GUIDE TO TRAVEL BY MOTORCYCLE IN SOUTH AMERICA

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. In fact, it will be one of the best experiences of your life, so now you know, pay attention, because we believe that by the time you finish reading this article, you will be looking forward to this motorcycle 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. Also, for any modification that needs to be done on the bike, is better to get it done near home, where it’s easier to find 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 almost 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. Along with the SOAT, you need to work out your migration papers and also a temporary entrance of 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 that you will not know which one to choose, because they all have different things to offer, depending on what each rider is looking for. 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 suggest you cross between Chile and Argentina, since this way you will be able to admire the most transcendent of both countries.

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. Through this route, you can pass Bolivia and know its most representative corners with the Salar de Uyuni or Lake Titicaca where you can meet the Urus, a tribe that lives on small islands in the lake.  

Motorcycle trip in South America from Colombia.

Many motorcyclists decide to start their motorcycle trip in South America in Colombia, as it is located in the northern part of the continent and allows them to travel south. 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 choose to go this route, take as much time as you think necessary and you will enjoy your motorcycle ride even more.

Motorcycles for traveling in South America

When it comes to choosing the motorcycle to travel by motorcycle in South America, it will depend on each biker, since each one has different tastes or needs. Even so, from our experience, we are going to show you what we consider to be the best motorcycles for a trip in South America, and with which you will enjoy a smooth and uneventful trip.

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 those who love carving corners and the call of the wild, controlling this bike on a beaten path feels just like walking your dog in the park… yes, that easy. Our DR 650 has been enhanced with a bigger gas tank, and Acerbis 5.5, not only that it would look meaner, but it increases its autonomy to 500 km, (300 miles). Also, the addition of handguards, side crash bars, rear mountings, and a crankcase protector will help you to enjoy your trip without worrying for the sake of the bike too much. As for safety, it has fog lamps installed. The bike comes with 35 lt. waterproof GIVI saddlebags on each side.

Royal Enfield – HIMALAYAN

The Himalayan is an unpretentious, easy-to-ride motorcycle that has been called by many: the ultimate dual-sport. 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. And if its natural roughness isn’t enough, we’ve installed skid plates, hand guards, and crash bars on the bike so you can enjoy your ride worry-free on this war tank. Also included are two state-of-the-art 35lt GIVI saddlebags for your comfort.  

KTM – SUPER ADVENTURE R 1290

Defending its reign in the world of adventure motorcycles, KTM presented a feature-packed solution that will put most competitors to sleep, the “R”. 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. The bike is also protected with a skid plate, hand guards, thick vinyl, and crash bars to minimize any possible damage to it. This bike has a lot to offer and since we tested it, we thought you as a customer would love to try it 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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