Argentina & Chile: From Salta to Atacama

It is the only one of them that crosses into Chile: 13 days with 10 days of riding, on a loop from Salta, with 3 nights in San Pedro de Atacama, the Valley of the Moon and the Tatio geysers. The Highlights of North-West Argentina explores the region in 9 days and is rated Intermediate. The Raid in Andean Land, also 13 days, stays in Argentina and rides more tracks, as far as Cusi Cusi and then Tafí del Valle.

The tour is rated Sustained: it is for experienced riders, in good shape, who ride regularly. The stages include about 435 miles (700 km) of tracks, sometimes rough, with sandy sections: 112 miles (180 km) on the geysers day and 99 miles (160 km) between Cachi and Cafayate on Route 40. The rest is on superb mountain roads. Some previous off-road experience helps a lot.

About 1,520 miles (2,450 km) over 10 riding days, from 99 to 242 miles (160 to 390 km) a stage. The longest, on the way back from Chile, crosses the Andes again at high altitude. On day 7 we leave at 6 a.m., in the dark, to see the geysers at sunrise. On day 10, in Cachi, the motorcycle rests: time for the village, its museum or the vineyards.

It is the real challenge of this tour. We cross into Chile at the Paso de Jama, at 4,200 metres, the Tatio geysers lie above 4,300 metres and some passes go beyond 4,500 metres. We sleep at up to 3,750 metres, in San Antonio de los Cobres. The climb is gradual and the support vehicle carries an oxygen bottle. Talk to your doctor before you travel.

A Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, at ease on road and track. Pillions are welcome, at £4,490 (€5,040), but only for pairs who already have experience riding tracks two-up: the days are long, at altitude, sometimes in sand and in the cold of early morning. Talk to your travel advisor before booking.

On riding days, an English-speaking motorcycle tour leader leads the group. An experienced mechanic and the support vehicle follow with the luggage, spare parts and cool water. The group is limited to 10 motorcycles, 12 participants with pillions. Far from towns the phone network is rare and satellite phones are not allowed: the support vehicle is the first link to emergency services.

£4,990 (€5,590) per rider and £4,490 (€5,040) per pillion. The price includes the motorcycle, fuel, the team, accommodation, full board from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 13, the site entrance fees listed on the tour page and transfers from Salta airport. You pay for your flights, the International Driving Permit, lunch on the rest day, drinks, tips and a €600 deposit per motorcycle. The £31 (€35) registration fee only applies to your first trip with us.

The season runs from mid-February to mid-May and from mid-August to mid-December. Next open departures: 4 to 16 October 2027 and 3 to 15 November 2027; the departures of 26 October 2026 and 6 April 2027 are full. The air is very dry, and nights and early starts at altitude drop below freezing: bring warm layers and, ideally, heated gloves.

The tour starts and ends in Salta. You book your flights to Salta airport, with at least one connection, often in Buenos Aires; Argentinian airlines often limit checked luggage to 15 kg. Our team meets you on day 1 and takes you back on day 13, according to your flight. An extra night in Salta, before or after the tour, is available as an option.

UK and EU passport holders need no visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days in Argentina or Chile; your passport must be valid for your whole stay, and keep the Chilean tourist card until you leave. We require an International Driving Permit to cross into Chile with the motorcycle: bring it with your licence. We stay in standard to comfort hotels and guesthouses. Our list of documents for Argentina covers the rest.