Motorcycle trip

Chile

Wedged between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes, Chile has a fascinating geography. From Peru to Tierra del Fuego, its long, narrow strip of land stretches more than 4,000 km (2,500 miles), offering spectacular scenery. The terrain is mostly mountainous. On a Chile motorcycle tours trip, you’ll take some of the most beautiful roads winding through the Andes, near the Argentine border. The Andes form a true spine running the entire length of the country. The central valley enjoys a near-Mediterranean climate and is home to Chile’s famous vineyards. Head up to the high plains of the Altiplano, rising above 4,000 meters (13,000 feet). The Nevado Ojos del Salado, the highest volcano in the world, is Chile’s highest peak at 6,893 meters (22,615 feet). In these vast lands surrounded by snow-covered summits above 6,000 meters, you might spot a few vicuñas. Farther south, the untouched southern tip of the American continent has an Alaskan feel. Patagonia and its fjords stretch all the way to the legendary Cape Horn. And let’s not forget the incredible Easter Island, located over 3,700 km (2,300 miles) off the Chilean coast.

A land of contrasts, Chile is surprising not only for its landscapes and climates, but also for its history. On a Chile motorcycle tours journey, you’ll dive into Chilean culture. Before the Spanish conquistadors arrived, several Indigenous cultures such as the Mapuche and Aymara already lived in Chile. In 1520, Ferdinand Magellan became the first European to set foot on Chilean soil after discovering the strait that now bears his name. The Mapuche resisted colonization for nearly a century, but little by little, the Spanish colony was established, and Chile eventually gained independence in 1818. The 19th century was marked by territorial expansion, including the annexation of Easter Island in 1888. After a prosperous start to the 20th century, the country experienced economic and social difficulties and increasing political instability. The 1929 global crisis threw Chile into recession. A series of governments and coups followed. On September 11, 1973, General Augusto Pinochet overthrew President Salvador Allende and established a military dictatorship. It wasn’t until 1988, after Pinochet lost a national referendum, that Chile returned to democracy. In 2006, Michelle Bachelet became the first woman to be elected President of Chile.

To explore more destinations across the continent, check out our South America motorcycle tours. For a broader selection of rides, browse all our motorcycle trips.