Patagonia by Motorcycle — The Ultimate Touring Guide

Why Patagonia Is a Once-in-a-Lifetime Ride

Patagonia is raw, remote, and rewards self-sufficiency like nowhere else on earth. The southern third of South America stretches across Argentina and Chile with landscapes that shift from volcanic desert to glacial fjords within a single riding day. There are no crowds, no guardrails, and long stretches where the only traffic is guanaco herds crossing the road.

For motorcycle travelers, the appeal is simple: Patagonia demands real adventure riding. You will navigate gravel, river crossings, fierce crosswinds, and 300km gaps between fuel stops — and you will be rewarded with scenery that makes every challenge worthwhile.

The Two Essential Routes

Ruta 40 — Argentina's Legendary Highway

Ruta 40 runs 5,200km along the spine of the Andes, but the Patagonian section from Bariloche to El Calafate (roughly 1,800km) is the stretch every motorcyclist targets. South of Esquel, the road alternates between fresh asphalt and loose gravel (ripio). Conditions change yearly — sections paved in 2024 may still have gravel detours.

Key stops: El Bolsón, Esquel, Perito Moreno, Bajo Caracoles, El Chaltén, El Calafate

Road surface: Mixed. Expect 40-60% paved between Esquel and El Calafate, with ripio sections that are washboarded and dusty in dry weather, slippery mud after rain.

Highlight: The approach to El Chaltén with Fitz Roy's granite spires filling the horizon is one of motorcycling's great moments.

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Ruta 40View trip details on MotoVault

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Carretera Austral — Chile's Wild South

Chile's Route 7 runs 1,240km from Puerto Montt to Villa O'Higgins through temperate rainforest, hanging glaciers, and turquoise rivers. The road is narrower and more technical than Ruta 40, with several ferry crossings required. Two ferries — Hornopirén to Caleta Gonzalo and Puerto Yungay to Río Bravo — must be booked in advance during peak season.

Key stops: Chaitén, Coyhaique, Cerro Castillo, Puerto Río Tranquilo (Marble Caves), Cochrane, Villa O'Higgins

Road surface: Roughly 60% paved as of 2026. Unpaved sections are volcanic gravel — better maintained than Ruta 40's ripio but narrower with blind corners.

Highlight: The Marble Caves at Puerto Río Tranquilo, accessible by boat, with swirled blue-white rock formations carved by General Carrera Lake.

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Carretera AustralView trip details on MotoVault

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Best Season and Weather

The riding window is November through March. December and January offer the longest days (17+ hours of light) and the warmest temperatures, but also the strongest winds — gusts above 100km/h are common on the steppe east of the Andes.

• November: Spring conditions. Some passes may still have snow. Fewer tourists, lower prices.
• December–January: Peak season. Best weather but strongest Patagonian wind. Book ferries and accommodation early.
• February–March: Autumn colors, calmer winds, thinning crowds. Temperatures drop below 5°C at night by late March.

Regardless of month, pack for four seasons. Patagonian weather can swing from sunshine to horizontal rain within an hour.

Border Crossings: Chile ↔ Argentina

Most riders cross the border multiple times — the best itinerary combines Ruta 40 and Carretera Austral. Key crossings include Paso Huemules (near Coyhaique), Paso Río Jeinimeni, and Paso Cardenal Samoré (near Bariloche).

Documents Required

• Passport — valid for at least 6 months
• Título del vehículo — original vehicle registration (not a copy)
• Temporary import permit (TIP) — issued free at the border for your motorcycle, valid 90 days
• Insurance — Argentine and Chilean insurance are separate. Buy Chilean coverage at the border or in advance through SOAPEX. Argentine coverage through La Caja or similar.
• International Driving Permit — not strictly required for most nationalities but strongly recommended

Border crossings typically take 30-60 minutes. Arrive before noon — some smaller crossings close at 5pm and do not open on weekends.

Fuel Planning

This is the critical logistical challenge in Patagonia. On Ruta 40 south of Esquel, the longest gap between fuel stations is Bajo Caracoles to Gobernador Gregores — roughly 280km with no services.

Plan for a minimum range of 350km. If your tank does not provide this, carry a fuel bladder or jerry can. YPF stations in Argentina are the most reliable chain. In Chile, COPEC stations are well-stocked along the Carretera Austral, with the longest gap around 180km.

Always fill up when you can — do not gamble on the next station being open.

Gear Recommendations

• Wind protection: A tall windscreen and bark busters are essential. Patagonian wind is relentless and exhausting without proper deflection.
• Cold-weather layers: Heated grips, a heated vest, and thermal base layers. Temperatures near glaciers drop to 0°C even in January.
• Rain gear: Full waterproof suit (not just a rain jacket). Carretera Austral sees 3,000mm+ of annual rainfall.
• Tires: Dual-sport tires with at least 50% off-road tread. Pure road tires will struggle on ripio. Heidenau K60 Scout and Mitas E-07+ are proven choices.
• Tools and spares: Tube repair kit (if running tubes), tire levers, compact air compressor, spare clutch and brake levers, zip ties, and duct tape.

Budget Estimate (3 Weeks)

A 3-week trip typically costs $1,200–2,500 depending on your camping-to-hotel ratio. Wild camping is legal and common in both countries outside national parks. Hospedajes (family-run guesthouses) in small towns average $25–40 per night and often include dinner.

Planning Your Route

The classic itinerary combines both routes in a loop: fly into Santiago or Buenos Aires, ride south on one route, cross the border, and return north on the other. Most riders allow 18–25 days for a comfortable pace with rest days for hiking at El Chaltén and exploring the Marble Caves.

Start building your Patagonia itinerary on MotoVault — save routes, plan fuel stops, and track your daily distances with our trip planner.