Each year the MotoQuest Patagonia End of the Earth Adventure sells out, with riders looking to check off “riding to the end of the earth” from their bucket list. But we have a little secret. The Northern Patagonia Adventure is a trip we’ve added as a complement to the hallmark adventure, and we have to admit, it’s one we enjoy just a little bit more, with its shorter itinerary and more diverse landscape to encounter.
Don’t let the shorter itinerary fool you. Riders are getting a huge bang for their buck on this adventure with top-notch accommodations and a route that caters to two wheels, leaving you with a lifetime of memories from one of the most beautiful places on earth. This trip is 40% dirt and was created for the adventurous rider, eager to go off the beaten track to discover all Patagonia has to offer.
NORTHERN PATAGONIA ADVENTURE
March 21 – March 31, 2020
March 20 – 30, 2021
Are you ready for gorgeous lakes, towering volcanoes and great roads? The adventure starts in Pucon, Chile, and quickly heads to the Argentinian side of the Patagonia region. Along the way you’ll pass the Villarrica Volcano, which last erupted just four years ago in 2015. The same opening day guides you through the rare Araucaria forest. The Araucaria tree is affectionately known as the “monkey puzzle,” and serves as the national tree of Chile.
One thing that sets this adventure apart is the use of back roads to navigate the famed “Lakes District.” On the second day from San Martin de los Andes to San Carlos de Bariloche, riders get to travel both dirt and paved roads that weave through heavily forested, mountainous landscapes with epic views of clear lakes. This is what you think of when you think of Patagonia.
Known as the Switzerland of Argentina, we’ve scheduled a free day in San Carlos de Bariloche. The possibilities feel endless to the guests who can get lost among the streets of Bariloche, ride horseback, fly fish or even take a side trip to the unbelievable Tronador Volcano.
After three epic days in the books, it’s time to do more crisscrossing of the two Patagonian nations. Starting in Argentina and navigating through the amazing paved road that connects to Chile, riders will bask in the beauty of the Andes while being surrounded by the large, freshwater lakes that surround the region.
Knowing that Mount Osorno is a coveted destination, we ride up its slopes as we venture from Puyehue to Puerto Caras, Chile. No matter how much we ride all around this magnificent sight, it still always feels like the peak touches the heavens.
As we near the end of our journey, we take a ferry ride to the second-largest island “Chiloe.” From here we can search for the fabled “duendes,” the dwarfs that are known to inhabit the island in mystical folklore. During this stop of our journey, riders can also go out and see the penguin colony at the Natural Heritage Site Islotes de Puñihuil. Once checked into your cabin for the night, there is a perfect sunset waiting to behold over the Pacific Ocean.
Our last day of riding is spent exploring the Chilean Lakes district with even more volcanoes, freshwater lakes, pastoral views and tranquil backroads. We end up back in Pucon, Chile, for a farewell dinner, looking back on all the memories that won’t be matched for a long time!
Do you want to be a part of the spectacular Northern Patagonia Adventure? Grab your friends and let’s get exploring your world!