- 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!
- Mary Jo Ford, along with her husband and daughter from California enjoyed a customized version of our Self-Guided "RIDE the 3 Corners" adventure riding package. This photo overlooking the Salar de Uyuni from Fisher Island, what a place to RIDE!
-Andrea and Chapman from California after a weekend ride through the Lakes District of Chile, Northern Patagonia on a BMW F800GS rental.
Overall the trip was great. The closing of the pass was a real wrench in the plan. We decided to play things by ear and instead of going to Argentina spent our days exploring the region around Puerto Varas. We met a great french couple running a place called Casa Ko and loved staying with them and getting daily recommendations. Some of the highlights were Volcan Osorno, falls near Petrohue, the road to Cochamo, Lago Tagua Tagua, and taking the ferry from Ruta 7.
-Chris from California, after a week-long motorcycle rental in Chile and Argentina. In December of 2012, Paso Samore (between Osorno and Bariloche) had a fire and was shut down for a couple of weeks. Riders had to make some last-minute route adjustments!
-George and Anders from Norway, after 10 great days of BMW motorcycle rentals in Chile, spent riding the Andes Mountains of northern Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile - on the ferry at Estrecho de Tiquina to Copacabana, Bolivia for sure!
-Fernando Carneiro from Brazil, after his group's Northern Chile trip on BMW motorcycle rentals we provided. Glad you enjoyed the service and riding adventure, Fernando!
-Paulo Godoy, also from the same Brazilian group renting BMW R1200GS's in Chile. Vê-lo novamente, amigos!
-Remi Aquin, District Sales Manager (Pictures from Jan and Remi's travels by renting motorcycles in Chile, and riding through Northern Chile, Peru, Bolivia, and Northern Argentina.)
"The trip was awesome! The itinerary allowed some side excursions on “rest days” which we took full advantage of with trips to the Salar to Tara, Valle de la Luna, and Isla Incahuasi. The route suggestions were spot-on (my favourite being Ruta 9 north of Salta…we did it both directions…epic!).
If someone asks me whether I’d recommend a self-guided fly and ride with RIDE Adventures…the answer is absolutely YES!! Our experience was incredible, the scenery was stunning, the people amazing, and we overcame problems with help from your people on the ground. We are already talking about doing a ride in southern Chile and Argentina, plus riding the Lagunas route from SPDA to Uyuni is now on my bucket list. Hopefully I can convince you to rent me a DR650 in ANF at some point."
- Dave Munro from Calgary and his buddy, Al, sure did enjoy their Self-Guided, Fly & RIDE The 3 Corners: Argentina, Bolivia & Chile trip, and we couldn't be happier for that. Come back again anytime guys, the Andes are the longest mountain chain in the world, and there's lots more to experience!
-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!
We had a fantastic time, not without its challenges as you had promised.
- John and Jane from New Zealand tackled the Altiplano and Atacama region of the Andes Mountains with our Self-Guided "RIDE the 3 Corners" adventure riding package. The picture helps realize just how clear, crisp, and vivid the colors and textures of this region are. So fantastic for photography, and riding!
-Mark Jeffries from the U.K. after his clearly EXCELLENT experience riding a Self-Guided Motorcycle Trip in Patagonia in 2015.
Thanks again!"
-Written by Craig Pejic from the U.K. after his motorcycle rental package in Patagonia for riding through Chile and Argentina. So glad you guys enjoyed your trip, and that we had a chance to meet along the road near Futaleufú, Craig!
"I have finally made it back to Singapore after the long haul from the bottom of the world. I just wanted to write a few words about the 2 weeks I spent with Ride Adventures, Ulli and Andres.
Going into this trip, I had some trepidation about being able to keep up with the rest of the team on the infamous Ripio. Although I was confident I would get through it, I did not want to end up an hour behind the rest of the group and becoming a drag on the tour.
Luckily, we had a group of riders that although on their own bikes had a very large range of ability and would have no doubt kicked my ass on dirt or road were quick to develop a team concept and help each other out when needed. I do believe I was very fortunate to be able to ride and spend time with such an outstanding group of people.
-Written by Dan Ruben from Singapore after he was able to sneak most of our "Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego & Ushuaia!" motorcycle trip into his busy schedule!
The Atacama Desert and the 3 corners of Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile here in the "Driest Desert in the World" have been rising in popularity amongst our adventure riding Customers.
One of the most mysterious countries in the world, cut-off from the ocean after lost battles and isolated within the continent of South America, Bolivia just begs exploration of it's landscapes by motorcycle. Fascinating cultures and traditions, wide open spaces, and some of the most beautiful riding in all of the Andes Mountains awaits us in this now land-locked country.
As you cross borders with Argentina & Chile, the suble differences indicating each countries political and economic status can be felt, all making for part of the experience. Notice the differences in the indigenous people of the region, as you climb from the Pacific Ocean up into the Altiplano of the Andes.
The word "raw" might best describe the rugged beauty riders will encounter in this part of the world. Riding through southwestern Bolivia, northwestern Argentina, and the San Pedro de Atacama area of Chile brings an array of scenery that at times will almost seen unnatural, as most of us just can't believe that these sites and formations exist naturally.
Don't worry if your camera runs out of storage or battery on trips like this, as the sites you'll encounter will remain a vivid part of any adventure riders heard and mind forever.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Santiago (SCL) and then Antofagasta, Chile (ANF airport)
WELCOME TO CHILE! Hopefully, your travel plans allowed you to explore Chile's capital city of Santiago, but either way, plan on being in Antofagasta this day, which marks the beginning of your motorcycle trip in The Andes.
At least make your flight plans such that you can explore this city that thrives on copper and other nearby mining operations and is one of the many prosperous cities in the strong nation of Chile right now. With this Guided Troup Tour package, we'll be picking you up from the airport and heading to our pre-trip briefing and Welcome Dinner to set things up for the journey ahead.
Just keep your adrenaline and excitement under control though, as there's quite an adventure RIDE ahead to stay fresh for!
Day 2 - Antofagasta to San Pedro de Atacama - 419km
Having been properly introduced to the motorcycle of your choice, and after all questions are answered, it's time to start riding into the Andes Mountains of South America!
As this you rise from the Pacific Ocean through the Atacama Desert and into the Andes, you're experiencing first-hand what the driest desert in the world like. The nearby "Mano del Desierto" (Hand of the Desert) has been a fixture in adventure riding photography for years now, and makes for a fun start to this trip. With some of the clearest skies on planet earth, San Pedro is home to the A.L.M.A. Observatory (Atacama Large Millimieter Array) for reasons of altitude and low moisture content in the atmosphere.
To Adventure Riders, this means some of the bluest skies you'll ever see will lead you into this town full of other geological phenomenon. Crossing a salt flat with views of Andean Flamingos and Volcano Licancabur at 5858 meters nearby, all makes for a 1st day's ride never to be forgotten.
Keep in mind also that you're riding the region that Dakar Rally competitors have been raiding since the famous African race first arrived in the Andes Mountains in 2009. Now you can visualize the rugged conditions that all the car, motorcycle, and truck drivers have been facing all these years. Welcome to the Atacama Desert!
Day 3 - Exploring San Pedro de Atacama - 50-100km
This small town with so much too offer would be a shame to blaze through, so this day is devoted to local exploration of geological phenomenon.
The Tatio Geysers, the Valley of the Moon, nearby Salt Flats, Rainbow Valley, ALL are sites too great to miss, so enjoy it all beneath that bright blue sky before settling back into this tiny Andean village for the night. Plenty of shopping for local arts & crafts would also be a good idea here.
Day 4 - San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni, Bolivia - 535km
Feel free to yell it out loud in your helmet: "I'm riding in Bolivia. I'm riding a motorcycle ... IN BOLIVIA!" The excitement of riding in a country as rarely traveled as Bolivia cannot be understated, as this mysterious yet beautiful land-locked country still has yet to reach its tourism potential. (Such would be true for Argentina and Chile for that matter.)
Alas, today's ride to even higher elevations is gradual so that riders can adjust to the altitude while capturing photos of the amazing Andean colors and formation along the way. With the Salar de Uyuni (Uyuni Salt Flats) in the distance, the day's ride ends at the edge of this vast landscape to spend 2 nights in a hotel made entirely of salt.
The floors, foundation, walls, and furniture, are all hand-carved from the same flats that you get to ride on tomorrow.
Day 5 - Touring the Uyuni Salt Flats - 200-250km
"Wide Open Spaces + Motorcycles = Endless Possibilities," right? The World's Largest Salt Flat awaits the twist of your throttle, and the snap of your camera. A ride out to the Isla Incahuasi and Isla del Pescado, and the Tunupa Volcano further north brings a sensation like no other, as the "nothingness" in all directions seems surreal.
Watch out as you ride though, as cracks and potholes in the otherwise flat salt pan are definitely present, and can gobble-up a rider who is getting carried away with it all. Returning back after a fun day of exploring and trick photography, the same salt-made hotel set you up for more incredible riding ahead.
Day 6 - Uyuni to Tupiza, Bolivia - 440km
One of the most stunning rides in all of Latin America will take up the morning hours, as the ride slithers through an amazing array of colorful rock formations and scenery so incredible that it seems artificial. (Out of respect for the Tail of the Dragon in North Carolina, we're lovingly calling this set of twistiies "The Tail of the Alpaca.")
The day's ride passes through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Potosí for a lunch stop, and depending on progress this day, a tour down the rail cars into the silver mines that made this town famous is possible. Potosí is also one of the world's highest cities at 4,090m in altitude.
Continuing into the afternoon, more canyon riding and red stone rock formations form a path to the town of Tupiza, just north of Argentina, and a vibrant & fun town to spend the night in.
Day 7 - Tupiza, Bolivia to Salta, Argentina - 490km
Welcome to Argentina! Leaving the unimaginable scenery of Bolivia behind means ... now we get to enjoy the stunning scenery of northern Argentina in the Andes Mountains, so it's a pretty good trade-off. Simple scenery around the border of these countries quickly gives way to more mountains, vegetation, and a bit more in the way of wildlife.
Utilizing sections of the famous Ruta 40 in Argentina the ride continues through the colorful Quebrada de Humahuaca, and eventually a route we're calling "The Tail of the Llama" as a play on the Tail of the Dragon in North Carolina.
This seemingly endless array twists & turns will be a welcome part of any Rider's arrival in Salta.
Day 8 - Salta to Cafayate, Argentina - 190 km
After a night out on the town, enjoy a rolling RIDE through farmlands and agricultural regions before red stand stone formations like the "Garganta del Diablo" is within site.
This "Throat of the Devil" is a must see natural arrangement, along with "El Anfiteatro" (The Theatre) and "Las Ventanas" (The Windows) will all be marked on your Road Book as sites not to be missed.
Cafayate is in the heart of Argentine wine country, and as such, accommodations and dining will reflect such opportunities.
Day 9 - Cafayate to Cachi, and "Abra del Acay" - 150-250km
Some raw, rugged, off-pavement riding awaits riders on this loop through northern Argentina and a fairly short ride to Cachi. Enjoy lunch in town, but if energy levels and your adjusting to altitude permit, head up the "Abra del Acay," which is the highest point along the Ruta 40 at 4,972m in altutude (despite the famously inaccurate sign claiming less.)
RIDE Adventures Founder, Eric Lange, reported this ride as being one of his "3 Greatest 1-Day Rides" of all time, on the heels of living, working, and riding in South America. (See near the bottom of that blog post.)
Just remember to keep your jaw from dropping as you climb this surreal route and return to Cachi for the night.
Day 10 - Cachi to Purmamarca, Argentina - 345km
Canyon riding in the Andes Mountains, and an arrival in the quaint and charming town of Purmamarca add yet another highlight day to this trip. It's a great town to check out local arts & crafts, and buy articles made from alpaca wool. When in town, be sure to do the hike around "El Cerro de Siete Colores" or the "Hill of Seven Colors."
Remembering that off-bike experiences should be part of any good motorcycle trip, the views on this short walk will be well worth the effort.
Day 11 - Purmamarca to San Pedro de Atacama, Chile - 430km
Your return to Chile over Paso Jama brings things up to 4700m in altitude, propelling yourself through an array of slithering twisties like any other. (Knee puck, anyone?)
Take it easy of course, as you're still in very remote parts of the Andes Mountains with little surrounding you in the way of help. Leveling off to cross an area salt flat, even the descent down into San Pedro will be a thrill on this incredible motorcycle adventure.
Settle into San Pedro perhaps to see some familiar faces, and enjoy sites or geological phenomenon you might have missed on the way up.
Day 12 - San Pedro de Atacama to Antofagasta, Chile - 312km
Yes, it might be a sad moment, but remember when booking this trip, that Self-Guided riders can have these trips customized to make them last much longer if they wish.
While this route covered an amazing wealth of variety and stunning scenery in the Altiplano and Atacama region, much more is still out there if you tell us you have the time. Having seen any last features of San Pedro that you wish to before leaving, your descent back to Antofagasta along the Pacific Coast should at the very least, bring a sense of satisfaction.
Not only because you've now experienced something few other Riders ever will, but because you're finishing....SAFELY! The riding we encounter in many parts of the Andes isn't something all riders are ready for, but if you're finishing fine, we congratulate you on a "RIDE well done!" Enjoy Antofagasta, and remember, there's a Casino in town.
Day 13 - Departure Day, if you must!
Riders are welcome to have some extra nights booked in Antofagasta to do some exploring of this busy mining town. Those who must leave today will be taken to the airport as part of our Guided Group Tour service, and for one final laugh and smile together about the adventure ride we just completed together.
Start organizing all those photos, and prepare to shares stories at home with friends who wanted to join, but couldn't or didn't dare to. Carry a huge smile on your face though as you board the plane, as you just completed a RIDE in the Atacama Desert & Altiplano Region of the Andes Mountains!
BMW F750GS
X
32.1 in
493lb / 223kg
4 gal / 15 L
853 cc
BMW F850GS
X
33.9 in
504lb / 229kg
4 gal / 15 L
853 cc
BMW R1200GS Adventure (2014+ Liquid Cooled)
X
35.0 in
580 lbs
7.93 gal
1170 cc
BMW R1250GS
X
33.5/34.3 in
549lb/249kg
5.3gal / 20 L
1254 cc
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
X
32.5 in
509 lbs
5 gal
800cc
Honda Africa Twin
X
33.5/34.3 in
511 lb
4.96 gal
998 cc
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
31.8 in
428lbs
4.6 gal
471cc Parallel Twin