- 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!
This "Self-Guided & Truck Supported" trip format is one of our most popular options for adventure riders, and for good reason! Shown here as the "Full Patagonia Adventure" package, we've combined the pure, raw, Self-Guided feeling of 'riding solo' through Patagonia with the comfort, safety, and convenience of having a Support Truck & Guide there to follow you each day.
With this package, your motorcycle rental, hotel package, corresponding Road Book, and a host of other services are all included as shown below, and one of our Bi-Lingual Guides will be carrying your luggage, tools, spare parts, etc. in one of Support Truck that follows according to the itinerary below. So you'll be "out there," but not entirely alone, and simple things like having your 50+ lbs of luggage in the Support Truck instead of on your bike makes for safer, and more fun riding.
The Full Patagonia Adventure itinerary mirrors our Guided Group Tour Package called "Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego & Ushuaia!," which has been our most popular route to date. The main difference between these 2 packages is that, on the Full Patagonia Adventure, you are your own Guide. You'll start riding each morning when you want to, move along at your own pace either with another rider or by yourself and enjoy the bounty that Patagonia has to offer. By following a simple Road Book with maps that we provide and having our Support Truck & Guide out there with you, this combines the pure feeling of adventure with some sensibility and convenience in the form of "backup."
In saying that this is our most popular route, rest assured that you'll be experiencing the absolute greatest highlights in Patagonia, from Pucón in the Lakes District up north all the way down the Ruta 40 and Carretera Austral, crossing the Strait of Magellan and charging across Tierra del Fuego to Ushuaia at "The End of the World!" A Full Patagonia Adventure rider will experience as many major riding and scenic highlights as is possible in this trip duration, while Rest Days allow for activities like whitewater rafting, fly fishing, glacier hikes, etc.
As you'll be twisting throughout the Andes Mountains of Chile & Argentina along the way, riders who prefer dirt vs. pavement should register soon, as more and more pavement is being installed throughout the region each year. Also, we only have a limited number of each motorcycle model available, so be sure to reserve your spot and motorcycle of choice as far in advance as possible! Trips can be sold out 6-8+ months in advance.
Contact us for more tour information.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Pucón, Chile
Welcome to Chile! Whether you’re taking extra time to explore the capital city of Santiago first or just flying through, riders need to arrive in Pucón, Chile on or before this date, as the riding begins the next morning. Your intra-Chile flights can be booked through www.lan.com or www.skyairline.cl From your home, plan on flying to Santiago, Chile (SCL) and then to Temuco, Chile (ZCO). At the end of the trip, you'll fly from Puerto Natales, Chile (PNT) back up to Santiago (SCL) before heading home.
Although this "Self-Guided, Truck Supported" trip format allows for "solo travel," you're welcome to join the group for a Welcome Dinner tonight, and meet some of the riders that will be on the same itinerary as you. One of the things we at RIDE Adventures are most proud of is our ability to bring riders from around the world to enjoy these incredible experiences together. The friendships spawning from adventures and riding challenges like this are often those that last a lifetime.
Day 2 – Pucón, Chile to Bariloche, Argentina – 375 km
It’s time to start riding into the heart of Patagonia! With check-in and familiarization with your motorcycle being a first priority, riders will be clear to leave whenever they feel ready. (Again, this is a "Self-Guided, Truck Supported" trip format, so riders can move along whenever they feel ready.)
As your riding in Patagonia begins, don't be embarrassed if emotions overwhelm you a bit. Many of us first-timers have been known to yell into our helmets with feelings of disbelief that "I'm riding in Chile!" given the excitement of this momentous occasion.
With a fully-paved first day of riding planned, you'll begin by climbing into the Andes Mountains shortly after departure. Crossing the international border for the first time, don't be surprised if emotions are stirred up to even higher levels now. Go ahead ... it's also okay to yell "I'm riding in Argentina!" in these surreal moments, celebrating your decision to make this trip happen. Onward to the charming mountain town of San Martin de Los Andes, be sure to choose take the famous "Ruta de 7 Lagos" (7 Lakes Route) instead of the Ruta 40 for this section. Eventually gliding along the shores of Lago Nahuel Huapi, and on to Bariloche, get settled into the hotel and relax with a nice Argentine wine or local beer with your "asado" (Argentine barbecue) dinner, as there's a long road ahead. Also a great town for shopping, don't forget those riders who couldn't join you from back home!
Day 3 – Bariloche to Trevelin, Argentina – 308 km
Riders can start their day with an optional ride through the stunning "Circuito Chico," a one-hour loop through Llao Llao to the west of Bariloche with scenery never to be forgotten. Once south of Bariloche, most of the trucks and traffic will take the obvious Route 40 south, but we encourage riders to take a detour through Parque Nacional Los Alerces just to the west. Just before entering the park, you'll ride right past a couple of small cabins noted as the former residence of Butch Cassidy, who along with the "Sundance Kid" once lived and worked as sheep farmers in Cholila. Continuing into the National Park, 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 will guide you in to the Welsh-settled town of Trevelin. Positioned to cross back into Chile the next day, how did you do on the gravel or "ripio" as it's called in this section?
Day 4 – Trevelin to Puyuhaupi, Chile – 246 km
Today marks the start of your 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, the route passes 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, in one of the most stunning regions of the adventure riding world.
Day 5 - Puyuhuapi to Coihaique, Chile - 224 km
If you're going to get rain on this trip, it'll likely be here in the Queulat Rainforest in this valley full of switchbacks and never-ending 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 take everyone into a fun mountain setting of Coihaique, with plenty of local arts, crafts, and dining options to choose from.
Day 6 – Coihaique to Puerto Tranquilo, Chile – 225 km
Patagonia riding, this is it! Just because the scenery got better and 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 with any flickers of sunlight, another site never to be forgotten. Glacially-fed waters reflect blue light which makes the water bright blue, and combined with more snow-capped mountains in the background, riders might find it challenging to focus on the road to Puerto Tranquilo. If you 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
The rest day in Puerto Tranquilo is chosen for a couple of reasons. First, Patagonia makes for some rigorous riding, so riders need to rest up, and second, because you probably won’t want to leave the Puerto Tranquilo area! You'll be far "off the beaten path” at this point and varying emotions about seclusion and normal life back home 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, 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.
Day 8 - Puerto Tranquilo to Los Antiguos, Argentina – 175 km
Leaving this spot about only about 80km from the Pacific Ocean, the route goes along the shores of Lago General Carrera with its blue beauty guiding along rock walls and fantastic scenery on the 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 later in the day. Just across the border back into Argentina, the quaint town of Los Antiguos gives another look at small town life in remote Patagonia.
Day 9– Los Antiguos to Gobernador Gregores, Argentina – 420 km
Just 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 you, so take extra caution on rides like this. Watching the rickety and sporadic fencelines along the way, you'll occasionally see the carcass of a guanaco who "jumped, but not high enough." The overnight spot of Gobernador Gregores offers another look at small town life in rural Patagonia, and sets riders up for a charge back into the mountains the next day.
Day 10 – Gobernador Gregores to El Calafate, Argentina - 330 km
Still out in the Argentine wild, the route heads back 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 and Cerro Torre will be seen in the distance. Then passing along Lago Argentino to arrive in El Calafate, this fun town with great shopping and dining options sets riders up to witness one of the greatest highlights in all of Patagonia the next day.
Day 11 - REST DAY in El Calafate (option to rest, or visit the Perito Moreno Glacier: 160 km)
It's important to rest once again, and there might be no better town to do so in. But just a short twisting ride in the morning leads riders 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 your eyes, crashing into the bay below. As if this awesome sight isn’t enough, the rumbling sounds of ice cracking throughout the ice field on a sunny day will remain a definite part of Patagonia memories. Riders can even opt for a glacier hike, using crampons to scale the jagged surface of this gigantic ice field. Later, enjoy the town of El Calafate where shopping, crafts, culture and restaurants all await you.
Day 12 - El Calafate to Cerro Sombrero, Chile - 460 km
Out across the open "pampas" of Argentina and with the Atlantic Ocean in your sites, riders will still want to be careful for the bounty of guanacos bouncing around in this typically windy section. Swinging through Rio Gallegos, the goal is to catch one of the ferries to cross the Strait of Magellan, which means...you've just completed a RIDE to Tierra del Fuego! Such remote territories will again make everyone glad that they have the safety and reassurance of our Support Truck and Guide following behind.
Day 13 – Cerro Sombrero to Ushuaia, Argentina – 414 km
Finally, your ride to Ushuaia at the “Fin del Mundo” or the “End of the World!”
Adventure riders from around the world have dreamt about this moment, and here it finally waits before you. Thoughts about the amazing journey that it took to get this far might sneak into the amazing anticipation that comes with riding to this point, only 1000km from Antarctica.
Wide open wind blasts are likely throughout the day until about 100km before arriving in Ushuaia, at which point the scenery drastically improves while you ride through Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego. Enjoy a nice evening there in town probably focused on a seafood dinner, and buy the very popular post cards to send to people from "The End of the World." A group dinner is certainly appropriate to celebrate the occasion.
Day 14 - Ushuaia to Rio Grande - 215 km
As we'll be explaining upon your booking, riders have a few options to enjoy on this half-day in Ushuaia. Some will choose to visit the Harberton Island Penguins on a 5-hour morning tour involving a boat/bus ride, while others might choose to ride a little further to Bahia Lapataia in the National Park Tierra del Fuego. Here awaits a photo opportunity at the end of Ruta 3, which is just 17,848 kilometers from Alaska! You can also send a postcard from Southernmost Post Office at the End of the World, or of course just relax around Ushuaia the entire morning. - The afternoon will be spent making a short ride back to the Atlantic Coast and the town of Rio Grande, positioning riders to cross back into Chile the next day.
Day 15 – Rio Grande to Punta Arenas, Chile - 230 km - plus ferry across Strait of Magellan
Back to Chile the RIDE goes, and with perhaps one of the greatest finishes to a motorcycle trip ever. First, make your way across the border, across Tierra del Fuego, and to the ferry at Porvenir. Boarding the enormous vehicle & passenger vessel, a few hours will be spent crossing the Strait of Magellan one more time, just like the Explorer that you are. Punta Arenas marks Chile's southernmost (non-military) city, so you'll be able to say you've been "as far south as possible" in both Chile and Argentina on this trip. This fun town on the shores of the Strait is loaded with shopping and dining options, and positions everyone for the ultimate finish ahead.
Day 16 – Punta Arenas to Torres del Paine National Park - 330 km
With the Straight of Magellan to your right, and the southern tip of the Andes Mountains dead ahead, riders should make it to the touristy town of Puerto Natales for refueling and lunch by mid-day. Puerto Natales is a booming small town, largely because it's on the edge of perhaps the greatest highlight in all of Patagonia: Torres del Paine National Park.
We've specifically allowed for at least 2 possible days for everyone to enjoy the sites within the park, as sometimes cloudy weather obscures famous sites like "Los Cuernos" (The Horns) that will never find justice in any photos herein. Spend the afternoon this day riding to Glacier Grey, and around Lago Pehoe before settling down for an evening in the Park.
Day 17 - Torres del Paine to Puerto Natales, Chile - 120 km
If cloudy weather the day before obscured your views within this stunning National Park, that's okay because clouds one day often means clear skies the next. Riders have the entire last day to enjoy exploring every lake view, waterfall, mountain peak, and guanaco within this truly special preservation of our planet before heading back to Puerto Natales for the finish. Please note, this itinerary is designed to accommodate those with the extra time to spend hiking famous routes like the "W Trek" within Torres del Paine. Also, it allows us some extra time if needed for the skies to clear in the park, and of course let's everyone finish the trip with one of the greatest highlights in all of Patagonia! Enjoy one final night with the great group of fellow riders you've probably made long this journey.
Day 18 - Departures, if you must
Puerto Natales airport will serve as an excellent starting point for your journey home, so start organizing all those photos, and preparing to show those whom you left behind. Or are you returning to Torres del Paine for some trekking, and more exploration? You're not alone if you're not feeling ready to leave Patagonia. Congrats to you all, on an incredible adventure ride successfully accomplished. Thank you for trusting in RIDE Adventures to support you on this adventure ride of a lifetime.
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
X
32.7 in
430lbs
4.6 gal
471cc Parallel Twin
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 R1250GS
X
33.5/34.3 in
549lb/249kg
5.3gal / 20 L
1254 cc
CF Moto MT800
- Wet Weight - 509 lbs
- Seat Height - 32.5 inches
- Fuel Capacity - 5 gal
X
32.5 in
509 lbs
5 gal
800cc
CFMOTO 450MT
The CFMOTO 450MT is built extra tough to take you beyond where the road ends. This adventure bike brings multi-terrain capability and versatility to CFMOTO's adventure touring category. Now lighter in weight, it boasts responsive power and torque from its acclaimed engine, making it perfect for the adventurous rider.
Smartly equipped for dirt, the 450MT is designed to handle a variety of terrains with ease. Whether you're exploring rugged trails or enjoying long-distance touring, the 450MT is perfectly crafted to meet the needs of those who seek adventure.
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31.4 in/32.2 in | 800 mm/820 mm
386 lbs | 175 kg
4.6 gal | 17.6 liter
449.5 cc
Honda Africa Twin CRF1100 (2020+)
X
33.5/34.3 in
505 lb
5.0 gal
1084 cc
Honda Transalp
The Honda Transalp has long been a legend in Europe, and it’s finally making its way to North America. Designed to expand your exploring horizons, this adventure bike excels around town, on the highway, in the mountains, and on unpaved, less-traveled roads. Its perfectly balanced size ensures comfort, maneuverability, and compactness, while the new 755cc Unicam® parallel-twin engine showcases Honda's engineering excellence.
With features like selectable riding modes and a wide range of available accessories, the Transalp is ready for any adventure. Its rally-bike-inspired aerodynamic bodywork provides just enough wind and weather protection. Smooth, tough, agile, and smart, the Transalp is the dream machine many have longed for—and now that dream has come true.
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33.7 in | 855.98 mm
459 lbs | 208 kg
4.5 gal | 17 liter
755 cc
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.
X
34.4 in / 874mm
452 lb / 205kg
4.2 gal
689 cc