Andes Crossing: 11-Day Motorcycle Expedition Across the Andes
From Argentina to Chile and back. Ride through Patagonia's lakes, volcanic landscapes, mountain passes, and forested valleys on the classic two-country route.
Tour highlights
A hand-picked selection of the moments that make the Andes Crossing an unforgettable 11-day expedition.
Cross the Andes
Ride across scenic lakes and high mountain passes as you move between Argentina and Chile through legendary Patagonian roads.
Asado & mate ritual
Experience authentic Argentine asado and share the mate ritual with local hosts and fellow riders. Culture you feel, not just observe.
Lake Pirihueico ferry crossing
Sail across Lake Pirihueico by ferry with the bikes on board, surrounded by towering Andean peaks and pristine forest.
Volcanic landscapes & forest roads
Ride through ancient araucaria forests, volcanic terrain, and roads carved between lakes and mountains in the Chilean Lake District.
Enco River rafting (optional)
Add a family-friendly class III rafting day on the crystal-clear Enco River in Chile's lake region. A perfect break from the saddle.
Huilo-Huilo Biological Reserve
Discover the magical Huilo-Huilo reserve with its waterfalls, dense Valdivian forest, and wildlife encounters off the beaten path.
Small-group travel (3–5 riders)
Ride in boutique groups guided by experts, supported by a full-service van for comfort, luggage, and safety on every stretch.
Selected hotels (3★–5★)
Stay in carefully chosen hotels after long ride days. Comfort, location, and consistency across the entire route.
Andes Crossing – 11-Day Expedition
Key trip details at a glance: dates, duration, base, and the route that takes you across two countries.
Next scheduled departure
October 2026
Duration
11 days / 10 nights
Base
Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
Route
Argentina → Chile → Argentina (Patagonia + Andes)
Private departures available
Customize this itinerary for couples, families, or corporate groups. Choose your dates, upgrade hotels, and tailor experiences (vineyards, rafting, cultural stops, ride intensity).
Ideal for special celebrations, incentives, and team-building adventures.
Follow the route, one day at a time
Explore how each day unfolds, from your first ride in Bariloche to the final farewell by the lake.
Day 1 – Welcome to Bariloche
Pickup at Bariloche Airport and hotel check-in (Alma del Lago Suites & Spa). Meet & Greet with your guides and fellow riders. First contact with the bikes and a short warm-up ride through the city. Welcome dinner included.
Day 2 – Bariloche Scenic Loop (95 km)
Ride through iconic viewpoints: Punto Panorámico, Llao-Llao, Villa Tacul, and Colonia Suiza for lunch. Stop at Lake Nahuel Huapi's shoreline and explore the town center.
Day 3 – Hiking & Culinary Experience (51 km)
Morning hike to Lake Gutiérrez Viewpoint and the Cascada de los Duendes waterfall. Lunch by the lake food trucks. Evening private asado experience, from lighting the fire to tasting local cuts and wines.
Day 4 – Villa Traful & Villa La Angostura (245 km)
Ride through the Limay–Traful confluence, then enjoy lakeside and mountain roads. Explore Villa La Angostura's beaches and viewpoints along Lakes Correntoso and Espejo.
Day 5 – Cerro Tronador Adventure (192 km)
Enter Nahuel Huapi National Park: visit the Alerces waterfalls, Lake Mascardi, and Ventisquero Negro glacier. Picnic lunch included. Short trek to the Garganta del Diablo viewpoint.
Day 6 – Crossing the Andes to Chile (248 km + 1.5h ferry)
Ride the famous Seven Lakes Route, pass through San Martín de los Andes, and complete border formalities at Paso Hua-Hum. Ferry across Lake Pirihueico to Puerto Fuy with the bikes on board. Overnight at Nothofagus Hotel & Spa in the Huilo-Huilo Reserve.
Day 7 – Huilo-Huilo Reserve
A day to slow down and explore the reserve. Visit the Deer Sanctuary and enjoy a sunset cheese & wine experience at Mocho-Choshuenco Volcano.
Day 8 – Rafting Adventure (35 km + 2h river)
Morning free to relax. Afternoon "Trilogía Enco": boat ride, floating, and class III rafting on the Enco River. Safe and fully guided.
Day 9 – Villarica Loop & Back to Argentina (307 km)
Ride around Lakes Panguipulli, Calafquén, and Villarica, passing the Villarica and Quetrupillán volcanoes. Cross back into Argentina via Paso Tromén / Mamuil-Malal through Lanín National Park. Overnight in San Martín de los Andes at Casona del Alto.
Day 10 – Seven Lakes Experience (207 km)
Scenic ride along Lakes Machónico, Falkner, Villarino, and Escondido. Picnic lunch by Pichi Traful River. Return to Bariloche for the farewell dinner at Alma del Lago.
Day 11 – Departure
Breakfast and check-out. Transfers to Bariloche Airport according to flight schedules.
Everything you need for a safe, smooth, and unforgettable Andes Crossing
Planning, logistics, and support handled. You focus on the ride, the views, and the people.
Included
- Motorcycle rental (adventure or touring class, 500–850 cc).
- Lead guide (English/Spanish) with regional expertise.
- Support van for luggage, tools, spare parts, snacks, and up to 6 passengers.
- 10 nights in carefully selected hotels (3★–5★): Alma del Lago, Nothofagus, Casona del Alto.
- Daily breakfasts + 3 dinners (welcome, gastronomic experience, farewell).
- Ferry ticket for rider and motorcycle (Lake Pirihueico).
- All National Park and Reserve entrance fees.
- Rafting "Trilogía Enco" experience with certified guides and full equipment.
- Customs assistance + daily briefings.
- Rider's kit: T-shirt, buff, stickers, digital roadbook.
- Fuel + insurance for support vehicle.
- Pre-trip briefing + flight & gear assistance.
Not included
- International & domestic flights.
- Travel medical insurance (mandatory).
- Optional Full Cover motorcycle insurance.
- Fuel for rider's motorcycle.
- Lunches, drinks & personal expenses.
- Hotel city taxes or resort fees.
- Optional or extra-itinerary activities.
- Tips for guides or hotel staff.
- Anything not listed under "Included".
Valid passport or ID required for Chile border crossing. Route conditions (gravel/paved) and distances may vary due to weather and safety considerations.
Motorcycles & logistics
Carefully selected bikes, clear riding requirements, and full on-road support so you can focus on the ride.
Motorcycles
Mid-range adventure models (500–850 cc) ideal for Patagonian roads. Upgrades and specific models available upon request.
Riding level
For riders with solid road experience and confidence on gravel sections (around 25–30% of the route). Pre-trip workshops available if you want to build confidence.
Gear
Full protective riding gear required: helmet, jacket and pants with armor, gloves, and waterproof boots. Layering recommended for variable Patagonian weather.
Luggage
We carry your bags in the support van. You ride light with only your essentials on the bike.
Group size
3–5 riders + lead guide. Passengers can ride pillion or travel comfortably in the support van.
Prices & Conditions
Transparent pricing for the Andes Crossing expedition. All prices are per person and may vary based on group size and customization.
Rider with MTX motorcycle
From USD 7,500
Extra rider
From USD 3,000
Passenger (pillion or van)
From USD 3,900
Single room supplement
From USD 2,000
Booking & Payments
- Deposit: 30% (non-refundable)
- Balance due: 60 days before departure
- Cancellations: flexible refund scale based on notice time
- Insurance requirement: all participants must hold international travel insurance covering motorcycling
No commitment required. We'll tailor the options to your group.
Common questions about the Andes Crossing
If you don't find your answer here, just reach out. We're happy to help you plan.
Around 25–30% of the total route is gravel, mostly concentrated on Days 2, 4, and 5. The rest is paved. The gravel sections are well-maintained but require attention. Our guides brief you daily on what to expect, and the support van is always nearby if you prefer to skip a stretch.
Solid road experience is essential, and confidence on gravel is strongly recommended. If you're comfortable on paved roads and open to learning, our guides will help you adapt. We also offer optional pre-trip workshops focused on gravel fundamentals, body position, and braking.
You need a valid passport (or national ID for Mercosur citizens). We handle all customs paperwork for the motorcycles and provide full assistance at the border. We'll send you a detailed document checklist after booking so there are no surprises on crossing day.
On Day 6, we board a ferry at Lake Pirihueico (about 1.5 hours). The motorcycles are loaded onto the ferry deck and secured for the crossing. Ferry tickets for rider and motorcycle are included in the price. It's one of the most memorable moments of the trip.
We offer mid-range adventure models (500–850 cc) ideal for Patagonian roads. Upgrades and specific models are available upon request. If you're bringing your own bike, tell us the model and setup so we can advise on suitability for the route.
Yes. Passengers can ride pillion or travel in the support van (up to 6 seats), joining the group at every stop, meal, and experience. Many couples travel this way. Passenger pricing starts from USD 3,900.
Yes. The "Trilogía Enco" is a class III experience with certified guides and full safety equipment (life jackets, helmets, wetsuits). It's designed to be family-friendly and accessible. If you prefer not to participate, you can enjoy free time at the reserve instead.
The Patagonian riding season runs roughly from October to April. Our scheduled departures fall within this window. October and November offer longer days and fewer tourists. February and March bring warmer temperatures. We avoid winter months when mountain passes may be closed due to snow.
Absolutely. Private departures are available for couples, families, and corporate groups. You can choose your dates, upgrade hotels, adjust ride intensity, and add or swap experiences (extra rest days, vineyard visits, fishing). Contact us and we'll build a tailored proposal.
Bariloche has an international airport (BRC / San Carlos de Bariloche) with daily flights from Buenos Aires (about 2 hours). There are also connections from other Argentine cities. We include airport pick-up on Day 1 and transfer to the airport on Day 11.
Your Andes Crossing expedition starts here
Tell us about your riding experience and what you're looking for. We'll reply within 24 hours with availability, pricing, and the full itinerary PDF.
No commitment required. Next scheduled departure: October 2026.