Ushuaia – Discover Patagonia

A Bucket List Destination

Our Ushuaia-Discover Patagonia Adventure takes riders on a 16-day journey criss-crossing the border between Argentina and Chile. This Adventure starts in Puerto Varas, Chile, and ends in Ushuaia, Argentina. Ushuaia is the farthest south it is possible to ride a motorcycle anywhere in the world. This is one of the reasons it has become a bucket list destination for so many riders.

Argentina’s Ruta 40, and its Chilean counterpart Ruta 7, frequently undergo “improvements” resulting in an increasing number of these once-adventurous routes being paved. However, there remains enough hard pack and gravel roads to retain the adventurous reputation of these routes. The relentless Patagonian winds, uneven washboard surface, and sporadic rainfall on the Chilean side contribute to the ruggedness of the ride.

Due to these factors, the tour is recommended for experienced riders only, especially if riding two-up. It is also recommended that riders bring a waterproof rubber bag to strap on the bike instead of opting for panniers or a top case, which are likely to sustain damage on the occasional rough, unpaved segments.
Like many of our Discovery Tours, this Adventure can be described as “dusty by day, but bedazzled by night”.

Although the itinerary of this trip includes some very small towns in which our standard premium-level accommodations are not available, the overall level of accommodations and meals truly qualify this as a premium Adventure.

Highlights of this Adventure include:

• Puerto Varas, the “City of Roses,” known for its distinctive German-inspired architecture and breathtaking views of the towering Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes overlooking the lake.
• A two-night stay in the scenic region of Bariloche, Argentina, with the option to take a loop ride to explore the surrounding area of lakes and volcanoes.
• The historic town of Puerto San Julian, where Magellan and his crew spent the winter in the town’s harbor in 1520.
•  El Calafate, including a boat cruise for an up-close look at the famous Perito Moreno Glacier.
• Puerto Natales, situated on the border of the Torres del Paine National Park, known as one of the most stunning national parks in South America.
• A ferry ride across the Straits of Magellan to the island of Tierra del Fuego.
• Ushuaia!  The world’s southernmost city and bucket list destination for many motorcycle adventure enthusiasts.
• Tierra del Fuego National Park. 
• Los Alerces National Park – famous for its ancient trees and spectacular scenery.
• Fjords, rain forests and pass roads on the Chilean side of the Patagonian Andes.
• The Argentine village of El Chaltén situated at the foot of the famous Fitz Roy Mountain Range.

At a Glance Your Ushuaia – Discover Patagonia Adventure

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL IN PUERTO VARAS, CHILE

Welcome to Puerto Varas, Chile!

The tour leaders will organize your transfer from El Tepual, Puerto Montt’s airport, to the hotel in Puerto Varas.  If you arrive early, you’ll have the opportunity to explore this wonderful city situated on the banks of Lake Llanquihue.

In the late afternoon, we will meet for the motorcycle handover followed by a brief kickoff meeting.  After that, we will head to a nearby local restaurant to enjoy our first dinner together.

DAY 2 – PUERTO VARAS TO BARILOCHE ~ 190 MILES

A very scenic first day’s ride will be along the eastern shore of Lago Llanquihue and three other lakes. These beautiful lakes and surrounding volcanoes are characteristic of this region. As we make our way towards the Argentinean border, we will pass through Puyehue National Park. Once we enter Argentina, we’ll travel along the famous Ruta 40 and ride along the banks of Lake Nahuel Huapi until we reach the wonderful town of San Carlos de Bariloche. We’ll spend two nights here and enjoy the numerous attractions of this breathtaking part of the world.

DAY 3 – FREE DAY IN BARILOCHE ~ 80 MILES

The tour leaders will lead an optional ride on the “Seven Lakes Road’ in Nahuel Huapi National Park, with its incredible views of forests and lakes. This is an unforgettable ride!

For those who prefer to remain in town, Bariloche has a lot to offer, including boutique shops, restaurants, and bars. With Bariloche being known for its chocolate, it’s an absolute must to visit one of the city’s many well-known chocolate shops.

DAY 4 – BARILOCHE TO ESQUEL ~ 205 MILES

Today’s ride will take us through the famous “Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid” region. As we make our way towards Esquel, which is situated in the Andes foothills, we’ll travel along serene country roads surrounded by mountains. Compared to Bariloche, Esquel is a more tranquil and relaxed area.

DAY 5 – ESQUEL TO PUERTO PUYUHUAPI, CHILE ~ 160 MILES

Continuing our ride southwest of Esquel, we will cross into Chile on a small winding mountain road as we pass by the town of Futaleufú. Heading further south, we will get on the famous Ruta 7, also known as Carretera Austral. This will lead us to the serene village of Puerto Puyuhuapi nestled at the end of a fjord in the Ventisquero Sound. While sections of Ruta 7 are gradually being paved, it still presents challenges as it winds its way through the untamed Patagonian wilderness.

DAY 6 – PUERTO PUYUHUAPI TO COYHAIQUE ~ 140 MILES

We will continue on the narrow and twisty stretches of Ruta 7, occasionally encountering unpaved sections. The lush rainforests and numerous lakes offer an incredibly beautiful ride. As we continue through this remote region, we will arrive at Coyhaique, the only sizable city in the area, known for its pentagonal Plaza de Armas.

DAY 7 – COYHAIQUE TO LOS ANTIGUOS, ARGENTINA ~ 175 MILES

Today’s ride will consist of paved and unpaved roads, cobblestone streets, and gravel routes. We will cross the border back into Argentina at a small border post. Our destination is Los Antiguos, known as the capital of Argentinian cherry cultivation and a notable tourist center, thanks to its strategic position adjacent to Lago Buenos Aires. This is the second largest lake in the Andes after Lake Titicaca.

DAY 8 – REGION OF LOS ANTIGUOS TO REGION OF GOBERNADOR GREGORES ~ 250 MILES

Today’s route is mostly paved, making for a comfortable ride. We’ll journey across the Patagonian steppe, where vast, open plains stretch endlessly and seem almost magical. Be prepared for the strong, characteristic winds of Patagonia. Our destination is a classic Argentinian estancia, a working ranch with gauchos, cattle, and sheep, featuring simple overnight accommodations. Tonight we’ll enjoy an authentic parillada, a traditional Argentine barbecue.

DAY 9 – REGION OF GOBERNADOR GREGORES TO EL CALAFATE ~ 210 – 310 MILES

Today’s ride offers flexibility. For a shorter, more relaxed option, we can start later and take the direct route. For those interested in a longer ride, the detour to El Chaltén offers spectacular views of the Fitzroy Mountain Range, featuring stunning jagged peaks surrounding the village. Though home to just around 100 people in winter, El Chaltén swells with thousands of visitors in summer and is known as Argentina’s National Trekking Capital.

Those taking the direct route will rejoin Ruta 40 and continue south to El Calafate, our destination for the day. Nestled on the shores of Lago Argentino, the town will be our base for a two-night stay.

DAY 10 – FREE DAY IN EL CALAFATE ~ 60 MILES

We’ll have a free day to explore El Calafate and visit one of South America’s most popular attractions, the Perito Moreno Glacier, which is just an hour’s ride from El Calafate. We’ll ride our bikes to Los Glaciares National Park, where we’ll embark on a cruise along the face of the glacier. There is no better way to witness the glacier calving and observe huge chunks of ice fall into the lake below!

DAY 11 – EL CALAFATE TO PUERTO NATALES, CHILE ~ 235 MILES

We will be crossing the border back into Chile today where we’ll visit Torres del Paine, one of the most popular National Parks in South America. Get ready to be amazed by the stunning views of the mountains and glacier lakes with guanacos dotting the grasslands.

DAY 12 – FREE DAY PUERTO NATALES

The park offers spectacular riding in every direction, with shimmering lakes around every corner, so be sure to take your camera and be prepared for a relaxing ride through stunning scenery. Alternatively, you can spend a leisurely day at the hotel, enjoying the breathtaking views of the mountains and glacier-fed lakes.

DAY 13 – PUERTO NATALES TO PUNTA ARENAS ~ 240 MILES

We’ll have another enjoyable day of riding through Patagonia, heading towards Punta Arenas, the largest city south of the 46th parallel. Along the way, we’ll stop for a photo opportunity at the “Monument to the Wind.” Created in 2000 by Chilean sculptor Alejandra Ruddoff, this monument serves as a tribute to the strong Patagonian winds that are prevalent in this region.

DAY 14 – PUNTA ARENAS TO RIO GRANDE ~ 165 MILES

We’ll ride along the Straits of Magellan to Punta Delgada, where we’ll board a ferry for a 20-minute ride across the straits, and onto the island of Tierra del Fuego. Once we are on the island, the gravel roads will transition to pavement as we re-enter Argentina. Our destination is Rio Grande, where our hotel offers the conveniences we need for a pleasant stay.

DAY 15 – RIO GRANDE TO USHUAIA ~ 125 MILES

It’s a short ride from Rio Grande to Ushuaia allowing for a leisurely departure and plenty of time along the way to capture photos of the scenic route. We will arrive in Ushuaia early enough to do some last-minute souvenir shopping and to explore this fascinating “southernmost city in the world”. We will also have the opportunity to ride to Tierra del Fuego National Park to capture a memorable photo at the iconic sign.

DAY 16 – DEPARTURE FROM USHUAIA

After a relaxing breakfast, the tour leaders will arrange a transfer to the airport for your flight home.

TOTAL MILES: ~ 2,300 MILES