<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=1428396443888464&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">

Guided Group Tour: RUGGED ADVENTURE - THE ESSENTIAL BOLIVIA

RUGGED ADVENTURE - THE ESSENTIAL BOLIVIA

RUGGED ADVENTURE - THE ESSENTIAL BOLIVIA

 This 17-day fully guided motorcycle tour brings riders through the most vast, "rugged" parts of Bolivia, focusing on non-paved routes, and some of the most rarely used routes in the entire country.

We call it "Rugged Adventure – The Essential Bolivia", as it's a fantastic mix of all our planet's offerings to motorcycle riders: dirt, mud, river crossings, possible snow/ice, rainforests, mountains, salt flats, desert and every bit of variety possible in 1 motorcycle trip. 

Only 3 riding days are on pavement on this tour, making this a true Adventure RIDE only for experienced dual sport riders! Anyone looking for that "behind the scenes" feeling, where you're in the smallest villages and most untouched places ... this is your adventure.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Cochabamba

Welcome to Cochabamba, Bolivia, your trip has now begun! Per plans previously announced, we'll be picking everyone up from CBB airport and getting everyone to the first hotel included in the package.

Having a chance to meet the other riders and our Staff will help everyone get situated, before we celebrate this adventure ride with an excellent dinner at one of Cochabamba's best restaurants. All the bike fitting and check-in will also take place today, as we've got a big day ahead tomorrow!

Day 2 - Cochabamba to Independencia

Over the Andes mountains we go! Once everyone is settled in and comfortable with their motorcycle of choice, we'll be getting away from the major city of Cochabamba, and immediately out into the backroads of Bolivia.

Amazing views of the remote countryside surround us, and so our adventure begins...

Day 3 - Independencia to Oruro

Riding into the Upper Amazon today, you've hired us to show you the best routes for getting around Bolivia, and this is one of them! Glaciers and Plains are the theme today. A pretty easy-going ride on pavement, with a climb up to the gorgeous ancient glacial fields, then on to the Bolivian Altiplano (high plains) which adds further to the incredible variety and experience of this adventure ride.

While it's technically "winter months" in this part of the world from May through October or so, those are also some of the driest months of the year for motorcycle riding to be enjoyed. "Summertime" is the rainy season.

Day 4 - Oruro to the Uyuni Salt Flats

Another incredible day of adventures begins along the shores of Lake Poopo before checking out pre-Incan tombs and then heading out for a RIDE to the Salt Flats of Uyuni, and some incredible experiences ahead.

Day 5 - Salar de Uyuni to San Juan

Riding the world's largest salt flats is an experience like no other, and you'll have plenty of time to do this today! Visiting the remote spaces of the Uyuni Salt Flats and the few islands out in the middle parts allows for photo opportunities and sensations very unique to this motorcycle trip.

Keep in mind, there are some potholes and similar out there, so while it's tempting to just "grip it and rip it," do so with caution!

Day 6 -  San Juan to Villamar

Plenty more semi-maintained dirt roads that expand as far as the eye can see today. Twisting the throttle to climb even further rewards us with a scenic descent through some local villages and facial expressions that might indicate "surprise" by the friendly local people.

An arrival in Villamar after a long day of dirt riding will be quite rewarding!

Day 7 – Villamar to Quetena Chico

The "Salvador Dali Desert" as it's called will be quite a site today, combining rock and natural formations that add to this Desert's name.

Combined with a soak in the hot springs and some more great dirt riding, you'll be passing Laguna Colorado, mud geyers, and pink flamingos indigenous to the Andes Moutains in this area. Talk about a wild combination of sites, all in one small part of the world!

Day 8 – Quetena Chico to San Pablo de Lipez

Ready for some extreme altitude? The Super Volcano of Uturunco and some riding just short of 6,000m is in store for today, but the challenges of getting there over possible river crossings will lead to views that are absolutely worth the climb.

The "climb," afterall, is being done with the simple twist of your wrist! Enjoy your ride, and the climb to the top on this incredible riding day.

Day 9 San Pablo de Lipez to Tupiza

Continuing through a canyon that once hosted a bivouac for the Dakar Rally, the great southwest of Bolivia continues to charm riders with uniqueness. With the name of this tour remaining perfectly appropriate, is there any better way to travel than by motorcycle?

The name of this trip was specifcially chosen, as it keeps us so far away from where the majority of travelers experience Bolivia.

Day 10 -  Tupiza to Tarija

An easy and beautiful ride today affords us a little relaxation on pavement before heading back to some typically well-maintained dirt roads that expand as far as the eye can see.

Twisting the throttle to climb even further rewards us with a scenic descent through some local villages and facial expressions that might indicate "surprise" by the friendly local people. Bolivia's winemaking capitol on the border with Argentina will be our finishing point in the Valley of Tarija.

Day 11 – Rest Day in Tarija

Event the best-conditioned riders and athletes need a pure Rest Day from time to time, and so the laid-back and lovely city of Tarija offers a great spot to do so.

With a central plaza featuring nice cafes and restaurants, just take a break, have a glass of wine, enjoy what is probably some good weather, and realize: "I've been riding a motorcycle ... in Bolivia!"

Day 12 – Tarija to Potosi

After all this dirt, trust us, some smooth pavement on countless twists and turns will be apprecaited on the way to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Potosi. Bolivia's highest city, and home to silver mining operations, tours of the mines are available for those who choose to.

Day 13 – Potosi to Sucre

With a relaxed start to the day, the local silver or tin mines are an option to visit, or the National Mint Museum there in town.

Known as the "White City," an arrival in this beautiful downtown area with plenty of Spanish influence still remaining in white plastered architecture, welcome to the Capitol of Bolivia, and an evening out on the town.

Day 14 – Rest Day in Sucre

A city this large with so much cultural, architectural, and cuisine-related pleasures is too much to hurry through, and even the best-conditioned riders need some rest off the bikes. Enjoy Sucre, and your final Rest Day of the trip.

Day 15 – Sucre to Torotoro

While in Sucre, the people and faces change as is with any major city in the world these days. On the way to Torotoro though, you'll be back out in the most remote countryside of Bolivia, where tiny towns passed through will result in the "turning of some heads" as such riders and bikes are quite a rare surprise.

Plenty of altitude changes and great riding once again, all the way to Torotoro for a night to relax.

Day 16 – Torotoro to Cochabamba

"All good things come to an end," but don't let that thought sadden you on this final riding day back to the final destination. Start the day by viewing the incredible dinosaur footprints that Torotoro is famous for, and then ride on actual cobblestone roads, along rivers, and through the canyon on the way up to the Valley of Cochabamba.

Time to celebrate with a final group dinner, as this is one incredible Adventure RIDE you just accomplished!

Day 17 – Departure day, if you must

Riders are welcome to stay and explore Cochabamba further, or we'll be getting you to the airport if you must go. Start organizing all those photos though, and tell your riding friends about what you just did......a full Adventure RIDE through Bolivia!

Minimum Essential Gear for RIDE Training

If you're planning to jump on a guided tour or training with RIDE Adventures, it's essential that you have the right gear. This helps to ensure your safety and the safety of others while on the road.

Not being properly prepared can lead to injuires that could have been avoided. Our guides have created a Minimum Essential Gear Guide if you plan to book a RIDE Adventures. If you don't come minimally prepared there is a chance our guides will prevent you from hopping on a bike. Make sure you're prepared for the adventure. 

Bikes Available

BMW F700GS (twin cylinder)

BMW F700GS (twin cylinder)

The new F700GS offers a larger windshield, enhanced braking system, Electronic Suspension Adjustment, Automatic Stability Control, and a handful more horsepower! As if the previous version (the F650GS) wasn't a good enough adventure bike, this mid-weight option continues to be the most versatile and popular motorcycle rental option.

X

Seat Height:
32.3 in
Curb Weight:
461.0 lb
Fuel Capacity:
4.2 gal
Displacement:
798 cc
BMW F750GS

BMW F750GS

Not everyone needs a gigantic adventure bike to have fun, and the BMW F750GS fills that niche of "big enough for the long haul, small enough to have fun." With a power-to-weight ratio similar to the bigger models, 77hp can be used to hang with any other adventure bike on the market and perhaps be even more fun when it comes to the dirt roads and tight switchbacks. 

X

Seat Height:
32.1 in
Curb Weight:
493lb / 223kg
Fuel Capacity:
4 gal / 15 L
Displacement:
853 cc
BMW F800GS

BMW F800GS

Certainly considered the “athlete” of the BMW team, the F800GS can be counted on to carry all your travel gear and still maintain the awesome feeling of a pure off-road machine when you’re in the dirt.  With over 215mm of suspension travel, the F800GS boasts 85 horsepower from its twin-cylinder engine, and is sure to give an adrenaline rush when you unleash it!

X

Seat Height:
34.6 in
Curb Weight:
472.0 lb
Fuel Capacity:
4.2 gal
Displacement:
798 cc
BMW F850GS

BMW F850GS

When it's predecessor launched in 2009, the world recognized the beauty of a "middle-weight" adventure bike, perhaps most appropriately built to handle it all. The new BMW F850GS builds on a decade of riders trotting the globe on a machine with all the power you could ever need, and agility to go have almost dirt-bike-like fun when the luggage and passenger aren't along for the ride.

X

Seat Height:
33.9 in
Curb Weight:
504lb / 229kg
Fuel Capacity:
4 gal / 15 L
Displacement:
853 cc
BMW R1200GS - Liquid Cooled

BMW R1200GS - Liquid Cooled

Revised back in 2013, BMW it seems has done it once again in the world of adventure motorcycles. The new liquid-cooled version of the famous R1200GS comes with a more "upright" stance and off-road friendly positioning.  Now with a wet clutch, a higher air intake perfect for river crossings, and a 10% horsepower increase over the previous model, BMW has clearly made improvements on what was already a great adventure bike.

X

Seat Height:
33.5.0 in
Curb Weight:
538 lbs
Fuel Capacity:
5.3 gal
Displacement:
1170 cc
BMW R1200GS Adventure (2014+ Liquid Cooled)

BMW R1200GS Adventure (2014+ Liquid Cooled)

Just a year after releasing the Liquid Cooled R1200GS, BMW's famous Adventure model or "GSA" was introduced, and for all the right reasons. Like its predecessor, the "GSA LC" as we tend to call it boasts 125 liquid cooled horsepower and has the fuel capacity and carrying capability to make the longest and most remote adventures a reality. At the same time, it's still a thrill when in tight mountain switchbacks and twisties!

X

Seat Height:
35.0 in
Curb Weight:
580 lbs
Fuel Capacity:
7.93 gal
Displacement:
1170 cc
BMW R1250GS

BMW R1250GS

Freshly updated after multiple generations of industry-leading design, BMW's R1250GS is yet another masterpiece coming from the company that many will claim pioneered the thought of adventure riding. Boasting 136hp now, yet still maintaining the "flickability" many of us feel in the GS line, load up the bike or head out solo, and you're sure to have a blast from this high performance machine. 

X

Seat Height:
33.5/34.3 in
Curb Weight:
549lb/249kg
Fuel Capacity:
5.3gal / 20 L
Displacement:
1254 cc
Honda Africa Twin

Honda Africa Twin

Finally, the return of a legend! The long awaited, and thoroughly updated Africa Twin by Honda has been talked about for years, finally making itself available in various markets around the world in 2015. With a four-valve Unicam® cylinder head 998cc parallel twin engine, more power than an adventure rider could ever need is available along with suspension travel and ground clearance to handle the most remote and rugged terrains and pathways. 

X

Seat Height:
33.5/34.3 in
Curb Weight:
511 lb
Fuel Capacity:
4.96 gal
Displacement:
998 cc
Honda CB500X

Honda CB500X

Another recent assertion by Honda Motorcycles into the Adventure Riding world, riders seeking a compact-sized adventure bike have been raving about the CB500X. With plenty of power emanating from the parallel-twin engine, and an agile disposition, everything from paved twisties to gravel, dirt, and sand can be conquered with this fun adventuring option.

  • Wet Weight - 428lbs
  • Seat Height - 31.8 inches
  • Fuel Capacity - 4.6 gal

X

Seat Height:
31.8 in
Curb Weight:
428lbs
Fuel Capacity:
4.6 gal
Displacement:
471cc Parallel Twin
Triumph Tiger 1200 XCx

Triumph Tiger 1200 XCx

Triumph continues to charge their way into the adventure riding and sport touring scene with models like the Tiger 1200 XCx. With adjustable riding positions, ride-by-wire throttle control, and a formidible 3-cylinder powerplant, everything from paved twisties to Backcountry Discovery Routes are a rush whether you're riding solo or 2-up!
  • Wet weight - 570 lbs. (259 kg)
  • Seat height - 32.9 or 33.7" (837 or 857 mm)
  • Fuel Capacity - 5.2 gal (20 Liters)
  • Displacement - 1215cc's

X

Seat Height:
32.8 to 33.6 in
Curb Weight:
572 lb
Fuel Capacity:
5.2 gal
Displacement:
1215 cc