2010 SA Itinerary
South America: Patagonia and Tierra Del Fuego
December 3 - 14, 2010
Day One, December 3rd
This is the day most riders will fly from Santiago to Punta Arenas. We will pick everyone up at the Punta Arenas airport. You will get to pick up your rental motorcycle and ride it back to the hotel. If you fly in earlier, this could also be the day to shake off jet lag or see and explore this small coastal town. Everyone will stay at the Hotel Carpa Manzano. This evening we will all walk into town for the Welcome Dinner.
Day Two, December 4th
[195 mi total / 45 mi. gravel / 150 mi. paved]
Journey northward on a scenic ride toward the Torres Del Paine National Park and travel over more gravel roadways to the ranch house turned lodge, the classic Hosteria el Pionero. Meals are served on site in the large formal dining room.
Day Three, December 5th
[135 mi. total - all gravel]
Ride a beautiful loop out to the magnificent Torres Del Paine park, where the world-renowned "Towers Of Blue" jut raggedly into the deep blue skies. See emerald and cobalt blue lakes, and plenty of condors, geese, and guanacos, and too many blooming flowers to count. Over 135 miles of exquisite dirt roads and scenery to experience. Stay again at the quaint Pioneer Hotel and feast on another delicious local meal.
Day Four, December 6th
[134 mi./ 31 mi. gravel/ 103 mi. paved]
Cross back into Argentina and ride to Calafate on the
legendary Ruta 40. Famous for high winds and long stretches of loose gravel, the road turns to smooth pavement. Famous for high winds and long stretches of loose gravel, this route will demand all of your attention. After several miles of gravel, the road turns to smooth pavement. We are staying two nights in this beautiful town along the shore of the deep blue waters of Lago Argentino.
Day Five, December 7th
[111 optional mi. - all paved]
Rest day in Calafate to either take a ride out and visit the fabulous Perito Merino Glacier, or to shop, explore, hike, etc.. The Hotel Los Hielos is famous for its beautiful location on the shores of Lago Argentino. An internet computer is available in the lobby for free use 24 hours a day.
Day Six, December 8th
[206 mi. total / 62 mi. gravel/ 144 mi. paved]
Ride to La Angostura. Amazing nearly-new asphalt with big radius corners, in the middle of absolutely nowhere, with no traffic, then long miles of open gravel roads through vast countryside. View the incredible Fitzroy Mountain from a distance, or up close on a short optional side trip. Rolling vibrant desert colors throughout. Hang out with real Gauchos and live the cowboy lifestyle for an afternoon. Optional guided horseback rides around the ranch are available for a fee. These ranchers will grill and serve some of the best mutton you will ever taste. After many miles in the high winds of the legendary Route 40, the solitude and restful quiet of the remote hacienda will make up for the bunk house style sleeping arrangements. No internet.
Day Seven, December 9th
[326 mi. total / 162 mi. gravel / 164 mi. paved]
Head east through the winding, mountainous terrain. We will ride by numerous sheep ranches as the sprawling countryside gives way to the historic port city of Rio Gallegos along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy the amenities and modern styling of the four star Hotel Patagonia.
Day Eight, December 10th
[246 mi. total / 75 mi. gravel/ 171 mi. paved]
A scenic ride South will allow us to race the dolphins across the Strait of Magellan on the transport ferry as we continue on to Rio Grande. This small town along the coast is a friendly place, and the small lodge we stay in, the Hotel de los Sauces, is clean and well cared for. Excellent dinner choices in close vicinity.
Day Nine, December 11th
[130 mi. total - all paved]
Ride to Ushuaia. An exciting side excursion along the Beagle channel will put you nose to beak with wild penguins! Hiking trails are available to explore in the nearby ski area. Our housing for the evening will be on the outskirts of town in a modern lodge within the forest, Hotel Terrazas del Beagle. In the evening, enjoy a hand-crafted beer in the Beer Pub located on the first floor.
Day Ten, December 12th
[41 mi. total - all gravel: within Tierra del Fuego Nat. Park]
Journey along the Beagle Canal, the same area that Charles Darwin traveled for his research on "The Origin of Species". Rest day. Many surprises! We ride to the southernmost point in the world attainable by road. Mail your family a post card or letter from the southernmost postal depot on earth. This lovely park is well cared for and offers many miles of hiking and beautiful picnic sites. Stay again in Ushuaia.
Day Eleven, December 13th
[261 mi. total / 75 mi. gravel / 186 mi. paved]
Ride to Cerro Sombrero. Big, open country includes incredible riding, including plenty of twisties and sweepers. Then get a great hot and high pressure shower in this little inn (Hosteria Tunquelen) and tiny town in the middle of the island of Tierra del Fuego.
Day Twelve, December 14th
[135 mi. total - all paved]
Today we re-cross on the ferry and ride along the Strait of
Magellan to Punta Arenas and turn in our motorcycles. Our lodging this night is in the Hotel Carpa Manzano. We will all celebrate with a farewell dinner in a special local restaurant.