For those who haven’t had a chance to travel to South America, let us be the ones to tell you it should be bumped up on your priority list. This continent is bursting with countless natural wonders that are just begging to be explored on two wheels. MotoQuest has several offerings on the continent, with two adventures taking place this spring, so there is still time to make South America in 2020 a reality!
Northern Patagonia
March 21, 2020 – March 31, 2020
March 20, 2021 – March 30, 2021
There are a few places in South America that can offer beauty as stunning as Patagonia. Hone in on the Lakes District and you’ve just set yourself up for an adventure that will probably require you to get more memory for your camera. The Northern Patagonia adventure offers a lot of WOW in a shorter time period than our Patagonia End of the Earth adventure. The great hotels and easy riding also make this the perfect couples trip. If some of our guides were to be completely honest, they prefer the riding on the Northern Patagonia trip as it features great paved roads complemented with some hidden dirt roads. You really do get the most “bang for your buck” in terms of the scenery you’ll experience.
One of our favorite highlights of the trip is actually an optional ride during one of our free days to the foot of Tronador. The extinct stratovolcano hovers around 11,400 feet in elevation and sits taller than other peaks nearby, making it a beautiful destination. Thanks to its glaciers and precipitation at the top, there are waterfalls that come down a rock face around 6,000 feet tall. It’s truly an incredible sight to see.
Peru Machu Picchu Adventure
April 6, 2020 – April 19, 2020
April 5, 2021 – April 18, 2021
Many people have “visit Machu Picchu” on their bucket list, and for good reason. The green-blanketed mountains that surround this UNESCO World Heritage Site will leave anyone speechless. We make a day out of it on the Machu Picchu Peru Adventure, and we know our way around at this packed tourist location, so in a sense, stick with us.
But this stop is just one of many amazing encounters you’ll have on the Machu Picchu Peru Adventure. One particular day that stands out to our team is early on in the trip when we ride from Majes to Chala. This will be one of the best rides of your life as you climb out of Colca Canyon and skirt the Pacific Ocean coastline on the Panamerican Highway. You basically go from the Garden of Eden to dry, desert-like landscapes. It’s such a contrast in scenery that you’ll never forget it.
We Picked Two Destinations – MotoQuest Offers a Lot More in South America
It’s hard to highlight all of our South American destinations in one newsletter since we’ve come to love exploring the lands of the Southern Hemisphere. But we did want to note two other popular trips.
Colombia has started to entice the two-wheel adventurer, and even attracted a custom tour to the country last spring. Known to be a little more rugged and not as touristy, we take full advantage of that on our Colombia Valley of the Andes adventure. We particularly love spending time in the little colonial town, Villa de Leyva. Most riders love to stroll the plaza or shop the handcrafted souvenirs. Our next Colombia dates are October 4-16, 2020 or October 3-15, 2021.
Finally, Ecuador! Our 2019 Ecuador adventure is actually taking place as you read this, with Phil Freeman guiding a group of riders through the Amazon, sandy beaches, and rainforest, all the while relaxing at five-star accommodations. Phil’s favorite part of the trip is the road to Macas. As you ride through the Amazon to Macas, the road drops around 6,000 feet in elevation in a short amount of time, so you’re seeing a constant change in vegetation. Once in Macas, there is a side trip that goes to a trailhead where you can walk out to a waterfall. This must be our best-kept secret as there is usually nobody else there. Don’t miss our next Ecuadorian adventure on November 2-14, 2020.
