I consider Chile to be among the world’s most beautiful nations. Countless other nations may provide breathtaking scenery and great motorcycle adventures. However, when you consider it, Chile might provide more than most because of its distinct shape and location in the world.
Its length spanning the South American continent contributes to its extraordinarily varied climate. The dry north may have some of the most magnificent high deserts on earth. In the south sits the breathtaking Patagonia with its glittering lakes and glaciers. The Cordillera de los Andes one of the highest mountain ranges in the world runs the whole length of its eastern border. The 7000 meter tall Aconcagua mountain peaks are right outside Santiago. The region is still one of the most seismically active on Earth, with volcanoes along the whole length of the Cordillera. The coast is home to some breathtaking beaches and is undoubtedly one of South America’s seafood marvels.
When it comes to adventure riding or just touring, Chile has an almost unparalleled range of options. The friendly people and western-style lifestyle of the nation enable the motorcycle community to grow freely, offering experiences ranging from a ride up to the magnificent El Tatio geyser in San Pedro de Atacama to the peaks of Torres del Paine, from the mountains of Pucon to the magical island of Chiloe.
Even in Santiago, it would only take a few hours to bike from Valparaiso’s stunning beaches to the Andes crest at Los Farallon’s. It takes less than two hours to go from the coastlines of La Serena to Valle Elqui, which is close to the Cordillera, and enjoy Pisco Sours.
It takes less than four hours to go from the wonderful wine area of Valle de Maipo, which is close to Santiago, to the wineries of Mendoza, Argentina, via the breathtaking Paso Libertadores. There are many possibilities, and Chile is home to the famed and breathtaking Carretera Austral, one of the world’s most beautiful highways.
Also referred to as Ruta 7, this section of extremely southern Chile’s paved and unpaved route is a motorbike adventure and trekking haven. The 1500 kilometers that separate Puerto Montt and Villa O’Higgins include some of the most breathtaking scenery I have ever seen.
