Looking for the best motorcycle routes in the world? Just follow this guy.
As a company that's been scouting, building, and guiding international motorcycle trips for decades, we feel uniquely qualified to put together a list of the best routes/destinations we've found all across the world.
Over the years we've led groups on rides on every continent (save for that one that's covered in ice year-round), but we'd be lying if we said we didnt' look forward to some routes more than others.
Here are our favorites to date from all around the world.
1. Patagonia: Argentina & Chile
We can't imagine a list of the best motorcycle routes in the world without the epic beauty of Patagonia, so it only seems right to kick off with our oldest and most cherished route.
Jagged peaks, glacial lakes, lush forests... Patagonia has it all.
"Multiple breathtaking views every day is the norm in Patagonia."
There are dozens of great ways to cover this stretch between Chile and Argentina.
Between Torres del Paine, Perito Moreno Glacier, and Ushuaia (aka the end of the world), there's a lot to see. We recommend at least two weeks for the full experience.
2. Vietnam via Dual Sport
Vietnam has always been a hidden gem for world travelers. Lodging is affordable, the food is incredible, the people are friendly, and the culture is vibrant.
Most folks focus on the cities while they're here though, and that's a serious mistake.
"Mountains, jungles, dirt roads, and friendly people. That's Vietnam."
Vietnam's remote regions are beautiful, which is why touring the country via dual sport is our recommendation.
If riding through jungles, crossing rope bridges, and sleeping in small villages doesn't sound like an adventure, we don't know what does.
3. Motorcycle Safari in Tanzania
World travelers have been drawn to Africa's mystery and allure for centuries.
For motorcyclists, the combination of pristine wilderness, challenging terrain, cultural immersion, and abundant wildlife spell out an adventure like nothing else.
"You know you're on an adventure when giraffes are part of the scenery."
Our recommended route is a loop starting and ending in Tanzania, which includes Mount Kilimanjaro, the Great Rift Valley, Serengeti and the Maasai Steppe.
Pro tip: Give yourself an extra day to go on a proper guided safari through Serengeti National Park.
4. Baja California - Mexico
Crossing the border from the US into Mexico's Baja California region feels like stepping into a completely new world.
Warm sunshine, sweeping coastal views, the smell of wood-fired grills... There's a reason this place has become legendary.
"The Wild West meets coastal beauty in Baja California."
The riding both on and off-road is superb, and the bang-for-the-buck down here is second to none.
You'll live and eat like a king for pennies on the dollar, with all the fresh seafood, cold beer, and hot street food you can handle in between epic all-terrain riding.
5. The Wild West Coast
The USA is packed to the gills with some of the best motorcycle routes in the world, but if we had to pick one, we'd probably go with the coastal west via the PCH.
Towering redwoods, vast deserts, twisting mountain roads along the ocean... It's all here.
"California's Big Sur region is worth planning an entire trip around."
To do it right, however, you'll definitely want to explore more than just the PCH.
Inland detours are a must, whether you're looping in places like California's Sequoia National Park or Oregon's infamous Crater Lake.
6. Himalayan Mountains: India
India isn't the first place most people think of as a bucket-list motorcycle destination, but it's home to one of the best rides on the planet.
The roads that wind through the Northern Himalayan range are as challenging as they are picturesque.
"There are mountains, and then there are the Himalayas."
Our preferred route starts in Chandigarh, then runs through Spiti Valley into Hanle, Jispa, and back through Manali.
By the time you've finished, you'll have conquered all 19,400 feet of elevation at the world's highest motorable pass, Umling La.
7. Backcountry Discovery Routes - USA
As of this writing, there are currently 22 different official "Backcountry Discovery Routes" on offer across the United States.
We have yet to tackle a BDR we didn't love, and we even guide two of them ourselves via Washington and Oregon.
"Taking in the views on the Washington BDR"
The concept is simple: download a publicly available GPS track (or purchase a paper map), then go tackle any one of these routes yourself anytime it suits you.
They're all designed to stay off the main road, and focus on off-road tracks with varying difficulties.
In our experience, any currently available BDR qualifies as one of the best motorcycle routes in the world.
Whether you're riding solo or with a group of like-minded friends, BDRs are one of the best ways to explore the vast wild landscapes of the United States.
8. Himalayan Mountains: Nepal
The Himalayas are so massive and so epic that they earn a second mention, this time by way of Nepal.
This approach is a challenging dual sport expedition complete with mountains, rivers, single track trails, and even multiple rope bridge crossings.
"Riding dual sports through the otherworldly 'Forbidden Kingdom."
Equal parts jungle and safari, don't be surprised if you spot elephants, rhinos, and even tigers along the way.
Nepal is about as friendly and exotic as it gets, so if off-roading and a healthy dose of culture shock are what you're after, don't pass this one up.
9. United Kingdom Coastal Tour
If you want to try an epic motorcycle route but aren't big on planning, maps, or rigid itineraries, we'd recommend a full tour of the British coastline.
This one's as simple as it gets: choose any road beside the ocean, then start heading counter-clockwise.
"If you're in the UK and you can see the water, you're doing it right."
A complete lap around the island is a roughly 4,700-mile loop, but you're never more than 50 miles or so from a major city, so you can stop and stay just about anywhere along the way.
Just go until you get tired of exploring, or end up back where you started.
10. Australia's Highway 1
Australia is a bucket-list destination for many ADV-riders, and the massive loop known as Highway 1 is by far one of the best motorcycle routes in the world.
Plain and simple: You're looking at 9,000 miles of coastal touring at its finest.
"Australia is one of the world's most popular ADV destinations for a reason."
Most folks start this route in either Sydney or Melbourne, but because Highway 1 links every major coastal city in the country, you can start just about anywhere.
If you get bored of coastal views, off-road detour opportunities into the outback abound.
11. Andes Mountains: Peru & Bolivia
One of our favorite motorcycle routes in the world follows the Andes Mountains, spreading the very best of Peru and Bolivia across 12 days of epic riding.
Going to the Lost City of Machu Picchu is cool, but doing it on a motorcycle is much, much cooler.
"The Uyuni salt flats dwarf Bonneville in size and scope."
From the lush mountain roads outside La Paz to the largest salt flats in the world at Uyuni, you'll find equal parts variety and natural beauty here.
We can't recommend this one highly enough for riders seeking a proper adventure on mostly paved roads.
12. Alaska: Denali Highway & Beyond
Many consider the Alaskan backcountry to be the "final frontier" in the USA.
That remains to be seen, but we'd argue it is, by far, the most pristine and remote wilderness in all of the 50 States.
"America's final frontier is just as wild as any international trip we've taken."
Start out in the city of Anchorage, then ride the National Forest Scenic Byway up to Denali Highway. After you've had your fill, loop back around to Anchorage through Talkeetna.
Winter conditions make this route impassible after October, so plan accordingly.
13. Mongolia
There's nothing quite like sharing a wide-open steppe with a herd of wild horses to let you know you're on a proper adventure.
Mongolia is the definition of big-sky ADV riding, and this hidden gem is easily one of the best motorcycle routes we've ever found.
"Mongolia is wild, wide-open, and littered with outstanding terrain."
Our preferred route encompasses over 1,000 miles of monasteries, waterfalls, grasslands, and mountains, and is packed with ever-changing and always-engaging terrain.
Do yourself a favor: don't knock the local horse milk until you try it.
14. Northern Thailand
Everything about Thailand makes it a fantastic travel destination.
The people are incredibly friendly and accommodating, the exchange rate is phenomenal, the food is delicious, and wouldn't you know it, the riding is top-notch.
"Pound for pound, Thailand is probably the friendliest country we've toured to date."
Our favorite motorcycle route here is a loop that begins and ends in Chiang Mai, following along the Mekong River and up into the "Golden Triangle" region where the Myanmar and Laos borders meet.
From the cities to the terrain, this place is non-stop fun.
15. Europe: Pyrenees Mountain Tour
You've got plenty of European riding destinations to choose from: the Swiss Alps, the Scottish Highlands, the fjords of Norway...
But of all the European routes, our favorite to date is still touring the Pyrenees mountains along the Spanish/French border.
"There's plenty of excellent riding to be done in Europe, but the Pyrenees truly have it all."
This one is a road rider's dream, with billard-smooth pavement and an endless mix of tight, technical switchbacks and fast, flowing sweepers.
Arguably our favorite aspect of the Pyrenees is that unlike the Alps, there's virtually zero traffic to slow you down.
16. Andes Mountains - Ecuador
The country of Ecuador is one of the best "choose your own adventure" motorcycle routes anywhere in the world.
Whether you're looking for 100% pavement or a gnarly off-road challenge, Ecuador's lush mountains, jungles, and rivers have it all.
"Who wouldn't want to explore the Amazon jungle on two wheels?"
The best way we've found to tackle this route is to start by renting a bike in Quito, and heading off into the Andes Mountains from there.
What follows is a highlight reel of active volcanoes, twisty mountain roads, and epic vistas you'll have to see to believe.
→ Thanks for reading our guide to the best motorcycle routes in the world. If you've got any questions on route details/specifics for any of the above, drop us a comment below! ←
READ MORE→
Best Motorcycle Destinations in North America
The 7 Best ADV Training Courses In the USA
How to Plan a BDR Trip Without Overplanning It
