The Best of the Andes – 13 Days

Starting 15 February 2025

Total distance 3150 kilometres / 1960 miles

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure through the heart of Chile and Argentina! This thrilling journey will immerse you in the rich cultures of these remarkable countries, all while exploring some of the best motorcycle routes in Latin America—and the world. Our route covers three of the most breathtaking mountain passes in the legendary Andes: Cristo Redentor (3,200m/10,499ft), Paso Agua Negra (4,781m/15,682ft), and Paso Pehuenche (2,554m/8,376ft). These passes offer exhilarating rides and unmatched views of the mighty Andes.

We’ll kick things off in the bustling city of Santiago, Chile—a vibrant metropolis setting the tone for the adventure. From there, we’ll journey through Talca, Mendoza, La Serena, and Viña del Mar, riding through stunning landscapes and picturesque valleys, including the beautiful Cañón del Atuel. If you appreciate fine wine, you’ll have the chance to visit one of the world’s top wine estates for a tasting experience.

Curvy mountain roads, charming villages, and awe-inspiring passes along the way will ensure that our adventure ends on a high note with a relaxing stop at the Pacific Ocean and the stunning beaches of Viña del Mar.

Please note: This tour is crafted for experienced riders seeking a challenging and extraordinary adventure!

DEPARTURE / RETURN LOCATIONSantiago, Chile / Santiago, Chile

Map

Map-of-The-Best-of-the-Andes-Tour The Best of the Andes – 13 Days

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival – Santiago, Chile.

Once all tour participants arrive, we’ll gather for a warm welcome, with refreshments and introductions. The evening is all about getting to know each other and building camaraderie within the group. We’ll officially kick off the tour with a delicious dinner, where you can savour the bold flavours of Latin American cuisine. If you’re still feeling energized after the day’s journey, you’re welcome to join us for a visit to a nearby local bar, adding a bit of adventure to our first night together.

Day 02: Santiago  (Fun and Explorer Day)

The day begins with an informative meeting where we go over the details of your Best of Andes Tour and your stay in Santiago. We’ll cover all the practicalities, including motorcycle and car rental checkout, safety protocols, traffic rules, and other essential information to ensure you’re well-prepared for the adventure ahead. After the meeting, the rest of the day is yours to explore downtown Santiago at your own pace.

For a richer experience, we suggest visiting Cerro San Cristobal, an 860-meter hill that offers a zoo, a wine museum, and a gondola ride to the top. A statue of the Virgin Mary overlooks the city with stunning views. Another must-see is SkyCostanera, the tallest building in Latin America. It features Santiago’s highest observation deck, at 300 meters, with a 360° panoramic view of the city.

We’ll gather to check out our motorcycles or vehicles in the evening before sharing a delicious dinner. Get ready for an exhilarating adventure through the heart of Chile and Argentina!

Day 03: Santiago – Mendoza, Argentina  (338 km/240 miles)

As we gear up for our thrilling adventure, we head north toward one of the tour’s major highlights: crossing into Argentina via the Cristo Redentor pass at a breathtaking 3,832m/10,499ft above sea level. The roads ahead are perfect for motorcycle riding, promising an exhilarating experience with every twist and turn. For those looking for an extra challenge, the actual mountain pass crossing, which is optional, takes you along a gravel road.

We’ll stop for lunch in Las Cuevas before continuing to Puente del Inca, an ancient Inca village. Along the way to Mendoza, we’ll pause to take in the stunning view of Aconcagua, the tallest mountain in the Andes, standing at 6,962m above sea level—perfect for some unforgettable photos.

Our day wraps up in Mendoza, where we’ll enjoy a relaxing evening. Mendoza’s laid-back atmosphere offers cozy cafés and great shopping opportunities. Don’t forget to check out the beautiful fountain in the city centre. Get ready for an unforgettable day on the road!

Day 04: Mendoza (Explorer & fun day)

Enjoy a day of leisure in Mendoza, designed to suit your personal preferences. For a truly memorable experience, we highly recommend “The Vineyard Experience,” where you’ll visit one of the world’s most renowned wineries. The day includes a guided winery tour, a regional brunch at the estate’s restaurant, wine tasting, and more. If you’d prefer a more relaxed day, feel free to unwind at the hotel, explore the city at your own pace, or do some shopping. Mendoza offers a variety of experiences, so you’re sure to find something that matches your interests.

Day 05: Mendoza – Rodeo, Argentina  (363 km/225 miles)

We say goodbye to the enchanting wine region of Mendoza and head back toward the majestic Andes. Our journey continues north along Ruta 40/149, with a scenic stop at La Cuesta del Viento to soak in the stunning views. From there, we make our way to Rodeo, where we’ll wrap up the day’s adventures with a delightful dinner.

Day 06: Rodeo – La Serena, Chile (373 km/232 miles)

Get ready for another tour highlight! Leaving Rodeo and Argentina behind, we embark on an unforgettable journey back to Chile. Prepare yourself for one of the most spectacular rides of your life as we head along Ruta 150 toward the stunning Paso Agua Negra (4,781m / 15,682ft). As we cross the Chilean border, we transition to Ruta 41, with breathtaking views of the majestic Andes unfolding before your eyes. Be sure to have your camera ready—these are memories you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

On our way to La Serena, we’ll stop at the charming town of Pisco Elqui, the birthplace of Chilean pisco, known initially as La Greda. Our day concludes in La Serena, where serene beaches and quaint villages welcome you.

Day 07: La Serena – Vina del Mar, Chile  (515 km/321 miles)

Get ready for a stunning day of riding along the Chilean coastline! As we head south to Viña del Mar, we’ll cruise along scenic beach shores, passing through charming coastal villages. Keep an eye out for pelicans and sea lions as you take in the breathtaking coastal views.

Our first stop is Fray Jorge National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Continuing our journey, we’ll make a few enjoyable pit stops in the picturesque towns of Papudo and Zapallar. We’ll wrap up the day with a final evening and farewell dinner in the vibrant Viña del Mar, often called Chile’s St. Tropez.

Day 08: Vina Del Mar (Explorer &  fun  day)

This day is all about exploration and fun, with the freedom to tailor your activities to your own preferences. Whether you take a dip in the Pacific Ocean or relax on one of Viña del Mar’s stunning white-sand beaches, the day is yours to enjoy. As Chile’s most luxurious resort city, Viña del Mar offers a range of gourmet restaurants and a charming blend of modern and colonial architecture. The historic buildings add to the city’s relaxed, inviting atmosphere. You can even take a leisurely ride in one of the city’s classic horse-drawn carriages for a romantic touch.

Day 09: Vina del Mar – Talca, Chile (363 km/226 miles)

We’ll continue our journey south along scenic motorcycle routes, alternating between the stunning coastline and charming inland roads that wind through wine country. When we arrive in Talca, located in the heart of this famous wine region, expect a delightful meal accompanied by delicious local wines.

Day 10: Talca – Valle Grande, Argentina (486 km/286 miles)

Today, we set off through Paso Pehuenche (2,554m/8,376ft), our journey’s final mountain pass and the lowest elevation. Don’t let the altitude fool you—this ride offers some of the most stunning and enjoyable experiences, with winding roads, gentle turns, and breathtaking natural landscapes. We’ll stop for lunch at a local café near the border before continuing to Valle Grande for a cozy evening.

Day 11: Valle Grande – Mendoza, Argentina (317 km/197 miles)

Get ready for another fantastic day! We’ll head north on Route 173 into the stunning Cañon del Atuel, where spectacular views and winding roads await. Please be aware that the roads in Cañon del Atuel are primarily gravel, so ride with caution! After enjoying lunch in the beautiful Valle Grande, we’ll return to Mendoza for another evening filled with delicious food and exquisite regional wines.

Day 12: Mendoza – Santiago, Chile (375 km/233 miles)

As our adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of Argentina, Chile, and the Andes comes to a close, today marks our final riding day. We wrap up the tour with another highlight: crossing the Argentina-Chile border again through the stunning Cristo Redentor Pass. We’re fortunate to experience this majestic route again, this time in the opposite direction. Please note that the optional stretch across the pass involves riding on a gravel road.

We’ll stop for lunch in Uspallata and again in Puente del Inca before crossing Cristo Redentor. Afterwards, we’ll continue to Santiago, returning our vehicles and checking into the hotel. We’ll spend our last evening together with a farewell dinner in Santiago.

Day 13: Departure Santiago – Travel Home

As our incredible adventure tour through the breathtaking landscapes of Argentina, Chile, and the Andes ends, we bid farewell to the Best of Andes Mountains tour and prepare to return home. Let’s take a moment to express our gratitude for the memorable ride and the wonderful times we’ve shared, and a heartfelt thank you for choosing to tour with Ride The World Motorcycle Tours’ and our partner.

We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home, and we truly hope to see you again on one of our other tours in North America, South Africa, Southeast Asia, Australia, or Europe. Safe travels, everyone!


Please be advised that while this program serves as a guideline for the activities and experiences on the tour, deviations may occur due to unforeseen circumstances or factors beyond our control. However, we assure you that our dedicated tour leaders will try to adhere to the outlined program to the best of their ability.


Tour Dates:

TourDate fromDate toBooking deadline
The Best of the Andes15-Feb-2527-Feb-2519-Nov-24

Prices (USD)

2 people / 1 vehicle / 1 shared room: From $4,095.00 per person (AUD6,132.00*)

2 people / 2 vehicles / 1 shared room: From $5,595.00 per person (AUD8,379.00*)

1 person / 1 vehicle / 1 single room: On request

1 person / 1 vehicle / 1 shared room: From $5,595.00 per person (AUD8,379.00*)

*AUD rates are as of 23 October 2024 and are a guide. AUD will be at the time of booking.

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Inclusions and Exclusions:

INCLUDEDSuzuki VStrom 650cc or similar. rental w/unlimited milage. Upgrades on request for an additional cost.
Shared room in biker-friendly hotels/motels (+ 3 stars)
1st choice of vehicle model class
Fuel on group riding days
Welcome meeting
Entrance fees National parks
Transport to the rental company
Half shell helmet
Multi-lingual Tour leader
Tour leader on MC in front of group
Support van with your luggage (min. 10 bikes)
Loss Damage Waiver
Tour PDF w/route description
State min.SLI Insurance
Pictures from the tour
NOT INCLUDEDAirfare
LDW Zero and insurance upgrades
Security deposit for LDW
Optional attractions
Brand and Model Guarantee
Food and beverages
Anything not listed in “Included” above

Tour dates are subject to change. Before making flight arrangements, please verify that your tour is scheduled on the preferred date.


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