How long does this tour last?

It lasts about 4 weeks with a total distance of around 7000 km.

How difficult is the terrain?

The tour includes both on-road and off-road tracks that can sometimes be challenging.

What is the climate like during the trip?

You will pass through various climate zones, from warm mountainous areas to cold Patagonian regions.

Chile & Argentina: Motorcycle trips through Patagonia

Days 1–27

Arrival

You will be picked up at the airport in Salta and taken to the hotel from which the tour will start the next day. After a short introduction to the motorcycle tour and information about Salta, the rest of the day is at your leisure.

Motorradreisen Chile Quebrada Wein Weinfest

Quebrada de Cafayate Gorge

We leave the city of Salta heading south, following the Lerma Valley until it suddenly narrows into a gorge: the Quebrada de Cafayate. This gorge is impressive with its red sandstone formations, which have eroded into bizarre shapes like The Frog, The Obelisk, or Amphitheater, due to wind and weather. In Cafayate, the wine capital of Salta, we visit a traditional winery and spend the evening in the pleasant atmosphere of the charming town.

Motorradreisen Chile Quilmes Siedlung Übernachtung

Quilmes Ruins

Continuing south over the fertile plains of the Calchaquí Valley to the Quilmes ruins, the remnants of one of the largest and most important settlements of pre-Inca times in northern Argentina. Overnight in Belen.

Motorradreisen Chile Cuesta farbenfrohen Villa

Cuesta de Miranda Pass

Now back on asphalt roads, we head swiftly south via Londres to Chilecito and Nanogasta, where we diverge onto the gravel track that leads us through the colorful Cuesta de Miranda Pass to Villa Union.

Motorradreisen Chile Talampaya beeindruckend skurrile

Valley of the Moon

Today we visit the National Park and UNESCO World Heritage site Talampaya, whose mighty canyon impresses with its fauna and flora, as well as the Ischigualasto National Park (Valley of the Moon), where its desert-like landscapes can be explored with the motorcycle amidst quirky rock formations. Overnight in San Agustin del Valle Fertil.

Wine Capital Mendoza

First, on a small asphalt road, we pass San Juan through wine-growing regions heading to Mendoza, the wine capital of Argentina.

Rest Day in Mendoza

The day is at your leisure to explore the city and the wineries.

Ruta 40 south - El Sosneado

Continuing on Route 40 south, we pass orchards and lakes, with the Diamond volcano in the distance. Near San Rafael, we dive into the breathtaking Atuel Gorge and follow this canyon to Lake Nihuil. We are now geographically in northern Patagonia. We continue via El Sosneado to Malargüe. Overnight in the pleasant town of Malargüe.

Chos Malal

We continue through basaltic desert landscapes to Neuquen for an overnight stay in Chos Malal, the oldest settlement in Neuquen.

Lake Aluminé

Today we enter the volcanic landscapes of Copahue, Caviahue. First, high above the Neuquen River, along its valley to the traditional village of El Huecú, then we head into the volcanic mountain region of Caviahue. We push forward towards Villa Pehuenia, a village at the foot of a snow-capped volcanic cone, located by shimmering lakes surrounded by Araucaria forests. We will spend the evening by the idyllic Lake Aluminé.

San Martín de los Andes

On the Pehuenia tour, we pass countless Araucarias, lakes, and rivers, ultimately following the Aluminé River to San Martín de los Andes located on the shores of Lake Lacar.

The Route of the 7 Lakes

Today we enter the lake region of northern Patagonia on the 7 Lakes Road, arriving in Bariloche, the capital of the lake region located at the foot of the Cathedral Mountain.

Rest Day in Bariloche

Rest day in Bariloche. Time is at your leisure. Of course, our guide can provide useful tips.

National Park Los Alerces

First, we travel south on Route 40 via El Bolsón, and then through the Los Alerces National Park to Trevelin.

Questions about the tour itinerary?

Our tour guide is happy to answer any questions about the day-by-day route, stops, and details.

Carretera Austral

Crossing the border to Chile, we encounter the legendary Carretera Austral, which we will follow for the next few days. The very humid climate of this glacier-carved landscape leads to lush green vegetation and rushing rivers against an imposing mountain backdrop.

Coyhaique

Today we ride one of the most beautiful sections of the Carretera Austral to Coyhaique. First, we view a hanging glacier, then continue over the Queulat Pass to Manihuales and from there on good, winding asphalt roads to Coyhaique.

Lake General Carrera

In the next two days, we will circle the green shimmering Lake General Carrera. First, we visit the Salto del Ibañez waterfall before continuing past the jagged mountain massif Cerro Castillo, over the Valley of the Dead Forest, and the village of Baihia Murta to Puerto Rio Tranquilo. Slightly further south, we reach the southern tip of the lake, leave the Carretera Austral there, and arrive at the idyllic Terra Luna Lodge near Puerto Guadal.

Lake Las Posadas

First, we drive at a dizzying height along the southern shore of Lake General Carrera towards Argentina. In good weather, spectacular views of the Northern Patagonian Icefield appear in the distance. At Chile Chico, we cross the border into Argentina. We continue our adventure along the old, unpaved Route 40 along the Argentine Andes. Through spectacular landscapes, we arrive at the lovely village of Lake Las Posadas, situated in a beautiful setting.

Cueva de las Manos

With views of the Perito Moreno National Park, we arrive at the tiny village Bajo Caracoles. From there, we follow Route 40 south into a broad valley where the Estancia La Angostura still traditionally raises thousands of sheep and cows on its lush pastures. (In good conditions and sufficient time, we may visit the famous rock paintings of the Cueva de las Manos) Overnight at a traditional estancia.

Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre

First, still through the steppes, we reach Lake Viedma and the small village of El Chaltén, which curls under the famous granite towers Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. In the afternoon, if possible, an optional hike to the viewpoint of Cerro Torre.

Perito Moreno Glacier

In the morning, optional hike to the viewpoint of the Fitz Roy massif. In the afternoon, we return to Route 40, heading south along the emerald green Lake Argentino to El Calafate. In the afternoon, we visit the famous Perito Moreno Glacier.

National Park Torres del Paine

Back to the turnoff and continue on Route 40 as we ascend to a high plateau, magnificent views of the mountains unfold behind us. We move on to the border with Chile and the Torres del Paine National Park. Overnight at an original Chilean estancia where we will spend a cozy evening.

Puerto Natales

We approach the Torres del Paine National Park with spectacular views. In the park, we will see waterfalls, mountain lakes, condors, wild llamas, ostriches, and foxes, and of course, marvel at the breathtaking rock peaks of the Torres and Cuernos massif. In the afternoon, we continue on to the town of Puerto Natales.

Punta Arenas

Heading south again, we continue on windy roads from Villa Tehuelche to Punta Arenas, and pass a lagoon with flamingos, and visit the Otway penguin colony.

Tierra del Fuego

We take the ferry across the Magellanic Strait to Tierra del Fuego Island and continue on gravel roads to the Argentine border. After a short drive, we arrive at Rio Grande where we will rest after a windy journey today.

Ushuaia

In the morning, we first drive through windy coastal regions and then via Tolhuin, Lake Fagnano, and over the Garribaldi Pass to the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia. To complete the journey to the end of the world, we continue through the Tierra del Fuego National Park until the road ends: the true end of the (civilized) world! In the evening, we enjoy our well-deserved farewell dinner.

Departure

Today we will take you to the airport, where you will leave with only impressive impressions, many good memories, and our farewell gift on your return flight.

Want a detailed description of all tour days?

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