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Guided Group Tour: "The Patagonia Experience"

"The Patagonia Experience" Motorcycle Tour - 14 Days

"The Patagonia Experience" Motorcycle Tour - 14 Days

  • Torres-del-Paine-Motorcycle
  • Group_motorcycle_trip_Chile
  • Carretera_Austral_motorcycle
  • Ride-Chile

When motorcycle riders ask us "which is the best motorcycle tour?" it's pretty difficult not to think of this one.

"The Patagonia Experience" guided motorcycle trip takes riders through the absolute highlights of Patagonia, all in just 14 days (including arrival and departure days.) Torres del Paine National Park, the Perito Moreno Glacier, the Carretera Austral, incredible Andes Mountain riding and more all packed into one amazing motorcycle tour! We know that folks are pressed for time these days, so this itinerary fits an amazing amount of variety and Patagonia exploration into a comfortable trip duration.

Please note, tour is run consecutively with our "Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego & Ushuaia!" tour, which means it's also the most all-inclusive "turn-key" trip package we offer with the highest levels of accommodations and services as anything we offer. As Arden from Rider Magazine declared in August 2013 after his experience, "I feel I’ve seen the best of Patagonia."

Contact us for more tour information.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Santiago, Chile and then Osorno, Chile (Note: May also start from Pucon, Chile) - YOUR ADVENTURE BEGINS!

Whether you’re taking extra time to explore the capital city of Santiago or just flying through, riders need to arrive in Osorno on or before this date, as we'll be departing early the next morning. Intra-Chile flights can be booked through www.latam.com or www.skyairline.cl (Santiago/SCL to Osorno/ZOS and then from Punta Arenas/PUQ at the end.) The bi-lingual RIDE Adventures Guides will pick you up from the airport, and a welcome meeting and dinner will be held once everyone is together in Osorno. Excitement will be peaking, and we understand.


Map of motorcycle route in PatagoniaDay 2 – Osorno, Chile to San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina – 239km

After our morning meeting and fitting of your motorcycle, we’ll be ready to go when everyone is comfortable for departure. You'll certainly have the opportunity to bring any unique parts & accessories from home to customize the bike’s fit to your liking and assistance with anything you need is of the utmost importance, as safety is key to enjoyment and completion of the incredible journey ahead. Then it’s time to start riding into the heart of Patagonia! 

Due to the wild series of inlets and land formations that make up the coast of southern Chile, this trip heads east up into the Andes Mountains before going further south into Patagonia. Either way, passing through Parque Nacional Puyuhue and later Nahuel Huapi, it’s going to be a fantastic first day’s ride all the way in to where Bariloche sits along the lakeshore. Settling in for the night, our first Argentine asado (barbeque) in this lively town sets us up for even greater riding ahead.

Riders entering Parque Nacional Los AlercesDay 3 – Bariloche to Trevelin, Argentina – 308km

An optional ride will be presented for the morning to enjoy the "Circuito Chico," a one-hour loop through Llao Llao to the west of Bariloche. Leaving Bariloche, most of the trucks and traffic will take the obvious Route 40 south, but we’ll enjoy a detour through Parque Nacional Los Alerces just to the west. Sweeping sandy turns through the “Fitzroya” trees (cousin to the Redwoods found in California and the tallest trees in all of South America,) beautiful lakes and mountains guide us through the national park. Positioning ourselves to cross back into Chile the next day, how did you enjoy the gravel or "ripio" as it's called here?

Day 4 – Trevelin to Puyuhaupi, Chile – 246km

South America motorcycle tourToday marks the start of our ride down the Carretera Austral (Highway to the South) and what many folks agree is some of the best riding anywhere in the world. First crossing the Futaleufú River, we’ll also be passing near Parque Nacional Corcovado, one of very few privately owned land preserves in the world, arranged as such by the late Doug Tompkins, founder of The North Face and Esprit clothing brands.

Heading further south on the Carretera (formerly called the "Ruta Agosto Pinochet,") rain is likely before arriving in the town of Puyuhaupi, but such conditions only add to the atmosphere and adventurous feeling of Patagonia. With the gigantic Nalca Plants lining the road, glaciers to the left, waterfalls all around, and the rainforest to be enjoyed, this is unforgettable riding.

Motorcycles on the Carretera AustralDay 5 - Puyuhuapi to Coihaique, Chile - 224km

If we're going to get rain on this trip, it'll likely be here in the Queulat Rainforest in this stunning valley full of switchbacks and unforgettable scenery. Even the most "reserved" personalities tend to burst a bit in this section, as every turn reveals a new view of the precious Patagonia we've grown to love. Waterfalls that cascade down from a few hundred meters high and all the bright green forestry full of the gigantic Nalca plants of Patagonia await you.

Day 6 – Coihaique to Puerto Tranquilo, Chile – 225km 

Nalca Plant Patagonia TripPatagonia riding, this is it! Just because the scenery got better these past couple of days, that doesn’t mean it can’t get even better still…

The plant life and rain makes for an amazing atmosphere though with snow-capped mountains, rivers and waterfalls, and in the right season, salmon spawning in the River Cisnes.

After Reserva Nacional Cerro Castillo and its sharp mountain peaks, you’ll get your first glimpses of Lago General Carrera, and if the sun is out, another site never to be forgotten.  Glacier fed waters reflect blue light which makes the water bright blue, and combined with more snow-capped mountains in the background, this is one incredible ride into Puerto Tranquilo. If we arrived early enough, opportunities for fishing, boat tours of the nearby Marble Caves, and canopy tours are possible.

Day 7 – REST DAY in Puerto Tranquilo, Chile

Lago General Carrera TripThe rest day in Puerto Tranquilo is chosen for a couple of reasons. First, Patagonia makes for some tough riding and we need to rest up, and second, because you probably won’t want to leave the Puerto Tranquilo area! We will be far "off the beaten path” at this point and varying emotions about seclusion and our normal lives are bound to set in. With activities like boat tours, fly-fishing, horseback riding, canopy tours, and river rafting on the Rio Baker, be as active as you like on this rest day. On the other hand, if you really feel you want to ride a little this day, the fabulous "Patagonia Park," one of the late Doug Tompkin's conservation efforts is right near by with plenty of guanacos bouncing around the lodge Valle Chacabuco.

Riders overlooking Lago General CarreraDay 8 - Puerto Tranquilo to Los Antiguos, Argentina – 175km

Leaving this spot about only about 50m/80km from the Pacific Ocean, we’ll ride along the shores of Lago General Carrera with its blue beauty guiding us along rock walls and fantastic scenery on our way back into Argentina. Now get ready for the wind! As Pacific air rolls across the Andes, it typically rushes down the eastern side of the mountains in quite a hurry, so this can be a challenging day of riding. 

Day 9– Los Antiguos to near Gobernador Gregores, Argentina – 414km

Guanacos in PatagoniaJust grip down and get through what could definitely be more pounding winds today, as this is part of why Ruta 40 is so famous! Extremely remote territories, very few fueling points, and the wide-open “pampas” region of Argentina again add to the variety in this adventure. Guanacos (like a small llama, indigenous to South America and this region in particular) will be dancing around the road before us, so we take extra caution on rides like this.

Rider on the Ruta 40 in ArgentinaDay 10 – Gobernador Gregores to El Calafate, Argentina - 330km

Still out in the Argentine wild, we tilt back to the west with the Andes in site today. Passing Lago Cardiel and Lago Viedma, the piercing peaks of Mount Fitz Roy and the town of El Chaltén will be seen in the distance. Passing Lago Argentino and nearing the town of El Calafate, a fun town with great shopping, dining, and relaxation potential sets us up for one of the greatest highlights in all of Patagonia the next day.

Day 11 - REST DAY in El Calafate (optional, but strongly encouraged visit to Perito Moreno Glacier: 160km)

Perito Moreno Glacier PatagoniaIt's important to rest once again, and there might be no better town to do so in. Just a short twisting ride in the morning leads us to yet another incredible site in Patagonia: The Perito Moreno Glacier! One of only 3 known glaciers in the world that is still actually growing, huge chunks of ice will fall off before our eyes, crashing into the bay before us.  As if this awesome sight isn’t enough, the rumbling sounds of ice cracking throughout the ice field will remain a definite part of Patagonia memories. Enjoy the remainder of the day around the town of El Calafate where shopping, crafts, culture and restaurants all await you.

Day 12 – El Calafate to Torres del Paine National Park – 379km ("Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego & Ushuaia!" Riders Continue to Strait of Magellan Ferry at Punta Delgada)

Circling back through the wide-open “pampas” of Argentina one more time, the goal is yet another stunning site on the Chilean side.  Crossing the border at Paso Rio Don Guillermo, it might not appear that there’s anything in site; however, when approaching the middle of Torres del Paine National Park, riders will understand why this is a special place in Patagonia.

The famous Torres (Towers) and Los Cuernos (The Horns) of Torres del Paine National Park beg you to take a rest day and either hike or ride around the area to enjoy the beauty.  From the south side of Los Cuernos, travelers can be found waiting to photograph that perfect sunrise where orange and pink hues radiate across this unforgettable mountain formation. Designated a World Biosphere Reserve in 1978 by UNESCO, photos might not even be necessary as the images will remain clear in traveler’s minds forever.

Day 13 – Torres del Paine N.P. to Puerto Natales, Chile (Note: Finish is also possible in Punta Arenas) – 120 or 368km

Torres del Paine adventure tourThis itinerary allows some extra time to be spent in and around the highlight-packed Torres del Paine National Park. Weather conditions here can keep important sites like "Los Cuernos" and the rest of the Park from even being visible at times, but with hourly-weather changes will often reveal the scenery, so we'll have a relaxing morning start-up here to allow for final photography opportunties, riding the Glacier Grey, etc. Winding down through the park, the legendary "Cueva de Milodon" offers a brief hiking possibility while eyes should be kept open for the Andean Condor and other wildlife on this final riding day. Settling into the thriving town of Puerto Natales, it's time to start looking back on the incredible adventure ride you just accomplished while saying goodbye to new friends made along the way.

Day 14 - Breakfast, hotel transfer, flights home

If you absolutely must leave this day, we understand you'll be fighting the temptation to skip the flight, turn around, and ride all the way through Patagonia again. Such sentiment won't find you alone though, as the friends we've made on this journey and previous customers of RIDE Adventures all feel the same way. We thank you for joining us!

CONTACT US about joining an upcoming "Patagonia Experience" motorcycle tour in South America!

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 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. 

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

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Seat Height:
33.9 in
Curb Weight:
504lb / 229kg
Fuel Capacity:
4 gal / 15 L
Displacement:
853 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!

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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. 

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Seat Height:
33.5/34.3 in
Curb Weight:
549lb/249kg
Fuel Capacity:
5.3gal / 20 L
Displacement:
1254 cc
CF Moto MT800

CF Moto MT800

The MT800 is a versatile adventure bike with amazing capabilities both on the asphalt and off-road. The light and powerful frame works with KYB’s multi-adjustable suspensions and the powerful 800cc engine with 95hp, giving it a vibrant road and excellent performance. Powerful braking with cornering ABS, slip clutch and Full Led lights with cornering function dramatically increase road safety. But in terms of comfort, the 800MT excels, as it is equipped with Cruise Control, high adjustable windshield and an impressive 7 “color screen with the ability to view Navigation, phone calls, music, and of course a clear display of all information on the instrument panel.

  • Wet Weight - 509 lbs
  • Seat Height - 32.5 inches
  • Fuel Capacity - 5 gal

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Seat Height:
32.5 in
Curb Weight:
509 lbs
Fuel Capacity:
5 gal
Displacement:
800cc
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. 

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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

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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

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Seat Height:
32.8 to 33.6 in
Curb Weight:
572 lb
Fuel Capacity:
5.2 gal
Displacement:
1215 cc
Yamaha Ténéré 700

Yamaha Ténéré 700

This highly-anticipated "masterpiece of value" has finally been released, giving dual sport adventure riders around the world one more incredible middle-weight adventure bike to choose from. With 73+ smooth, linear horsepower pouring through one of most beautiful exhaust notes out there, the Ténéré 700's unique anti-squat design puts that power into the ground, instead of into the rear shock. The result is one of the best handling, adventure bikes on the market, all backed by typical Yamaha-reliability. Take this agile machine on short trips or long, paved twisties or dirt roads, and know that this may be as close to the "perfect" adventure bike as we have seen in a while. With an attractive entry price, and corresponding rental rate, we expect the number of Ténéré 700's in our fleet operations to grow steadily and remain a factor for a long time. 

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Seat Height:
34.4 in / 874mm
Curb Weight:
452 lb / 205kg
Fuel Capacity:
4.2 gal
Displacement:
689 cc