Motorcycle Touring Guide to Patagonia: Chile vs. Argentina
Patagonia is easily one of the most magical destinations when it comes to motorcycle traveling. Wide open spaces, the Andes Mountains, glaciers, cerulean blue lagoons, and wilderness as far as the eye can see – that, in a nutshell, is Patagonia, and it’s no wonder the region is a Mecca for motorcycle travelers.
But which Patagonian country – Argentina or Chile – is more interesting to explore, and how should you plan your route? We put together this quick and easy guide to help you out.
Legendary Roads: Argentina’s Route 40
Route 40 in Argentina is probably as famous as the entire Pan American highway. Hugging the Andes Mountains, Route 40 stretches for over 5,000 kilometers from the Bolivian border all the way to Rio Gallegos in the Argentinean Patagonia. The most scenic section of the Route begins in Bariloche, a quaint little mountain town often compared to a Swiss village where the Andes Mountains are always looming nearby.
If you’re riding Route 40 alone, beware of the stretch between Perito Moreno (town) and Tres Lagos: this is the loneliest section of the road where there are no settlements, towns, or fuel stations along the way. Gale-force wind gusts can be a challenge, and remember there’s no fuel between Bajo Caracoles and Tres Lagos, so fill up ahead of time! This is also where pavement is sometimes replaced by a gravel road, so 50/50 tires will come in handy.
At the end of the wildest stretch of Route 40 lies a reward – the town of El Calafate and the world-famous Perito Moreno glacier nearby. The glacier is accessible by motorcycle: following Route 11 westward, you’ll find yourself riding along Lago Argentino. The road ends in a large parking lot where you can leave your bike and take a short hike to see the glacier in its full glory.
Finally, Route 40 will skirt the magnificent Torres del Paine (“The Blue Towers”) National Park known for its dramatic scenery of jagged mountain peaks and pristine wilderness.
Then, it’s a chilly ride toward Rio Gallegos through endless pampas and, if you're aiming for Tierra del Fuego, the last stretch toward Ushuaia.
Chilean Patagonia: Carreterra Austral
Less well-known than Route 40 but, arguably, even more scenic and remote, Carreterra Austral (or Route 7) on the Chilean side is another fantastic route if you’re touring Patagonia. Starting in Puerto Montt and ending in Villa O’Higgins, Carreterra Austral is still largely unpaved. This road runs across a wild country inhabited sparsely by a few lone rancheros…and not much else. Coyhaique, a town along the way, feels a lot like a Wild West frontier settlement where you’ll see Chilean cowboys in full gaucho attire, and the further South you ride, the less human activity you'll see. Carreterra Austral is incredibly scenic, and some adventure riders argue it’s better than Argentinean Route 40 because it’s more remote, less frequently travelled, and mostly unpaved.
To get the best of the two worlds, you can follow Route 40 till Villa La Angostura, cross into Chile and ride Carreterra Austral to Chile Chico, enjoying some of the best scenery along the way. At Chile Chico, cross the border into Argentina again, visit the Perito Moreno glacier, and carry on South.
Riding to Ushuaia
Reaching Ushuaia, the Southernmost inhabited city on Earth, is every adventure rider’s dream. Located in the Tierra del Fuego island, Ushuaia is the main port of Antarctica-bound ships, and taking a photo with the “Fin del Mundo” (“End of the World”) sign is a must if you get there on two wheels.
Much like the rest of Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego is sparsely inhabited. Divided between Chile and Argentina, Tierra del Fuego requires two border crossings in a day, and not all roads to Ushuaia are paved. However, it’s worth exploring the island for a few days – its tundra-like nature, wildlife, and mountain views are nothing short of spectacular.
Remember that seasons are reversed in the Southern Hemisphere, so the best time for motorcycle touring in Patagonia is December through to March. Any earlier or later, and you might have to deal with low temperatures or even snow. When it comes to timing, expect to spend at least 3-4 weeks riding Patagonia, especially if you’re aiming for both Argentina and Chile: the distances here are long, and there are no shortcuts.
Patagonia holds a magical attraction for bikers. Why could that be? Check out the Caliblog to find out.