There is no denying the allure of a journey across South America. Riding a motorcycle in harsh weather and high altitudes is perhaps the best way to experience incredible landscapes, vast stretches of land, and vibrant cultures. The route less traveled might not even be paved, but that’s all part of the experience, so be prepared for the unexpected and enjoy the ride.
The places in our list are:
Avenida de los Volcanes in Ecuador
Ecuador is situated inside the ‘Ring of Fire,’ a volcanically active zone around the Pacific Ocean. Known as “The Avenue of the Volcanoes,” two parallel chains of Andes rise in striking peaks just south of Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Seeing the beauty of the snow-capped volcanoes is definitely worth the trip.
With its symmetrical cone rising to a height of about 6,000 meters, Cotopaxi, one of the largest volcanoes in the world, is immediately recognized. A trip across this terrain would not be complete, nevertheless, if one does not stop to admire the Quilotoa crater and its unusual emerald lagoon—a product of dissolved minerals.
We suggest beginning the adventure in Quito, where you will also have the opportunity to stand with one foot on either side of the equator! The roads are typically of decent condition!
Torres del Paine in Chile
Torres del Paine National Park, with its trio of granite spires, is undoubtedly a particularly noteworthy landmark of Chilean Patagonia, an incredible region of pristine ecosystems. In 2013, National Geographic even selected this park as one of the planet’s most beautiful locations. It makes the trip even more fascinating for motorcyclists since it gives them the option to ride an unpaved loop.
Approaching the park from the south is the ideal option, since the gravel roads with their sweeping twists will show you the major range on the horizon. There are ups and downs, twists and turns, and breathtaking views on every side as you get closer to the towering mountains. The drive resembles a rollercoaster.
Eje Cafetero in Colombia
Particularly in the departments of Caldas, Risaralda, and Quindío, which together form the core of the Eje Cafetero (Coffee Axis), Colombia is renowned for its coffee. Since 2011, Colombia’s Coffee Cultural Landscape has been under UNESCO protection. The region’s stunning rolling hills and agriculture will undoubtedly win your heart.
During the harvest seasons (April to May and October to December), when the fields are bustling with activity and tourism has taken root, the Eje Cafetero is especially fascinating to visit. The urban centers, which are mostly located on the comparatively level summits of hills above sloping coffee grounds, are distinguished by Antioquian colonial architecture with hints of Spanish influence.
Carretera Pastoruri in Peru
The retreating Pastoruri Glacier, which illustrates the consequences of climate change, has earned this route the nickname “Ruta del cambio climatico.” Seeing so many different types of scenery in one day—from the desert to the glaciers—is a very unique experience.
The recommended route begins at Barranca, where the road enters the Cordillera Blanca mountain range, which is home to many peaks up to 6,000 meters above sea level, 660 glaciers, and 300 glacial lakes. Situated in the heart of the Cordillera mountain range, the Pastoruri Glacier is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site, Huascarán National Park. Even though there are 37 miles of gravelly terrain and a 4,800-meter elevation gain, the experience is one that will never be forgotten!
Serra do Rio do Rastro in Brazil
The Serra Catarinense, which lies in southern Brazil, is incredibly beautiful. You will be mesmerized by the scenery, which consists of vast canyons, high meadows, rivers, waterfalls, and araucaria trees.
This eight-mile road, which has over 250 twists and drops from 1,370 meters to sea level in a matter of minutes, is regarded as one of the most breathtaking drives in the world. On clear days, you can even see the shore from a belvedere at the summit, where you can observe the road’s twists in the heart of the forest.
Quebrada de las Conchas in Argentina
Great natural beauty may be seen in the Quebrada de Cafayate, a part of Road 68 that connects Cafayate with Salta. Reminiscent of the Grand Canyon and the southwest regions of the United States are the red sandstone and layered rock formations seen in the hilly terrain. Strange rock formations, including the Devil’s Throat canyon, limestone “dunes,” a natural amphitheater, and odd rocks, have been produced by wind erosion. It’s very great to travel this flawlessly paved road across a beautiful environment!
Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia
The Salar de Uyuni has to be the one location on Earth where you truly feel as though you’ve landed on a different planet. The world’s largest salt flats stretch for miles in all directions, their off-white surface encircled by the Andes Mountains.
Riding on this endless white surface with no horizon reference is an amazing experience, but there is no road. The dry season is the ideal time of year; otherwise, there may not be many opportunities for riding. In any event, give your bike a thorough cleaning afterward!
Ruta de la Muerte in Bolivia
Every adventurous traveler should see Bolivia’s Death Road. Before the government recently constructed a new route connecting the cities of La Paz and Coroico, it was regarded as the world’s most hazardous road. If you don’t mind hairpin curves and the absence of guardrails, Death Road is a stunning 43-mile journey, despite its moniker.
The narrow road winds up to around 4,650 meters, then gradually descends to 1,200 meters to the village of Coroico. It is surrounded by rugged landscape and scary precipices. Because of the height decrease, you may experience both the hot, muggy weather of the jungle below and the frigid temperatures of the Altiplano mountains.
Ruta de los Siete Lagos in Argentina
Part of the renowned Ruta 40, the fabled route that stretches the length of Argentina, is the Seven Lakes circuit in that country. Along this stretch, which links the well-known communities of San Martin de los Andes and Villa La Angostura in the province of Neuquén, you will find yourself traversing one of the most scenic regions of northernmost Argentina.
The route offers incredible natural beauty and may be made more challenging by taking the numerous unpaved side roads, even if it’s not as adventurous as you might anticipate from South America (it’s properly paved!).
