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Motorcycle Adventure Touring in Ruta 40AR
Argentina's legendary north-south artery along the Andes. Its Patagonian stretch, from Bariloche toward Ushuaia, is one of the world's definitive motorcycle journeys.
Why here
Ruta 40 runs more than 5,000 kilometers along the spine of the Andes, and its Patagonian stretch is the section riders cross oceans for: steppe crosswinds that become a skill in themselves, gravel sectors, guanaco country, and waypoints like the Fitz Roy skyline, the Perito Moreno glacier, and finally Tierra del Fuego and Ushuaia, the end of the road on earth. Paired with Chile's Carretera Austral it closes one of the great overland loops anywhere. The guided infrastructure is mature, with BMW GS fleets, support trucks, and two-guide protocols, so the two-to-three-week commitment is the hard part, not the logistics.
Best months
The riding season runs roughly mid-September to mid-March, with December to February the high-summer core. Wind is constant and stronger in the afternoon; distances between fuel stops demand planning. Operators require a motorcycle license and typically two years of riding experience.
Getting there & around
Southbound tours typically start in Bariloche (BRC) and end in Ushuaia (USH) over 15 to 21 days, often crossing into Chile. Book six to twelve months ahead for December to February departures.
Skill levels: intermediate, advanced
Schools & guides (2)
Compass Expeditions
OutfitterA long-running adventure motorcycle operator whose Patagonia tours ride Ruta 40 and the Carretera Austral with support vehicles and guided groups.
Ride Adventures
OutfitterA US-based operator running guided and self-guided BMW motorcycle tours through Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego, and Ushuaia.