Motorcycle trip

South America

The seasons change from one end of the continent to the other. From December to February, the southern summer opens up Patagonia, and Colombia is ridden from January to April, then in July. North-west Argentina and the Atacama, in Chile, are ridden from mid-February to mid-May and from mid-August to mid-December. Peru runs from April to October, Ecuador from May to November. The Transcontinental, which crosses Bolivia, leaves in January or late February.

Ecuador, then Colombia. A Journey Across Worlds, in Ecuador, is our only South American tour rated Accessible: mostly tarmac and a few easy tracks, but at altitude. The Coffee Route through the Andes, in Colombia, is rated Intermediate: regular riding is enough, on very winding mountain roads. In Peru, Chile, Bolivia and Argentina, almost all our tours are rated Sustained, for experienced riders.

In Ecuador and Colombia, riding two-up is most comfortable: mountain roads that are mostly tarmac, and easy tracks. In Argentina, Chile, Peru and on the Transcontinental, a pillion can come along too, but we keep it for riders already used to carrying a passenger on tracks and at altitude, as the stages are long and sometimes rough. On every tour, the support vehicle carries the luggage.

Per rider, flights not included: £3,590 (€3,990) in Colombia and Ecuador, for 12 days; £3,590 (€3,990) to £5,490 (€5,990) in Argentina, for 9 to 14 days; £4,290 (€4,790) in Peru, for 13 days; £4,990 (€5,590) or £5,490 (€5,990) to ride in Chile too, which our tours reach from Argentina. Bolivia is crossed on the Transcontinental: £11,990 (€13,290) for 46 days, meals and fuel extra. A pillion pays £2,990 (€3,290) to £5,490 (€6,190).

Go for Patagonia or Colombia. Volcanoes and Lakes of Patagonia rides much lower than the northern Andes, and Colombia stays mostly at mid-altitude, in the coffee region. Ecuador climbs above 4,000 metres near Chimborazo, then drops towards the Amazon and the Pacific. Peru, north-west Argentina, the Atacama and Bolivia are the most demanding: nights above 3,500 metres and passes over 4,500 metres.