Photos
Carretera Austral & Patagonia Loop: Chile & Argentina
Ride footage // Background video
Carretera Austral & Patagonia Loop: Chile & Argentina — Shots from the Ride
Raw riding footage across high-altitude mountain passes, valleys, and backcountry highways.
Route dossier
Carretera Austral & Patagonia Loop: Chile & Argentina
The definitive South American wilderness loop: 14 days and 3,300 km across Chilean and Argentine Patagonia. Ride the legendary Carretera Austral (Ruta 7), cross the Andes into the mythical Ruta 40 steppe, and return through the Lake District to Puerto Varas.
Expedition brief
You conquered the Himalayas and the plains of India... now enter the ultimate green wilderness at the end of the Earth: Chilean and Argentine Patagonia.
Designed as a masterfully balanced 14-day closed loop starting and finishing in Puerto Varas (Puerto Montt Airport - PMC), this route delivers all the iconic majesty of the Carretera Austral without the brutal fatigue, 22-day stretch, or $3,500 one-way truck freight fees of a Punta Arenas drop-off.
We ride the legendary Ruta 7 through temperate rainforests, fjords, and hanging glaciers, cross the Andes mountains alongside turquoise General Carrera Lake, blast through the legendary windy steppe of Argentina's Ruta 40, and curve through Bariloche and the Seven Lakes road back into Chile.
Riding the agile Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and KTM 390 Adventure—machines purpose-built for gravel (ripio), dirt switchbacks, and long endurance days. Backed by our 4x4 chase vehicle, mechanical crew, and 100% Zero Beef dietary guarantee with fresh salmon, trout, pasta, and traditional Patagonian lamb.
Route snapshot
Puerto Varas → Hornopirén → Chaitén → Futaleufú → Puyuhuapi → Coyhaique → Río Tranquilo → Chile Chico → Perito Moreno (Ruta 40) → Esquel → Bariloche → Villa La Angostura → Puyehue → Puerto Varas
Explore Full Route & Daily Stops in the Atlas
Navigate the interactive map with altitude profiles, fly-in airport join points, and day-by-day stage details.
Highlights
Expedition Class I — ADVENTURE
THE CHALLENGE
Not a vacation. Not a motorcycle rental. An expedition across India & Nepal — long days, real altitude, remote terrain, and a crew that treats the route as a serious operation.
Long-distance but accessible.
Fjord ferry crossings, pristine Patagonian ripio (gravel), temperate rainforest curves, wide open Patagonian steppe on Argentine Ruta 40, and Andean lake passes.
How Demanding Is This Route?
The Altitude & Mountain Pass Journey
Hover over any waypoint to inspect elevation, mountain summits, acclimatization rhythm, and stages.
Day-by-day itinerary
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
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Create account to unlockMotorcycle guidance
- The Himalayan 450 and KTM 390 are the perfect, purpose-built adventure machines for Patagonia.
- Patagonian ripio (loose gravel), sudden crosswinds, and ferry ramps reward lightweight, agile platforms like the Himalayan 450 and KTM 390 ADV where heavy 1200cc motorcycles become exhausting liabilities.
- Riders who have ridden with us in India already know these bikes intimately, allowing 100% focus on the majestic scenery.
Dedicated 5-Person Support Crew on Every Convoy
Backed by a Lead Ride Captain, Sweep Mechanic, 4x4 Chase Truck with spares and medical O2, 4K Cinema Drone Filmmaker, and 24/7 Bilingual Concierge.
Included
- Dedicated purpose-built ADV motorcycle (Himalayan 450 / KTM 390 ADV) with gravel-ready dual-sport tires and crash bars.
- Expedition leader, lead rider, support mechanic, and dedicated 4x4 chase vehicle for rider luggage and technical spares.
- 13 Nights in handpicked Patagonian lakeside lodges, hosterías, and boutique alpine hotels (twin-share basis).
- Daily breakfast and authentic Patagonian dinners (100% Zero Beef guarantee; vegetarian / fish / poultry / cordero al palo tailored).
- All scheduled ferry crossings along the Carretera Austral (Caleta Arena, Hornopirén to Leptepú/Fiordo Largo).
- Bi-national border transit customs documentation (Chile ⇄ Argentina).
- Fuel for the entire 3,300 km loop.
- Official Real Expeditions embroidered "Carretera Austral" crest and certificate.
Not included
- International and domestic flights to/from Puerto Montt (PMC).
- Optional excursion tickets (e.g. Marble Caves / Capillas de Mármol boat tour, Queulat thermal pools — payable directly at destination).
- Personal travel insurance (mandatory: motorcycle >400cc).
- Alcoholic beverages, personal expenses, and refundable motorcycle damage deposit ($1,000 USD).
Rider requirements
- Valid motorcycle license and International Driving Permit (IDP).
- Passport valid for at least 6 months with visa compliance for Chile and Argentina.
- Travel insurance covering adventure motorcycle touring.