighthouse
The Lighthouse is the most westerly point on the Isle of Skye. On a clear day you’ll have views to the Outer Hebrides.
It’s a lovely hike around the points were you can see whales, dolphins, porpoises and the huge basking shark. You’ll also see heaps of sea-birds flying around.
Neist Cliff, Isle of Skye, Scotland
The Quiraing Area
This area is a landslip on the eastern face of Meall na Suiramach, the northernmost summit of the Trotternish. The best road runs across the peninsula. See the map below.
Isle of Skye, Scotland
Glamaig, Sgurr nan Gillean and the Sligachan Old Bridge
Situated in the middle of the island and with some of the best wide open scenery, this area offers heaps of hikes, camping and tourist sites.
Sgurr nan Gillean, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Sgurr nan Gillean, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Sligachan Old Bridge, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls Viewpoint
Check out this Waterfall that falls into the sea!! This is Mealt Falls and it is easily accessible from the road and has a great viewpoint here
Mealt Falls, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Talisker Distillery
Talisker is the oldest distillery on the Isle of Skye, set on Loch Harport with dramatic views of the Cuillins.
Talisker Distillery, Isle of Skye, Scotland
What’s Nearby
Glen Coe Valley | 189kms
Applecross, Bealach na ba shieldaig (Pass of the Cattle) | 98kms
This Epic Ride takes place as you leave the largest city in Scotland towards the Highlands. On route you’ll pass sites made famous by movies like James Bond and Harry Potter…. and Scotland’s legendary Lochs.
Starting from Glasgow, this ride heads north to the capital of the Scottish highlands, Inverness.
The Ride
As of 2019, mostly asphalt with alot of single lanes and narrow roads. It’s a tourist hot spot in the summer months. With a lot of Camper-vans especially around Glen Coe.
Highlights
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
With its proximity to Glasgow, Loch Lomond is surprisingly quiet. Since there is a wild camping ban in place during the summer months, it only makes for a good pit stop after leaving the city.
Glen Coe
Glen Coe is the crown jewel of valleys in Scotland. It is famous for the James Bond Scene in Skyfall and therefore can be very busy in the summer. I’d recommend camping at Kinghouse Hotel. It is free and you can use the showers etc. It has a great pub for food and drinks.
For those looking for the Skyfall Scene location. It is actually in Glen Etive. The road is a dead end and is equally amazing as the road through Glen Coe. The exact spot is here
A82, Glen Coe, Scotland
As for the rest of Glen Coe, your experience will be dependent on the weather. Sunny days will provide some amazing scenery. But when the weather turns, so does the visibility.
A82, Glen Coe, Scotland
A82, Glen Coe, Scotland
A82, Glen Coe, Scotland
A830 Road from Fort William to Mallaig (Ferry to Isle of Skye)
If your heading to the Isle of Skye, you’ll ride the A830 from Fort William. This is a worthy detour as you’ll pass some iconic sites.
Glenfinnan Monument, Scotland
Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland
Ben Nevis, Scotland
Scotland
Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness
Urquhart Castle sits on the famous Loch Ness. The castle is pretty much ruined but it is located right on the A83 and provides great views over the Loch.
This Epic Ride takes place on the largest of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, Mallorca!. This is an island that satisfies the need for beaches, mountains, great food and a relaxed way of life.
As of 2019, mostly asphalt with alot of single lanes and narrow roads. It’s a tourist hot spot in the summer months. With a lot of Cyclists circling the island.
In the southwest–northeast part of the island you’ll find the Serra de Tramuntana which forms the backbone of the Spanish island of Mallorca. The highest peak is the Puig Major, which at 1,445 metres, is the highest mountain in the Balearic Islands.
For bikers, the mountain range has some amazing roads right along the sea.
Cala Figuera, Mallorca
Mallorca, Spain
Cap de Formentor
Plataforma des Funicular | Ma-2141
The MA-2141 road leads down from the Serra de Tramuntana down to the coastal town of Cala Tuent.
If you down have time to ride the whole Serra de Tramuntana, definitely check out this small section.
Baja California defines the top (Northern) part of the second longest peninsula in the world. It borders USA to the North and Baja California Sur to the South. Great trails, surf, calming bays, tacos, beer and endless camping options awaits the adventurer.
As the peninsula is split into two states, you’ll probably be riding all of Baja and not just this state. Be sure to also checkout the post on Baja California Sur. This will only focus on the Baja California State. Which is the northern half of ‘Baja’.
Time Warp of the Ride around Sierra de San Pedro Martir
Sunset over the Sierra
Drone flight over the top of the SierraPine and granite rock galore Enjoying the cooler temps
Bahía de los Ángeles
Refers to both the small town and the bay it sits on. Located at the east end of Federal Highway 12 about 42 miles (68 km) from the ParadorPunta Prieta junction on Federal Highway 1 (Mex1) This tiny town has a strong focus on Eco-tourism and runs at a very relaxed pace 🙂
Island off the Bahía de los ÁngelesLa Gringa BayBahía de los ÁngelesSmith Island of the Bay
Sunset over Bahia de Los AngelesSunset over Bahia de Los Angeles
Baja California Sur defines the bottom (Southern) end of the second longest peninsula in the world. It ends in the tourist centric, Cabo San Lucas, and Baja California State in the North. Great trails, surf, calming bays, tacos, wild-life, beer and endless camping options awaits the adventurer.
As the peninsula is split into two states, you’ll probably be riding all of Baja and not just this state. Be sure to also checkout the post on Baja California (North). This will only focus on the Baja California Sur. Which is the Southern half of ‘Baja’.
Sunset over the Pacific Ocean
Highlights
Loreto
Loreto is an oasis trapped between the waters of Mar de Cortés and the desert lands of Sierra Giganta. It’s the remote land that the Jesuits used to start their pilgrimage to evangelize and colonize Baja and Alta California. But it’s also a Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) of Baja California Sur that has the joy of being gray and blue whales. Although it seems to be away from everything, there is much to do in Loreto: the Main Square is simple, but with a colonial charm that encourages you to get lost in its cobbled walkways that trace the path to the baroque facade of the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Loreto, the Museo de las Misiones (Museum of the Missions) and the handicraft shops, restaurants and coffee shops.
San Javier (Mission Town)
A visit to the remote village of San Javier is one of the most popular side-trips in southern Baja. The drive to San Javier, from Loreto, is a stunning ride from the coast via some canyons to the small, mission town.
The mission, which is officially named Misión San Francisco Xavier de Viggé-Biaundó, is one of the best-preserved missions in Baja. The present mission dates back to 1758 and has survived the years so well that it is still in use as a church.
The village that surrounds the mission is small, even by Baja standards, with a population of less than 150. San Javier can easily make you think that time machines really do exist. If it weren’t for the vehicles in the village, you could easily imagine that you set the date on your time machine for 1875.
Misión San Francisco Xavier de Viggé-BiaundóSan Javier The ride to San Javier from Loreto
La Paz
At first glance La Paz is a sprawling, slightly dingy city, but after an hour or so you’ll discover there’s a lot more to it. Laid-back, old-world beauty can be found on a stroll along the waterfront malecón or in the older architecture around the Plaza Constitución; chichi restaurants, cafes and bars cunningly hide in between the cracks. It’s a surprisingly international town – you’re as likely to hear French, Portuguese or Italian here as English or Spanish, and yet paradoxically it’s the most ‘Mexican’ city in all of Baja.
In 1862, silver and gold were discovered in the southern Baja California Sur mountains, leading miners from Mexico and the United States to rush to settle in El Triunfo in a gold rush. Once the largest city in Baja California Sur, it was home to more than 10,000 miners. In its heyday the town was a cultural center, the first in the region to install electricity and telephones. Pianos and other instruments were brought to El Triunfo from around the world and a piano museum still exists. When mines shut down in 1926, most of the townspeople left to look for work elsewhere. The 2010 census reported a population of 327 inhabitants.
Today, El Triunfo is one of the best preserved 19th and 20th century mining communities in North America and remains an important site for archaeological research. A notable feature of the town is the 47-meter-high smokestack constructed in 1890 for El Progreso Mining Company. It is called “La Ramona”, named after Saint Raymond, on whose feast day the project was completed on.
“La Ramona”Inside the Music Museum
Sierra de la Laguna
Sierra de la laguna sits in the middle of on the bottom road loop of La Paz, Cabo San Lucas and Cabo Pulmo. It contains many valleys providing great opportunities to hike and swim.
San Francisco De La Sierra
Just a short ride off MEX1 between Guerrero Negro and San Ignacio is the beautiful San Francisco De La Sierra.
Tale of two roads. Between Mazatlan and Durango you have two amazing roads to choose from. The MEX 40 or the 40D. the 40 is free, old, twisty, takes 7 to 8 hours to ride. Alternatively, the 40D is new, fast, has 115 bridges (one of them being the highest suspension bridge in the Americas) and 61 tunnels. The project to built 40D costed a small fortune.
You can easily jump between roads on the journey, so you choose your pace and experience. More details on the roads from Dangerous Roads.
Location
Between Mazatlan (State of Sinola) and Durango (State of Durnago)
Road Details
MEX 40 El espinazo del diablo (The devils backbone) is a famous mountain road in Mexico. Located between Mazatlan on the west coast of mainland Mexico and Durango, which lies east of the Sierra Madre Mountains, this road is known by locals and internationally for its hairpins and zigzags turns. The road lies almost entirely over 2.000 meters above the sea level.
Some sections of MEX 40 are narrow with lots of curves (around 2.000). Despite of many cautionary tales about crossing the devils backbone, El Espinazo del Diablo, is exceptionally well maintained and there are many cautionary signs marking most of the hazards.
There are some versions of the name given to the area. One says that the impressive ravines deployed on both sides of the road allow to see the devil. Local legend says that when the Archangel Michael threw the devil from heaven and he landed here on earth, his backbone formed the rugged ridgeline of the Sierra Madres. The road has had a bad reputation for many reasons: it’s accident-prone and hundreds of people have died on it, these mountains have historically been remote and inaccessible enough that they are used for growing marijuana and poppies, and therefore, there has been a lot of crime in these mountains related to drug trafficking. The road encompasses miles of stunning views through twisty hair pin corners, high elevations and steep grades. This road is so curvy and twisted that it takes 7-8 hours to cross (that’s an average speed of 20 mph or less). It is the only place to cross the Sierra Madres for more than 500 miles.
MEX 40D – New Toll Road (Cuota) In 2013, the MEX 40D was opened. This highway, is 140-miles-long, has 115 bridges and 61 tunnels and costed $2.2 billion.
The most spectacular part of the drive is the Baluarte Bridge (Puente Baluarte). It’s the highest cable-stayed bridge in the world, the third-highest bridge overall and the highest bridge in the Americas. It’s a record-breaking 1124 meters, width – 20 meters, and its height above the canyon is 403 meters.
When is the best time to Ride?
All year round. Winter months may add icy roads and heavy fog to the ride.
Why is it an ‘Epic Ride’
The roads are among the most famous in Mexico, and rightly so. It’s amazing to jump between roads and enjoy the altitude shift from sea level to some of the most stunning mountains in Mexico. Tunnels, bridges, thousands of curves and relatively low traffic. Doesn’t get much better than this.
Highlights
Baluarte Bridge
The Baluarte bridge is on the newer 40D road and has a total length of 1,124 m (3,688 ft) with a central cable-stayed span of 520 m (1,710 ft) With the road deck at 403 m (1,322 ft) above the valley below, the Baluarte Bridge is the third-highest cable-stayed bridge in the world, the seventh-highest bridge overall and the highest bridge in the Americas.
Baluarte Bridge Document (English Subtitles)
Mirador El Espinazo Del Diablo (The Devils Backbone viewpoint)
This Viewpoint exists on MEX 40 here and allows riding to stop and take in the amazing views of the mountains. No doubt when you then you’ll find many other bikes enjoying the rest stop.
It is also where you can get a photo near the Ruta 666 sign.
Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is a nature reserve located in central Belize, close to the Guatemala border. It was setup to protect the natural pine forests. Since it is sparsely populated it is a great place to venture around on a motorcycle.
Considering its proximity to the massive jungles in the north of Guatemala, and the fact that Belize is a very small country, the landscapes here are unique. You can explore several caves, some Maya ruins, rivers and waterfalls all within close proximity.
There are a lot of hidden gems as well, from Abandoned logging villages, to private reserves of the famous, Francis Ford Coppola has a massive estate here.
Location
Type of Road
As of 2018, All hard clay or loose hard packed gravel.
When is the best time to Ride?
All year road
GPS Tracking Map
My tracking from ride around Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. (GPX / KML files), But to be honest, this is a place that is just best explored without a map or GPS
Here is an overview of the area. Just fuel up and ride.
Elevation Profile
Details
Covers an area of 106,352.5 acres (430 km2)
Camping is NOT allowed in the Reserve. You can camp at one of the lodges inside the reserve. Check out Pine Ridge Lodge . Neil the owner is very welcoming and knowledgeable of the area.
Be aware of your Motorcycle impact on the environment and the peacefulness of the place.
South of the Reserve is the biggest Mayan Ruins in Belize, Caracol
Accessing the Reserve
The reserve is best accessed from the north at a town called San Ignacio. There will be a Ranger station on the road entering the reserve, you need to give them details of the place you’re staying.
Why is it a ‘Best Ride’
Belize is a very small country (even for central american standards). You wont find many areas where you can just ride around so freely. Most other places like this will have fences everywhere to stop the adventurer from looking around. This is not the case in Mountain Pine Ridge, you’re free to explore for days. Enjoy!
Costa Rica can be a mixed bag.. while it is the most lush, green and raw country in Central America. it is also the most ‘Americanized’. Expect much higher prices than other countries. That said, if you’re touring through, it will feel like the country is one big zoo. Heaps of birds and monkeys can be seen as you make your way through the jungle landscape. Pura Vida!
Bocas Del Toro (Bull’s river mouths) is a province of Panama. Its area is 4,643.9 square kilometers, comprising the mainland and nine main islands. The province consists of the Bocas del Toro Archipelago, Bahía Almirante (Almirante Bay), Chiriquí Lagoon, and adjacent mainland. Bocas del Toro borders the Caribbean Sea to the north, Limón Province of Costa Rica to the west, Chiriquí Province to the south, and Ngöbe-Buglé Comarca to the east. The Río Sixaola forms part of the border with Costa Rica. An old railroad bridge spans the river between Guabito and Sixaola, Costa Rica. The bridge is a border crossing used by tourists going between destinations in Bocas del Toro and Costa Rica.
Off-Roading in the north of Bocas Del Toro
While this island is touristy, once you head north there is some great off-road trails that lead to some remote beaches and bat caves.. You can also find an old drug residence, with an airport, used by the Colombian drug cartels.
Why not ‘Ride’ between Colombia to Panama (The Darien Gap)
Anyone that has decided to overland the Americas will know, very early on, the existence of the oddly named Darien Gap. While looking at the map, it may seems obvious that Panama and Colombia are connected by land and therefore a simple border crossing should be all that is required (just like any other in Central or South America country). Nothing could be further from the truth. This ‘gap’ has a very interesting history and its future isn’t likely to change anytime soon.
The Darien Gap is a break across the North and South American continents within Central America, consisting of a large watershed, forest, and mountains in the northern portion of Colombia‘s Chocó Department and Panama‘s Darién Province. From an overland prospective, the highway also has a corresponding gap of 106 km (66 mi), beginning at Turbo, Colombia, and ending at Yaviza, Panama. Roadbuilding through this area is expensive and detrimental to the environment. Political consensus in favour of road construction collapsed after an initial attempt failed in the early 1970s, resuming in 1992 only to be halted by serious environmental concerns, and to date has not re-emerged
Options to Cross the Darien Gap
Plane, shipping container or sailboat. But some notes to consider:
There are more options to transit a motorcycle from Panama to Colombia. This seems to be because more people travel top to bottom (Alaska to Patagonia). More client, more options.
Customs is more complicated from Colombia to Panama. Like it or not, Colombia has a history with skirting customs. Unfortunately, this means Panama will be more suspicious with goods coming from Colombia.
If planning to go from Colombia to Panama. and not via a plan. PLAN AHEAD.
Amazingly, there is no RORO (Roll on Roll off) ferry service.
Plane
The quickest and most expensive option is to fly yourself and the motorcycle from Bogota to Panama City (or vice versa). Quickest because the amount of flights per week is obviously more than other options. Also the customs procedure will be much more mature meaning the whole process ‘should’ be more streamlined.
Shipping Container
The slowest and cheapest option is putting the motorcycle in a shipping container. The catch is you will need to find fellow travellers to help you fill the container. This is where it gets complicated and time can be easily wasted during the process. In theory, you can get two cars/4WD and 2 motorcycles in a container. The container is shipped as one, so it is important to ensure everyone party has the correct paperwork for customs etc. If one party has issues, everyone has issues. This is really the only option for over-landers with cars/4WD, and they will be looking for motorcycle riders to help bring the costs down.
Sailboat
Since the motorcycle is much easier to transport, the option I chose was the sailboat. One of the only options from Colombia to Panama was the 1903 build, legendary Stahlratte.
The process was very easy (since the owner does everything in regards to customs are loading.
Loading….
Unloading….
Welcome to Panama
San Blas Islands
The San Blas Islands of Panama is an archipelago comprising approximately 365 islands and cays, of which 49 are inhabited. As you sail between the many islands, locals will meet you mid-sail to sell fresh seafood and coconuts.
Punta Gallinas marks the most northern part of South America, on the coast of the Caribbean Sea. The area mostly desert which has been populated by the indigenous Wayuu people. The area is very different to any other area in Colombia. The headland is also the location of the northernmost lighthouse in South America.
You will mostly likely leave from Cabo de La Vela, the hot stop for wind/kite surfing. From there there are no real roads. Just alot of tracks through the deserts landscapes.. All dirt. Bring fuel and water
One of Colombia’s most spectacular national parks, PNN El Cocuy is mostly made up of a diverse ecosystem known as the páramo. This glacially formed, neotropical system of valleys, plains and mountain lakes includes the largest glacier zone in South America north of the equator. The park has 15 peaks that are at least 5000m, the highest being Ritacuba Blanco at 5330m, and is an outdoor playground popular for trekking, mountaineering, camping and climbing, although many activities are currently restricted.
Established in 1977, the park covers 306,000 hectares. The western boundary begins at the 4000m elevation line; the eastern half of the park drops to just 600m elevation to the Colombian llanos (plains).
The park is huge and varies in altitude greatly. This is one of the most remote places in Colombia and has only been ‘open’ for tourists in the last decade.
Highlights
El Cocuy National Park
Established in 1977, the park covers 306,000 hectares. The western boundary begins at the 4000m elevation line; the eastern half of the park drops to just 600m elevation to the Colombian llanos (plains).
Among the park’s most famous features is an unusual rock formation called the Púlpito del Diablo (5120m; Devil’s Pulpit), but it’s just one of many spectacular peaks. Sadly, the park’s glacier fields are rapidly melting due to climate change. Park officials believe that if melting continues at the present rate, the glaciers will be gone within 20 to 30 years.
Despite the harsh environment, PNN El Cocuy is home to diverse species of flora and fauna. Animals you might encounter include the spectacled bear (also called the Andean bear), deer, eagles, condors, mountain tapirs, chinchillas and the beautiful spotted ocelot. The mountaintop plains are covered in a variety of shrubbery, the best known being the yellow-flowered frailejón that’s native to the area.
El Cocuy National Park, Colombia
El Cocuy town
El Cocuy town is located at the base of the National Park. It is a beautiful town with numerous options for accommodation.
Quindío is a department of Colombia. It is in the western central region of the country, crossed by the Andes mountains. It is famous for the quality of the coffee plantations, colourful architecture and lust green rolling hills. A great area for a Ride.
You’ll need a few days to enjoy these lush green lands. Distances are short with good roads and alot of exciting bends and viewpoints.
Highlights
Cocora Valley
Cocora Valley is home to the tallest wax palms in the world. It is a very laid back valley with some great hikes.
Valle del Cocora, Quindío, Colombia
Valle del Cocora, Quindío, Colombia
Valle del Cocora, Quindío, Colombia
Time Lapse inside Cocora Valley
Salento
Set amid gorgeous green mountains 24km northeast of Armenia, this small town survives on coffee production, trout farming and tourists, the last drawn by its quaint streets, typical paisa architecture and its proximity to the spectacular Valle de Cocora. It was founded in 1850, and is one of the oldest towns in Quindío and a great base for visiting Cocora Valley.
The ‘Willy’ Jeeps you see all around the towns are a great colourfully site… After the wars, the USA exported its huge numbers of excess jeeps to Colombia for military use. Not many were used by the army and they mostly ended up with the people and they made them their own 🙂
Salento, Colombia
Jardin
Jardín is an Andean town in northwest Colombia, known for its brightly painted houses, colorful floral displays and milk candies. The main plaza, El Libertador Park, features rose gardens, a central fountain and the twin-towered, neo-Gothic Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.
One of the best in Peru but also one of the most dangerous. The narrow high mountain dirt road, totalling a length of 45km, sits between the village of Yuracmarca and the Calipuy National Reservation. The Road is onlyt one lane wide and riders are expected to use the horn to ensure the tunnels are clear before entering. All 50 of them. These tunnels are hand-cut through solid stone.
The road is extreme, with 50 one-lane tunnels. It crosses the infamous Cañón del Pato (Duck Canyon), on the Rio Santa (Santa River) at the north end of the Callejón de Huaylas (Corridor of Huaylas) in north-central Peru. This road is very exciting and sometimes very exposed and unsecured driveway in innumerable twists and turns. The total route involves over 50 tunnels, most of which are one lane and rough cut through the mountainside. The road rises from 500m to over 2000m. (link)
