- David Wood from Oregon in the U.S. set out on a solo motorcycle trip through Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego all the way to Ushuaia at "The End of the World!" Thanks for commenting that our Patagonia motorcycle rentals performed well for you, and that you enjoyed your trip, David!
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"A much belated review, our trip to Chile was in January 2020, just under the Covid wire. Eric and Christine were instrumental in having the bike portion of our adventure become a success. We were grateful to Christine for suggesting we include the Ruta de los Siete Lagos in Argentina in our agenda, and it was absolutely spectacular. Thanks to our contact in Pucon, all border crossings were seamless and we felt very supported with the route we had planned, our personal safety and the safety of the bike. We feel very fortunate to have had such a wonderful experience, especially in light of what happened worldwide shortly after our trip. Thanks to all, and here's hoping more adventures will follow!" |
-Andrea and Scott not only had a successful adventure ride on a BMW F800GS with our Patagonia Motorcycle Rentals, but they got an article about the trip published in the Canadian magazine, "Inside Motorcycles" (see the Feb/March 2021 issue.)
- Antoine de Braquilanges from France conquered Patagonia in early 2020 Self-Guided, and using one of our BMW F750GS Motorcycle Rentals in Patagonia. Folks, whether you're part of one of our groups, or taking on the challenge of Patagonia alone or with a few friends, ya just gotta see this place!
Ulli was exceptionally helpful whether with route suggestions, changing panniers, supplying pannier bags, new maps [and exceptionally fairly not charging me for a bracket which broke supporting one of the panniers when i returned the bike as he could see it was not due to a fall] as well as some very well received cold drinks on his porch when picking up and dropping off bikes!
-Barrett, Ireland, March 2017"
- Barrett and his friends are making us stand tall and proud with huge smiles after trip reports like this! Please remember though, Patagonia motorcycle rentals should be reserved 8-12+ months in advance, as the season sell out early. Barrett, we're glad you guys planned well ahead, and enjoyed your adventure ride: )
- Moments and photos like this one from Bastian Guenther are a treasured part of any "Self-Guided Fly & Ride The Patagonia Experience" trip on our BMW GS rentals. We're just glad you finished this tough ride safely, Bastian. Knew very well that Patagonia would make the trip an excellent one for you.
"If you’re considering to rent through RIDE Adventures – do it! We rented an F700GS in Chile back in November and had the best experience from beginning to end – everyone we talked to was so helpful and answered to our questions in a very short time. Before our trip Eric was very helpful with every question we had and made us feel really great about everything. When we got to the rental place outside Pucon we were met by Ulli, who took his time to get us started with the bike and gave us all the necessary information about both the bike, the different route options, border crossing and so on. The bike was great for our 2-up ride and worked perfectly without any problems. Ulli had even considered giving us a bike that was a bit better geared for riding 2-up – a more comfy back seat and larger side cases, which we really appreciated. All in all, it was an excellent experience renting through the RIDE Adventures :)"
- Casper and Sarah from Denmark set up a Self-Guided "Fly & RIDE The Best of Northern Patagonia!" adventure with us, and apparently enjoyed what they discovered. Glad for it, Casper, so come on back for more riding in the Andes sometime : )
- David and Marina Belton enjoyed the variety of riding in Patagonia, from the tight, valley-lined roads to the wide open spaces on our "Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego & Ushuaia!" Self-Guided Motorcycle Trip Package. Come again, and thanks for sharing!
- Dominic Ginder and his father, Bob, made excellent use of 16 days of riding time with their Motorcycle Rentals in Patagonia. Dominic, you're correct as well about future plans for Croatia. So much to explore by motorcycle!
"FYI, I got back to Uvalde Texas yesterday afternoon. It was a great trip, I would sum it up as successful. The hotels, restaurants, and bike you choose were the best. The route and scenery was unbelievable. The weather was a bigger obstacle than I expected as were some of the roads. Nothing really difficult but 2700 miles was a challenge. Did I tell you that I celebrated my 70th birthday during the ride? Also I met lots of interesting people. I’m headed to Colorado to ski in ten days. And then???
- Congratulations to Ed Carnes from Texas for celebrating his 70th year with a successful solo Self-Guided "Fly & RIDE Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego & Ushuaia" trip! We sometimes wonder if some riders have read too much about the drama of Patagonia's conditions and are turned away as a result. Yes, winds and conditions can be tough sometimes, but Ed just showed us all how to do it: Be patient, keep at it, ride smart without showing off for your friends, and most careful, experienced dual sport riders can enjoy some of the world's best riding safely. This photo taken and recognized as the spot where RIDE Adventures was born by the simple thought "more people need to experience this." Ed had a few clouds that day, but when that sun cracks and the waters turn bright blue ... oh what a site.
La moto gs 1200 lc estaba en perfecto estado, casi nueva y con el neumatico trasero nuevo.
Gracias por vuestro buen trabajo"
- For those who haven't practiced their Spanish since high school, Victor Vivaracho (from Spain) is very happy with how his Patagonia Motorcycle Rental experience with RIDE Adventures went. (Approx: "The trip was perfect. The BMW R1200GS LC was in perfect condition, almost new and with a new rear tire. Thanks for your good work.") Glad you enjoyed, Victor!
-The epitome of adventure riding, Fabricio and Quel from Brazil flew into the face of the Coronavirus situation, and made the best out of their Self-Guided Fly & RIDE The Best of Northern Patagonia package. What an amazing time in our world history to carry out such a trip, congrats, Fabricio!
Everything went smooth, thank you for the guide notes and the maps you have provided, which led us to some of the most amazing places we’ve ever seen, and also kept us safe! We had absolutely no problem whatsoever, bike, staff everything was great."
- Flaviu Dan from Romania was inspired enough by his customized Self-Guided "Fly & RIDE The Patagonia Experience" on a BMW F700GS that he just reached out about a year later to share. With a photo and words that summarize the trip, we are SO glad you enjoyed, Flaviu! That feeling of freedom and exploration of the beautiful Patagonia region puts a huge smile on lots of Riders' faces :)
- Nothing puts a bigger smile on our faces than comments like these from George Mulligan, on the heels of his "Self-Guided, Truck Supported Full Patagonia Adventure." Thanks again, George!
"We just returned last night from Rio de Janeiro where we spent the last week of our vacation. Our motorcycle trip was an incredible adventure. I have learned that riding on gravel can have many different meanings. Just when I thought I was getting really good at that, I had an intimate experience with an Argentinian ripio !
- Hal and Natasa from Canada booked well in advance for their motorcycle rental on a Self-Guided journey through Patagonia. Even a simple flat tire becomes a story and fond memory on these adventures, and we raise a glass of Chilean Carménère to you both!
Itinerary
Day 1- Arrive in Santiago, Chile then Pucón
Welcome to Chile and the Andes Mountains! Whether you’re taking extra time to explore the capital city of Santiago or just flying through, travelers need to arrive in Pucón on or before this date, as you’ll be departing early the next morning. (Package can be adjusted if you want more time in Pucón.) Your intra-Chile flights can be booked through www.latam.com or www.skyairline.cl - Flight should be Santiago (SCL) to Temuco (ZCO.)
After a shuttle ride from Temuco, you’ll reach Pucón, a charming mountain town nestled at the foot of Volcano Villarrica in the breathtaking Chilean Lakes District. Your hotel is included with this "Fly & Drive " package, so get checked in to your room, and make sure you're in contact with our Fleet Manager about getting set up with your 4x4 either today or first thing the next morning.
Day 2- Pucón, Chile to Villa Pehuenia, Argentina - 205km
Once you’re comfortable behind the wheel of your rental pickup and we’ve tackled any questions, it’s time to point the truck toward the heart of Patagonia. You’ll pull out of Pucón with a front-row seat to the massive Volcán Villarrica and its namesake lake; keep your camera on the passenger seat, as the views from the road are nothing short of cinematic.
After passing through Melipeuco, you may have the opportunity to detour through the ancient monkey puzzle trees of Parque Nacional Conguillío (pending advance reservations) before the drive takes you through the rugged beauty of Reserva Nacional China Muerta. After crossing the border at Paso Icalma, you’ll descend to the shores of the stunning Lago Aluminé. Your first night in Argentina is best spent the local way: enjoying a hearty asado paired with the region’s signature wines and craft beers.
Day 3 – Villa Pehuenia to San Martin de Los Andes - 209km
Leaving the shores of Lago Aluminé, the landscape opens up into the vast, rolling emptiness of the Argentine pampas. From the cab of your truck, you’ll catch sight of the massive, snow-capped Volcán Lanín (3,728m) dominating the horizon in the distance. Be prepared for the legendary Patagonian winds that often sweep across this side of the Andes as you navigate the open road. The drive eventually transitions into a charming countryside that leads you into San Martín de los Andes, a picturesque, European-style town tucked right against the crystal-clear waters of Lago Lácar.
Day 4 – San Martín to Bariloche - 190km
Experience the legendary Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Seven Lakes Route), a world-class drive through Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi where every turn offers a new panoramic view of glacial waters and dense forests. Your journey south leads you directly into Bariloche, the "Adventure Capital" of the region, for the evening. If you make good time, consider pointing the truck west to tackle the Circuito Chico or Llao Llao Loop; this short, scenic detour offers some of the most iconic vistas in Patagonia, including the historic Llao Llao Hotel perched between the lakes.
Day 5 – Bariloche to Trevelin - 305km
Leave Bariloche behind for a full day of driving as you push deeper into the heart of Patagonia. You’ll enjoy the rhythm of the road, with its long, sweeping bends and the occasional mountain switchback that really lets you appreciate the decision to make this adventurous vacation.
Just south of Epuyén, if you're comfortable taking the truck off the main pavement, skip a section of Ruta 40 in favor of the detour through Parque Nacional Los Alerces. Driving beneath the canopy of South America’s tallest trees—the ancient Fitzroya cupressoides, close relatives of the Giant Redwoods—creates an incredible atmosphere that makes this rugged forest route a true highlight of the trip.
Day 6 - Trevelin to Chaitén, Chile - 200km
Push south from Trevelin toward the border crossing at Futaleufú, where the landscape undergoes a dramatic and rugged transformation. You’ll wind along the banks of the Río Futaleufú, whose striking turquoise waters churn with world-class whitewater rapids—it’s immediately clear why this spot is a global pilgrimage site for rafters and fly-fishing enthusiasts. (If you’re interested in hitting the water yourself, let us know so we can adjust your itinerary with a dedicated rest day).
The drive then skirts the pristine shores of Lago Yelcho before delivering your first official moment on the legendary Carretera Austral. You’ll navigate the lush fringes of Parque Nacional Pumalín before rolling into Chaitén, a town perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean where the wild weather of the Golfo Corcovado often puts on a spectacular show.
Day 7 – Chaitén to Hornopirén (135km with 2 ferries)
Head north along the Carretera Austral to Caleta Gonzalo, where you’ll trade the pavement for the sea. Two incredibly scenic ferry crossings carry your truck through the Reñihué and Coman Leprepu Fjords, giving you a front-row seat to the heart of Chile’s famous salmon farming region.
With the ferries handling the navigation, it’s the perfect opportunity for a "rest day" behind the wheel, allowing you to simply soak in the dramatic coastal surroundings. Your journey on the water eventually leads back to solid ground in Hornopirén, a town tucked deep into the lush, rugged wilderness of the Patagonian fjords.
Day 8 – Hornopirén to Puerto Varas, Chile - 259km
As you drive through Parque Nacional Hornopirén, the route winds past deep fjords and into the stunning Cochamó Valley—a landscape so dramatic it’s often called the “Yosemite of South America.” The towering granite walls and lush greenery make for an unforgettable backdrop as you navigate toward the shores of Lago Llanquihue.
Upon reaching Ensenada, be sure to stop at the powerful Saltos del Petrohué waterfalls before turning the truck toward the horizon. A fantastic paved road climbs the flanks of Volcán Osorno, leading you all the way up to its ski resort for birds-eye views over the entire Chilean Lake District. After soaking in the scenery from the slopes, you'll descend for a relaxing evening in the lakeside town of Puerto Varas.
Day 9 – Puerto Varas to Pucón, Chile - 320km
Start your day with a breathtaking view of Volcán Osorno reflecting across the waters of Lago Llanquihue. As you navigate the shoreline, you’ll pass through the charming towns of Frutillar and Puerto Octay, where the unique 19th-century German heritage is still preserved in the local architecture and culture. From there, you'll have a chance to stretch the truck's legs for a stretch on the Pan-American Highway.
The final leg of your journey back to Pucón winds past a stunning succession of glacial waters, including Lago Panguipulli, Neltume, Calafquén, and Villarrica. This route showcases the simple, serene beauty that defines the Chilean Lake District. As you descend the final hills into Pucón, don't be surprised if you feel a bit of mixed emotions—it’s the natural reaction to closing the chapter on such an epic Northern Patagonian expedition.
Day 10 - Breakfast, airport transfer, flight home
If you absolutely must leave, we do understand you’ll be fighting the temptation to skip the flight. Chile has so much more to offer and we have so much more to help show you, so we hope you enjoyed your adventure and will return for other Patagonia trips because there's still plenty more to experience!
Nissan Navara
Upgrade to a Nissan Navara so you can explore the rugged terrain of South America in style!
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Toyota HiLux Pickup
The Toyota HiLux provides all the safety, comfort, and rugged experience that you'll need on your 4x4 adventure travel in South America.
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