South America – Ushuaia and Antarctica
Patagonian Gauchos
Perito Moreno Glacier - Argentina
Torres Del Paine
Road to Torres del Paine
Torres del Paine Rainbow
Straits of Magellan
Straits of Magellan
Tierra del Fuego National Park
Tierra del Fuego National Park
Welcome to Antarctica!
The Tail Of The Whale
Aboard Snow Petral
Ayres Antarctic Adventurers - 2009
Cool Passport Stamps
Elephant Seals
Tour Schedule 2013
| Start Date | Duration | Price (USD) | Co-Rider | Cabin | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 12 - Feb 7 | 27 Days | $23,000 | $18,500 | Triple | Must be booked by three riders traveling together - we will not try to arrange roommates for triple occupancy |
| Jan 12 - Feb 7 | 27 Days | $25,000 | $20,000 | Twin Semi-Private | Sold Out |
| Jan 12 - Feb 7 | 27 Days | $26,000 | $21,000 | Twin Private | Sold Out |
| Jan 12 - Feb 7 | 27 Days | $28,000 | $22,400 | Superior | Sold Out |
| Jan 12 - Feb 7 | 27 Days | $28,500 | $22,800 | Shakleton Suite | Sold Out |
| Jan 12 - Feb 7 | 27 Days | $30,000 | $25,000 | One Ocean Suite | Sold Out |
Tour Schedule 2014
| Start Date | Duration | Price (USD) | Co-Rider | Cabin | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 18 - Feb 10 | 24 Days | $17,545 | $15,345 | Porthole Suite | Only two Porthole Suites left as of May 20 |
| Jan 18 - Feb 10 | 24 Days | $23,145 | $20,945 | Veranda Suite | |
| Jan 18 - Feb 10 | 24 Days | $25,145 | $22,945 | Penthouse Suite |
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At a Glance
Your Ushuaia and Antarctica Adventure
| Day | Route/Location | KM |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive Bariloche, Argentina | |
| Day 2 | Free Day - Bariloche | 250 |
| Day 3 | Bariloche to Esquel | 330 |
| Day 4 | Esquel to Comodoro Rivadavia | 555 |
| Day 5 | Comodoro Rivadavia to Puerto San Julian | 430 |
| Day 6 | Puerto San Julian to El Calafate | 580 |
| Day 7 | Free Day - El Calafate | |
| Day 8 | El Calafate to Torres del Paine | 380 |
| Day 9 | Free Day - Torres del Paine | |
| Day 10 | Torres del Paine to Punta Arenas | 390 |
| Day 11 | Punta Arenas to Rio Grande | 265 |
| Day 12 | Rio Grande to Ushuaia | 200 |
| Day 13 | Ushuaia - Prepare for Antarctica | |
| Day 14 | Embarkation - Sea Explorer | |
| Days 15 - 16 | Drake Passage - Southbound | |
| Day 17 - 21 | Cruising Antarctica - On Board and in Zodiacs | |
| Day 22 - 23 | Drake Passage - Northbound | |
| Day 24 | Disembarkation - Ushuaia | |
| 3,380 |
View Bariloche to Ushuaia and Antarctica in a larger map
Ride to Ushuaia - Then Take a Cruise to Antarctica!
Our 24-Day Antarctica and Ushuaia Adventure combines a motorcycling odyssey from Bariloche, Argentina to Ushuaia, followed by an 12-day (11-night) cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula aboard the luxury expedition cruise ship Sea Explorer. Our 2014 Adventure will be the third time we'll operate this "Super Tour" - an experience that includes a cruise to the end of the world! This Adventure is not an "expedition". Almost all of the route is paved and the hundred or so kilometers which is not paved is hard-packed gravel that is in good condition. The trip is very suitable for two-up riding. Non-riding companions are welcome to ride in one of our comfortable support vehicles. Companions who may not wish to make the entire trip by motorcycle may fly to Ushuaia to join the group for the Antarctica cruise.
Attractions of this Super Tour include:
- A kickoff in Bariloche with a two-night stay at Bariloche's famous 5-star resort - Lao Lao.
- A tour of the stunning motorcycling roads near Bariloche.
- A two-night stay in El Calafate, the point of departure for a day trip to the Perito Moreno Glacier.
- A two night stay in Torres del Paine National Park - one of South America's most popular national parks.
- Puerto San Julian, where the name "Patagonia" came to be while Magellan and his crew spent the winter in the town's harbor in 1520. Sir Francis Drake, Charles Darwin and Francisco de Viedma have also visited this interesting town.
- Ushuaia - One of the world's most exotic motorcycling destinations - the southernmost settlement in the world.
- ANTARCTICA! - A cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula aboard a 5-star, luxury expedition cruise ship. Every cabin is a luxury cabin, and butler service is provided for the Veranda Suites and the Penthouse Suites.
Enjoy the company of fellow motorcyclists as you sail through scenic waterways and witness a breathtaking panorama of icebergs, blue glaciers, and jagged, snowcapped mountains. Aboard the ship’s fleet of zodiacs, we'll cruise among ice floes and make several landings. We will observe Weddell, crabeater and elephant seals, skuas and other seabirds as well as a shocking abundance of penguins including some very large colonies of the comical Adélie penguin. We will observe a breeding colony of chinstrap penguins that share their territory with fur seals and blue-eyed shags. We also hope to see the gentle humpback whale dining on krill in its feeding grounds and possibly have an opportunity to observe orcas and Minke whales as we go.
Even while underway, we'll be able to spot the occasional whales and seabirds as we make our 600-mile voyage between Ushuaia and the Antarctic Peninsula.
(This Adventure does not include the opportunity to ride a motorcycle on Antarctica)
The Route
Roads are mostly paved and in very good condition. There is several hundred kilometers of gravel in Patagonia, but the gravel is hard-packed and well maintined and does not require technical skills. The entire trip is very suitable for two-up riding. In Patagonia, high winds are often prevalent. The windy section of the trip is almost entirely on straight roads, which we've classified as "Tame". The "Tame" designation is not to suggest "uninteresting". It's meant to designate good paved highways that do not entail twisties or significant changes in elevation.
This trip is intended for experienced riders.
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Additional Information
A non-refundable deposit of $1,500 per person is required. Full payment is due 120 days prior to departure. Trip cancellation protection is highly recommended.
Tour price includes rental of BMW F650GS with unlimited mileage. For other models, an upgrade charge applies, as noted below:
Additional charge of $675 for BMW F800GS
Additional charge of $1,325 for BMW R1200GS
Additional charge of $1,675 for a BMW R1200GS Adventure
Tour price includes all breakfasts and 25 dinners (while on the cruise, all meals included, but excluding alcoholic beverages), park entry fees, ferry fees, and activities described in the daily itinerary.
Single room supplement for land portion: $1,650
Single cabin supplement - Cabin class Twin Semi-Private - $5,000
Single cabin supplement - Cabin class Twin Private - $5,200
Single cabin supplement - Cabin class Superior - $5,500
Single cabin supplement - Cabin class Shakleton Suite - $11,500
Single cabin supplement - Cabin class Ocean Suite - $12,750
Fuel surcharge - a fuel surcharge may be applied if the price of oil is significantly higher than current rates. We will not know this for certain until approximately 90 days before the date of the cruise.
Deck Plan
Click on image to enlarge
Vavilov Deck Plan
The base price of the Antarctica and Ushuaia Adventure is based on the cabin class selected, as indicated on the price list at the top of this page.
Information about the Vavilov and Polar Cruisees found here
Arrive in Bariloche, Argentina.
Our Tour Leaders will meet you at the gate and will escort you to your hotel. We'll introduce you to your motorcycle and to your fellow travelers.
Hotel: Lao Lao
First Riding Day From Bariloche. Bariloche has a lot to offer; you can easily spend the day walking around in the city, having coffee and tasting the famous pastry and chocolates. As for riding: everything from a short ride on pavement up to 250 km partly on gravel is possible. The Nahuel Huapi National Park provides us with the stunning beauty of the “7 Lakes Road” and some incredible views – a day in paradise!
Hotel: Lao Lao
Hotel: Lao Lao
Bariloche - Esquel (~330 km, 205 miles). Today we ride through the famous "Butch Cassiday and The Sundance Kid" region to Esquel, at the foot of the Andes Mountains. We'll be surrounded by mountains as we travel on relaxing, country roads. Esquel – which appears like a smaller and more laid back Bariloche – welcomes us again with scenic beauty and a luxurious hotel.
Hotel: Hostería Cumbres Blancas
Hotel: Hostería Cumbres Blancas
Esquel to Comodoro Rivadavia (~ 555 km, 345 miles)
The ride across Patagonia will be desolate, but beautiful, with several interesting stops along the way.
Comodoro Rivadavia to Puerto San Julian (~ 430 km, 265 miles)
It's a beautiful ride along the coast out of Comodoro Rivadavia, with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean to your left. By now, we'll probably start to experience the Patagonian winds.
Puerto San Julian is a quaint little fishing village that is best known for the many famous explorers who have spent time there. Ferdinand Magellan spent the winter in 1520. Sir Francis Drake and Charles Darwin also spent time here. The town has a replica of one of Magellan's ships at the harbor.
Hotel: Bahia
Puerto San Julian to El Calafate (~ 580 km, 360 miles)
We'll leave the Atlantic coast behind as we turn inland to El Calafate, a charming little town with numerous shops, cafés and restaurants. Our 5-star hotel is only a few blocks from downtown and we'll arrive early enough to enjoy our first evening in El Calafate.
By the time we reach El Calafate, you will have enjoyed many fine dining opportunities. Be prepared for one of the best of the trip at the very special restaurant we'll use this evening.
Hotel: Posada Los Alamos
Free day in El Calafate
Today we'll visit one of the most popular attractions in South America - the Perito Moreno Glacier - just a one hour ride from El Calafate. We'll be taken to Los Glaciares National Park by comfortable motor coach where we can enjoy a cruise approaching the face of the glacier, followed by lunch.
El Calafate to Torres del Paine, Chile (~ 380 km, 235 miles)
Today we cross the border into Chile where we'll visit one of the most popular National Parks in South America: Torres del Paine National Park.
Be prepared to be blown away by the stunning scenery, as we cross a footbridge to our very special "boutique" lodge located an island in the middle of Lago Pehoe (pictured below). The lodge affords a stunning view of the "Towers".
Free day in Torres del Paine
From your island hotel, the riding in the park is stunning in every direction. Take your camera and be prepared for a relaxing ride through stunning scenery with shimmering lakes around every corner. Or spend a relaxing day on your island retreat. There are no bad options!
Torres del Paine to Punta Arenas (~ 390 km, 240 miles)
We'll have another nice day of riding through Patagonia in Chile to Punta Arenas - the largest city south of the 46th parallel, south. We'll stop for a photo opportunity at the "Monument to the Wind" - a monument paying tribute to the strong Patagonian winds that are often present in the region. The monument was created in 2000 by noted Chilean sculptor Alejandra Ruddoff.
Punta Arenas to Rio Grande (~ 265 km, 165 miles).Depending on the weather we'll either take the ferry (3 to 4 hours, depending on the weather) from Punta Arenas to Porvenir, or we'll ride along the Straits of Magellan to Punta Delgada, where we'll take a much shorter ferry (20 minutes) across the Straits of Magellan and onto the island of Tierra del Fuego. Either option will provide a nice ride to Rio Grande, which is located on the island of Tierra del Feugo.
Rio Grande to Ushuaia (~ 200 km, 125 miles)
It’s a very short ride from Rio Grande to Ushuaia, so you’ll be able to have a leisurely departure, pickup some last minute souvenirs, and have plenty of time for some interesting photo opportunities along the way. You'll also have time to visit Tierra del Fuego National Park and have your photo taken at the famous "Sign".
Ushuaia Enjoy the Argentinean leather markets and succulent lamb dishes that make Patagonia famous as you explore the southernmost town in the world. Highlights of Ushuaia include an award-winning museum and trips to nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park and its popular “Train at the End of the World”.
Embarkation Arriving at the ship in the afternoon, you will be greeted by our Expedition Team and ship's officers at a safety and orientation briefing followed by the Captain's welcome dinner. After dinner, relax and take in the mountainous scenery on our early evening sail down the Beagle Channel past Magellanic Penguin, Rock Cormorant, and Sea Lion colonies.
Drake Passage Among the wildlife spotting opportunities as we sail south are the Albatrosses, Prions, and Petrels that frequently follow the ship. Our Expedition Team will be out on deck as well, looking for the Whales and Dolphins that may also be seen in the area. Our experts will begin the presentations with informative and entertaining lectures on the wildlife, history, and geology of Antarctica. Helpful briefings on environmental regulations and expedition safety will also be held in the comfortable lecture hall. The length of our journey depends on sea conditions but we should approach the South Shetland Islands of the Antarctic Peninsula in the evening of the 3rd day of the cruise.
Antarctica The land of superlatives, Antarctica! Our Expedition Leader and Captain will create a flexible itinerary based on weather, ice, and opportunity. The route will stress the most scenic bays and channels of the Peninsula with stops at penguin rookeries, seal wallows, bird colonies and whale feeding areas as well as sites of historic and scientific interest. The trip may include picturesque Neko Harbor, sheltered Paradise Harbor, the Humpback Whale favored Wilhelmina Bay, the striking Lemaire Channel, the wildlife-filled Penola Channel, or the majestic Neumayer Channel. We may stop at an active scientific base such as Poland’s Arctowksi or Ukraine’s Vernadskiy as well as an historic base such as U.K.’s Port Lockroy or Wordie House. Adelie, Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins abound, and Weddell, Crabeater and Elephant Seals are often found hauled out to rest along with predatory Leopard Seals and the aggressive Antarctic Fur Seal. Minke and Humpback Whales are frequent visitors in the late season and Orca sightings are also common.
Drake Passage We will continue our lecture series and wildlife spotting as we sail back to Ushuaia and reflect on beautiful Antarctica and its fragile future. We arrive at Ushuaia in the early hours of the final day.
Ushuaia disembarkation Morning disembarkation lets you catch a flight to Buenos Aires or stay in Ushuaia for more sights and adventure.
Model | Specifications |
|---|---|
 BMW F650GS | Seat Height: 820 mm / 790 mm Seat Height: 32.3 inches / 31.1 inches Dry Weight: 171 kg / 377 lb Fuel Capacity: 16 Liters / 4.2 Gallons Displacement: 798 cc Damage Deposit: Africa (except South Africa and Swaziland): $3,000 South Africa and Swaziland: $1,500 Alaska/Canada: $2,500 Argentina: $3,500 Chile: $2,500 Europe (except Spain and Portugal): $2,500 New Zealand: $1,500 Spain and Portugal: $3,000 |
Model | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Seat Height: 880 mm / 850 mm Seat Height: 34.65 inches / 33.46 inches Dry Weight: 178 kg / 392 lb Fuel Capacity: 16 Liters / 4.3 Gallons Displacement: 798 cc Damage Deposit: Africa (except South Africa and Swaziland): $3,500 South Africa and Swaziland: $1,750 Alaska/Canada: $2,500 Argentina: $4,000 Chile: $2,500 Europe (except Spain and Portugal): $2,500 New Zealand: $1,500 Spain and Portugal: $3,000 |
Model | Specifications |
|---|---|
 BMW R1200GS | Seat Height: 870 mm / 850 mm Seat Height: 34.25 inches / 33.46 inches Dry Weight: 199 kg / 439 lb Fuel Capacity: 20 Liters / 5.3 Gallons Displacement: 1170 cc Damage Deposit: Africa (except South Africa and Swaziland): $3,500 South Africa and Swaziland: $1,750 Alaska/Canada: $2,500 Argentina: $4,500 Chile: $2,500 Europe (except Spain and Portugal): $2,500 New Zealand: $3,500 Spain and Portugal: $3,000 |
Model | Specifications |
|---|---|
 BMW R1200GS Adventure | Seat Height: 915 mm / 895 mm Seat Height: 36.02 inches / 35.24 inches Dry Weight: 223 kg / 492 lb Fuel Capacity: 33 Liters / 8.7 Gallons Displacement: 1170 cc Damage Deposit: Africa (except South Africa and Swaziland): $5,000 South Africa and Swaziland: $2,500 Alaska/Canada: $2,500 Argentina: $5,000 Chile: $2,500 |
The single supplement applies for riders who request single occupancy. It also applies for cases in which a rider wishes to share a room with another rider, but there are no riders available or willing to share a room.