Throttle and Tea: Riding Medellín’s City Streets Into Its Mountain Heart
Ride Medellín’s skyline into the Andean folds — quick, social, and surprisingly local.
The morning air in Medellín is close and sweet, like a promise. Helmets click, intercoms light up, and a row of neat, automatic Honda Navis hums with contained energy — the kind you feel in your ribs before release. We peel out of Poblado, a lattice of coffee shops and glass-fronted restaurants, and the city folds away: palms give way to eucalyptus stands, apartment towers to terraced pastures. The road leans like a story told slow; switchbacks appear, then dissolve into banana groves. By the time we crest the ridge and San Jerónimo’s whitewashed church and red roofs sit in the dip below, the city feels like something you visited earlier in a different life.
Trail Wisdom
Start Early
Morning departures avoid rush-hour traffic and the valley’s faster-building clouds.
Wear Closed Shoes
Sturdy, closed-toe footwear gives better control on footrests and on wet, rocky stops.
Bring Cash
Small rural vendors and coffee stands often accept only cash for snacks and tips.
Use the Intercom
Keep your microphone on to receive guide cues and route updates for safety and photos.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •A small roadside coffee processing patio where you can sample local tinto and learn basic processing steps
- •A narrow trail to a lesser-known waterfall just off the main overlook (short scramble, not maintained)
Wildlife
Andean hummingbirds, Common agoutis and small birds near riparian zones
Conservation Note
Support local economies by purchasing snacks and coffee from family-run stands, and avoid leaving trash on roadsides — the area relies on community stewardship for clean mountain water and habitat.
Antioquia’s towns grew around parish churches and smallholder farming; San Jerónimo retains the intimate plaza-centered layout common to the region.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Lush green landscapes, Waterfalls at higher flow
Challenges: Increased rainstorms, Muddy roadside areas
Spring (Mar–May) brings higher rains that swell waterfalls and color the valley green — expect wet conditions and plan for waterproof layers.
summer
Best for: Clear vistas, Comfortable riding temps
Challenges: Stronger sun at elevation, Busy tourist pockets
Summer (Jun–Aug) is one of the drier periods offering clearer mountain views and pleasant temperatures for a mid-year ride.
fall
Best for: Quieter roads, Gold-tinged pastures
Challenges: Intermittent showers, Shorter daylight hours
Fall (Sep–Nov) can be patchy with brief rains; roads are less crowded and the light is great for photography.
winter
Best for: Cooler air, Local festivals
Challenges: Morning fog, Cooler temperatures at altitude
Winter (Dec–Feb) aligns with a drier spell and cooler mountain mornings — layers and morning starts are recommended.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Lightweight Rain ShellEssential
Protects against sudden mountain showers and wind on exposed ridgelines.
Closed-Toe ShoesEssential
Necessary for safe foot placement on pegs and during brief stops on uneven ground.
Sunglasses with UV Protection
Cuts glare on sunny descents and protects eyes from dust.
Small Daypack with WaterEssential
Carry 1–2 liters of water and room for a camera and light layers.
Common Questions
Do I need a motorcycle license to join this tour?
No special manual-gear license is required for the Honda Navi automatic; operators expect basic balance and comfort on a bike, and they provide helmets and on-bike guidance.
Is prior motorcycle experience required?
No — the tour is designed to be accessible to beginners, though riders should be comfortable with low-speed balance and group riding etiquette.
What is included in the tour price?
The tour price typically includes bike rental, helmet and intercom, guide service, and scheduled stops; snacks or meals at local vendors may not be included.
How much riding is on paved roads vs. gravel?
Most of the route is on paved mountain roads, but expect occasional short stretches of gravel near rural turnoffs and waterfall access points.
Are helmets provided?
Yes, helmets with a six-way intercom system are provided and required for all riders.
Can I bring a camera?
Yes — small cameras and phones are fine; the intercom system helps coordinate photo stops. Secure your device when riding and use a wrist strap if handheld.
What to Pack
Closed-toe shoes for foot pegs and stops; lightweight rain shell for sudden showers; 1–2 liters of water for hydration; camera or phone with strap for photos
Did You Know
Medellín is nicknamed the 'City of Eternal Spring' for its consistently mild average temperature (around 22°C/72°F), which makes year-round outdoor activities comfortable.
Quick Travel Tips
Book a morning slot to avoid traffic; carry small cash for rural vendors; confirm helmet sizing with the operator; notify guides of any medical concerns before departure
Local Flavor
After the ride, head back to Poblado or Laureles for a bandeja paisa or a craft coffee — Parque Lleras and Provenza neighborhoods offer lively bars and restaurants. In San Jerónimo, look for family-run trout (trucha) spots and roadside arepa stands for authentic, local flavors.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: José María Córdova (MDE) — ~35 km from central Medellín; Typical pick-up: Poblado or designated meeting point in Medellín; Driving distance to San Jerónimo: ~60–90 minutes depending on traffic; Cell service: strong in city, variable in mountain sections; Permits: none required for this tour
Sustainability Note
Support local vendors, avoid single-use plastics, and pack out any trash — these mountain communities depend on clean water and responsible tourism to sustain their livelihoods.