Riding motorcycles in Patagonia is much more like an expedition rather than a leisurely tour. Whether you’re on a dirt bike or a mid to large capacity adventure motorcycle, expect lots of gravel roads, mountain twisties and graded dirt, especially in the South. ‘Ruta 40’ on the Argentinean side is mostly paved with a short gravel section here and there, but the Carretera Austral and most of the routes on the island of Tierra del Fuego are dirt roads meandering across the land.
When embarking on a motorcycle trip to Patagonia, beware of the notorious gale-force winds in Southern Patagonia: most motorcyclists who have ridden to Ushuaia and back will tell you to expect the seemingly never-ending winds forcing you to ride at an angle bracing against the sheer force of the gusts. Even in the summertime, Patagonia sees chillier temperatures, so layer up before you go and expect cooler weather – after all, you’re now closer to the Antarctic than the equator!
Despite some challenging roads and weather conditions, the riding in Patagonia is out of this world. The Chilean side boasts landscapes worthy of a Lord of the Rings set with the snow-capped peaks of the Andes looming over the bright blue lakes, emerald green foothills and fjord-like bays resembling the Norwegian coastline. On the Argentinean side, the Patagonian pampa stretches out as far as the eye can see, contrasting wildly with the cool shades of blue of the majestic Perito Moreno glacier near El Calafate. Tierra del Fuego, the Land of Fire, is an island of incredible wildlife, stunning mountain passes, and the views of the Drake Passage – the World’s most volatile sea route – separating it from the Antarctic continent.
Our Patagonia motorcycle tours are designed to showcase it all: the remote roads and dirt trails leading past surreal landscapes, the local ways of life, the delicious cuisine, and the natural wonders that are Torres del Paine National Park and the Perito Moreno glacier. You’ll see the Patagonian wilderness up close and personal, stay in charming colonial towns and frontier settlements still retaining the spirit of the gauchos, and visit Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world.