In recent years, Medellin, Colombia has become one of the most popular cities for young travelers and digital nomads. Once considered one of the most dangerous cities on Earth, Medellin has cleaned up its streets and is now a popular holiday destination for people seeking a livable city with an interesting culture and vibrant nightlife. The city has become an example of innovative urban planning for the entire world, and with the drug lords and gangsters almost entirely gone from the streets, Medellin is now a beautiful and safe destination for vacationers.
Medellin has been nicknamed the “City of Eternal Spring” because of its consistently temperate weather. You can comfortably traverse the streets and take in views of the beautiful Aburra Valley below, or check out the Botero Plaza, which was decorated by sculptor Fernando Botero. With so many incredible places to explore in Medellin, the best way to make the most of your time there is to rent a motorcycle and go exploring.
Here is everything you need to know about hiring a motorcycle in Medellin. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a scooter. This guide includes:
- Safety issues concerned with driving a motorbike in Medellin
- Whether you need an international driving permit to hire a motorbike in Colombia
- The price of renting a motorbike in Medellin
- Where to hire a motorcycle in Medellin
- The best things to do in Medellin by motorcycle
Is It Safe To Drive a Motorcycle in Medellin?
In general, although Medellin was previously a place that foreigners wouldn’t dare visit, today it has become a rather safe travel destination. However, one downside of traveling through Medellin is the traffic. During rush hours (during the morning commute, lunch time, and after work), traffic throughout the city can be very bad. You should always drive cautiously while riding a motorcycle in Medellin, but especially during these peak hours. Additionally, the worst traffic is usually in the El Poblado and El Centro districts.
There are also more motorcycle drivers than cars in the city, and the motorcycle drivers can be quite erratic and aggressive. They tend to weave in and out of traffic and will drive through the middle of two lanes. It’s best to be aware of your surroundings and drive defensively while in Medellin.
Do You Need an International Driving Permit to Rent a Motorbike in Colombia?
According to the Ministry of Transport, tourists within the country on a 90-day tourist visa do not need an international driving permit to rent a motorcycle or any other motor vehicle in Colombia. A valid foreign driver’s license from your home country is perfectly sufficient; however, you should always carry your passport with your stamped page to prove that you are in the country legally.
If you plan on staying in Colombia on any kind of visa other than a tourist visa, you will need to apply for a Colombian driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle. The four-step process for getting a Colombian driver’s license is typically fairly easy, but it is time-consuming.
What Is the Price of Motorcycle Hire in Medellin?
In general, motorcycle rental in Medellin is extremely affordable due to the fact that they’re the most common method of transportation in the city. You can rent a basic motorcycle, such as a TVS Sport, for as little as $20 per day.
There are also more powerful motorcycles and motor scooters available for rent at a range of different prices. Many of the rental shops offer discounted rates for weekly or monthly rentals.
Where Can You Hire a Motorbike in Medellin?
Motorbike rental shops are abundant throughout the city. However, your best bet for finding a rental shop is to go to the Conquistadores, La Florida, and San Joaquin districts of the city. There are plenty of places to rent a motorcycle through the city, though, and you should have no trouble finding motorcycle hire wherever you are.
If you plan on flying into Jose Maria Cordova International Airport, the main airport serving the Medellin area, you probably won’t be able to find motorcycle rental outside the terminals. Your best bet is either to book your motorcycle hire online and ask a taxi to take you there, or to take a taxi to one of the previously mentioned districts and search for a rental shop.
What Are the Best Things To Do in Medellin by Motorcycle?
Now that you know everything you need to rent a motorbike in Medellin, here are some of the best places to visit in the city:
Comuna 13
Take a 20 minute drive west from the El Centro district and you’ll come upon Comuna 13, the part of Medellin that used to be the home of drug lords and criminals. Today, this part of the city has become a popular tourist destination due to the beautiful street art that covers the walls.
You can either explore by yourself or take a tour of this neighborhood, and the tour guide explain the history of the area, show you the best street art around, and explain the stories behind the artists who created it. You can pretty much park wherever you want around Comuna 13 and there is no entrance fee, although you probably should avoid going at night.
Guatape
If you want to get out of the city for a little bit, one of the best day trips to make from Medellin is to Guatape, a colorful village located about 2 hours east of Medellin. The drive to Guatape itself is absolutely stunning, and the village will take your breath away. You can tour around the Embalse Del Penol, a reservoir next to Guatape, on a speed boat or a party boat, or simply walk around the village and get a bite to eat.
If you’re visiting Guatape, you absolutely must visit El Penol, a granite monolith with over 700 stairs carved into it. There is a small entrance fee, but it’s certainly worth it to see the panoramic views from the top of the hill.
Jardin Botanico
To get a sense of the natural wildlife of Colombia, head over to the Jardin Botanico, located just 10 minutes north from the El Centro district. The garden is a great place to take a walk and clear your head while also admiring some 4,500 species of flower and around 140 species of bird. The Jardin Botanico feels like a jungle stuck right in the middle of a sprawling metropolitan city.
The garden consists of 14 hectares, and it hosts many concerts and events at all times of the year. There’s also a nice restaurant in the middle of it.
Medellin by Motorcycle Is the Way To Go
Whether you plan on staying in Medellin for a day, a week, or a month, renting a motorcycle and exploring the city on your own time is the best way to experience all that Medellin has to offer. So, hop on your hired wheels and start soaking up the culture of one of Colombia’s finest cities.
Do you still have questions about motorcycle rentals in Medellin? No worries, you can always contact us by phone, email, or our website's live chat.
Written by 
