Chile and Argentina: A motorcyle adventure through the breathtaking landscape of ancient forests, tree-lined fjords, lakes, glaciers and towering volcanoes
After being closed to the outside world until the early 80s the 1240km / 775ml Carratera Austral, or Ruta 40, is fast becoming renowned as one of, if not the best road trips in the world, a huge claim indeed. This immense ride will take in the very best of the Carratera Austral, deep within Patagonia, & also the legendary Chilean Lakes District, Ruta 40 & the vastness of Argentina’s pampas. If towering snow-capped peaks, perfect conical volcanoes, hanging glaciers, rare pristine forests, legendary roads, mighty fjords and a vastness virtually unmatched anywhere else on earth then "Wild Patagonia" is your thing.
Dates & Prices
At a Glance
Tour Highlights
- The Chilean Lakes District town of Pucon
- Breathtaking Futaleufú
- Ventisquero Hanging Glacier
- Enchanted rainforest
- Queulat National Park
- Towering mountains of Cerro Castillo
- Endless fjord scenery of the Carratera Austral
- Riding the legendary Ruta 40
- Picture perfect Bariloche
- Seven Lakes Drive
- PATAGONIA!!
Included
- Airport transfers
- Return flights Santiago - Pucon
- Motorcycle Rental BMW F 700, 800 & R1200 GS
- Fuel
- Tolls
- Border paperwork
- Services of ride leader and support vehicle driver
- Support vehicle with passenger carrying ability
- Non-alcoholic drinks on the support vehicle
- Breakfast every day, lunches and dinners on mentioned days
- Accommodation in excellent small hotels & resorts
- Bonus night accommodation
- Pre-departure material and route maps
- Access to a satellite phone, pay per minute
- Entrances to all mentioned national parks
Not Included
- International Flights
- Visas (if required)
- Personal spending money
- Lunches and dinners on mentioned days
- Personal Health Insurance
- Tips and gratuities
Upgrades
If you require a low bike option we have a lowered suspension or lowered seat BMW F700 GS available: Free of charge
All accommodation is twin or double share, if you would like a single room there will be a single supplement: US$ 750.00
(please note, you may be required to share a bathroom at least once on this trip).
Our motorcycles are insured and have a damage excess of US$ 4000, you can reduce the excess by taking advantage of our Excess Reduction Policy: US$ 25 per day
Itinerary
Joining Day: Your Santiago airport transfer will take you directly to our joining hotel, ready for an early start tomorrow. Today you will meet your crew for your tour briefing and welcome dinner.
Day 1: A short, included, flight from the Chilean capital, Santiago, to Temuco where it’s a quick private bus trip to Pucon.
Day 2: A ride amongst the volcanos today from the Chilean Lakes District to stunning Petrohue on the shores of Lago Todos los Santos.
Day 3: Into Patagonia and a landscape of glaciers, forests, raging rivers and fjords. We spend a night near the Hornopiren National Park
Day 4: A short day today as we take two ferries from Hornopiren to Caleta Gonzalo.
Day 5: Further south we depart the Carratera Austral to visit the amazing Futaleufú, home to the finest white-water rafting on earth.
Day 6: Continue south back onto Ruta 7 into a region of rainforest, lakes and valleys to the superb Puyuhuapi Lodge and Spa, only accessible via boat
Day 7: Ride through the remarkable rainforests of the Queulat National Park with its hanging glacier to Coyhaique
Day 8: Another day of towering snow-capped peaks and stunning turquoise lakes as we reach Puerto Rio Tranquillo where we spend two nights
Day 9: Our first rest day allows us time to visit the remarkable Las Cavernas Marmoles and the San Rafael Glacier
Day 10: We follow the blue waters of Lago Gral Carrera before crossing the Andes and enter Argentina.
Day 11: A big day today riding north along the legendary Ruta 40 that forms part of the Pan American Highway
Day 12: A ride through the stunning UNESCO listed Los Alerces National Park to the picture perfect Bariloche
Day 13: A rest day exploring this magnificent region
Day 14: Today we cross the border and return to the Chilean town of Pucon, via the spectacular seven Lakes Drive.
Day 15: We transfer back to Temuco on a private bus then take a flight back to Santiago for our final night
Departure day: Spend some time in Santiago or fly home, the choice is yours.
Ride Details
Ride Profile
On the more difficult sections pillions can travel in the support vehicle.
Tour Start/End
Climate
Accommodation
- 16 nights of accommodation.
- Our accommodations range from small family run hotels through to 4 star hotels & resorts.
- A flexible attitude is needed as standards are not always what we are accustomed to.
- All accommodation is on a twin share basis. If you are traveling alone we will pair you up with another solo traveler. However, if you prefer single accommodation a single supplement is available: US$ 750.00 (please note that you may be required to share a bathroom at least once on this trip)
Meals
- On every day of the tour we include breakfast: 16 Breakfasts
- On mentioned ride days we provide a picnic lunch that we prepare ourselves from our mobile kitchen: 11 Lunches
- We include mentioned dinners in reliable restaurants we have used many times before: 10 Dinners
Important Information
- You will need to be in Santiago one day prior to start of expedition, for your joining day (a bonus nights accommodation is included)
- All riders must have a valid motorcycle license and at least two years riding experience.
- It is a requirement that all clients have appropriate insurance for this type of expedition.
Bikes
 |
BMW R1200GS
|
 |
BMW F800GS
|
 |
BMW F700GS
|
Trip Extensions
TRIP EXTENSIONS – SOUTH AMERICA
It may be hard for a rider to believe, but there are wonderful places to see and experience around South America that we are not able to visit by motorcycle.
Have no fear with our many years of touring experience we are able to offer great destinations and tours to extend your stay either before your Compass Expeditions tour or after.
Simply let us know if you are interested in extending your trip when you book. Then give us an idea of the time you have and type of destination you prefer and we can suggest an itinerary, book tours with our trusted partners and organise additional transfers and accommodation for your entire South American experience.
Perhaps you would like to spend a few days before or after your tour getting to know the city, acclimatise to altitude or get over your jetlag? We are able to book accommodation for you in our tour hotels, where you will be staying for the joining and departing nights, avoiding the inconvenience of changing hotel
 Antarctic Cruise
Our Patagonia Explorer Motorcycle tour takes you right to the Southern most tip of South America, any further south and you are in Antarctica. Antarctic cruises run from November to March and often take in South Georgia and the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas). There are many itineraries and ships to choose from including expedition style and luxury options. |
 Galapagos and Easter Island Cruises
Remote and wonderfully intriguing for different reasons, both of these destinations have plenty to offer the curious and adventurous traveller. It is the amazing diversity of the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands that captivated Charles Darwin and inspired his “Origin Of The Species”. With world class diving and island excursions you will see the likes of the Galapagos tortoise, sea lions, amphibious iguanas and many bird species that are unique to this chain of islands. |
 Easter Island is fascinating for other reasons. It is the massive stone figures and puzzling human history of this remote place that are an irresistible attraction for traveler. |
 Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail
High in the Peruvian Andes lies the lost city of the Incas. Machu Picchu is referred to as the 7th wonder of the world and with good reason. There is much speculation over the origins and demise of this impressive abandoned citadel, but the mysteries will have to wait as you witness the sunrise over this hauntingly beautiful and spectacular scene. Machu Picchu can only be visited on an organised tour either by train from nearby Aguas Callentes or by hiking the equally spectacular and strenuous Inca Trail over four days. |
 Amazon Jungle Excursion
Iquitos, deep in the Peruvian jungle is the starting point for exploring the rainforest of the Amazon River. Soak up the atmosphere of river life; it’s people and the wildlife. Biologically speaking. You are in one of the most rich and diverse regions on the planet. A multitude of birdlife aquatic and jungle animals still abound in this remote area and our local guides will have pleasure showing you all there is to see and introducing you to the local people and their customs. |
 Rio De Janeiro
The vibrant and lively city of Rio de Janeiro has a lot to offer and we can help you experience it all. Our Rio City Tour showcases all of the highlights and unique sites of the city from the beaches to Christ The Redeemer high on the peak overlooking the city. The Favela tour will show you the colourful and notorious hillside suburbs of Rio, but don’t worry you are with a local. We also offer an amazing Rio Carnival package that will have you partying Brazilian style. Rio De Janeiro Favela Tour The vibrant and lively city of Rio de Janeiro has a lot to offer and we can help you experience it all. Our Favela tour will show you the colourful and notorious hillside suburbs of Rio, but don’t worry you are with a local. |
 Ride The Death Road
The Death Road in Bolivia is one of our most popular tour options. What biker could resist riding a Suzuki DR650 or Honda XR400 from La Paz at over 4,000 meters above sea level down to the jungle town of Coroico at 1,700 meters. The views from The Death Road are spectacular and this is a ride that you will never forget. The Death Road Day Excursion is available as an option on our Atacama To Mauchu Picchu, Los Andes and Iconic South America Tours |
 Rio De Janeiro Favela Tour
The vibrant and lively city of Rio de Janeiro has a lot to offer and we can help you experience it all. Our Favela tour will show you the colourful and notorious hillside suburbs of Rio, but don’t worry you are with a local. |
| Accommodation |
 La Sebastiana Apartment Hotel is located in the heart of the exclusive district El Golf, San Sebastian 2727. This famous area invites you to discover and enjoy the city, surrounded by excellent restaurants, beautiful parks and squares, aromatic coffees, design stores just two blocks from the main Chile’s shopping center Costanera Center, nearby Tobalaba Subway Station.
In La Sebastiana Suites we want to combine a quality service with a warmth and trendy design. Regardless the reason for you trip, business or tourism, La Sebastiana Suites offers you a privileged location, a great infrastructure made it to your satisfaction, and a special attention to make of your stay an unforgettable experience. La Sebastiana Apartment Hotel is our joining or final night hotel for all of our tours that start or conclude in Santiago Chile. |
 Welcome to El Conquistador Hotel, we offer to our guests, a resting space, located in Retiro, Buenos Aires downtown, excellent service quality, very convenient for pleasure and business travel.
The Conquistador is our tour hotel for all of our tours that begin, conclude or pass through Buenos Aires. |
Ask about Pre and Post tour accommodation packages for your Compass Expeditions tour.
Insurance
TOUR AND EXPEDITION TRAVEL INSURANCE
 At Compass Expeditions we work hard to make sure that your motorcycle tour runs smoothly and safely. Your welfare is of primary concern to us and we know that we cannot control every situation on the road or while you are traveling.
Accidents happen, luggage is lost and tour or flight cancellations can occur, so it is our policy that all participants of Compass Expeditions tours have an appropriate level of travel insurance to cover the unforeseen. This is not only compulsory when joining a Compass Expeditions motorcycle tour, but it makes sense. |
 We have sourced a number of companies that will provide you coverage in the event of an accident and/or other losses, depending on the policy selected and better still will give all Compass Expeditions customers a 10% discount off the advertised rates when purchasing through the our website, (this offer is not available over the phone). Compass Expeditions does not endorse, recommend or guarantee payment in the event of a claim from any of the insurers mentioned. We do know that they will offer a policy for clients riding a motorcycle OVER 250cc (including our bikes). This is a critical point to ensure when purchasing a policy. Compass Expeditions are offering this information as a service only to ensure all our clients are properly protected. |
Seven Corners:
|
Travel Cover for Australians:
|
Testimonials
