Gravel Heroes
ALTIPLANO RIDE – ALTITUDE WITH ATTITUDE: 1 – 15.03.2025
MOTORCYCLE:
TOUR DESCRIPTION:
This is a true motorcycle expedition: We call it ABC as it will take you across Argentina, Bolivia and Chile. But along a route which is remote, away from the usual tourist routes, but also probably the most beautiful there is to be found in the Altiplano.
This tour is definitely not for snowflakes: You will need, grit, endurance, a desire to explore and discover. Prior experience off-road is a must. But you will also have to be flexible and function in a team: on such a route, there will be changes in plans. Some hotels are basic – but there are also some great ones!
You can ride either your own motorbike on this tour, or a rented Yamaha Ténéré 250 (option on rented bike is included in the tour price).
If you intend to ride your motorcycle, you can extend the journey by starting in Valparaiso / San Antonio, Chile and head to the starting point of the expedition on wheels. Contact us if you are interested in this option.
We’ll be at high altitudes during this expedition, with the highest point being volcan Uturuncu 6,008m. It is possible to reach on motorbikes the altitude of 5,800 m and the remaining part walk. We will have a number of riding days above 4,000m.
We start our journey in Argentina in Salta. We first go along Ruta 40 and then make our way to the Altiplano. We will cross into Chile to have a rest day in San Pedro de Atacama. The Tatio Geysers await! The Laguna route is next, but we will first try to ascent the Uturuncu volcano towering at 6,008m. We will then ride to Uyuni along lagunas, through the Dali desert with alien rock formations. In Uyuni, another day off full of discoveries awaits: world famous Salar de Uyuni and train cementery. We then make our way back to Argentina but first we will make a detour to San Vincente where Butch Cassidy met his end.
Are you ready up to a motorcycle adventure like no other? Get in touch!
START:
END:
NUMBER OF DAYS AND NIGHTS:
NUMBER OF RIDING DAYS:
TOUR TYPE:
TYPE OF ROADS:
DIFFICULTY LEVEL:
MIN./ MAX. NUMBER OF BIKES:
Out of stock
(the price does not include motorcycle transport)
Choose your options:
DETAILS OF THE TOUR
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Nature
- Altiplano landscapes
- Uturuncu volcano
- Atacama desert
- Tatio Geysers
- Butch Cassidy & Sundance Kid last home
- Bolivia laguna route
- San Pedro de Atacama
- Salar de Uyuni
- Train cemetery
- Desierto de Dali
- Cerro colorado de Caspala
- Valle Colorado
- Hornocal
WEATHER:
We will visit the Altiplano in late summer, right after the so-called “invierno altiplanico” (although it is climatically summer in the southern hemisphere). This should be the period after the rains, but as is typical in the mountains, the rainy season may extend: rain and even snow are possible. Conditions on the routes can change at any moment. You must also be prepared for temperature differences depending on the altitude and possible radical weather changes. Nights can be cold. We will also be riding at high altitudes, which will be physically demanding.
MOTORCYCLE GEAR:
Wearing adequate riding gear is an individual responsibility. We strongly recommend “adventure” or hard-shell motocross type boots for this ride. Bring your own gear.
LUGGAGE:
Space is limited in the support vehicle. Do not take more than one 20kg luggage piece. It should be dust & water proof. For riding days take with you a small backpack. Those that want can have soft panniers mounted on their motorcycles.
IMPORTANT, REMEMBER:
We will travel far from civilization. We’ll not always have telephone coverage. There may not be internet either.
You should carry a warm set of clothes with you on the motorbike. If you bring your own bike: You also need to bring tools for your motorbike and for fixing a flat.
Consider medevac coverage with Global Rescue or Garmin or equivalent for the expedition.
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE:
6,008
meters above seal levelDAY BY DAY TOUR PROGRAM
DAY 1 (1.03.2025)
ARRIVAL TO SALTA (ARGENTINA)
DAY 2 (320KM / 2.03.2025)
SALTA – CAFAYATE – SECLANTAS
DAY 3 (270KM / 3.03.2025)
SECLANTAS – SAN ANTONIO DE LOS COBRES
DAY 4 (400KM / 4.03.2025)
SAN ANTONIO DE LOS COBRES – SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA
DAY 5 (200KM / 5.03.2025)
S.P. DE ATACAMA DISCOVERY DAY
DAY 6 (200KM / 6.03.2025)
SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA – QUETENA CHICO
DAY 7 (150KM / 145KM / 7.03.2025)
QUETENA CHICO: UTURUNCU & LAGUNAS
DAY 8 (300KM / 8.03.2025)
QUETENA CHICO – UYUNI
DAY 9 (100KM / 9.03.2025)
UYUNI: SALAR, TRAIN MUSUEM
DAY 10 (270 KM / 10.03.2025)
UYUNI – SAN VINCENTE – TUPIZA
DAY 11 (250KM / 11.03.2025)
TUPIZA – VILLAZON – HUMAHUACA
DAY 12 (150KM / 12.03.2025)
HUMAHUACA – SANTA ANA – CASPALA
DAY 13 (100KM / 13.03.2025)
CASPALA – SAN FRANCISCO
DAY 14 (200KM /14.03.2025)
SAN FRANCISCO – SALTA
DAY 15 (15.03.2025) FLY OUT
THE ROUTE MAY CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER FACTORS.
YOUR OPINIONS
FROM GOOGLE
Google rating score: 5.0 of 5,based on 47 reviews
PRICE INCLUDES:
MOTORCYCLE
GUIDE
SUPPORT CAR
MOTORBIKE MAINTENANCE
ACCOMMODATION & FOOD
TRANSPORT TO/FROM THE HOTEL
ACTIVITIES
Entry tickets to the National parks.
INSURANCE
- Basic travel insurance.
- Tourist Guarantee Fund fee.
- Tourist Support Fund fee.
IMPORTANT: For an additional fee, there is an option to independently extend the insurance within the Signal Iduna Safe Travels and/or Global Rescue partner offer. The price of the tour includes basic travel insurance.
PICTURES & GPX TRACKS FROM THE TOUR
WELCOME PACK
PRICE NOT INCLUDES:
- Airline tickets (tickets should not be bought until the organizer confirms the completion of the minimum group size).
- Fuel for the motorcycle.
- Cost of a tourist visa, if required.
- Meals other than breakfasts, beverages.
- Medical expenses not covered by the basic travel insurance provided by MotoBirds.
- Costs associated with transporting the motorcycle to the trip’s end location, if a participant does not want to continue for comfort reasons.
- Additional recommended Global Rescue insurance.
- Entrance tickets to optional tourist attractions.
- Repairs to the participant’s own motorcycle if the participant is riding their own motorcycle.
- Transport of the motorcycle from Warsaw to and from Valparaiso / San Antonio in Chile, if you decide to participate in the expedition on your own motorcycle.
DEPOSIT FOR THE MOTORCYCLE:
US$500 refundable security deposit (cash)
