MOTORCYCLE-TRIPS · SOUTH AMERICA
Eight weeks for the full motorcycle expedition is too long for you? Then just ride Stage 3, 'Goo North': a motorcycle journey from Ushuaia to La Paz on an enduro.
The Journey
Argentina
Your Ushuaia to La Paz motorcycle adventure begins in the world's eighth largest country. Argentina stretches from the tropical north to the sub-Antarctic islands and Tierra del Fuego in the south, with pampas, rainforests and snow-capped peaks in Patagonia.
Your Ushuaia to La Paz motorcycle journey sets off from Ushuaia on the Beagle Channel, the southernmost city accessible by road anywhere in the world. After the tour briefing, collecting your enduro bike, equipment check and loading your luggage, the next day sees you heading to the first border crossing on Tierra del Fuego from Argentina into Chile. Just outside Ushuaia, you ride east across the Andes Cordillera via the Garibaldi Pass, enjoying stunning views of the southern continent's fjords. After border formalities, you reach the Strait of Magellan in Chile.
Chile
On your Argentina, Chile and Bolivia motorcycle adventure, you reach Chile, which stretches for over 4,270 km along the Pacific and is on average only 180 km wide. In the south lies the world-famous Torres del Paine National Park, with its peaks and glaciers.
Still in Chile, you cross the Strait of Magellan by small ferry, leaving the vast island of Tierra del Fuego behind. Puerto Williams and Ushuaia both lay claim to being the southernmost city in the world. After a short ride, this stage of your Argentina, Chile and Bolivia motorcycle adventure brings you back onto the Argentine mainland heading north, just as the wide Patagonian pampas begin.
Argentina
Back in Argentina, your Andes and Pampas motorcycle adventure leads you from Rio Gallegos north towards Torres del Paine and into Perito Moreno National Park, passing one of the world's few advancing glaciers.
Setting out from rugged Rio Gallegos, you ride to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier, which pushes up against a mountain spur and dams a vast lake. The mystical Fitzroy appears on the horizon as your Andes and Pampas motorcycle adventure takes you deeper into the dry Argentine pampas. Crossing turquoise glacial rivers and endless plains dotted with sheep, you reach an estancia where a traditional 'Cordero asado' is prepared for dinner. The journey continues to Roballos Pass and through a small border post back into Chile.
Questions about the tour itinerary?
Our tour guide is happy to answer any questions about the day-by-day route, stops, and details.
Chile
The Carretera Austral motorcycle adventure takes you through Patagonia National Park, past the Rio Baker and Lago General Carrera to the Marble Cathedrals, along one of South America's most spectacular adventure routes.
In Patagonia National Park, you ride alongside the rapids of the Rio Baker and Lago General Carrera, where a boat takes you to the Marble Cathedrals. You enjoy a rest day in a wooden lakeside lodge. Further north on the legendary Carretera Austral, you pass hanging glaciers and ancient Alerce trees up to 3,000 years old, before three fjord crossings. From Puerto Montt, volcanoes accompany you to Villarrica and Linares. Finally, you cross the Andes once more from west to east, returning to the Argentine border.
Argentina
On the Dakar Route motorcycle adventure, you cover over 630 km northwards. In Mendoza, you enjoy a rest day with a Malbec wine tasting before deserts, rock formations and the Ruta 40 take you all the way to Salta.
A marathon stage takes you into the mountains to Mendoza, where you sample Argentine Malbec on a winery tour. Further north, the Dakar Route motorcycle adventure follows sections of the Dakar Rally from 2009 to 2019, through Talampaya National Park, past the Amphitheatre and the 'White Desert'. You ride the legendary Ruta 40 as far as Cachi. In Salta, you visit the Museum of High Mountain Archaeology with the Children of Llullaillaco, before reaching the colonial village of Humahuaca just before the Bolivian border.
Bolivia
Bolivia motorcycle tour: The landscape ranges from the Andes to the Atacama Desert. La Paz is one of the highest cities in the world, and the Salar de Uyuni is one of the continent's main attractions.
After the border crossing, your Bolivia motorcycle tour takes you through deep gorges to Uyuni, home to the world's largest train cemetery. On the Salar de Uyuni, you discover 'islands', coral caves and cacti, spending the night on the lakeshore in a hotel with a heated pool. There's a side trip to the crater lake of Jayuqota. From Oruro, you ride swiftly across the Altiplano to La Paz. On the final day, a 200 km loop takes you over the La Cumbre Pass (4,670 m) and the infamous Yungas Road (Camino de la muerte).
Want a detailed description of all tour days?
Our expert will walk you through the full itinerary and answer all your questions.
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