- 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
Whether you’re taking extra time to explore the capital city of Santiago or just flying through, riders 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 one-hour shuttle ride from Temuco, you’ll reach Pucón, a charming mountain town nestled at the foot of Volcano Villarrica in the breathtaking Chilean Lake District. Your hotel is included with the "Fly & Ride" 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 motorcycle either today or first thing the next morning.
Day 2- Pucón, Chile to Curacautin, Chile - 270km
Once you're set up on your motorcycle rental and all questions have been answered, it's time to head out into Patagonia!
Leaving the active Volcano Villarrica and National Park Villarrica to the right, the climb into the Andes Mountains begins along the border of Chile/Argentina. Later riding right through National Park Huerquehue to Playa Negra, your camera should be ready to go at this point. Enjoy Lago Caburgua in front, Volcano Villarica in the background, and all the gorgeous forestry around.
After lunch in Conco, enter National Park Conquillo where 3 beautiful lagoons await. Riding along old lava flows of Volcano Llaima and through forests that are home to 1000 year old Araucanía Trees, this is a fantastic first day of riding on challenging gravel roads with many photo stops. Settling into the night near Curacautin, the hotel and dinner options await.
Day 3 – Curacautin, Chile to Lago Alumine, Argentina - 180km
Yesterday was a fantastic day of challenging riding and stunning landscape, but today it gets even better. The ride goes up along the base of the active Volcano Lonquimay and Crater Navidad where we’ll follow its latest lava flow from 1988.
As if the black-lava landscape isn’t surreal enough, crossing the Cordillera Lonquimay produces more stunning views. Along the Sierra Nevada, follow three beautiful lagunas, and reach Paso Icalma for crossing from Chile into Argentina!
A short ride then leads to the destination of Villa Pehuenia at the shore of Lago Alumine, hopefully in time to catch a beautiful sunset over the lake.
Day 4 – Lago Aluminé to Bariloche, Argentina - 350km
Leaving Lago Aluminé, the scenery changes dramatically on the ride to the Swiss style town of San Martin de los Andes. Now you’ll get a feel for the vast emptiness of the Argentina pampas region seeing see Volcano Lanín (3728m) from a distance and probably deal with some of the typically forceful winds on the Argentine side of the Andes Mountains.
After lunch, enjoy the famous “Seven Lakes Route“ through National Park Nahuel Huapi, and many photo stops later we reach the ski resort town of Bariloche for the night and the first chance for an Argentine “asado” (barbeque) in this lively town.
Day 5 – REST DAY in Bariloche, Argentina or go ahead to Futaleufú, Chile for whitewater rafting or fly fishing!
Even the most conditioned riders need to rest now and then, so it’s important to have some off-motorcycle time. For those who still want to remain active though, the charming ski resort town of Bariloche offers plenty of local culture, shopping and restaurants with great views of Llao Llao and Lago Nahuel Huapi.
Anyone wishing to take a short ride can enjoy the “Circuito Chico,” a one-hour loop through the famous Llao Llao Resort with many great viewpoints. Or, look ahead to the town of Futaleufú if you prefer to enjoy your Rest Day in a town that's world famous for whitewater rafting and fly fishing, if you wish! (Tell us at the time of booking where you want your rest day to be.)
Day 6 - Bariloche, Argentina to Futaleufú, Chile - 360km
Leaving Bariloche, first follow the legendary Ruta 40 as sweeping turns take you through rural Argentina. Later, enjoy a detour through “Parque National los Alerces” where sandy turns through “Fitzroya” trees (cousin to the Redwoods found in California) make for more scenic riding.
Beautiful lakes and mountains guide us through the National Park, then crossing the Andes again, we'll cross the border back in Chile for the night in the famous whitewater-rafting, kayaking, and fly fishing town of Futaleufú.
Day 7 – Futaleufú to Hornopiren, Chile (with 2 ferries)
Today the gravel road follows the whitewaters of Rio Futaleufu and the Sierra la Ventana. Just past Lago Yelcho, you’ll reach the world famous “Carretera Austral,” and some of the most picturesque scenery in the world.
Riding through Parque Pumalin, owned and preserved by the late Doug Tompkins, founder of the North Face clothing company, more interesting history and status of Patagonia will be revealed. After stopping in Chaiten, the town that was destroyed at the 2008 volcano eruption, take the ferry to Hornopiren where suddenly you’re on the seawater of the Pacific Ocean!
Two scenic ferry rides will take us through the Reñihué and Coman Leprepu Fjords, a major center point of Chilean salmon farming.
Day 8 – Hornopiren to Puerto Varas, Chile - 260km
Today's ride passes through National Park Hornopiren and follows the shoreline of these Pacific inlets to start things out. Across the fjord can be seen Parque Nacional Alerces/Andino near the Cochamo Valley, which many people call it the “Yosemite Valley” of Chile.
Pressing on to Ensenada on Lago Llanquihue on your way to Lago Todos los Santos, stop at Petrohue waterfalls and then a fantastic asphalt road (riding paradise) takes you up Volcano Osorno. At the base of the Ski resort there, you can enjoy a beautiful view over Lago Llanquihue before descending to the touristy town of Puerto Varas on the lake shore of Lago Llanquihue for the night.
Day 9 – Puerto Varas to Pucón, Chile - 360km
Wake up with a fantastic view of Volcano Osorno across Lago Llanquihue! Following the lake through Frutillar (where many Germans settled in the late 1800's) and Puerto Octay, finally some moments can be spent on the Panamerican Highway.
On your way back to Pucón, follow the shoreline of Lago Panguipulli, Lago Neptune, Lago Calafquen and Lago Villarrica, where the Chilean Lake District holds such a simple and pleasant beauty. The ride down into Pucón might bring on a case of mixed emotions as you look back at the amazing trip through Northern Patagonia.
Just think: there's still more of Patagonia to be uncovered!
Day 10 - Breakfast, airport transfer, flight home
If you absolutely must leave on your last day, 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 yourself and will return for other Patagonia motorcycle trips because there's still plenty more to experience!
2019+ 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. Starting in 2019 with it's 19 inch wheel, this bike has proven itself for us in places like Patagonia, and will be a great option for riders exploring beyond.
- Wet Weight - 430lbs
- Seat Height - 32.7 inches
- Fuel Capacity - 4.6 gal
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32.7 in
430lbs
4.6 gal
471cc Parallel Twin
BMW R1250GS
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33.5/34.3 in
549lb/249kg
5.3gal / 20 L
1254 cc
BMW R1250GS Adventure
BMW R1250GS Adventure – Ultimate Long-Distance ADV Touring
The BMW R1250GS Adventure is built for riders who demand the most from their machine. With a massive 30L fuel tank, long-travel suspension, and unmatched rider comfort, it's the top choice for remote, rugged riding across South America. Ideal for experienced adventure travelers tackling routes like Patagonia, the Andes, and beyond.
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35.0" / 35.8" (890 mm / 910 mm)
591 lbs 268 kg
7.9 gal / 29.9 L
1,254 cc
BMW R1300GS | Adventure Motorcycle
The Next Evolution of Adventure: Introducing the BMW R 1300 GS. BMW has redefined the large touring enduro with the all-new R 1300 GS. This machine embodies intelligent design, prioritizing a significant weight reduction alongside a formidable 145 hp boxer engine and a substantial 1300 cc displacement. The result is handling that has to be experienced to be believed. Don't let its refined simplicity fool you – the R 1300 GS boasts a more comprehensive suite of standard equipment than any GS before it. Discover the technical mastery and endless possibilities for personalization below.
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33.4 in
502 lb / 227.7 kg
5 gal / 18.9 L
1,300 cc
CF Moto MT800
- Wet Weight - 509 lbs
- Seat Height - 32.5 inches
- Fuel Capacity - 5 gal
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32.5 in
509 lbs
5 gal
800cc
Moto Morini X-Cape 650 | Adventure Motorcycle
The Moto Morini X-Cape 650 is a capable adventure bike built for both asphalt and off-road exploration.
Its sturdy steel trellis frame, paired with a 649cc parallel-twin engine producing 60 horsepower, delivers a smooth and responsive ride. Premium Marzocchi suspension and Brembo brakes with Bosch ABS ensure confident handling on any terrain.
Advanced safety and comfort features include a 7-inch TFT display, full LED lighting, an adjustable windscreen, and backlit controls for an enhanced riding experience.
With its blend of performance, versatility, and rider-focused design, the X-Cape 650 is ready for any adventure.
- Wet Weight - 514 lbs
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Seat Height - 33.26 inches
- Fuel Capacity - 4.8 gal
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33.26 in
514 lbs
4.8 gal
649 cc
Triumph Tiger 1200 XCx
- 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
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32.8 to 33.6 in
572 lb
5.2 gal
1215 cc
Triumph Tiger 850 Sport
The Triumph Tiger 850 Sport is a versatile and confidence-inspiring motorcycle, perfect for riders looking to explore paved routes and light gravel with ease. With its smooth 888cc triple-cylinder engine, upright riding position, and refined road manners, it’s ideal for everything from weekend getaways to longer road tours. Cast wheels, adjustable seat height, and rider modes (Road and Rain) make it approachable for a wide range of riders. This model is best suited for street and light ADV touring—not technical off-road terrain.
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32.28 - 33.07 in (820-840 mm)
423 lb (192 kg)
5.28 US gal (20 litres)
888 cc
Triumph Tiger 900 Rally
Triumph Tiger 900 Rally – Midweight ADV with Serious Off-Road Capability
The Triumph Tiger 900 Rally is built for riders who want true adventure versatility. With a 21” front wheel, long-travel adjustable suspension, and off-road-focused ride modes, this bike is ready for the rougher routes of South America. Powered by an 888cc triple engine, it delivers smooth, responsive power both on pavement and rugged trails. Ideal for riders who want a lighter, more agile alternative to big-bore ADV bikes—without sacrificing performance or comfort. Great for exploring Patagonia’s remote regions, Andean passes, or any mixed-surface journey.
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33.86/34.65 in (860/880 mm)
503 lb (228 kg)
5.28 US gal (20 litres)
888 cc
VOGE DS900X | Adventure Motorcycle
Introducing the DS900X: Your Passport to Uncharted Territory. Building on VOGE's adventure legacy, the DS900X steps up as the leader of the pack. Just like the acclaimed DS525X, this machine is engineered to capture the hearts of riders seeking true mid-displacement adventure. Offering an exceptional blend of top-tier components, advanced technology, and exhilarating power, the DS900X is born for long-haul exploration. Whether you're riding solo or two-up with gear, this motorcycle is the perfect partner for chasing your wildest adventures.
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32.5 in / 825 mm
474 lbs / 215 kg
4.5 gal / 17 liters
895 cc