Motorradreise / Tour

Patagonien Motorradtour: Ruta 40 & Carretera Austral Abenteu

Erlebe die ultimative motorcycle tour in Chile: 7000 km pure Abenteuer auf der legendären Ruta 40. Jetzt unvergessliche Patagonien-Tour buchen!

Beschreibung

Route 40, a legendary highway running alongside the Andes on the Argentine side, forms the backbone of this extensive four-week motorcycle tour in Chile and Argentina. Beginning in subtropical Salta in northern Argentina, riders traverse diverse landscapes—from the desert scenes of Catamarca and San Juan, through Mendoza’s renowned vineyards, to the picturesque lake districts near Bariloche. The journey continues along Chile’s famed Carretera Austral into southern Patagonia, showcasing landmarks such as Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, Torres del Paine, the Perito Moreno Glacier, and concludes in Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city. Covering approximately 7,000 km, this guided motorcycle tour also offers an alternative option to explore the route in a 4x4 off-road vehicle.

**Day 1: Arrival in Salta**

Upon arrival, participants are transferred from Salta airport to the hotel, the tour’s starting point. After a brief orientation covering the motorcycle itinerary and an introduction to the city, the remainder of the day is at leisure.

**Day 2: Exploring Quebrada de Cafayate**

Departing southward from Salta, the route follows the Lerma Valley until it narrows dramatically into the Quebrada de Cafayate canyon. Famous for its striking red sandstone formations sculpted by the elements into unique shapes such as “The Frog” and “The Obelisk,” the area offers impressive natural art. Later, a visit to Cafayate—the wine capital of Salta—includes a tour of a traditional winery, followed by an evening immersed in the town’s relaxed atmosphere.

**Day 3: Ruins of Quilmes**

Riding through the fertile Calchaquí Valleys, the journey continues south to the Quilmes ruins, remnants of one of northern Argentina’s most significant pre-Incan settlements. Overnight accommodations are arranged in Belén.

**Day 4: Cuesta de Miranda Pass Adventure**

Transitioning back onto paved roads, riders make swift progress through Londres, Chilecito, and Nanogasta before taking a gravel track over the colorful Cuesta de Miranda pass, arriving in Villa Unión.

**Day 5: Talampaya National Park and Ischigualasto**

The tour visits Talampaya National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where its massive canyon and diverse flora and fauna impress. Subsequently, the ride continues to the Ischigualasto Natural Park—known as the “Valley of the Moon"—where the surrounding desert terrain features peculiar rock formations ideal for motorcycle exploration. Overnight in San Agustín del Valle Fertil.

**Day 6: Towards Mendoza — Argentina’s Wine Hub**

A scenic stretch of secondary road leads past San Juan through extensive vineyards to Mendoza, Argentina’s celebrated wine center.

**Day 7: Rest Day in Mendoza**

This day is reserved for personal activities, including city tours or visits to Mendoza’s numerous wineries, guided recommendations are available.

**Day 8: Southbound on Ruta 40 to El Sosneado**

Continuing along Ruta 40, the route passes orchards and lakes with the distant Diamond volcano visible. Approaching San Rafael, riders enter the breathtaking Atuel Canyon, following it to Nihuil Lake, marking entry into northern Patagonia. The day’s destination is Malargüe, a welcoming town for overnight stay.

**Day 9: Journey to Chos Malal**

Traversing basalt desert landscapes, the tour reaches Neuquén province’s earliest settlement, Chos Malal, where participants spend the night.

**Day 10: Lakes and Volcanoes around Aluminé**

The route follows the Neuquén River valley to El Huecú village before ascending into volcanic terrain around Caviahue. Proceeding to Villa Pehuenia near snow-capped volcanoes and surrounded by Araucaria forests, riders relax by the sparkling waters of Lake Aluminé for the evening.

**Day 11: San Martín de los Andes via Pehuenia Loop**

A scenic loop rich in lakes, rivers, and Araucaria trees leads to San Martín de los Andes, situated on the shores of Lake Lacar.

**Day 12: The renowned Seven Lakes Road**

Entering northern Patagonia’s lake district along this famous scenic route, the journey culminates in Bariloche, the region’s lake district capital nestled beneath Mount Catedral.

**Day 13: Free Day in Bariloche**

Leisure time in Bariloche allows riders to explore at their own pace, with expert guidance available for local insights.

**Day 14: Los Alerces National Park to Trevelin**

Heading south via Ruta 40 beyond El Bolsón, the tour traverses Los Alerces National Park before reaching Trevelin for overnight accommodation.

**Day 15: Crossing into Chile and the Carretera Austral**

Entering Chile, the route connects with the iconic Carretera Austral. This stretch is characterized by a moist climate, resulting in lush greenery and picturesque rivers set against impressive mountainous backdrops shaped by glacial erosion.

**Day 16: Scenic Ride to Coyhaique**

Riders traverse one of the Carretera Austral’s most stunning sections, visiting a hanging glacier, crossing the Queulat Pass, and continuing on twisty paved roads to reach Coyhaique.

**Days 17-18: Lago General Carrera Circuit**

Over two days, the tour encircles the emerald-hued Lago General Carrera. Highlights include the Salto del Ibáñez waterfall, views of the Cerro Castillo mountain range, the serene Bay of Murta, and a stay at the tranquil Terra Luna Lodge near Puerto Guadal. Crossing back into Argentina near Chile Chico, the journey resumes on the unpaved Ruta 40 through dramatic Andean terrain, arriving at Lago Las Posadas nestled in scenic environs.

**Day 19: Cueva de las Manos and Estancia Life**

Approaching Bajo Caracoles near Perito Moreno National Park, the group rides southward along Ruta 40 into a broad valley known for traditional sheep and cattle farming at Estancia La Angostura. Subject to conditions and timing, an optional visit to the famous prehistoric rock art site, Cueva de las Manos, may be arranged. Overnight occurs at a classic estancia.

**Day 20: Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre Regions**

Crossing steppe landscapes, riders reach Lake Viedma and the village of El Chaltén, nestled beneath the iconic granite peaks of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre. An optional afternoon hike to a viewpoint overlooking Cerro Torre is offered.

**Day 21: Perito Moreno Glacier and El Calafate**

Morning options include a trek to a vantage point for Fitz Roy’s massif. Later, the route returns to Ruta 40, leading south along the emerald Lake Argentino to El Calafate, where the highlight is a visit to the renowned Perito Moreno Glacier.

**Day 22: Torres del Paine National Park, Chile**

Heading back to the border and ascending to a high plateau, expansive mountain vistas come into view. Crossing into Chile, the tour enters Torres del Paine National Park with an overnight stay on an authentic Chilean estancia, featuring a cozy evening atmosphere.

**Day 23: Discovering Torres del Paine and Puerto Natales**

The day explores the park’s waterfalls, alpine lakes, and wildlife including condors, guanacos, ostriches, and foxes, as well as the striking granite spires of the Torres and Cuernos ranges. By afternoon, riders head to the town of Puerto Natales.

**Day 24: Towards Punta Arenas**

The journey continues south through Villa Tehuelche with windswept roads, passing a flamingo lagoon and culminating in a visit to the Otway penguin colony near Punta Arenas.

**Day 25: Crossing to Tierra del Fuego**

A ferry transports riders across the Magellan Strait to Tierra del Fuego Island. Following unpaved roads toward the Argentine border, the day ends in Rio Grande, offering rest after a windy ride.

**Day 26: Final Stretch to Ushuaia**

Morning travel includes coastal stretches and passage through Tolhuin and along Lake Fagnano. Crossing Garribaldi Pass, the tour arrives in Ushuaia, the southernmost city globally. To complete the adventure, the group rides through Tierra del Fuego National Park to the point where the road ends, symbolizing the edge of the civilized world. The day concludes with a well-earned farewell dinner.

**Day 27: Departure**

Participants are transferred to the airport for their onward journey, carrying unforgettable memories and a special farewell gift from the tour team.

This immersive motorcycle riding holiday balances challenging terrain with spectacular scenery, cultural encounters, and ample opportunities to engage with local nature and history. Ideal for those seeking a comprehensive adventure motorcycle tour through Chile and Argentina’s most iconic routes.