What is the difference between the different motorcycle programs in Argentina?

Vintage Rides offers five motorcycle tours in Argentina on Royal Enfield Himalayan 450s, accompanied by a motorcycle tour leader. They differ in terms of duration, geographical area, level of difficulty and budget: The Highlights of North-West Argentina: 9 days, 807 miles, intermediate level, from $4,690 per rider. The shortest and most accessible format: a condensed immersion in North-West Argentina (Salta, Cachi, Cafayate, Ruta 40) for riders who want to discover the destination without committing to a multi-week Adventure Tour. Andean Land Raid: 13 days, 1,491 miles, sustained level, from $5,790 per rider. The Signature tour departing from Salta: the legendary Ruta 40, the high-altitude Puna plateau, Iruya, the salt desert and the Hornocal viewpoint, with a higher proportion of off-road riding than The Highlights of North-West Argentina. Argentina & Chile: From Salta to Atacama: 13 days, 1,522 miles, sustained level, from $6,390 per rider. The same starting point as Andean Land Raid, but with a cross-border excursion: crossing the Jama Pass (4,200 m) to reach the Atacama Desert in Chile, with its geysers and Andean lagoons. Volcanoes and Lakes of Patagonia: 14 days, 1,398 miles, sustained level, from $6,990 per rider. A completely different side of Argentina, further south this time: the Lake District, the Seven Lakes Route, the volcanoes of Argentine and Chilean Patagonia and the Carretera Austral, starting and ending in Bariloche. TRANSCONTINENTAL: AREQUIPA – USHUAIA: 46 days, approximately 6,524 miles, sustained level, from $15,690 per rider. The ultimate adventure: a crossing of the continent through Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina all the way to Ushuaia, bringing together the essence of South American landscapes in a single expedition (Machu Picchu, Salar de Uyuni, Ruta 40, Carretera Austral, Tierra del Fuego). In summary: North-West Argentina (Salta, Cafayate and the Puna) is the common playground of the first three tours, with increasing levels of difficulty and duration; Patagonia is a destination in its own right, further south and greener; and the Transcontinental is an extraordinary expedition linking several South American countries.

What is included in the price of a motorcycle tour in Argentina?

The inclusions are very similar from one tour to another (Andean Land Raid, From Salta to Atacama, Volcanoes and Lakes of Patagonia and The Highlights of North-West Argentina). What is included in the price: A Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and the necessary spare parts. Gasoline, parking and any applicable tolls. Third-party motorcycle insurance. Airport–hotel–airport transfers included in the program, by private vehicle. Tour leadership: An English-speaking motorcycle tour leader present on riding days. A complete local team: an experienced mechanic and support vehicle driver, with the team’s accommodation and meals included. A support vehicle carrying equipment and luggage throughout the trip. Accommodation in Standard or Comfort category (hotel, guest house or camp), in twin or double rooms; a supplement is available for a single room. Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner, water, tea and coffee included, from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the last riding day. Entrance fees to regional parks and sites included in the program (for example, the ruins of Tilcara, Laguna de Brealito or the Hornocal viewpoint). 24/7 telephone assistance from France, with English-speaking staff. An oxygen bottle in the support vehicle for high-altitude stages. What is not included in the price? Mandatory insurance: medical expenses and repatriation assistance in the event of an accident involving a large-capacity two-wheeled vehicle. Cancellation and legal insurance, strongly recommended. International Driving Permit, visa fees and international flights. A refundable $708 motorcycle deposit, returned provided there is no damage. A $41 registration fee, bank charges, tips and personal expenses. Lunch on the rest day and drinks (soft drinks, alcohol, etc.). The TRANSCONTINENTAL: AREQUIPA – USHUAIA operates under a different formula. The price does not include meals (estimated at $47/day), fuel (estimated at $18/day), entrance fees to parks, museums, and other historical sites (approximately $342 for Machu Picchu). The price includes border-crossing permits and accommodation.

What type of motorcycle is used on motorcycle road trips in Argentina?

All our motorcycle tours in Argentina are ridden on the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, the brand’s latest adventure motorcycle, specifically designed for this type of mixed road/off-road and high-altitude terrain. Vintage Rides Argentina has 11 motorcycles from the 2026 model year. Each participant is assigned their own motorcycle for the entire duration of the trip. Motorcycle equipment Each Himalayan 450 is equipped for touring: crash bars, sump guard, panniers, hand guards and radiator protection. The equipment is designed to withstand long off-road stages while protecting the motorcycle’s mechanical components. On tours crossing an international border (From Salta to Atacama, Volcanoes and Lakes of Patagonia and the Transcontinental), the motorcycles are authorized for international travel, allowing riders to cross from one country to another without interrupting their journey. In the event of a breakdown or damage, a replacement motorcycle and spare parts are included on every tour. Its versatility (low-down torque, suspension comfort and relatively light weight) makes it particularly well suited to high altitude, long riding stages and changing road surfaces in North-West Argentina and Patagonia. Mechanical and logistical support throughout the trip A support vehicle follows the group at every stage, carrying equipment, luggage and supplies. On the road, this is notably a 2024 Ford Ranger V6 4×4, with increased load capacity (+500 kg), a UHF radio to remain in contact with the motorcycles, an integrated air compressor, a reinforced roll cage, a 70-liter water tank and four 20-liter fuel cans. The vehicle also carries spare wheels for motorcycles and the 4×4, a tool kit, a cooler, a first-aid kit and an oxygen bottle, ensuring the group’s safety and comfort even in the most remote areas. An experienced mechanic accompanies every tour, together with the support vehicle driver. This permanent presence allows for rapid intervention in the event of a mechanical problem, including on off-road sections far from any garage.

Is it possible to travel as a pillion on a motorcycle tour in Argentina?

Yes. The pillion option is available on all five Argentine tours, with a few differences depending on the itinerary: On Andean Land Raid and From Salta to Atacama, travelling as a pillion remains demanding: many hours are spent riding off-road, and the experience depends greatly on the pillion’s ability to remain seated all day on sometimes rough sections. Previous off-road experience is a real advantage for both pillion and rider. If the pillion becomes tired or uncomfortable, they can join the support vehicle (Ford Ranger 4×4) at any time. On Volcanoes and Lakes of Patagonia, the experience is more comfortable for a pillion thanks to much smoother and easier off-road sections. The support vehicle following the group therefore provides a genuine back-up option for the pillion at any time during the day. The pillion price is generally 15 to 20% lower than the rider price. Andean Land Raid: $4,890 / pillion (compared with $5,790 / rider). Argentina & Chile: From Salta to Atacama: $5,840 / pillion (compared with $6,390 / rider). Volcanoes and Lakes of Patagonia: $4,990 / pillion (compared with $6,990 / rider). The Highlights of North-West Argentina: $3,890 / pillion (compared with $4,690 / rider). TRANSCONTINENTAL: AREQUIPA – USHUAIA: $6,990 / pillion (compared with $15,690 / rider).

What are the difficulty levels of motorcycle tours in Argentina?

All our tours in Argentina are classified as Adventure Tour. In practical terms, you should expect: Long riding stages Sometimes rough off-road sections Occasionally challenging weather conditions Good physical fitness and regular motorcycle riding experience are required. Previous off-road experience is a real advantage. These tours are reserved for experienced riders and often include long stages at high altitude (passes above 4,500 m on Andean Land Raid), far from first responders. Initial assistance is mainly provided by our support vehicle, as helicopters and ambulances are very rare in these remote regions. Limited mobile phone networks can also make it difficult to contact emergency services. The level of difficulty nevertheless varies significantly from one tour to another. Intermediate level: The Highlights of North-West Argentina Riding mainly on small secondary roads, with frequent sections of smooth and accessible off-road tracks. 5- to 6-hour riding stages repeated every day, meaning that good physical fitness is still required. Sustained level: Andean Land Raid, From Salta to Atacama, Volcanoes and Lakes of Patagonia, Transcontinental Andean Land Raid and From Salta to Atacama include approximately 40% off-road riding, including corrugated tracks and sandy sections. These are the most technical routes in the Argentine range. Volcanoes and Lakes of Patagonia also includes approximately 40% off-road riding, but the tracks are considerably smoother and easier. TRANSCONTINENTAL: AREQUIPA – USHUAIA is an adventure on an entirely different scale: 46 days and approximately 6,524 miles, travelling through Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina, with approximately 1,146 miles of off-road riding spread across different sections. The itinerary alternates between legendary roads and remote tracks, with highly varied terrain, from the Altiplano to corrugated tracks, Patagonian trails and the Carretera Austral. Some stages also reach very high altitudes, including a section at 4,700 m. This journey therefore requires excellent endurance, regular motorcycle riding experience and a genuine appetite for long-distance adventures and varied riding conditions. Seasonality also affects the level of difficulty: on the North-West circuits (Andean Land Raid and From Salta to Atacama), the tour is easier in September/October and more demanding in March/April, when river crossings and tracks damaged by the rainy season can make riding more challenging. Not sure whether your riding level is right for this trip? We recommend taking part in a motorcycle training course before your departure: it is the ideal opportunity to refresh your off-road riding skills, become familiar with the size and handling of a Royal Enfield, and set off with confidence on your next adventure.

Argentina motorcycle tours – Roar across Patagonia’s edge-of-the-earth roads

When to go for a motorcycle tour in Argentina

Remember, seasons are reversed in the Southern Hemisphere. Generally, the best time for an Argentina motorcycle tours is in the fall (April-May) or spring (October-November). July and August are also good options for the northern part of the country. Avoid the rainy season during the austral summer, from December to March, when it gets very hot and humid. Argentina stretches from the tropics to Antarctica and offers a wide variety of climates. Everything changes from one region to another. If you want to visit Buenos Aires, the best time is between late September and early December for pleasant weather. For travelers dreaming of Tierra del Fuego and southern Patagonia, keep in mind that the weather is tough, with very cold temperatures, lots of rain, and strong winds. The best period to visit Ushuaia is between November and March.

Geography of Argentina

As the second-largest country in South America, Argentina stretches over 3,700 km from north to south. Its size is about five times that of France. Most of the population is concentrated in the big cities like Buenos Aires, Santa Fe, Mendoza, and Cordoba. Thanks to its diverse landscapes and the Andes Mountains, an Argentina motorcycle tours promises a full immersion into wild nature. The Aconcagua, Argentina’s highest peak, rises to 6,960 meters. Several major natural regions can be distinguished: Patagonia, with the mythical city of Ushuaia; the Pampas, vast fertile plains where Buenos Aires is located; Mesopotamia in the northeast, bordering Brazil, famous for the spectacular Iguazu Falls; the Northwestern Andes and the Central Andes forming the backbone of the country. Our motorcycle tours will mainly take you through the Andes. Home to indigenous and mixed populations, beautiful colonial cities, and grandiose mountains, the breathtaking beauty of these territories, their high peaks, and endless vineyards will leave you speechless. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in Argentina!

History and culture in Argentina

Everything started when the Spanish discovered Argentina in the 16th century. Spanish explorer Juan Díaz de Solís reached the Río de la Plata near Buenos Aires in 1516. Conquistadors then took control of the northwest and founded cities like Jujuy, Cordoba, Salta, and Tucuman. During an Argentina motorcycle tours, you will have the chance to explore dynamic Buenos Aires and other colonial cities with incredible charm. Argentina is the South American country most influenced by European culture. It declared independence in 1816. By the late 19th century, Argentina unified, its economy boomed, exports grew, and immigration surged. Universal suffrage came in 1912, moving the country towards democracy. However, Argentina was hit hard by the 1929 crisis, bringing nationalists to power and a long period of political instability until the early 1980s. After the major financial crisis of 2001, the country’s economic and social situation has gradually improved over the last decade.

Don’t miss our South America motorcycle tours to keep the adventure going!

Argentina Motorcycle Tours: Frequently Asked Questions

Vintage Rides offers five motorcycle tours in Argentina on Royal Enfield Himalayan 450s, accompanied by a motorcycle tour leader. They differ in terms of duration, geographical area, level of difficulty and budget:

The Highlights of North-West Argentina: 9 days, 807 miles, intermediate level, from $4,690 per rider. The shortest and most accessible format: a condensed immersion in North-West Argentina (Salta, Cachi, Cafayate, Ruta 40) for riders who want to discover the destination without committing to a multi-week Adventure Tour.
Andean Land Raid: 13 days, 1,491 miles, sustained level, from $5,790 per rider. The Signature tour departing from Salta: the legendary Ruta 40, the high-altitude Puna plateau, Iruya, the salt desert and the Hornocal viewpoint, with a higher proportion of off-road riding than The Highlights of North-West Argentina.
Argentina & Chile: From Salta to Atacama: 13 days, 1,522 miles, sustained level, from $6,390 per rider. The same starting point as Andean Land Raid, but with a cross-border excursion: crossing the Jama Pass (4,200 m) to reach the Atacama Desert in Chile, with its geysers and Andean lagoons.
Volcanoes and Lakes of Patagonia: 14 days, 1,398 miles, sustained level, from $6,990 per rider. A completely different side of Argentina, further south this time: the Lake District, the Seven Lakes Route, the volcanoes of Argentine and Chilean Patagonia and the Carretera Austral, starting and ending in Bariloche.
TRANSCONTINENTAL: AREQUIPA – USHUAIA: 46 days, approximately 6,524 miles, sustained level, from $15,690 per rider. The ultimate adventure: a crossing of the continent through Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina all the way to Ushuaia, bringing together the essence of South American landscapes in a single expedition (Machu Picchu, Salar de Uyuni, Ruta 40, Carretera Austral, Tierra del Fuego).

In summary: North-West Argentina (Salta, Cafayate and the Puna) is the common playground of the first three tours, with increasing levels of difficulty and duration; Patagonia is a destination in its own right, further south and greener; and the Transcontinental is an extraordinary expedition linking several South American countries.

The inclusions are very similar from one tour to another (Andean Land Raid, From Salta to Atacama, Volcanoes and Lakes of Patagonia and The Highlights of North-West Argentina).

What is included in the price:

A Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and the necessary spare parts.
Gasoline, parking and any applicable tolls.
Third-party motorcycle insurance.
Airport–hotel–airport transfers included in the program, by private vehicle.
Tour leadership: An English-speaking motorcycle tour leader present on riding days.
A complete local team: an experienced mechanic and support vehicle driver, with the team’s accommodation and meals included.
A support vehicle carrying equipment and luggage throughout the trip.
Accommodation in Standard or Comfort category (hotel, guest house or camp), in twin or double rooms; a supplement is available for a single room.
Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner, water, tea and coffee included, from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the last riding day.
Entrance fees to regional parks and sites included in the program (for example, the ruins of Tilcara, Laguna de Brealito or the Hornocal viewpoint).
24/7 telephone assistance from France, with English-speaking staff.
An oxygen bottle in the support vehicle for high-altitude stages.

What is not included in the price?

Mandatory insurance: medical expenses and repatriation assistance in the event of an accident involving a large-capacity two-wheeled vehicle.
Cancellation and legal insurance, strongly recommended.
International Driving Permit, visa fees and international flights.
A refundable $708 motorcycle deposit, returned provided there is no damage.
A $41 registration fee, bank charges, tips and personal expenses.
Lunch on the rest day and drinks (soft drinks, alcohol, etc.).

The TRANSCONTINENTAL: AREQUIPA – USHUAIA operates under a different formula. The price does not include meals (estimated at $47/day), fuel (estimated at $18/day), entrance fees to parks, museums, and other historical sites (approximately $342 for Machu Picchu). The price includes border-crossing permits and accommodation.

All our motorcycle tours in Argentina are ridden on the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, the brand’s latest adventure motorcycle, specifically designed for this type of mixed road/off-road and high-altitude terrain. Vintage Rides Argentina has 11 motorcycles from the 2026 model year. Each participant is assigned their own motorcycle for the entire duration of the trip.

Motorcycle equipment

Each Himalayan 450 is equipped for touring: crash bars, sump guard, panniers, hand guards and radiator protection. The equipment is designed to withstand long off-road stages while protecting the motorcycle’s mechanical components.
On tours crossing an international border (From Salta to Atacama, Volcanoes and Lakes of Patagonia and the Transcontinental), the motorcycles are authorized for international travel, allowing riders to cross from one country to another without interrupting their journey.
In the event of a breakdown or damage, a replacement motorcycle and spare parts are included on every tour.

Its versatility (low-down torque, suspension comfort and relatively light weight) makes it particularly well suited to high altitude, long riding stages and changing road surfaces in North-West Argentina and Patagonia.

Mechanical and logistical support throughout the trip

A support vehicle follows the group at every stage, carrying equipment, luggage and supplies. On the road, this is notably a 2024 Ford Ranger V6 4×4, with increased load capacity (+500 kg), a UHF radio to remain in contact with the motorcycles, an integrated air compressor, a reinforced roll cage, a 70-liter water tank and four 20-liter fuel cans.
The vehicle also carries spare wheels for motorcycles and the 4×4, a tool kit, a cooler, a first-aid kit and an oxygen bottle, ensuring the group’s safety and comfort even in the most remote areas.
An experienced mechanic accompanies every tour, together with the support vehicle driver. This permanent presence allows for rapid intervention in the event of a mechanical problem, including on off-road sections far from any garage.

Yes. The pillion option is available on all five Argentine tours, with a few differences depending on the itinerary:

On Andean Land Raid and From Salta to Atacama, travelling as a pillion remains demanding: many hours are spent riding off-road, and the experience depends greatly on the pillion’s ability to remain seated all day on sometimes rough sections. Previous off-road experience is a real advantage for both pillion and rider. If the pillion becomes tired or uncomfortable, they can join the support vehicle (Ford Ranger 4×4) at any time.
On Volcanoes and Lakes of Patagonia, the experience is more comfortable for a pillion thanks to much smoother and easier off-road sections.

The support vehicle following the group therefore provides a genuine back-up option for the pillion at any time during the day.

The pillion price is generally 15 to 20% lower than the rider price.

Andean Land Raid: $4,890 / pillion (compared with $5,790 / rider).
Argentina & Chile: From Salta to Atacama: $5,840 / pillion (compared with $6,390 / rider).
Volcanoes and Lakes of Patagonia: $4,990 / pillion (compared with $6,990 / rider).
The Highlights of North-West Argentina: $3,890 / pillion (compared with $4,690 / rider).
TRANSCONTINENTAL: AREQUIPA – USHUAIA: $6,990 / pillion (compared with $15,690 / rider).

All our tours in Argentina are classified as Adventure Tour. In practical terms, you should expect:

Long riding stages
Sometimes rough off-road sections
Occasionally challenging weather conditions

Good physical fitness and regular motorcycle riding experience are required. Previous off-road experience is a real advantage.

These tours are reserved for experienced riders and often include long stages at high altitude (passes above 4,500 m on Andean Land Raid), far from first responders. Initial assistance is mainly provided by our support vehicle, as helicopters and ambulances are very rare in these remote regions. Limited mobile phone networks can also make it difficult to contact emergency services.

The level of difficulty nevertheless varies significantly from one tour to another.

Intermediate level: The Highlights of North-West Argentina

Riding mainly on small secondary roads, with frequent sections of smooth and accessible off-road tracks.
5- to 6-hour riding stages repeated every day, meaning that good physical fitness is still required.

Sustained level: Andean Land Raid, From Salta to Atacama, Volcanoes and Lakes of Patagonia, Transcontinental

Andean Land Raid and From Salta to Atacama include approximately 40% off-road riding, including corrugated tracks and sandy sections. These are the most technical routes in the Argentine range.
Volcanoes and Lakes of Patagonia also includes approximately 40% off-road riding, but the tracks are considerably smoother and easier.
TRANSCONTINENTAL: AREQUIPA – USHUAIA is an adventure on an entirely different scale: 46 days and approximately 6,524 miles, travelling through Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina, with approximately 1,146 miles of off-road riding spread across different sections. The itinerary alternates between legendary roads and remote tracks, with highly varied terrain, from the Altiplano to corrugated tracks, Patagonian trails and the Carretera Austral. Some stages also reach very high altitudes, including a section at 4,700 m. This journey therefore requires excellent endurance, regular motorcycle riding experience and a genuine appetite for long-distance adventures and varied riding conditions.

Seasonality also affects the level of difficulty: on the North-West circuits (Andean Land Raid and From Salta to Atacama), the tour is easier in September/October and more demanding in March/April, when river crossings and tracks damaged by the rainy season can make riding more challenging.

Not sure whether your riding level is right for this trip? We recommend taking part in a motorcycle training course before your departure: it is the ideal opportunity to refresh your off-road riding skills, become familiar with the size and handling of a Royal Enfield, and set off with confidence on your next adventure.

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