If you’re craving an active day exploring Colombia’s lesser-known rural landscapes, this ATV tour around Guatavita offers a compelling mix of adventure, history, and scenic beauty. For $132 per person, you’ll spend about four hours riding quad bikes along rough, exhilarating trails, with stops that reveal ancient petroglyphs, stunning viewpoints, and surreal fairy chimneys. Led by friendly guides, the trip promises a taste of authentic Colombian countryside that’s hard to find on regular tourist routes.
What we loved most was the chance to descend vertiginous trails with expert guidance—think steep drops, rocky patches, and exhilarating descents—plus the chance to learn about the Muisca indigenous people and their carvings. The other highlight? Visiting the semi-arid zone with its otherworldly sand formations that resemble fairy chimneys from afar, giving a landscape that’s both striking and peaceful.
A possible consideration? The routes are quite rugged, so this experience isn’t suitable for everyone—no wheelchairs, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues. Also, participants are limited to 6 for a more personalized experience, which can mean earlier booking is wise if you’re tied to a specific date.
This tour suits travelers who love adventure, are eager to combine physical activity with cultural insights, and want to access off-the-beaten-path spots that aren’t often seen on typical day trips. If you’re comfortable on a quad bike and enjoy scenic, somewhat challenging rides, this experience will hit the spot.
Key Points
- Authentic Off-Road Experience: Ride through rugged trails only accessible by quad bikes, with guides showing you how to handle each challenge.
- Cultural Connection: Learn about the Muisca people and their petroglyphs at a historic site.
- Spectacular Views: Enjoy sweeping vistas of the Tominé reservoir from a stunning viewpoint.
- Unique Landscapes: Visit a semi-arid zone with unusual fairy chimneys—sand formations that look like something from a fantasy.
- Small Group: Limited to six participants, ensuring personalized attention and a more intimate adventure.
- All-Inclusive Convenience: Pickup and drop-off from your Guatavita accommodation included.
Exploring the Adventure in Detail
Planning more time in Guatavita? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
Setting the Scene: Guatavita’s Rural Charm and Rugged Trails
The journey begins at Cuatrimotos & Tours Senda Nativa Guatavita, a modest but well-organized starting point right next to the “CUATRIMOTOS” sign. From there, we’re whisked away into the countryside, where the real adventure begins. The roads quickly turn from paved to dirt, and the scenery shifts into lush greenery and rolling hills, hinting at the rugged terrain ahead.
The Thrill of Descending Technical Trails
Our guides, friendly and knowledgeable, take us through an interactive safety briefing—essential, considering the challenging trails ahead. They teach us how to handle the quad bikes on steep slopes, rocky patches, and narrow paths. We loved the confidence-boosting tips and the patience shown, especially for first-timers.
The descents are the highlight—sheer drops with breathtaking views over the Tominé reservoir and surrounding mountains. We loved the way the guides constantly checked in, ensuring everyone felt comfortable yet pushed just enough to get that rush of adrenaline. Expect to encounter stones, slopes, and some technical spots—nothing overly dangerous but definitely for those ready for a challenge.
Visiting the Petroglyphs and Learning Muisca History
After about an hour of thrill-seeking, we arrived at a historic site where ancient Muisca petroglyphs are etched into stone. The guides shared insights into the indigenous people’s art and culture, explaining how these carvings served as messages, spiritual symbols, or record-keeping. One traveler remarked, “It was amazing to see these ancient carvings and think about how they have survived centuries in the Colombian landscape.”
The visit here isn’t just a photo-op; it’s an opportunity to connect with Colombia’s deep-rooted indigenous heritage. The area is protected, and the contribution fee helps preserve these invaluable artifacts.
More Great Tours NearbySemi-Arid Zone and Fairy Chimneys
Next, we reached a semi-arid area famous for its fairy chimneys—tall, thin towers of sand and rock reminiscent of landscapes in Cappadocia. We loved the contrast between the lush trails and this surprisingly stark landscape. The formations are ancient, shaped over thousands of years, and make for fantastic photos. The guides explained that these formations are the result of erosion in a semi-arid zone, offering a landscape that feels almost surreal.
The Viewpoint over Tominé Reservoir
One of the high points of the tour was reaching a spectacular viewpoint atop a hill overlooking the Tominé reservoir. The panoramic vista of the water shimmering against green mountains is truly stunning. Here, we learned about the history of the flooded old town, which was submerged when the reservoir was created—an evocative reminder of how landscape and history intertwine.
Exploring Lesser-Known Paths and Rural Life
The last leg of the tour takes you through some quieter rural roads and paths, where you can appreciate local life and the peaceful countryside. It’s an inviting way to wind down after the adrenaline rush, with opportunities for photos and chatting with guides about everyday life in Guatavita.
Price and Value Analysis
At $132 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive experience blending adventure, culture, and scenic beauty. The price includes pickup and drop-off at your Guatavita accommodation, your individual ATV, safety gear, and the contribution to the petroglyph site—making it fair value considering these inclusions.
Compared to other adventure tours, the small group size (limited to 6) means more personalized attention, which many travelers appreciate. The 4-hour duration is ample time to enjoy the trails, make meaningful stops, and soak in the views without feeling rushed.
Who Would Love This Tour?
This adventure is perfect for active travelers who enjoy off-road riding and are eager to explore less-touristy parts of Colombia. It’s especially appealing if you’re curious about indigenous history, enjoy scenic viewpoints, and want an experience that combines thrills with cultural insights.
It’s less suited for families with young children, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues, given the rugged trails and physical demands. If you’re comfortable on a quad bike and crave an authentic, adrenaline-filled day with stunning landscapes, this tour is a solid pick.
Final Thoughts
This ATV tour around Guatavita offers more than just an adrenaline rush; it’s an opportunity to connect with Colombia’s rugged landscape and ancient past in a way that’s engaging and uniquely memorable. The combination of steep descents, panoramic views, and cultural stops makes it a well-rounded adventure—one that’s likely to leave you with stories to tell and photos to cherish.
The small-group format and inclusive pricing make it a practical choice, especially for those seeking a personalized, manageable tour. The landscapes—especially the fairy chimneys and the view over Tominé—are genuinely breathtaking and worth the effort.
For travelers who love physical activity, scenic beauty, and cultural stories, this tour hits all those marks with a dose of Colombian authenticity. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes and clothes, and be ready for a fun, challenging ride through some of the most striking rural vistas near Guatavita.
FAQ
Is transportation from Bogotá included?
No, this tour starts and ends in Guatavita, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation from Bogotá or other cities.
How long is the tour?
The activity lasts about 4 hours, including riding, stops, and sightseeing.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for outdoor activity are recommended. No special gear needed as safety helmets are provided.
Is this activity suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 18, nor for pregnant women, or those with mobility issues.
What does the tour include?
Pickup and drop-off at your Guatavita accommodation, individual ATV with helmet, and a contribution to the petroglyph archaeological site.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility.
Are the trails difficult?
They are technical and rugged, intended for those comfortable on a quad bike and prepared for some physical challenge.
This ATV adventure around Guatavita offers a rich blend of nature, history, and adrenaline—an authentic Colombian experience worth considering if you’re up for some dirt-road excitement and spectacular views.
You can check availability for your dates here: