It all started with a roll of the dice (naturally). 1-3, I’m booking a nice, cushy all-inclusive beach holiday somewhere boring, with bottomless piña coladas and the kind of peace that would send me straight to sleep. But a 4-6? It’s a full-on motorbike trip across Colombia. The dice gods were in a good mood that day. The result: six.
So, here I am, in Bogotá, staring at a motorbike that looks like it's been around the world 10 times and wondering what on earth I’ve got myself into. 10 days on the road, weaving through Colombia’s mountains, jungles, and towns, guided only by my dice and an ever-present thirst for adventure (and probably a cold beer or two along the way). Strap in—it’s gonna be a wild ride.
Day 1: Bogotá to Villa de Leyva – Rolling the Dice on Culture
After picking up the bike, I decided to leave the bustling chaos of Bogotá behind and aim for the quiet colonial town of Villa de Leyva. The dice dictated whether I take the scenic route or power through the highway. Naturally, it landed on scenic, and off I went, zipping through winding roads and dodging the odd chicken or two.
By evening, I found myself in Villa de Leyva’s vast cobbled plaza, admiring the old-school architecture with a cold beer in hand. Not a bad start. But the dice were already whispering about mischief for tomorrow.
Day 2-3: Into the Coffee Triangle – Buzzing on Caffeine (and Luck)
Next roll of the dice took me to the lush, green Coffee Triangle, where the air is rich with the smell of fresh beans and the views are Instagram gold. I was getting cocky by now, letting the dice decide everything—what coffee plantation to visit, which scenic detour to take, and even whether to join the locals for a drink or two (spoiler: it was a solid yes).
The roads here were an absolute dream for riding—tight curves, smooth tarmac, and an endless sea of coffee farms. My dice even led me to a random local café where I was taught how to brew a cup the proper Colombian way. Just what I needed to keep the adventure going.
Day 4-6: Medellín – City of Eternal Spring (and Mad Parties)
Medellín: the city of eternal spring and one hell of a party. I rolled the dice at breakfast to see if I’d take it easy or dive headfirst into the madness of the nightlife. You can guess how that turned out.
The next couple of days were a blur of motorbike rides through mountain roads, soaking in Medellín’s infamous views, and then rolling straight into the city’s neon-soaked nightlife. Somewhere in between the beers, shots of aguardiente (Colombia’s firewater), and dancing to reggaeton, I found myself making new friends and losing track of time. Medellín has that effect on you.
Day 7-8: Guatapé – A Dice Roll Worth the Climb
I needed a breather, and the dice agreed. Guatapé was the next stop, home to the iconic El Peñón rock, with its 740 steps to the top. Obviously, I left it to the dice to decide whether or not I’d actually make the climb. It was a resounding “yes,” much to the horror of my legs.
The view at the top was worth every ounce of sweat, though—breathtaking lakes and hills stretching as far as the eye could see. After the climb, I cruised around the colorful streets of Guatapé, admiring the vibrant painted houses, before rewarding myself with a cold cerveza.
Day 9: Jungle Madness – Into the Amazon
The dice, feeling adventurous, decided I should tackle the southern jungles. So, I rode towards Leticia, the gateway to the Amazon. The roads became rougher, the air thicker, and the wildlife a lot more curious. Motorbiking through the Amazon is something I’ll never forget—monkeys swinging above, the distant calls of exotic birds, and the knowledge that, at any second, the dice could lead me anywhere.
At one point, I stopped at a remote village, rolled the dice again, and found myself on a jungle trek with a local guide. We ventured deep into the greenery, finding hidden waterfalls, rivers, and, of course, the dice making sure I didn’t escape without a few mosquito bites.
Day 10: Cartagena – The Final Stretch
After the chaos of the jungle, Cartagena was a perfect finale. Rolling into this coastal gem, I found myself surrounded by sun, salsa music, and colonial charm. The dice decided it was time for a little relaxation (finally), and I spent my last day in Colombia kicking back on the beaches, sipping rum, and letting the Caribbean vibes sink in.
Reflections from the Road
10 days, thousands of kilometers, one bike, and countless rolls of the dice later, Colombia was everything I could have asked for—and a hell of a lot more. From the Andes to the Amazon, the cities to the beaches, it was a trip that kept me on my toes and made me feel truly alive.
The dice didn’t lead me wrong, but they sure led me wild. Until the next adventure, I’ll be rolling into the next corner with a grin, a pint, and a pocketful of dice.
— The Diceman
