High Andes Adventure

High Andes Adventure

Ayres Adventures High Andes Adventure is a premium motorcycling journey that takes part in central Chile and western Argentina, crossing the Andes mountain range twice. The route covers two of the highest paved mountain passes of the Andes as well as Argentina’s famous wine region and the coastal region of central Chile. The loop starts in Santiago de Chile and ends in the beach resort city of Viña del Mar.

This tour is meticulously designed to experience both the high Andes, Argentina’s famous wine region, remote places in semi-desert corners and Chile’s coastal regions on stunning roads with options of unpaved sections. Riders can expect conditions that range from relaxed riding on country roads to technically challenging high-altitude pass roads, cultural and culinary highlights and accommodations that range from luxurious to authentic and more basic. Another unforgettable riding Adventure on this South American continent!

Highlights of this Adventure include:

• Santiago de Chile, Mendoza, Córdoba, and Viña del Mar
• The legendary Caracoles Pass
• Scenic paved and unpaved mountain passes
• Sierra de San Luis
• Sierras de Córdoba mountain range
• Paso de Agua Negra, one of the highest international mountain passes in the world
• Riding along the Pacific Coast
• Beautiful, remote villages and cities

AT A GLANCE YOUR HIGH ANDES ADVENTURE

Day 1 – Arrival in Santiago, Chile

Welcome to Chile! Upon arrival in Santiago, Chile, we will pick you up at the airport and transport you to our base hotel, located in the safe and elegant El Golf district. The hotel is within walking distance of a variety of restaurants and entertainment options.

Later in the afternoon, we will get together for our kickoff meeting, during which the motorcycles will be handed over, and the tour leaders will provide a briefing about the tour. Our welcome dinner that evening will be the perfect start to the Adventure ahead.

Day 2 – Santiago to Mendoza, Argentina ~ 230 miles

Our first riding day! After an early departure, we leave Santiago, heading north and arrive about two hours later at the famous Caracoles Pass. Crossing into Argentina, riders can choose to take the historic unpaved route up to the Cristo Redentor monument at an elevation of around 12,000 feet.

From Uspallata, we continue toward Mendoza, Argentina’s wine capital, with a choice of two routes: the fully paved Ruta 7, or the narrower, twisty, unpaved Ruta 13. We will spend two nights in Mendoza, giving everyone the chance to relax and enjoy some of the region’s world-famous wines.

Both routes cover a similar distance, but the paved route is about two hours faster, with an estimated riding time of 5½ hours compared to 7½ hours on the unpaved road.

Day 3 – Free Day in Mendoza

A free day in Mendoza gives us the chance to explore the city’s wide, shady avenues and striking art-deco architecture in the morning, followed by a wine tasting tour in the afternoon.

DAY 4 – NAZCA TO ABANCAY, 290 MILES

Today we leave Mendoza Province and cross into the Province of San Luis on mostly straight, fast paved roads. About halfway through San Luis, we will have the option to turn onto Route 9, transitioning to smaller, twistier roads that leads us into the Sierra de San Luis. While this detour adds roughly 50 miles and more than an hour to the day, it is well worth it – we’re off the beaten path and enjoy leaning our bikes and watching the mountain scenery! At an altitude of around 3000 feet, this is motorcyclist’s paradise!

Our destination, Villa de Merlo, is a small city situated at approximately 2,500 feet and is famous for its microclimate.

Day 5 – Villa de Merlo to Córdoba ~ 160 miles

Leaving Villa de Merlo to the north, we quickly cross into the Province of Córdoba and begin riding through the Sierras de Córdoba. With elevations exceeding 8,000 feet and a series of beautiful valleys, this impressive mountain range is one of the region’s premier tourist destinations.

As we approach Córdoba, Argentina’s second-largest city with a population of approximately 1.5 million, we have the option to add additional paved miles before reaching our hotel. The riding around Córdoba is good, with routes winding past estancias, the traditional ranches that surround the city.

Day 6 – Free day in Córdoba

The beautiful Sierras de Córdoba southwest of the city, around Lake Los Molinos, invite us to enjoy a half-day loop on the bike, including time for photos and a coffee stop or two. The remainder of the day is left open for additional activities, exploring the city, or simply relaxing and enjoying a leisurely afternoon.

Day 7 – Córdoba to El Chiflón ~ 320 miles

There is some distance to cover today! Soon after an early start, we head back into the mountains. Approximately 70 miles on unpaved Route 28 take us past the spectacular rock formations of Los Gigantes, across several rivers and dry riverbeds, and onward to the paved Route 15, which allows us to cover some distance.

We are now in the Province of La Rioja, near Talampaya National Park, a region well-known for its rock formations, archaeological sites, and extreme temperatures. Tonight, we will stay in a very small village, a striking contrast to Argentina’s second-largest city!

DAY 8 – Chiflón to Rodeo ~ 140 miles

Today is an easy and relatively short riding day as we ride alongside Ischigualasto Provincial Park, also known as the Valley of the Moon, and continue into the Province of San Juan. An optional route takes us onto a partly unpaved road circling the scenic Lake Cuesta del Viento, a well-known destination for wind and kite surfing, as well as a wide range of outdoor activities.

Beyond its striking rock formations and natural beauty, the area offers hot springs at Pismanta, located about 10 miles to the west, rafting on the Jáchal River, horseback riding, and numerous hiking opportunities.

DAY 9 – Rodeo to Valle del Elquí, Chile ~ 210 miles

Today’s route takes us back into Chile on a dramatic climb of nearly 10,000 feet as we cross the Paso Agua Negra, reaching an elevation over 15,000 feet. This is one of the highest international mountain passes in the world and delivers a truly demanding and memorable ride. High altitude, approximately 75 miles of unpaved road, and the potential for low temperatures and strong winds near the summit combine to make this one of the most intense days of the tour.

Paso Agua Negra is typically open only from December through April, with snow closing the route for the remainder of the year.

Our destination is the Valle del Elquí, a region known for its exceptional climate, unspoiled landscapes, and good food. The valley is a renowned wine-producing area, particularly for Carmenère and Syrah, and offers comfortable hotels set in a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere that provides a perfect contrast to the day’s demanding ride.

DAY 10 – Valle del Elquí to Los Vilos ~ 170-250 miles

Today there are three route options. The fastest option follows the Pan-American Highway south along the coast, covering approximately 170 miles with about 3.5 hours of riding time. The second option is a scenic paved inland route that takes us along Routes 43 and D55, totaling roughly 220 miles and about 5.5 hours in riding time. The third option is a full inland day, covering approximately 250 miles on mostly small, twisty roads, with possible unpaved sections and close to seven hours of riding.

All three routes travel through a semi-desert landscape at varying elevations and can be combined without difficulty. Towns such as Ovalle and Combarbalá make worthwhile stops, known for their nice appearance and local products. With the exception of the first option, views of the Pacific Ocean appear only toward the end of the day.

DAY 11 – Los Vilos to Viña del Mar ~ 140-190 miles

Today is our last riding day! Our final destination, Viña del Mar, is the fourth biggest city in Chile, the most popular beach resort and famous for its beautiful architecture. Let’s enjoy the last evening at the beach boulevard, before we have our final dinner in an upscale restaurant.

DAY 12 – Departure from Viña del Mar

The tour leaders will arrange your transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Total mileage: ~ 2,000 MILES