MOTORCYCLE-TOURS · SOUTH AMERICA
This motorcycle tour in the heart of South America takes you through the mountain landscapes of northern Argentina, northern Chile, southern Peru, and western Bolivia and is packed with highlights, all in just three weeks! Argentina Chile Bolivia Peru
The Journey
This motorcycle trip in the heart of South America takes you through the picturesque mountain landscapes of northern Argentina, northern Chile, southern Peru, and western Bolivia, and is filled with highlights: Be dazzled by the seemingly endless white salt flats, gaze up at giant volcanoes, discover the remote Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, remote mountain villages, and much more. Get to know Cusco, La Paz, and Lake Titicaca with its picturesque island Isla del Sol and enjoy the rides through the lonely Andes! Total distance approximately 5,000 km, about 300 km on dirt roads. The tour is also conducted in a 4x4 off-road vehicle!
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 yours to enjoy as you wish.
The journey takes us first along a winding asphalt road through forested mountains to Jujuy. There, the picturesque Quebrada de Humahuaca opens up, a gorge that has rightly been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its unique landscapes and cultural richness. We visit the picturesque village of Purmamarca, the Painter's Palette of Maimara, and the pre-Inca ruins of Tilcara, where we will spend the night.
First, we climb the winding Cuesta de Lipan pass at 4,200 meters and reach the high plain of the Puna. After visiting the salt lake Salinas Grandes, we continue over the high plains of the Puna towards the Atacama Desert and the border with Chile. To reach the San Pedro de Atacama valley, we must cross several passes with altitudes of up to 4,800 meters and pass by some lagoons with flamingos, vicuñas, and ñandus. In San Pedro de Atacama, an oasis in the driest desert in the world and a bastion of civilization at the foot of the 5,930-meter-high Lincancabur volcano, the Chilean border formalities are completed and we check into the hotel. Then we go on a round trip through the fairytale Moon Valley and watch the sunset in the Cordillera de la Sal.
Through the Peruvian Clemesi Desert to Arequipa, also known as the White City.
From Arequipa, we first pass by the Misti Volcano and then continue up into the Andes to the Colca Canyon. There, we will spend the night in a lovely mountain village.
Early in the morning, we travel to the deepest point of the Colca Canyon to observe condors up close as they soar along the steep walls, catching the morning updraft. After this spectacular natural spectacle, we drive through mountainous landscapes to the higher regions of the Andes to Sicuani.
On the way to Cusco, there are several temples and ruins, the most important of which are the Viracocha Temple Raqchi, the Inca ruins of Pikillagta and Tipón, as well as the artificially created irrigation systems and gardens of Oéngo.
Today is fully dedicated to visiting Cusco, its ancient center, its Spanish churches, and the surroundings with impressive Inca temples.
Questions about the tour itinerary?
Our tour guide is happy to answer any questions about the day-by-day route, stops, and details.
Along Lake Titicaca, we head to the border with Bolivia, to the idyllic little town of Copacabana. There, the rest of the day is at leisure.
Along winding tar roads, we head to an adventurous boat crossing over a strait of Lake Titicaca and then continue to La Paz, the spectacularly located capital of Bolivia. The rest of the day is at your disposal for sightseeing in the city.
Through the Bolivian highlands, we first travel over the plateaus of the Altiplano to the city of Oruro, then past Lake Poopó and further on excellent asphalt through spectacular mountain landscapes to the Uyuni salt flat, the largest salt flat in the world. The afternoon is entirely dedicated to the largest and perhaps also the most fascinating salt flat in the world. Admire the dazzling lighting conditions and the bizarre salt formations, and enjoy the carefree ride with the motorcycle over the almost endless expanses of the white sea of salt. A highlight is certainly the cactus-covered 'island' Isla del Pescador, which rises from the white plain. On the edge of the salt flat, we spend the night in a beautiful hotel completely built of salt.
We are going back to Potosí to visit the silver mines of Cerro Rico or the 'Casa de la Moneda' museum in the afternoon.
On good roads, it goes through colorful mountain landscapes first into the fertile valley of Tupiza, before ascending again to the high plains and the border to Argentina. Overnight stay in La Quiaca.
After a short ride over the high plateaus, we soon descend into the valley of Humahuaca (UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003). There we visit the town of Humahuaca, the church of Uquia, cross the Tropic of Capricorn, and arrive in the town of Tilcara. From there, we make our way back to Salta via Hornillos, Jujuy, and a winding forest road.
Today you will be taken to the airport by us, where you will take only impressive impressions, many good memories, and our farewell gift with you on your return flight.
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