If there’s one passion that anyone who knows me realises is that I love riding motorbikes when ever I can. Sadly I sold by bikes over a year ago as we’ve started a project in Vanuatu developing our new home (although the that’s a five year project).

So noticing that there was a brand new motorbike hire business in Guatape I just had to get on and twist the throttle. The owners moved here just over two months ago and currently have a small selection of scooters and road bikes available. The bikes are 125cc so you’re not going to get into too much trouble. Although the like all roads you need to watch out for the little things that can ruin your days outings.

P1020607
One of the great little Honda CB125’s available at Guatape Motors

These guys at Guatape Motors have really upped the grade with all the after hire service. They provide gloves, jackets and mobile phone with their number preloaded incase you have and difficulty during your day. As an extra nice touch they even have GoPro cameras that you can attach to the helmet for you to capture the moments along your journey.

P1020611
Elena checks out the local scenery around the lake

With a detailed map provided and a painted map on the office wall I’m shown the best spots along the ride out to San Carlos, where we’ll be stopping for lunch. It’s a 70km ride to San Carlos and the ride has undulating altitudes of up to 1000m. As you ride the scenery is everywhere. You’ll need to stop and snap a few picture just to take it all in.

P1020619
The Town Square of San Carlos makes a great place to rest and take in the local cuisene

There are several points of interest including the town of San Rafeal along the way. There’s a campground and numerous waterfalls to check out, so be sure to pack your swimming gear. The average climate here is springlike all year round so it not going to leave you feeling chilled.

P1020623
The mist rolls in over the mountain and lake, be sure you take a jacket, as it gets a little cooler at altitude. If you don’t have a jacket Guatape Motors have them available

Our day out did get a little damp at the end as the clouds descended, but as we got back earlier that Guatape Motors closing time of 6pm we decided that we’d go back to La Piedra del Penol, one of the areas great landmarks and have a little dinner at the base of the huge rock. If you come here mack sure you order the glazed ribs…. Awesome!

P1020629
What a great way to end the day, glazed ribs at La Piedra de Penol overlooking the lake…. This is living.

There’s only one downside to hiring a bike and having a great day out and that’s giving the bike back at the end of it all.

P1020633
The Office of Guatape Motors can be found at the end of the boardwalk by the bridge leading to San Rapheal and San Carlos.

Thanks so much guys at Guatape Motors, we wish you every success in this new business venture.