If you want to be impressed by spectacular landscapes, you can not miss the most amazing roads to travel by motorcycle in South America. You will not regret it! ( GUIDE TO TRAVEL BY MOTORCYCLE IN SOUTH AMERICA ) Without a doubt, a motorcycle tour in South America is one of the best experiences every motorcyclist can have, and from the first kilometer to the last, it is a spectacular trip. We know this and that is why in Ecuador Bike Rental, we wanted to prepare a complete guide on motorcycle travel in South America that will be of great help if you are seriously considering the possibility of making this tour.
There are so many people who have ventured into going around the world by motorcycle without having been before to South America, one of the most beautiful and most traveled continents by motorcycle. This is a ride we guarantee you won’t regret. It’ll be one of the best experiences of your life. Pay attention, as by the end, you’ll be eager for this trip.
To travel by motorcycle in South America, what do I need?
No doubt, to enjoy it to the fullest it is important that you meet a wide range of indispensable requirements. We show you the most important ones:
– Motorcycle in perfect condition.
Undoubtedly the most important thing on a motorcycle trip anywhere is to have a motorcycle that is not only comfortable but also in perfect condition to be able to meet the requirements of the trip without any problem. Therefore, it is essential that, before starting your trip, you take the motorcycle with which you are going to travel through South America to your trusted workshop, to check it, verify that it is in perfect condition and repair any faults it may have. For bike modifications, it’s best to do them near home for easier access to spares and trusted hand labor.
– Documents.
As far as documentation is concerned, it is essential to have a passport. In addition, you will need to have a motorcycle driver’s license, which is absolutely mandatory. We also recommend that, before starting your trip, you contact the different embassies of the countries where you are going to go to find out if you need some kind of documentation or a special visa because the requirements change depending on the country of origin of the visitor. Although, if you are from Canada, USA, Latin America or Europe you do not need more paperwork than your passport.
Another thing worth noting is the paperwork that needs to be done at every country´s border. Most countries in South America request you to purchase a SOAT (road insurance), which is not expensive (around USD 70 per visiting month, depending on where you are). This is mandatory at least for Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. Besides the SOAT, arrange your migration papers and temporary entrance for your motorcycle at customs. Usually, all these three things can be done in offices one near the other.
And depending on which border you are crossing, the wait time can be as short as 5 minutes. Local knowledge prevails as it’s always the most up-to-date. For instance, there are some borders where SOAT can’t be easily purchased, like Deshaguadero, between Bolivia and Peru, near Puno. And despite this issue, it’s no excuse for local authorities to give you some problems if you get stopped. So much as to put your motorcycle away. Remember, SOAT can be purchased mainly at the borders. Once inland, is much more complicated.
Motorcycle tours in South America
Obviously, there is not a single motorcycle route in South America. In fact, there are so many options you won’t know which to choose, as each offers something different for every rider’s preference. With this in mind, from Ecuador Bike Rental we are going to share with you some of the routes that we like the most to ride a motorcycle on the continent, which will give you the chance to admire breathtaking landscapes:
Route 40
Route 40 is perhaps the most famous route in South America, which crosses the entire continent from north to south, and from south to north. It is a mythical route among bikers, and to travel it is an authentic paradise, given its high degree of adventure and its spectacular landscapes.
Carretera Austral
The Carretera Austral is identified by the fact that it runs through Chilean Patagonia in its entirety. It consists of a narrow road with a spectacular view, so riding along it will be immemorial. We recommend crossing between Chile and Argentina to appreciate the highlights of both countries to the fullest.
The road to the end of the world
There is also the route to the end of the world, which consists of crossing all of Tierra del Fuego, from the Chilean side to the Argentinean side, and we consider it one of the most recommended routes of the motorcycle trip through South America. Here you have to keep in mind that the Argentinean side is the on-road way, but the Chilean side is off-road, it will depend on the type of adventure you are looking for so you can decide which way to go. Of course, on both sides, you will enjoy magical landscapes.
Ruta de los Lagos, Bolivia.
In Bolivia, you will find this iconic and famous road, which does not offer any type of service along its route, so it is essential to be well prepared to travel it, since you will not find gas stations, workshops, restaurants, services, etc. Here the GPS will become your best ally. But that will not deprive you of the beautiful Latin American landscapes.
7 Lakes Road.
7 Lakes Road is located in Argentina and specifically starts from the Lanin Volcano, towards Bariloche and El Bolson. Epic, we must add that it is perfectly maintained countryside, so you don’t have to worry about it. Totally recommended.
Jama Pass.
One of our favorites on our motorcycle trip through South America is the Jama Pass, which refers to the border point between Chile and Argentina, and is characterized as one of the most popular in all of South America. Travel through Bolivia to explore iconic sites like the Salar de Uyuni and Lake Titicaca, home to the Uros tribe.
Motorcycle trip in South America from Colombia.
Many motorcyclists begin their South American trip in Colombia, positioned in the continent’s north, facilitating travel southward. One of the most popular routes starts in Medellín (Colombia) and covers a total of 30,000 km via Panamerican Highway, no more and no less, passing through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. This is where this interesting route ends.
If you opt for this route, take as much time as needed; it’ll enhance your motorcycle ride experience.
Motorcycles for traveling in South America
Choosing a motorcycle for a South American trip varies for each biker, as tastes and needs differ. Even so, drawing from our experience, we’ll showcase the best motorcycles for a South American trip, ensuring smooth travels.
Suzuki – DR 650
Don’t settle, imagine having a blast down through a back road and suddenly the paved road ends in a motorcycle tour in Ecuador. There is no need to stop. Continue with your breathtaking journey as this motorcycle is made to go the extra mile. The handling of this bike is exceptional thanks to its chassis dynamics and sophisticated forks and suspension. For enthusiasts of corner carving and adventure, navigating rough terrain with this bike feels as easy as walking a dog.
We enhanced our DR 650 with a larger gas tank, the Acerbis 5.5, not only giving it a meaner look but also increasing its autonomy to 500 km (300 miles). Additionally, handguards, side crash bars, rear mountings, and a crankcase protector ensure worry-free enjoyment throughout your trip. As for safety, it has fog lamps installed. The bike comes with 35 lt. waterproof GIVI saddlebags on each side.
Royal Enfield – HIMALAYAN
Many have called the Himalayan the ultimate dual-sport, praising its unpretentious, easy-to-ride nature. Proven time and time again in the most remote landscapes, this rugged beauty can handle anything you throw at it. Yes, it’s the perfect bike to patiently teach your family members how to ride a motorcycle.
Equipped with a solid carburetor, you won’t have to worry much about the road with this reliable, simple machine. If nature’s roughness isn’t enough, we’ve added skid plates, hand guards, and crash bars for worry-free riding on this “war tank”. Also included are two state-of-the-art 35lt GIVI saddlebags for your comfort.
KTM – SUPER ADVENTURE R 1290
KTM defends its reign with the feature-packed “R,” likely to outshine most competitors in the adventure motorcycle world. This bike has been specially modified for the best off-road performance, without losing sight of the aggressive tarmac riding style. Its ABS in off-road mode allows the rear wheel to lock while maintaining an off-road ABS algorithm at the front.
From 2,500 rpm, the bike already has 80 foot-pounds of torque at the rear end ready for use. With four different riding modes (Sport, Street, Rain, and Off-Road) and a two-way quick-shifter, all monitored by its huge color TFT dashboard, it will make you feel like you’re ready for whatever is thrown at you on your Equator adventure. We tested this bike and believe you, as a customer, would love to give it a try. This bike, with its offerings, tested by us, we think you, as a customer, would enjoy trying out. Here it is for you to rent or book it on a guided or self-guided tour.
We hope this article has helped you a lot because our mission as a company is to make you enjoy the most of this wonderful part of the world, which is called South America. ( GUIDE TO TRAVEL BY MOTORCYCLE IN SOUTH AMERICA )
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