Riding the edge: A Motorcycle Odyssey Through Patagonia's Wild Frontier
Vast Patagonia, with its soaring peaks, colossal glaciers and unparalleled natural beauty, has long called out to explorers with a tantalising promise of adventure.
This rugged final-frontier is a bucket-list destination, and there is no better way to traverse it than by adventure-bike.
That’s why we teamed up with Edelweiss bike tours to chart a truly unforgettable route through this region of unparalleled beauty rich with adventure.
From Osorno to the End of the Earth.
If you’re seeking the ride of a lifetime through the world-renowned Andes mountains, you may not find a better starting point than the Southern Chilean city of Osorno. With tantalising views of the Fuji-esque Osorno Volcano and the great Patagonian mountains beyond, this charming city in the heart of the Lake District is the perfect place for riders to acclimatise with an easy cruise through lush countryside. As your journey begins you will be met by awe inspiring views of this region full of pristine lakes and colossal volcanoes, setting the stage for a trip defined unbeatable natural beauty.
You’ll first head for Pucon on the shores of Lake Villarica and in the shadow of the Villarica Volcano, and finally pass the threshold into the mountains. Here you’ll climb winding forested heights, and cross into the high plateau of Western Argentina, before turning South and making for the Andes Lakes. In just a short day’s ride you’ll experience an incredible diversity of natural environments with new sights around every switchback and steady bend- and you can expect a mix of riding conditions, from smooth asphalt to some gravel trails which mark the start of serious adventure.
Conquering Ruta 40: The Road Less Travelled
From San Martin de los Andes you’ll continue along the renowned Ruta 40 as it enters the Andes Mountain region. This legendary route is the archetypal road to adventure. Snaking through the stunning vast expanse of the Patagonian interior, you’ll be met with a mix of terrains- each bend will test your adaptability on the bike, from loose gravel trails near El Bolsón to wind-swept plains in Torres del Paine. With a diverse adventure-riding experience of unceasing variety, few roads on earth embody the spirit of adventure quite like this rite of passage.
On this stretch you’ll experience true Patagonia, hugging mountain roads in the shadows of towering icy peaks, cruising past turquoise blue lakes, and before you know it, crossing the arid steppe that stretches as far as the eye can see. This is truly a still-wild west and you’re sure to catch sight of Gaucho cowboys in these parts as you make up miles heading further south.
Arriving in El Bolsón, Argentina’s ‘hippy town’ is a mountain haven and offers a comforting reprieve from the saddle. The perfect pit-stop, known for its vibrant art-scene, here you’ll meet friendly local artisans who offer a glimpse into the human heart of the Patagonia region. Unwind and recoup your strength with delicious local cuisine and locally made craft beers before hitting the road once again.
Crossing Back into Chile: The Gateway to Adventure in Futaleufú
Heading into the mountains you’ll cross back into Chile on the road to Futaleufú leaving behind arid plains and entering a verdant, rich landscape of rivers and lakes. Twisting turns through dense forest and over high mountain passes unlock this isolated part of southern Chile. In the Mapuche language its name means ‘Big River’ and this town is synonymous with adventure-sports. Featuring rapids up to class 4 and 5, adventure-sports enthusiasts are drawn here from across the globe, and you too will have the chance to experience exhilarating white-water rafting which is among the best on earth.
El Calafate’s Glacial Giants
Mounting up and heading south again, you’ll see a transition to more open vistas with broad horizons and open road. This windswept expanse is a fitting test for any rider, and distant views of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field on the horizon will beckon you onwards towards to the wonders of the Los Glaciares National Park.
Arriving in El Calafate, here you’ll be taking a day to explore a world-famous UNESCO heritage sight. Nestling on the shores of Lake Argentino, this town sits at the foot of the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the very few advancing glaciers in the world. With great accessibility you’re guaranteed to see a truly unforgettable wonder of the natural world, and maybe even glimpse a major rupture event for which this glacier is especially famous.
Through Torres del Paine: A Journey Through Living Postcards
Moving on further into this region dominated by glaciers, you will enter the Torres del Paine National Park. Towered over by colossal granite pillars carved out by glaciers, these ‘Torres’ from which the park gets its name will accompany you through a national park famed for its rich biodiversity. Varied roads, occasional river crossings and fast-changing weather will have you switched on, and you will want to be in a place like this. You’ll see rare, majestic Andean Condors circling above and stand the chance to catch sight of majestic Pumas too.
Ushuaia: Where Every End is a New Beginning
As forest begins to give way to sub-Antarctic moorlands you’ll begin the approach to Ushuaia, where the Andes meet the Southern Ocean at the End of the World. At the last outpost of humanity before the frozen continent of Antarctica you’ll find a place with a unique heritage built on native culture and a legacy of European exploration. A mysterious point of both finality and beginning, no matter how you got here, in Ushuaia in some way you’re always starting your next adventure. A bustling staging point for explorers sailing for Antarctica, you don’t have to go far to get a sense of the frozen continent- a short ride East and you can visit the penguin colony on Martillo Island. Coming face to face with these truly wild explorers brings home the harmony that’s possible between humanity and the wild-beyond, the perfect way to end an unforgettable ride with the friends you’ve made on the road to the end of the world.
Your Patagonian Dream Ride Awaits with Edelweiss adventure tours.
What makes this once in a lifetime journey so special is its astonishing depth, words can never do this region justice, so get planning now and hit the road in style with Edelweiss.
Offering a guided adventure-bike tour along this route, you’ll be provided all the essentials including a support vehicle and comfortable accommodation, check Edelweiss website for all the details.
This article was written as an example piece.