When you experience Santiago or Buenos Aires, it can be hard to believe that both Chile and Argentina share a sparsely populated region that is known for its nature, unique culture, and seclusion from the rest of the globe. Traveling in Patagonia can feel like you’ve been transported to a different world when compared to the 24/7 life-style that you will find in the capital cities. It’s that feeling that draws adventure riders from all over the world to come experience the natural beauty of one of the most beautiful regions on earth.
The two main access roads into Patagonia are via the Carretera Austral in Chile or Ruta National 40 in Argentina, these two roads are vastly different. Anyone who is considering a motorcycle tour in Patagonia should understand what those differences are so that they can plan their trip accordingly.
If you choose to ride through Chilean Patagonia the Carretera Austral is the road you will use. You’ll find that much of the countryside is a temperate rain-forest, it is dotted with glaciers, volcanoes, rivers and fjords. The Carretera Austral is a mix of paved and gravel roads. The weather, while generally very pleasant during summer, can change quickly. Traveling gravel roads in a temperate rain-forest means that heavy rains and poor road conditions can occur any time of the year. Being properly prepared for adventure riding in such an environment is key to any successful venture.
On the Argentine side travelers typically access this region via Ruta National 40. The Argentine side is a series of steppe-like plains that poses a completely different set of challenges than the Chilean side. The lush rain-forest of Chilean Patagonia gives way to plains with little vegetation where you are offered wide ranging views from one horizon to the next. The southern section of Ruta 40 is long and straight where flamingos, Guanacos and massive Estancias (think giant farms) full of sheep are all common sights. Argentine Patagonia is a windswept countryside that’s both stark and beautiful. Ruta 40 is famous for its overwhelmingly strong winds and motorcycle riders must take caution as they can be quite challenging to navigate.
When you ride in Patagonia-no matter if you are on a tour with us at Moto Patagonia or renting one of our motos - you earn respect for overcoming the many nuances that surround daily life in Patagonia. Riding in Patagonia can be extremely challenging, but as many of our clients can attest, the rewards far outweigh the risks.
The two main access roads into Patagonia are via the Carretera Austral in Chile or Ruta National 40 in Argentina, these two roads are vastly different. Anyone who is considering a motorcycle tour in Patagonia should understand what those differences are so that they can plan their trip accordingly.
If you choose to ride through Chilean Patagonia the Carretera Austral is the road you will use. You’ll find that much of the countryside is a temperate rain-forest, it is dotted with glaciers, volcanoes, rivers and fjords. The Carretera Austral is a mix of paved and gravel roads. The weather, while generally very pleasant during summer, can change quickly. Traveling gravel roads in a temperate rain-forest means that heavy rains and poor road conditions can occur any time of the year. Being properly prepared for adventure riding in such an environment is key to any successful venture.
On the Argentine side travelers typically access this region via Ruta National 40. The Argentine side is a series of steppe-like plains that poses a completely different set of challenges than the Chilean side. The lush rain-forest of Chilean Patagonia gives way to plains with little vegetation where you are offered wide ranging views from one horizon to the next. The southern section of Ruta 40 is long and straight where flamingos, Guanacos and massive Estancias (think giant farms) full of sheep are all common sights. Argentine Patagonia is a windswept countryside that’s both stark and beautiful. Ruta 40 is famous for its overwhelmingly strong winds and motorcycle riders must take caution as they can be quite challenging to navigate.
When you ride in Patagonia-no matter if you are on a tour with us at Moto Patagonia or renting one of our motos - you earn respect for overcoming the many nuances that surround daily life in Patagonia. Riding in Patagonia can be extremely challenging, but as many of our clients can attest, the rewards far outweigh the risks.
 |  |
RSS Feed
