Buenos Aires
Ushuaia
Cartagena
South to the end of the road. Then north to the Caribbean.
Approx. 22 November 2026 – 15 January 2027
THE TRIP AT A GLANCE
Buenos Aires → Ushuaia → Cartagena · 55 days
Trip starts in
- ≈ 9,833 miles · Plan A
- ≈ 15,825 km
- Riding days
- 41
- Rest / preparation days
- 14
- Countries
- 6
- Border crossings
- 10
Argentina · Chile · Bolivia · Peru · Ecuador · Colombia
Plan A totals include modeled ferry distance and the Perito Moreno return. Other local excursions are extra. A/B choices update this total; the master map shows Plan A. Driving times exclude border processing, check-in and stops.
How to read the times
Map times are driving estimates, including modeled ferry legs where routed. Whole-day allowances add planning margin for stops, queues and formalities; they are not guarantees. Optional-stop access and visit times are rough planning estimates, not measured detours.
Our South America route
Explore the daily stops from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia and north to Cartagena. Open the map’s layer menu to choose a route section.
Plan A · 22 November 2026–15 January 2027. Transport bookings and future road conditions still need confirmation.
The itinerary
Open a day to see its route, planning notes and saved map.
Choose a date to open that day’s route details below. Travel dates confirmed.
Optional stops fit within the existing 55 days. Access and visit times are rough planning estimates; choose stops only when daylight and arrival time allow.
Showing all 55 days
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01Buenos Aires · arrival & trip briefingArrival day
- Intercity distance
- 0 km
- Country
- Argentina
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
Today’s plan
Arrive in Buenos Aires and meet the group. Review the route, A/B decisions, border papers, bookings and communication plan. Keep the evening relaxed before tomorrow’s bike collection.
02Buenos Aires · collect & prepare the bikesPreparation day
- Intercity distance
- 0 km
- Country
- Argentina
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
Today’s plan
Collect the motorcycles and take them to the arranged workshop for oil, batteries and preparation after shipping. Check tyre pressures, brakes, controls, luggage and documents, then make a short shakedown ride. Record each odometer and next service due before leaving Buenos Aires tomorrow.
Logistic taskHoliday collection & workshop appointment
- 23 November is an Argentine public holiday. Confirm a specific appointment with both the release agent and workshop before arrival; normal Monday hours are not sufficient.
- Have release documents, keys, owner authorizations, correct oil/filter and batteries arranged in advance. If either appointment cannot be confirmed, the 24 November departure needs replanning.
Motorcycle maintenanceDeparture baseline · oil, batteries & next due dates
- Prepare the bikes after shipping, verify oil/filter work and batteries with the workshop, and test the bikes before loading. Record each starting odometer, last service and next service-book deadline.
- All running-in services are already completed. This dashboard measures route distance, not the actual odometer; include local rides in your maintenance log.
03Buenos Aires → Bahía BlancaRiding day
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 692 km
- Map travel baseline
- 7 h 50 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 9–10h
- Country
- Argentina
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Buenos Aires → Tres Arroyos → Bahía Blanca · RN3
Today’s ride
Leave early: this is a long first stage across the Pampas, with broad horizons and long straight stretches after Buenos Aires traffic. Build in a proper lunch and short breaks rather than adding sightseeing. Vehicle collection must already be complete before departure.
Daylight · sunrise 05:35 (Buenos Aires); sunset 20:10 (Bahía Blanca). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 19:25.
Riding notes
Paved · long day
Bikes should have been collected and prepared yesterday. Do not begin this long stage until oil, batteries, tyres and documents are ready.
Worth the stopPlaza Rivadavia after arrival
Trade the highway for a short walk around Bahía Blanca’s historic heart. The main square and surrounding civic buildings give the first overnight stop a sense of place, with architecture to photograph and a convenient pause before dinner.
Look for the old street lamps around Plaza Rivadavia: they date from 1925. The square’s formal, symmetrical layout makes a good photograph after the first highway stage.
Source ↗After parking: allow 20–40 min for the local walk or food stop. Access depends on your accommodation; this is not included in the road distance.
Bahía Blanca · historic walking routeWhen to do it · Outdoor stop: use daylight and actual arrival time. No ticketed activity or indoor opening is assumed.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗- Mapped distance · approx.
- 498 km
- Map travel baseline
- 5 h 28 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 7–8 h
- Country
- Argentina
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Buenos Aires → Tres Arroyos
Route for day 3 · Plan B ↗Google driving estimate checked 11 October 2026; stops, queues and future conditions can change the total.
Today’s ride · Plan B
Choose this at or before Tres Arroyos if fatigue, wind or a late departure make Bahía Blanca unrealistic. The RN3 Pampas stage still needs regular breaks. Check accommodation before stopping.
Daylight · sunrise 05:35 (Buenos Aires); sunset 20:02 (Tres Arroyos). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 19:17.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗04Bahía Blanca → San Antonio OesteRiding day
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 410 km
- Map travel baseline
- 5 h 04 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 7–8h
- Country
- Argentina
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Bahía Blanca → San Antonio Oeste
Today’s ride
An open-country transfer toward northern Patagonia. Expect more straight-road mileage than mountain riding; an unhurried morning is possible only if you keep breaks modest. Aim to reach San Antonio Oeste with daylight for a short waterfront walk.
Daylight · sunrise 05:40 (Bahía Blanca); sunset 20:28 (San Antonio Oeste). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 19:43.
Riding notes
Paved · easy terrain
Watch truck turbulence and allow extra space when exposed to crosswinds.
Worth the stopSan Antonio Bay waterfront
The waterfront is the reward at the end of the steppe: tidal water, boats and the working character of a Patagonian port. Walk a short section of the costanera and watch how the exposed shore changes with the tide; this is an easy arrival stop in your overnight town.
The fishing pier and old railway neighbourhood explain the town’s working-port character. The waterfront changes dramatically with the tide; look at the waterline before choosing your photo spot.
Source ↗After parking: allow 20–40 min for the local walk or food stop. Access depends on your accommodation; this is not included in the road distance.
San Antonio tourism · waterfrontWhen to do it · Outdoor stop: use daylight and actual arrival time. No ticketed activity or indoor opening is assumed.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗- Mapped distance · approx.
- 604 km
- Map travel baseline
- 7 h 08 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 9–10 h
- Country
- Argentina
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Tres Arroyos → Bahía Blanca → San Antonio Oeste
Route for day 4 · Plan B ↗Google driving estimate checked 11 October 2026; stops, queues and future conditions can change the total.
Today’s ride · Plan B
Leave around 07:00–08:00. Continue west to Bahía Blanca, then south on RN3. This absorbs yesterday’s shorter ride; keep Bahía Blanca to a practical food/fuel break. Rejoin the original overnight in San Antonio Oeste.
Daylight · sunrise 05:33 (Tres Arroyos); sunset 20:28 (San Antonio Oeste). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 19:43.
Worth the stopSan Antonio Bay waterfront
The waterfront is the reward at the end of the steppe: tidal water, boats and the working character of a Patagonian port. Walk a short section of the costanera and watch how the exposed shore changes with the tide; this is an easy arrival stop in your overnight town.
The fishing pier and old railway neighbourhood explain the town’s working-port character. The waterfront changes dramatically with the tide; look at the waterline before choosing your photo spot.
Source ↗After parking: allow 20–40 min for the local walk or food stop. Access depends on your accommodation; this is not included in the road distance.
San Antonio tourism · waterfrontWhen to do it · Outdoor stop: use daylight and actual arrival time. No ticketed activity or indoor opening is assumed.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗05San Antonio Oeste → Puerto MadrynRiding day
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 269 km
- Map travel baseline
- 3 h 09 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 5–6h
- Country
- Argentina
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
San Antonio Oeste → Puerto Madryn
Today’s ride
The RN3 corridor brings wide Patagonian steppe and an exposed approach to Puerto Madryn. Start in the morning, pace the straight stretches and save your sightseeing energy for tomorrow’s Valdés excursion. The waterfront makes an easy arrival photo stop.
Daylight · sunrise 05:45 (San Antonio Oeste); sunset 20:36 (Puerto Madryn). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 19:51.
Riding notes
Paved · wind exposed
Arrange tomorrow’s excursion meeting point after arrival.
Worth the stopPuerto Madryn waterfront
After the open steppe, the broad sweep of Golfo Nuevo makes a refreshing change of scene. Park, stretch your legs along the waterfront and save the boat excursion for tomorrow. This is about the bay and the evening atmosphere; a whale sighting from town is a bonus, not a promise.
Golfo Nuevo is part of the southern right whale breeding area. Your arrival walk gives you the bay’s setting; tomorrow’s boat trip offers the close water-level experience, subject to sightings.
Source ↗After parking: allow 20–40 min for the local walk or food stop. Access depends on your accommodation; this is not included in the road distance.
Puerto Madryn · official tourismWhen to do it · Outdoor stop: use daylight and actual arrival time. No ticketed activity or indoor opening is assumed.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗06Puerto Madryn / Península ValdésRest dayLogistic task
Shared bike careAll three bikes · one shared session
Use the stop in Puerto Madryn for one shared session: check all three bikes together, share tools and help each other. Allow roughly 30–45 minutes, adjusted to what needs attention.
Check tyres/pressures, brakes, visible leaks, luggage and accessible fasteners. Inspect both Voge chains; clean, lubricate or adjust only as their manuals and condition require. The BMW has shaft drive. Record odometers and upcoming service deadlines for all three bikes.
This group session can move to a nearby evening if the day gets busy. Plan B travel/activity choices may require another slot. Daily safety checks and the Voge 500 km oil-level checks continue separately; attend to rain, dust, warning lights or faults immediately. This is not an oil/filter service and does not reset any service interval.
- Distance · approx.
- 0 / optional 200–400 km
- Riding time · estimate
- 0 / optional 3–6 h
- Country
- Argentina
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The plan
Puerto Madryn base → optional Península Valdés loop → Puerto Madryn
Today’s plan
Use the planned rest day for Península Valdés, not another long transfer. Wildlife is the draw, with Puerto Pirámides the base for boat trips. A booked departure determines your start time; otherwise keep the day flexible for weather and a relaxed meal in Puerto Madryn.
Daylight · sunrise 05:38 (Puerto Madryn); sunset 20:37 (Puerto Madryn). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 19:52.
Worth the stopWhale watching · Puerto Pirámides
Seeing southern right whales from water level is the special experience here. Use the existing Valdés day and let the operator confirm seasonal sightings and weather; leave the rest of the day flexible.
The pale patches on a southern right whale’s head are callosities, with a pattern used to identify individual whales. Look for the V-shaped blow and the absence of a dorsal fin.
Source ↗Dedicated outing from Puerto Madryn: plan roughly 6–8 hours including return travel and the boat trip; exact access and sailing duration depend on the booking.
Visitor information ↗When to do it · 27 Nov: within the published June–December whale season, but late-season sightings and sailings are not guaranteed. Request a morning/daytime trip and confirm 24–48 h ahead. Avoid a sunset sailing if returning to Puerto Madryn by motorcycle.
Schedule / sourceLogistic taskChile insurance
- Buy Chile SOAPEX if not already issued; check the motorcycle plate and category.
- Cover all planned Chile entries, starting Day 10 (1 December), and save the certificate offline.
- Do it now: four days remain to correct errors before the first crossing. Issuance time is not guaranteed.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗07Puerto Madryn → Comodoro RivadaviaRiding day
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 440 km
- Map travel baseline
- 5 h 12 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 7–8h
- Country
- Argentina
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Puerto Madryn → Comodoro Rivadavia
Today’s ride
A substantial RN3 steppe stage: long straights, sparse services and exposure to crosswinds can make it feel longer than the map suggests. Leave early and treat reliable fuel stops as part of the day. Save coastal exploring for arrival rather than adding a loop.
Daylight · sunrise 05:38 (Puerto Madryn); sunset 20:58 (Comodoro Rivadavia). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 20:13.
Riding notes
Paved · wind exposed
Top up in the main service towns; do not trade fuel margin for an optional coastal detour.
Worth the stopComodoro’s sea-and-mesa skyline
Comodoro’s waterfront puts the Atlantic and the distinctive Cerro Chenque in one frame. It is a worthwhile stretch-and-photo stop after the RN3 straights, with the city’s port landscape replacing empty steppe. Enjoy the view from the costanera; no hill climb is included.
Cerro Chenque rises about 212 m beside RN3 and the Atlantic. Its sedimentary layers contain ancient oyster beds—a reminder that this dry-looking landscape has a marine history.
Source ↗After parking: allow 20–40 min for the local walk or food stop. Access depends on your accommodation; this is not included in the road distance.
Comodoro tourism · Cerro ChenqueWhen to do it · Outdoor stop: use daylight and actual arrival time. No ticketed activity or indoor opening is assumed.
Fuel challengePuerto Madryn → Comodoro Rivadavia · 440 km
Fill before leaving; identify an operating stop around Trelew/Garayalde. Do not treat the whole 440 km stage as a verified no-fuel gap. Wind can reduce range.
Check the next working fuel stop locally; no future opening hours or fuel stock are guaranteed.
Find fuel along this corridorMotorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗08Comodoro Rivadavia → Puerto San JuliánRiding day
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 427 km
- Map travel baseline
- 5 h 22 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 7–8h
- Country
- Argentina
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Comodoro Rivadavia → Puerto San Julián
Today’s ride
Another open Patagonian riding day, with big skies and mostly steady progress between towns. Start early enough to arrive before museum closing if the Nao Victoria is a priority. Puerto San Julián’s waterfront offers a worthwhile change from the highway without a major detour.
Daylight · sunrise 05:37 (Comodoro Rivadavia); sunset 21:15 (Puerto San Julián). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 20:30.
Riding notes
Paved · wind exposed
Break up the straight mileage to manage fatigue; use proper pullouts for photographs.
Worth the stopNao Victoria exterior & waterfront
The full-size ship replica brings Magellan’s expedition into scale beside San Julián bay. For now, enjoy the exterior and waterfront: the official tourism page says the museum is closed for maintenance until further notice. Do not plan an interior visit without reopening confirmation.
At the foot of the ship, the Punto Cero installation reproduces a map by expedition chronicler Antonio Pigafetta. It gives the waterfront a connection to the sailors’ view of Patagonia.
Source ↗After arrival: allow 20–30 min outside, plus local access from your accommodation.
Visitor information ↗When to do it · 29 Nov, Sunday: museum maintenance closure overrides its normal weekend hours. Exterior stop only unless reopening is confirmed.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗09Puerto San Julián → Río GallegosRiding day
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 359 km
- Map travel baseline
- 4 h 24 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 6–7h
- Country
- Argentina
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Puerto San Julián → Río Gallegos
Today’s ride
Ride south through exposed steppe toward Río Gallegos. This is a positioning day for tomorrow’s more complicated journey: favour a steady morning departure and an early finish. Use the evening to organise your documents and rest rather than adding a sightseeing ride.
Daylight · sunrise 05:23 (Puerto San Julián); sunset 21:33 (Río Gallegos). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 20:48.
Riding notes
Paved · open steppe
Fill up tonight and keep the border document pack easily accessible.
Worth the stopRío Gallegos estuary walk
The attraction is the huge tidal estuary and its low, open horizon—a distinctly southern landscape rather than another roadside monument. A short costanera walk makes a gentle finish before tomorrow’s borders; bring a windproof layer even if the sun is out.
This estuary supports resident birds and long-distance migrants. The exposed mudflats are feeding grounds, so a low-tide view can be more interesting than an apparently empty stretch of water.
Source ↗After parking: allow 20–40 min for the local walk or food stop. Access depends on your accommodation; this is not included in the road distance.
Río Gallegos · visitor guideWhen to do it · Outdoor stop: use daylight and actual arrival time. No ticketed activity or indoor opening is assumed.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗10Río Gallegos → Río GrandeRiding day
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 374.8 km
- Map travel baseline
- 5 h 25 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 8–10h
- Countries
- Argentina → Chile → Argentina
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Río Gallegos → Terminal de Ferry Bahía Azul → San Sebastián → Río Grande
Today’s ride
Leave early for the journey onto Tierra del Fuego. Open, wind-exposed roads link the Strait of Magellan crossing with the approaches to Río Grande; progress depends as much on waiting time as riding. Enjoy the strait from the boat and keep additional stops brief.
Daylight · sunrise 05:17 (Río Gallegos); sunset 21:40 (Río Grande). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 20:55.
Riding notes
Paved · demanding logistics
Keep the bike stable on exposed stretches; choose safe pullouts rather than narrow road shoulders.
Worth the stopThe Strait of Magellan from the ferry
You are crossing the sea passage that gave explorers a route between the Atlantic and Pacific. Watch Tierra del Fuego approach across the wind-ruffled water: the geography becomes much more memorable from the deck than from a map. Enjoy it during the crossing already required today.
This crossing makes the map tangible: Tierra del Fuego lies on one side of the strait and continental Patagonia on the other. Photograph the shoreline from an approved deck area during the scheduled sailing.
Source ↗Enjoy during the scheduled crossing: no extra road detour or sightseeing time added.
Chile Travel · Strait of MagellanWhen to do it · Outdoor stop: use daylight and actual arrival time. No ticketed activity or indoor opening is assumed.
Ferry crossingPunta Delgada → Bahía Azul
- Boarding: Punta Delgada → Bahía Azul. Operator: TABSA.
- Crossing: about 20 minutes; queues and wind delays are extra.
- Budget reference: US$15–20 per motorcycle from a March 2026 travel guide; current TABSA fare and rider inclusion need confirmation.
- Tickets: buy through TABSA’s Primera Angostura ticket page. Select “Otro” for non-Chilean ID, then enter document/email and follow the vehicle/payment steps.
- Terminal help: TABSA offices at both ramps. Online tickets last 90 days; confirm boarding arrangements and check crossing status before riding there.
Border crossingArgentina → Chile → Argentina · Integración Austral + San Sebastián
- Where to go: First use Integración Austral on RN3/CH-255. After the ferry, use San Sebastián on CH-257/RN3. Both are border stops; the ferry is separate.
- What to do: At each crossing, complete the departing country’s migration and vehicle exit, then the next country’s migration and temporary vehicle admission. At Chile entry, complete the Aduana/SAG declaration.
- Documents: Passport or accepted travel ID, any entry permission required for your nationality, driving licence, original registration/ownership documents and authorization if the bike is not yours. Keep copies offline.
- For this crossing: Active Chile SOAPEX and Argentina liability certificates; retain both countries’ entry/exit records.
- Timing: Aim to complete both crossings within 08:00–17:00 local. Published hours differ: confirm both sides before leaving. Ferry hours do not extend customs hours.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗11Río Grande → UshuaiaRiding day
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 212 km
- Map travel baseline
- 2 h 53 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 4–5h
- Country
- Argentina
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Río Grande → Ushuaia
Today’s ride
RN3 changes character as open Fuegian country gives way to forest, lakes and the bends of Paso Garibaldi. This is a scenic day worth riding in daylight without rushing. Leave room for the signed viewpoint before the final descent toward Ushuaia.
Daylight · sunrise 04:59 (Río Grande); sunset 21:50 (Ushuaia). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 21:05.
Riding notes
Paved · mountain curves
Cold rain and poor visibility can change the pass conditions quickly; adjust pace through the forest bends.
Worth the stopPaso Garibaldi viewpoint
The forested pass opens onto the lakes and mountains of Tierra del Fuego—a memorable contrast with the plains you have crossed. Use the signed parking area; clear visibility makes the stop worthwhile.
Look for two layers of water: Lago Escondido in front and Khami/Fagnano farther back when visibility allows. Garibaldi is a crossing of the Fuegian Andes, not merely a roadside lake stop.
Source ↗On the route: 0–5 min access. Photos: 15–25 min. Total extra: 15–30 min. If obscured, try on Day 13 instead.
Visitor information ↗When to do it · Outdoor viewpoint: stop in daylight only if visibility and safe parking allow. Snow, cloud or strong wind can make the panorama unavailable.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗12UshuaiaRest day
Shared bike careAll three bikes · one shared session
Use the stop in Ushuaia for one shared session: check all three bikes together, share tools and help each other. Allow roughly 30–45 minutes, adjusted to what needs attention.
Check tyres/pressures, brakes, visible leaks, luggage and accessible fasteners. Inspect both Voge chains; clean, lubricate or adjust only as their manuals and condition require. The BMW has shaft drive. Record odometers and upcoming service deadlines for all three bikes.
This group session can move to a nearby evening if the day gets busy. Plan B travel/activity choices may require another slot. Daily safety checks and the Voge 500 km oil-level checks continue separately; attend to rain, dust, warning lights or faults immediately. This is not an oil/filter service and does not reset any service interval.
- Distance · approx.
- 0 / optional 30–60 km
- Riding time · estimate
- 0 / optional 1–2 h
- Country
- Argentina
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The plan
Ushuaia base → optional Tierra del Fuego National Park → Ushuaia
Today’s plan
A proper pause at the end of the continent. Sleep in if you have no booked excursion, walk the waterfront and make time for a centolla meal. Keep any Beagle Channel or national-park outing within this rest day, and have tomorrow’s Chile documents ready tonight.
Daylight · sunrise 04:54 (Ushuaia); sunset 21:52 (Ushuaia). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 21:07.
Worth the stopCentolla dinner in Ushuaia
Ushuaia’s king crab is a distinctive taste of the far south, with delicate, sweet meat. Make it your evening meal in town, paired with a waterfront stroll rather than a separate excursion.
Centolla comes from cold southern waters, traditionally the Beagle Channel. Argentina’s tourism guide highlights November–January for tasting it; ask for a simple preparation that lets the delicate meat stand out.
Source ↗In town: walk from nearby accommodation where practical. Meal: about 60–90 min; no additional road excursion needed.
Visitor information ↗When to do it · 3 Dec: choose a restaurant and confirm dinner service and king-crab availability that day; no specific restaurant reservation is included.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗13Ushuaia → Cerro SombreroRiding day
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 419 km
- Map travel baseline
- 5 h 18 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 7–8h
- Countries
- Argentina → Chile
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Ushuaia → Cerro Sombrero
View route reference image
Today’s ride
Retrace the forested Garibaldi section, then return to Tierra del Fuego’s open plains. The repeated road is intentional on the way out of Ushuaia. Start in the morning to protect border time; stop at Garibaldi only if you missed it on Day 11.
Daylight · sunrise 04:54 (Ushuaia); sunset 21:45 (Cerro Sombrero). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 21:00.
Riding notes
Paved · wind exposed
Check tomorrow’s TABSA service before settling in; an advance ticket does not guarantee a sailing slot.
Worth the stopPaso Garibaldi · only if missed on Day 11
A second chance for the forest-and-lake panorama on the road you must retrace from Ushuaia. Skip the stop if you already enjoyed it southbound; it should not compete with border time.
Khami/Fagnano extends across the Argentina–Chile border. If the southbound pass was clouded over, today may offer a second look at the layered lakes; otherwise keep the border-day stop brief.
Source ↗On route: 0–5 min access + 15–25 min photos = 15–30 min extra. Optional, visibility and schedule permitting.
Visitor information ↗When to do it · Repeat viewpoint only if missed southbound and border timing remains comfortable.
Border crossingArgentina → Chile · San Sebastián
- Where to go: Follow RN3 to the Argentine San Sebastián control, then CH-257 to the Chilean control before continuing to Cerro Sombrero.
- What to do: Record Argentina exit for rider and motorcycle; complete Chile migration, temporary vehicle admission and the Aduana/SAG declaration.
- Documents: Passport or accepted travel ID, any entry permission required for your nationality, driving licence, original registration/ownership documents and authorization if the bike is not yours. Keep copies offline.
- For this crossing: Issued Chile SOAPEX covering this entry; Argentina temporary-import record to close at exit.
- Timing: Target completion before 15:00 local. Reconfirm both countries’ hours; published closing times differ.
Logistic taskRe-entry insurance checks
- Confirm Argentina cover for Day 15, Sunday 6 December; resolve date or re-entry exclusions with the insurer today.
- Check Chile SOAPEX also covers your next entry on Day 18 (9 December). Save both valid certificates offline.
- Check these certificates today. Any insurer changes should be arranged by Friday 4 December, before the weekend and the 7–8 December holiday period.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗14Cerro Sombrero → Punta ArenasRiding dayLogistic task
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 217.4 km
- Map travel baseline
- 3 h 07 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 6–8h
- Country
- Chile
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Cerro Sombrero → Terminal de Ferry Bahía Azul → Punta Arenas
View route reference image
Today’s ride
A shorter riding distance, but not a guaranteed late start: the strait crossing sets the pace. After reaching the mainland, open roads lead toward Punta Arenas. If service runs smoothly, use the spare afternoon for the waterfront rather than adding another road excursion.
Daylight · sunrise 05:09 (Cerro Sombrero); sunset 21:55 (Punta Arenas). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 21:10.
Riding notes
Paved · ferry day
Expect exposed mainland sections; leave space around trucks when gusts pick up.
Worth the stopPunta Arenas waterfront
Finish beside the Strait of Magellan, where ships, southern skies and the city’s maritime setting tell the story of this gateway to Patagonia. A waterfront stroll after parking adds atmosphere without another excursion; use the ferry crossing itself for the open-water photographs.
Punta Arenas is also a base for Antarctic exploration. The working waterfront is a good place to appreciate its role as a southern maritime gateway, rather than simply another overnight city.
Source ↗After parking: allow 20–40 min for the local walk or food stop. Access depends on your accommodation; this is not included in the road distance.
Chile Travel · Punta ArenasWhen to do it · Outdoor stop: use daylight and actual arrival time. No ticketed activity or indoor opening is assumed.
Ferry crossingBahía Azul → Punta Delgada
- Boarding: Bahía Azul → Punta Delgada. Operator: TABSA.
- Crossing: about 20 minutes; queues and wind delays are extra.
- Budget reference: US$15–20 per motorcycle from a March 2026 travel guide; current TABSA fare and rider inclusion need confirmation.
- Tickets: buy through TABSA’s Primera Angostura ticket page. Select “Otro” for non-Chilean ID, then enter document/email and follow the vehicle/payment steps.
- Terminal help: TABSA offices at both ramps. Online tickets last 90 days; confirm boarding arrangements and check crossing status before riding there.
Logistic taskRe-entry insurance checks
- Check Argentina liability cover for tomorrow, Day 15 (6 December); ask the insurer to correct any dates or re-entry exclusions.
- Check Chile SOAPEX also covers your next entry on Day 18 (9 December). Save both valid certificates offline.
- Check these certificates today. Any insurer changes should be arranged by Friday 4 December, before the weekend and the 7–8 December holiday period.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗15Punta Arenas → El CalafateRiding day
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 491 km
- Map travel baseline
- 6 h 17 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 9–11h
- Countries
- Chile → Argentina
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Punta Arenas → Ruta 9 / CH-253 → Laurita–Casas Viejas → RN40 / RP7 → El Calafate
Alternative route
Via Esperanza · avoid RP7
Choose this if the RP7 surface is unsuitable for the bikes or conditions. The trade-off is about 83 km and 35 minutes extra. It uses the same border crossing.
574 km · about 6 h 50 min driving. Laurita–Casas Viejas → RN40 via Esperanza → RP11 → El Calafate. Confirm RN293 and current road conditions.
Driving estimates checked 11 Oct 2026; stops and border queues are extra. Check live conditions. Dashboard and master line remain Plan A.View route reference image
Today’s ride
Leave early for Laurita–Casas Viejas, the crossing used by the saved route. After the border, the route includes the RP7 shortcut before reaching Lago Argentino. Keep photo stops short until formalities are complete; this is a full travel day.
Daylight · sunrise 05:13 (Punta Arenas); sunset 21:46 (El Calafate). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 21:01.
Riding notes
Mixed surface · RP7 condition check
The saved route includes about 65 km of RP7. Check gravel and wind before committing. The route section offers an Esperanza alternative that avoids RP7, adding roughly 83 km / 35 minutes of driving. Confirm conditions on the border approach too.
Worth the stopLago Argentino from El Calafate
The lakeside edge of town is a first taste of glacier country: open water, mountain horizons and the wetlands around Laguna Nimez. Choose a short waterfront look after arrival. Entering the bird reserve is a separate visit with its own admission and closing time, not part of this quick stop.
Laguna Nimez’s wetland is an important bird-conservation area close to the town centre. Its full interpretive trail is 3 km; treat that as a separate visit rather than part of this quick lakeside look.
Source ↗After parking: allow 20–40 min for the local walk or food stop. Access depends on your accommodation; this is not included in the road distance.
El Calafate tourism · Laguna NimezWhen to do it · Outdoor stop: use daylight and actual arrival time. No ticketed activity or indoor opening is assumed.
Border crossingChile → Argentina · Laurita–Casas Viejas
- Where to go: Use CH-253 / RN293 at Laurita–Casas Viejas. Follow the day’s map to this crossing, not the nearby Dorotea crossing.
- What to do: Complete Chile migration and vehicle exit, then Argentina migration and temporary vehicle admission. Check the recorded plate and permitted stay before leaving.
- Documents: Passport or accepted travel ID, any entry permission required for your nationality, driving licence, original registration/ownership documents and authorization if the bike is not yours. Keep copies offline.
- For this crossing: Chile temporary-admission record and active Argentina liability insurance covering re-entry.
- Timing: Finish by mid-afternoon. Published Chile exit is until 19:30 and Argentina service until 20:15; reconfirm both for Sunday 6 December.
Unpaved sectionsRP7 shortcut · about 65 km of gravel
- Where / distance: the saved route uses 64.6 km of RP7 between the RN40 junction near Tapi Aike and El Cerrito, after the border and before El Calafate.
- Expect loose gravel and wind exposure. The provincial road report identifies gravel on RP7; its latest displayed conditions are dated August, not your December travel day.
- If wet, badly corrugated or uncomfortable on loaded bikes, use the Esperanza alternative above. It avoids this shortcut but adds about 83 km.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗16Perito Moreno GlacierRest day
Shared bike careAll three bikes · one shared session
Use the stop in El Calafate for one shared session: check all three bikes together, share tools and help each other. Allow roughly 30–45 minutes, adjusted to what needs attention.
Check tyres/pressures, brakes, visible leaks, luggage and accessible fasteners. Inspect both Voge chains; clean, lubricate or adjust only as their manuals and condition require. The BMW has shaft drive. Record odometers and upcoming service deadlines for all three bikes.
This group session can move to a nearby evening if the day gets busy. Plan B travel/activity choices may require another slot. Daily safety checks and the Voge 500 km oil-level checks continue separately; attend to rain, dust, warning lights or faults immediately. This is not an oil/filter service and does not reset any service interval.
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 153.3 km
- Map travel baseline
- 2 h 32 min
- Allow for the whole day
- Half/full day including glacier visit
- Country
- Argentina
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The plan
El Calafate → Pasarelas Glaciar Perito Moreno → El Calafate
View route reference image
Today’s plan
This rest day includes the planned return ride to Perito Moreno Glacier. The reward is time on the walkways facing the ice wall, not covering more distance. Leave in the morning and allow several hours for different viewpoints; any boat or ice activity needs its own booking.
Daylight · sunrise 05:33 (El Calafate); sunset 21:48 (El Calafate). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 21:03.
Worth the stopPerito Moreno: hear the ice
The boardwalks put you opposite an immense wall of fractured blue-white ice. Pause at more than one balcony: the changing angle reveals crevasses and scale, while cracks and occasional collapses make the glacier feel alive. Calving is unpredictable—allow time to watch rather than expecting an event on cue.
The glacier front is roughly 5 km wide and rises around 60 m above the lake. Put a boat or a person in the frame to show its scale, then pause quietly to hear the ice.
Source ↗Within today’s planned activity time; any operator transfer and meeting point must be confirmed separately.
Argentina Travel · glacier experienceWhen to do it · 7 Dec, Monday: published summer park entry 08:00–18:00, remain until 20:00. Allow roughly 2–3 h on the boardwalks plus the return drive; leave the glacier well before the park deadline. Boat/ice-trek bookings are separate.
Schedule / sourceMotorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗17El Calafate → Gobernador GregoresRiding day
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 335 km
- Map travel baseline
- 3 h 54 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 5–6h
- Country
- Argentina
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
El Calafate → Gobernador Gregores
View route reference image
Today’s ride
A classic remote RN40 day through Tres Lagos toward Gobernador Gregores: immense steppe, long empty stretches and little shelter from wind. Leave early with a conservative fuel plan. Keep any gravel or roadwork sections unhurried and protect a daylight arrival.
Daylight · sunrise 05:33 (El Calafate); sunset 21:33 (Gobernador Gregores). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 20:48.
Riding notes
Mixed sections possible · moderate
Check surfacing and works around Tres Lagos before accepting a shortcut. Confirm the glacier operator and pickup location for Days 17–18.
Worth the stopRuta 40’s immense steppe
Today’s memorable view is the road itself: long sightlines, sparse settlement and the sense of crossing Patagonia at its true scale. Use an existing safe turnout for one wide landscape photograph. This is a brief scenic pause, not an invitation to follow remote tracks away from the planned road.
Ruta 40 runs for more than 5,000 km alongside the Andes. Here its appeal is the wind-shaped steppe and enormous distance between settlements: a motorcycle photograph with the road disappearing into the horizon.
Source ↗Keep it brief: roadside scenery or a short arrival walk. Budget 15–30 minutes if you stop; no separate excursion is included. Use safe on-route pullouts, or check local access from your accommodation.
Argentina Travel · destination informationWhen to do it · Outdoor stop: use daylight and actual arrival time. No ticketed activity or indoor opening is assumed.
Fuel challengeEl Calafate → Gobernador Gregores · 335 km
Start full and verify fuel in Tres Lagos before relying on it. If it is unavailable, confirm your usable range and an alternative before leaving the last working pump.
Check the next working fuel stop locally; no future opening hours or fuel stock are guaranteed.
Find fuel along this corridorMotorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗18Gobernador Gregores → Puerto GuadalRiding day
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 533.2 km
- Map travel baseline
- 7 h 16 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 10–12h
- Countries
- Argentina → Chile
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Gobernador Gregores → Perito Moreno → Los Antiguos → Chile Chico → Puerto Guadal
View route reference image
Today’s ride
A long transition from Argentine steppe to the dramatic shore of Lago General Carrera. After Los Antiguos and Chile Chico, the lakeside road toward Puerto Guadal is slower and more winding than the earlier mileage. Start early and save daylight for that final section.
Daylight · sunrise 05:32 (Gobernador Gregores); sunset 21:36 (Puerto Guadal). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 20:51.
Riding notes
Pavement + gravel · demanding
Allow extra margin for loose surfaces and lakeside curves after Chile Chico.
Worth the stopPaso Las Llaves and Lago General Carrera
The southern lakeside road trades the Argentine steppe for rock faces, tight bends and startling blue water. Paso Las Llaves is the signature section: the lake seems to fill the whole horizon. Stop only at a proper pullout; the dramatic roadside is not a suitable shoulder for parking.
General Carrera is Chile’s largest lake, with about 1,850 km² across the whole lake. Around Paso Las Llaves, frame the bright water against the rock walls from a proper pullout.
Source ↗Keep it brief: roadside scenery or a short arrival walk. Budget 15–30 minutes if you stop; no separate excursion is included. Use safe on-route pullouts, or check local access from your accommodation.
Carretera Austral guide · Paso Las LlavesWhen to do it · Outdoor stop: use daylight and actual arrival time. No ticketed activity or indoor opening is assumed.
Border crossingArgentina → Chile · Jeinimeni · Los Antiguos–Chile Chico
- Where to go: Leave Los Antiguos on RP43 for Jeinimeni / Chile Chico; complete the controls before taking CH-265 along the lake.
- What to do: Close Argentina vehicle admission, record migration exit/entry, then obtain Chile temporary admission and complete the Aduana/SAG declaration.
- Documents: Passport or accepted travel ID, any entry permission required for your nationality, driving licence, original registration/ownership documents and authorization if the bike is not yours. Keep copies offline.
- For this crossing: Chile SOAPEX valid through Day 24, plus Argentina vehicle-entry papers for exit.
- Timing: Aim for early afternoon within the published 09:00–20:00 overlap. Reconfirm both vehicle desks for Wednesday 9 December.
Fuel challengeGobernador Gregores → Perito Moreno · 355 km
Confirm Bajo Caracoles fuel before departure; Perito Moreno is about 355 km from Gregores. Refill before the border and verify Chile Chico supply before the lakeside road to Puerto Guadal.
Check the next working fuel stop locally; no future opening hours or fuel stock are guaranteed.
Find fuel along this corridorUnpaved sectionsChile Chico → Puerto Guadal · roughly 100 km unpaved
- Planning estimate: roughly 100 km unpaved within the 105 km CH-265 lakeside leg. The regional guide lists 5% paved; works mean the actual gravel distance may be lower by December.
- Where: after Chile Chico, along Lago General Carrera to Puerto Guadal. Narrow bends, exposed lake slopes and loose surfaces can make this much slower than its distance suggests.
- Check today’s condition in Chile Chico before committing; complete the border early enough to ride the lakeside section in daylight.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗19Glacier boat excursionRest day
- Distance · approx.
- To confirm
- Riding time · estimate
- To confirm
- Country
- Chile
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The plan
Puerto Guadal base → glacier excursion meeting point → Puerto Guadal
View route reference image
Today’s plan
Keep today for the planned glacier boat experience from your Puerto Guadal base. Lake and ice scenery are the attraction, but the operator and meeting point still need confirmation. Use the operator’s pickup time to set the morning; do not assume the boat leaves from your accommodation.
Confirm with the organiser: operator name, meeting point, pickup time, transfer length and return to Puerto Guadal. The saved El Canal pin alone does not establish the departure point.
Daylight · sunrise 05:50 (Puerto Guadal); sunset 21:37 (Puerto Guadal). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 20:52.
Worth the stopGlacier boat excursion · confirm meeting point
A boat trip could bring you among ice, steep mountain walls and water-level views that the road cannot offer. However, the glacier, departure port and operator have not been identified for this day. Do not assume a tour from Puerto Guadal is available or included; those details must be settled before this becomes a usable booking plan.
Your Puerto Guadal base sits in the General Carrera lake landscape: turquoise water and mountain backdrops give even a quiet waterfront pause a sense of scale. The glacier excursion’s exact port and transfers still need identification.
Source ↗Within today’s planned activity time; any operator transfer and meeting point must be confirmed separately.
Chile Travel · regional context, not a confirmed tourWhen to do it · 10 Dec: NOT VERIFIED. Exact glacier, port, transfer duration and operator departure remain missing. This activity cannot yet be cleared against daylight or opening hours.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗20Glacier walkRest day
Shared bike careAll three bikes · one shared session
Use the stop in Puerto Guadal for one shared session: check all three bikes together, share tools and help each other. Allow roughly 30–45 minutes, adjusted to what needs attention.
Check tyres/pressures, brakes, visible leaks, luggage and accessible fasteners. Inspect both Voge chains; clean, lubricate or adjust only as their manuals and condition require. The BMW has shaft drive. Record odometers and upcoming service deadlines for all three bikes.
This group session can move to a nearby evening if the day gets busy. Plan B travel/activity choices may require another slot. Daily safety checks and the Voge 500 km oil-level checks continue separately; attend to rain, dust, warning lights or faults immediately. This is not an oil/filter service and does not reset any service interval.
- Distance · approx.
- To confirm
- Riding time · estimate
- To confirm
- Country
- Chile
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The plan
Puerto Guadal base → glacier walk meeting point → Puerto Guadal
View route reference image
Today’s plan
Keep the planned glacier walk. Confirm with the organiser whether it is a separate outing from yesterday and obtain the meeting time, equipment list and transfers. These details determine the day; return rested for tomorrow’s long Carretera Austral ride.
Confirm whether this is a separate outing from Day 19, including guide, equipment and transfers.
Daylight · sunrise 05:50 (Puerto Guadal); sunset 21:37 (Puerto Guadal). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 20:52.
Worth the stopGlacier walk · confirm access & guide
Walking on ice can reveal sculpted ridges and deep-blue formations at a completely different scale from a viewpoint. This itinerary still lacks the named glacier, guide and access transfer. Treat the activity as provisional; do not substitute a distant glacier that adds an unplanned travel day.
Why the blue ice? Thick glacier ice absorbs more of the red part of sunlight, leaving blue more visible. Look for changes between white fractured surfaces and deeper blue ice, if your confirmed walk includes them.
Source ↗Within today’s planned activity time; any operator transfer and meeting point must be confirmed separately.
Chile Travel · regional context, not a confirmed tourWhen to do it · 11 Dec: NOT VERIFIED. A guided glacier walk needs a named operator, access route, equipment and return time. No confirmed excursion is attached to this date.
Logistic taskBook the northbound ferry
- Confirm or purchase the northbound Caleta Gonzalo–Hornopirén motorcycle ticket for Day 23 (14 December).
- Check the departure, motorcycle category and terminal; allow the required two-hour check-in and enough time to reach Ensenada.
- The ferry is on Monday 14 December. Arrange the ticket today, before tomorrow’s long ride and the weekend; sailing and motorcycle space are unconfirmed until ticketed.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗21Puerto Guadal → PuyuhuapiRiding dayLogistic task
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 493 km
- Map travel baseline
- 8 h 27 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 10–11h
- Country
- Chile
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Puerto Guadal → Coyhaique → Puyuhuapi
View route reference image
Today’s ride
One of the demanding scenic days: the Carretera Austral links lakes, mountain valleys and rainforest on the way through Coyhaique to Puyuhuapi. Leave early. Bends, mixed surfaces and roadworks can slow progress, so favour roadside views over a long hike today.
Daylight · sunrise 05:50 (Puerto Guadal); sunset 21:28 (Puyuhuapi). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 20:43.
Riding notes
Mixed pavement / gravel · demanding
Refuel in the larger towns. A Queulat hike is a separate activity and is not included in the day’s riding allowance.
Worth the stopCarretera Austral: forest and fjord
The pleasure today is the progression from lake country into wet forest and mountain valleys. Let a short arrival walk in Puyuhuapi be the reward after the long ride. Queulat’s hanging glacier is a separate park visit and hike; it cannot honestly be sold as a quick included roadside stop today.
Puyuhuapi’s history brings together German settlers and Chilote families. After the ride, notice the village’s wooden buildings and fjord setting; those human details give the rainforest road a different character.
Source ↗After parking: allow 20–40 min for the local walk or food stop. Access depends on your accommodation; this is not included in the road distance.
Chile Travel · Carretera AustralWhen to do it · 12 Dec: do not add a Queulat hike to this 10–11 h stage. The suggestion is a short arrival walk only.
Fuel challengePuerto Guadal → Coyhaique → Puyuhuapi · 493 km
Use Coyhaique as a planned refill: roughly 273 km from Guadal, then 220 km to Puyuhuapi. Other villages may have pumps, but verify hours and stock. Do not skip the town refill on this long day.
Check the next working fuel stop locally; no future opening hours or fuel stock are guaranteed.
Find fuel along this corridorUnpaved sectionsSouthern Ruta 7, Villa Ortega & Queulat
- Distance: allow for roughly 170 km of gravel or mixed surface between Guadal, Río Tranquilo and Cerro Castillo using regional guide proportions. This is an estimate, not a surveyed current total.
- More unpaved sections: the saved route north of Coyhaique uses Ruta 7 via Villa Ortega. Queulat also has unfinished paving, including an 18 km Fiordo Queulat–Puente Chucao project awarded in May 2026. A reliable whole-day gravel total is not available.
- Allow for loose stones, wet bends and traffic holds. Confirm works locally before this already long day; a paving contract does not mean the road is finished.
Logistic taskBook the northbound ferry
- Confirm or purchase the northbound Caleta Gonzalo–Hornopirén motorcycle ticket for Day 23 (14 December).
- Check the departure, motorcycle category and terminal; allow the required two-hour check-in and enough time to reach Ensenada.
- The ferry is in two days. Arrange the ticket before this long riding stage; Saturday operator support is unverified. Confirm the dated sailing and motorcycle space.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗22Puyuhuapi → ChaiténRiding day
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 187 km
- Map travel baseline
- 2 h 38 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 4–5h
- Country
- Chile
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Puyuhuapi → Chaitén
View route reference image
Today’s ride
Continue north through the forested Carretera Austral corridor toward Chaitén. The attraction is the ride itself: mountain curves, dense vegetation and brief roadside views. Arrive with time to prepare tomorrow’s ferry departure; any longer walk must fit around that priority.
Daylight · sunrise 06:00 (Puyuhuapi); sunset 21:24 (Chaitén). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 20:39.
Riding notes
Mixed sections · moderate
Confirm tomorrow’s ticket and terminal tonight. Work backward from two-hour check-in plus the drive to Caleta Gonzalo and a delay buffer. Check road conditions after heavy rain.
Worth the stopChaitén’s waterfront promenade
The renewed waterfront gives you sea air, open views and an easy walk after the forest-lined road. It is a good place to slow down and photograph the coastal setting without committing to a volcano hike. Keep the evening simple so tomorrow’s ferry preparation is unhurried.
Chaitén’s volcano began its first historically recorded eruption in 2008. The volcanic setting adds meaning to the town’s renewed waterfront; the volcano hike remains a separate activity, not tonight’s arrival walk.
Source ↗After parking: allow 20–40 min for the local walk or food stop. Access depends on your accommodation; this is not included in the road distance.
Chaitén tourism · waterfront walkWhen to do it · Outdoor stop: use daylight and actual arrival time. No ticketed activity or indoor opening is assumed.
Unpaved sectionsVilla Santa Lucía → Chaitén · short gravel patches
- Where: the final 75 km corridor from Villa Santa Lucía toward Chaitén. The regional road guide reports three short gravel interruptions within an otherwise paved leg.
- Unpaved distance: not published or verified; 75 km is the corridor length, not the amount of gravel. This is a patch warning, not a full dirt-road day.
- Slow for surface transitions and ask about current repairs in La Junta or Villa Santa Lucía.
Motorcycle maintenanceDS800 · first 6,000 km oil window
- The planned route reaches about 6,013 km at Chaitén, including ferries. Check the actual DS800 distance since fresh oil; arrange oil and filter before its 6,000 km deadline. No automatic oil change for the other two bikes.
- Sunday 13 December: no suitable Chaitén workshop or Sunday appointment is verified. Arrange a mechanic, correct filter and oil before reaching this region. If unavailable, choose an earlier qualified workshop; do not exceed the due point just to reach a larger city.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗23Chaitén → EnsenadaRiding day
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 305.6 km
- Map travel baseline
- 7 h 55 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 11–13+ h · sailing-dependent
- Country
- Chile
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Chaitén → Caleta Gonzalo → Fiordo Largo → Leptepu → Hornopirén → Ensenada · Ruta 7 / V-69 via Cochamó
View route reference image
Today’s ride
A departure-time day, not a sleep-in day. Forested access roads, fjord crossings and the onward V-69 through Cochamó make this a varied but lengthy journey. Base your start on the ticket and terminal arrival requirement; keep stops short to reach Ensenada in daylight.
Riding notes
Mixed sections · ferry logistics
Follow Ruta 7 / V-69 through Cochamó; the planned road does not include the La Arena–Puelche ferry. Keep Argentina papers ready for tomorrow.
Worth the stopFjords from the northbound ferry
Today’s ferry is an experience in its own right: forested shores and steep fjord walls unfold while the motorcycle rests below. Use the crossings for scenery and photographs rather than adding a trail between sailings. Cloud and rain can hide the peaks but give the forest its atmospheric layers.
The bimodal route combines two ferry crossings with the short connecting road between Fiordo Largo and Leptepu. Watch the change from open water to enclosed fjord walls; that scenery is built into today’s transport.
Source ↗Enjoy during the scheduled crossing: no extra road detour or sightseeing time added.
Somarco · route and fjordsWhen to do it · 14 Dec: current high-season graphic lists northbound 12:30 and 20:00. Seek the 12:30 sailing and confirm the dated ticket; the 20:00 departure cannot support a daylight arrival in Ensenada. Allow the required two-hour check-in.
Ferry crossingCaleta Gonzalo → Hornopirén
- Route: Caleta Gonzalo → Fiordo Largo; ride to Leptepu; ferry to Hornopirén.
- Transit: roughly 4½–5 hours for both ferries and the connecting road, before loading/connection delays. Somarco’s route page and FAQ differ by 15 minutes on the long crossing. Arrive 2 hours before the booked sailing.
- Published fare reference: subsidized non-resident motorcycle + rider CLP 18,200; extra passenger CLP 12,100. Commercial: motorcycle CLP 29,400 + rider CLP 15,750 = CLP 45,150. Confirm your sailing’s fare.
- Buy online: choose Caleta Gonzalo → Hornopirén, 14 December, motorcycle and all travelers. Payment secures the ticket; no unpaid holds.
- In person: Somarco, Juan Todesco 188, Chaitén; +56 65 2731760 / 2731762. Confirm office hours and the sailing before arrival.
Unpaved sectionsChaitén → Caleta Gonzalo · about 56 km
- Main section: about 56 km from Chaitén to Caleta Gonzalo, listed as gravel in the regional guide. Allow time for the surface before ferry check-in.
- Ferry connector: about 10 km of road between Fiordo Largo and Leptepu. Check its current surface with the operator; do not count the ferry distance as gravel kilometres.
- After Hornopirén, follow the saved Ruta 7 / V-69 route via Cochamó. The precise total of unpaved kilometres on that onward leg is not verified.
Daylight riskFerry arrival may leave too little daylight
Daylight · sunrise 06:06 (Chaitén); sunset 21:18 (Ensenada). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 20:33.
Daylight risk: the published 12:30 northbound sailing is tight, not a confirmed fit. Allow roughly 4½–5 hours for the crossing sequence before delays, then about 3¼ hours to Ensenada. Loading or stops can push arrival past the 20:33 target. Confirm the actual 14 December timetable and disembarkation time before booking; 20:00 is unsuitable for a daylight arrival.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗24Ensenada → San Martín de los AndesRiding day
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 300.5 km
- Map travel baseline
- 4 h 44 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 7–9h
- Countries
- Chile → Argentina
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Ensenada → Paso Cardenal Samoré → Villa La Angostura → San Martín de los Andes
View route reference image
Today’s ride
An early start gives the best chance of enjoying the Seven Lakes road after Cardenal Samoré. Forested mountain riding leads through Villa La Angostura toward San Martín de los Andes. Choose a few lake viewpoints rather than chasing every stop after the crossing.
Daylight · sunrise 06:11 (Ensenada); sunset 21:10 (San Martín de los Andes). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 20:25.
Riding notes
Paved · mountain curves
Finish in San Martín de los Andes town; do not stop navigation at a lakeside waypoint near Machónico.
Worth the stopSeven Lakes viewpoints
Forest-framed water, mountain reflections and flowing bends make this one of the trip’s signature road sections. Choose a few signed viewpoints around Espejo, Falkner/Villarino or Machónico; the pleasure is along the existing road.
The named seven are Correntoso, Espejo, Escondido, Villarino, Falkner, Machónico and Lácar. This RN40 scenic corridor connects Nahuel Huapi and Lanín national parks; choose a few viewpoints rather than trying to stop at every lake.
Source ↗On-route pullouts: 0–10 min access combined. Stops: 45–75 min. Total extra: 45–85 min; reduce after a slow border crossing.
Visitor information ↗When to do it · 15 Dec: outdoor viewpoints only, after the morning border crossing. Choose two or three stops and cap the combined visit at about one hour.
Border crossingChile → Argentina · Cardenal Samoré
- Where to go: Follow CH-215 to Cardenal Samoré, then RN231 toward Villa La Angostura.
- What to do: Complete Chile migration and vehicle exit, then Argentina migration and temporary admission. Keep the new admission record for the Bolivia exit.
- Documents: Passport or accepted travel ID, any entry permission required for your nationality, driving licence, original registration/ownership documents and authorization if the bike is not yours. Keep copies offline.
- For this crossing: Chile admission record and issued Argentina liability cover valid for the next Argentine stages.
- Timing: Use the morning within the published 09:00–18:00 overlap. Recheck live status; do not assume extended summer hours.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗25San Martín de los Andes → Chos MalalRiding day
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 458 km
- Map travel baseline
- 5 h 14 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 7–8h
- Country
- Argentina
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
San Martín de los Andes → Chos Malal
View route reference image
Today’s ride
The route leaves the lake district for northern Neuquén’s more open terrain. Expect the balance to shift from forest scenery to wider valleys and longer riding stretches. Start in the morning and use Chos Malal as a practical overnight before tomorrow’s very long stage.
Daylight · sunrise 06:10 (San Martín de los Andes); sunset 20:58 (Chos Malal). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 20:13.
Riding notes
Mostly paved · moderate / long
Refuel at the main towns; scenic side roads add time beyond the saved route.
Worth the stopThe Ruta 40 midpoint monument
Chos Malal’s monument marks the midpoint of Argentina’s legendary north–south road. It is a fitting motorcycle-trip photograph: by now Ruta 40 is a road you have experienced, not just a famous number. Make it a brief stop on arrival, rather than adding a scenic loop into the surrounding mountains.
The midpoint monument is a curved, 25 m mast by sculptor Alejandro Santana. Its design responds to the region’s wind, making it an especially fitting landmark for a Patagonia motorcycle photograph.
Source ↗Keep it brief: roadside scenery or a short arrival walk. Budget 15–30 minutes if you stop; no separate excursion is included. Use safe on-route pullouts, or check local access from your accommodation.
Neuquén province · Ruta 40 monumentWhen to do it · Outdoor stop: use daylight and actual arrival time. No ticketed activity or indoor opening is assumed.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗26Chos Malal → MendozaRiding dayLogistic task
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 658 km
- Map travel baseline
- 8 h 12 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 10–11h
- Country
- Argentina
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Chos Malal → Malargüe → Mendoza
View route reference image
Today’s ride
A major distance day on the RN40 corridor toward Mendoza, through the Malargüe region. Leave early and keep sightseeing minimal: long open stretches and changing road conditions require sustained attention. Use the whole-day allowance, not the map’s driving time, to judge progress.
Daylight · sunrise 06:15 (Chos Malal); sunset 20:40 (Mendoza). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 19:55.
Riding notes
Mixed sections possible · demanding
Confirm RN40 surface and works, and reject unverified remote shortcuts.
Worth the stopMendoza’s Plaza Independencia
After a long day, Mendoza’s central square offers an easy change of pace: trees, fountains and the city’s cultural heart. Take a short walk before dinner rather than squeezing in a winery excursion. The appeal is enjoying the city on foot once the riding is finished.
Mendoza’s new centre was planned after the 1861 earthquake. Plaza Independencia is the central, four-hectare square in a five-plaza layout; the greenery and fountains reflect the city’s identity as an irrigated oasis.
Source ↗After parking: allow 20–40 min for the local walk or food stop. Access depends on your accommodation; this is not included in the road distance.
Mendoza city · Plaza IndependenciaWhen to do it · Outdoor stop: use daylight and actual arrival time. No ticketed activity or indoor opening is assumed.
Fuel challengeChos Malal → Malargüe → Mendoza · 658 km
About 334 km to Malargüe, then 324 km to Mendoza. Confirm intermediate supply around Barrancas/Bardas Blancas and fill in Malargüe; these are corridor lengths, not verified continuous pump gaps.
Check the next working fuel stop locally; no future opening hours or fuel stock are guaranteed.
Find fuel along this corridorLogistic taskInsurance & Machu Picchu bookings
- Start Peru SOAT issuance for Day 33 (24 December) through departure on Day 48. Ask whether foreign plates are accepted and temporary-entry papers are needed.
- Confirm Bolivia’s temporary-vehicle exemption applies to your stay for Day 30 (21 December); check separate liability protection. An exemption is not insurance.
- Book any outstanding 26 December train/transfer and 27 December Machu Picchu entry, including return to Cusco. These should ideally be booked before departure.
- Start now: Peru entry is a week away, Bolivia entry is Monday 21 December, and Christmas may limit bookings and support.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗27Mendoza → Villa UniónRiding day
Shared bike careAll three bikes · one shared session
Use the stop in Villa Unión for one shared session: check all three bikes together, share tools and help each other. Allow roughly 30–45 minutes, adjusted to what needs attention.
Check tyres/pressures, brakes, visible leaks, luggage and accessible fasteners. Inspect both Voge chains; clean, lubricate or adjust only as their manuals and condition require. The BMW has shaft drive. Record odometers and upcoming service deadlines for all three bikes.
This group session can move to a nearby evening if the day gets busy. Plan B travel/activity choices may require another slot. Daily safety checks and the Voge 500 km oil-level checks continue separately; attend to rain, dust, warning lights or faults immediately. This is not an oil/filter service and does not reset any service interval.
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 469 km
- Map travel baseline
- 5 h 45 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 7–8h
- Country
- Argentina
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Mendoza → Villa Unión
View route reference image
Today’s ride
Head north from Mendoza into dry foothill country toward Villa Unión. Much of today is about open landscapes and steady mileage rather than constant tight curves. A morning departure leaves flexibility for a brief scenic pause and setting up camp before dark if you choose it.
Daylight · sunrise 06:22 (Mendoza); sunset 20:30 (Villa Unión). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 19:45.
Riding notes
Mostly paved · long
Follow the daily route between the planned towns; extra sightseeing loops are outside the distance shown.
Worth the stopVilla Unión’s town-and-valley setting
Villa Unión is more than a transit stop: its compact centre sits in the broad Bermejo valley beneath dry mountain country. A walk around Plaza 25 de Mayo gives the overnight town some character before dinner. Talampaya is a separate excursion, not a quick addition to today’s mileage.
Villa Unión is a gateway to Talampaya’s World Heritage landscape. That is useful context for the surrounding dry country, but a Talampaya tour needs its own time and booking; tonight’s suggestion stays in town.
Source ↗After parking: allow 20–40 min for the local walk or food stop. Access depends on your accommodation; this is not included in the road distance.
Villa Unión tourism · town and valley guideWhen to do it · Outdoor stop: use daylight and actual arrival time. No ticketed activity or indoor opening is assumed.
CampingEl Establo · Villa Unión
- Why camp here: grass pitches, shade and an outdoor barbecue evening after the dry valley roads. Campers praise the peaceful setting; a small pool has operated in summer, but confirm it is filled.
- Facilities: recent reports describe hot showers, clean bathrooms, electricity, Wi-Fi and a shared cooking area. Bring drinking water: the 5 October 2026 report found sediment in tap water.
- Access / timing: about 800 m off the main road according to the listing. Motorcycles and tents are reported; the final surface is not verified. Arrive in daylight and check the gate and ground before riding in. Night of 18 December; confirm space and current price.
- Evidence: iOverlander visits through 5 October 2026. A comfortable camping option rather than a remote wilderness viewpoint.
Logistic taskBolivia entry & Peru insurance
- Confirm vehicle processing at La Quiaca–Villazón for Monday 21 December, plus Bolivia insurance/exemption documents.
- Resolve Peru SOAT eligibility and the issuance steps for Day 33. Confirm the issuer’s actual sales hours.
- Resolve insurer corrections today, Friday 18 December. Recheck the saved certificates over the weekend before Monday’s border.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗28Villa Unión → CafayateRiding dayLogistic task
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 576 km
- Map travel baseline
- 7 h 47 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 9–10h
- Country
- Argentina
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Villa Unión → Chilecito → Cafayate
View route reference image
Today’s ride
Cuesta de Miranda is today’s named highlight: a winding red-rock section on the way toward Chilecito. The complete ride to Cafayate remains long, so leave early and enjoy a couple of safe viewpoints rather than a separate excursion. Expect dry valleys and changing elevations.
Daylight · sunrise 06:29 (Villa Unión); sunset 20:14 (Cafayate). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 19:29.
Riding notes
Mostly paved · demanding
Use the main towns for fuel; leave room for photography without sacrificing daylight arrival.
Worth the stopCuesta de Miranda viewpoints
The RN40 threads a striking red-rock landscape here, with tight curves and changing views toward Chilecito. A couple of signed viewpoints capture the experience without turning a long stage into a separate sightseeing day.
The changing scene is part of the reward: rocky quebradas and RN40 bends give way toward cultivated country around Sañogasta and Chilecito. Use a viewpoint to see that contrast, rather than only photographing the next curve.
Source ↗On-route access: 0–5 min. Viewpoints: 20–40 min. Total extra: 20–45 min; stop only where parking is safe.
Visitor information ↗When to do it · 19 Dec: daytime viewpoints only; no attraction opening time is assumed. Keep the stop within the listed 20–45 min allowance.
CampingLuz y Fuerza · Cafayate
- Why camp here: shaded pitches with tables and grills, close enough to walk into Cafayate for dinner. Choose it for an easy outdoor evening in wine country; the setting is a serviced town campground.
- Facilities / trade-off: hot showers, toilets, water and power are reported. Reviews from August–September 2026 also mention dust, road noise and occasional loud groups. Ask for a quiet pitch; a hotel may offer better sleep before tomorrow’s ride.
- Access / timing: on RN40, with dirt pitches inside; inspect if wet. Night of Saturday 19 December. Confirm own-tent space, price and early departure. Do not substitute El Algarrobal without checking: an August 2026 report says January–February only.
Logistic taskBolivia entry & Peru insurance
- Confirm vehicle processing at La Quiaca–Villazón for Monday 21 December, plus Bolivia insurance/exemption documents.
- Resolve Peru SOAT eligibility and the issuance steps for Day 33. Confirm the issuer’s actual sales hours.
- Have any insurer corrections completed by Friday 18 December. Today is Saturday; do not assume weekend support. Recheck the certificates before Monday’s border.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗29Cafayate → San Salvador de JujuyRiding day
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 288 km
- Map travel baseline
- 5 h 13 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 7–8h
- Country
- Argentina
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Cafayate → La Caldera → San Salvador de Jujuy
Alternative route
Main roads via General Güemes
Choose the main-road approach to avoid the narrow, twisting RN9 Cornisa and make easier progress. It adds about 21 km but may save 5–20 minutes. Keep the main itinerary route if you want the Cornisa curves.
309 km · about 5 h 10 min driving. RN68 → General Güemes → RN34/RN66 → San Salvador de Jujuy.
Driving estimates checked 11 Oct 2026; stops and border queues are extra. Check live conditions. Dashboard and master line remain Plan A.View route reference image
Today’s ride
RN68 through Quebrada de las Conchas is the star today, with sculpted red rock and worthwhile short walks before Salta. Start early enough to enjoy it without rushing the onward ride through La Caldera to Jujuy. Finish with time to pack for tomorrow’s long border day.
Daylight · sunrise 06:28 (Cafayate); sunset 20:07 (San Salvador de Jujuy). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 19:22.
Riding notes
Paved corridor · curves
Stay on the RN68/Salta corridor. Cachi and Abra del Acay are a different, more demanding route.
Worth the stopQuebrada de las Conchas
El Anfiteatro’s natural rock chamber and the carved walls of Garganta del Diablo are the standout short walks among the red formations. They add a sense of scale you miss from the saddle. Choose one if the morning is slipping away.
El Anfiteatro’s curved walls act as a natural acoustic chamber. Stand inside quietly and listen: this formation is worth stepping off the bike for, not merely taking a photo from the road.
Source ↗RN68 roadside access: 0–10 min combined. Walks/photos: 60–90 min. Total extra: 60–100 min for both.
Visitor information ↗When to do it · 20 Dec: visit the RN68 formations in the morning. Allow 35–60 min for selected short stops; the long border day tomorrow makes a late arrival undesirable.
CampingEl Refugio · Yala · inspect first
- Why consider it: a leafy riverside setting north of Jujuy, with shaded camping and barbecue shelters. It is an optional change of overnight base to Yala, not an extra sightseeing detour.
- Inspect before paying: reports disagree about the bathrooms. July 2026 praised the hot showers; 14 September 2026 reported badly deteriorated toilets and showers. Check the facilities yourself and use a hotel if they disappoint. Summer pool operation is unconfirmed for your date.
- Access / timing: close to RN9 at Yala; use the mapped entrance across the bridge, not the mountain road to the lagoons. Confirm firm access and motorcycle parking. Night of Sunday 20 December: camp only if an early Monday departure is possible. Allow roughly 20–30 minutes from Jujuy, plus setup.
Motorcycle maintenance900DSX · check the service-book deadline
- Jujuy is around 9,068 planned trip km. A 900DSX that departed just after its 1,000 km service may reach its 10,000 km odometer service here. Use the recorded departure odometer; arrange a slot before it is due. If its deadline is later, no oil change is needed today.
- Sunday 20 December: no workshop appointment is confirmed. Resolve the due point and parts before the weekend.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗30San Salvador de Jujuy → UyuniRiding day
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 570.5 km
- Map travel baseline
- 8 h 33 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 11–13h
- Countries
- Argentina → Bolivia
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
San Salvador de Jujuy → La Quiaca → Villazón → Tupiza → Uyuni
View route reference image
Today’s ride
Start early for Quebrada de Humahuaca and the high plateau toward La Quiaca, then Villazón, Tupiza and Uyuni. This long high-altitude border day needs its time for riding, breaks and paperwork. Skip sightseeing detours; use Tupiza Plan B if delays build.
Riding notes
High-altitude roads · demanding
Verify the through-road condition and fuel plan before departure; border delays could put the Uyuni arrival beyond daylight.
Border crossingArgentina → Bolivia · La Quiaca–Villazón
- Where to go: Use the international vehicle crossing between La Quiaca and Villazón. Confirm where motorcycle customs processing takes place before joining a pedestrian queue.
- What to do: Complete Argentina exit and Bolivia entry for rider and bike. Present the SIVETUR declaration to Bolivia customs and retain the authorized vehicle admission.
- For this crossing: SIVETUR and supporting ownership/authorization papers; retain evidence of the applicable short-stay insurance exemption or required cover. Check the admitted date and expiry.
- Timing: Monday 21 December: confirm motorcycle customs hours in advance. Migration opening hours alone do not confirm vehicle processing. Bolivia is one hour behind Argentina.
Document checklist · La Quiaca–Villazón
- Passport — original, with at least 6 months validity. US, Spanish and Mexican tourist passport holders are currently visa-exempt; immigration still records entry and the permitted stay. Other nationalities: check the official visa group before departure.
- Driving licence — original, valid for the motorcycle; carry your international driving permit alongside it if applicable.
- Motorcycle registration/ownership document — original, matching the plate and VIN.
- If you are not the owner — original owner authorization. Resolve the required Bolivian consular authorization before travelling; do not assume a general power of attorney or an apostille alone is sufficient. The published Argentine-vehicle exception is not a blanket exemption for foreign plates.
- Argentina vehicle admission — take the current temporary-import document to Argentine customs and retain proof that the bike’s exit was recorded.
- SIVETUR — complete the tourist-vehicle declaration and carry the printout/reference. Before leaving Bolivian customs, collect the validated permit and check rider, plate/VIN and expiry.
- Insurance — carry the certificate for any required cover and evidence supporting any applicable short-stay exemption; a payment receipt alone is not proof of active cover.
Copies to pack · practical recommendation
- Pack 2 spare photocopy sets per rider/bike: passport identity page, driving licence, registration, owner authorization and its legalization/apostille pages, plus applicable insurance. Carry the originals separately. Two sets is a suggested buffer, not a verified mandatory copy count at this crossing.
- Save offline scans. Copy or photograph new entry/exit records and the validated SIVETUR permit after issuance; these cannot all be printed before departure.
- Passport photos and a printed bank statement are not listed here as mandatory visa-application documents for visa-exempt US, Spanish or Mexican tourists. Keep accommodation/onward plans and accessible evidence of funds available if immigration asks; admission remains subject to border checks.
Daylight riskLong border day · keep Tupiza as the fallback
Daylight · sunrise 06:30 (San Salvador de Jujuy); sunset 19:06 (Uyuni). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 18:21.
Daylight risk: the upper 13-hour allowance uses almost the whole daylight window, even with a sunrise start. Bolivia is one hour behind Argentina. Skip sightseeing; choose Tupiza if border delays build.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗- Mapped distance · approx.
- 376 km
- Map travel baseline
- 5 h 24 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 8–10 h
- Countries
- Argentina → Bolivia
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
San Salvador de Jujuy → Tupiza
Route for day 30 · Plan B ↗Google driving estimate checked 11 October 2026; stops, queues and future conditions can change the total.
Today’s ride · Plan B
Cross La Quiaca–Villazón, then stop in Tupiza instead of pushing on to Uyuni. Border queues and altitude still make this a full day. Confirm Monday vehicle-processing hours and stop earlier if delayed.
Daylight · sunrise 06:30 (San Salvador de Jujuy); sunset 19:04 (Tupiza). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 18:19.
Border crossingArgentina → Bolivia · La Quiaca–Villazón
- Where to go: Use the international vehicle crossing between La Quiaca and Villazón. Confirm where motorcycle customs processing takes place before joining a pedestrian queue.
- What to do: Complete Argentina exit and Bolivia entry for rider and bike. Present the SIVETUR declaration to Bolivia customs and retain the authorized vehicle admission.
- For this crossing: SIVETUR and supporting ownership/authorization papers; retain evidence of the applicable short-stay insurance exemption or required cover. Check the admitted date and expiry.
- Timing: Monday 21 December: confirm motorcycle customs hours in advance. Migration opening hours alone do not confirm vehicle processing. Bolivia is one hour behind Argentina.
Document checklist · La Quiaca–Villazón
- Passport — original, with at least 6 months validity. US, Spanish and Mexican tourist passport holders are currently visa-exempt; immigration still records entry and the permitted stay. Other nationalities: check the official visa group before departure.
- Driving licence — original, valid for the motorcycle; carry your international driving permit alongside it if applicable.
- Motorcycle registration/ownership document — original, matching the plate and VIN.
- If you are not the owner — original owner authorization. Resolve the required Bolivian consular authorization before travelling; do not assume a general power of attorney or an apostille alone is sufficient. The published Argentine-vehicle exception is not a blanket exemption for foreign plates.
- Argentina vehicle admission — take the current temporary-import document to Argentine customs and retain proof that the bike’s exit was recorded.
- SIVETUR — complete the tourist-vehicle declaration and carry the printout/reference. Before leaving Bolivian customs, collect the validated permit and check rider, plate/VIN and expiry.
- Insurance — carry the certificate for any required cover and evidence supporting any applicable short-stay exemption; a payment receipt alone is not proof of active cover.
Copies to pack · practical recommendation
- Pack 2 spare photocopy sets per rider/bike: passport identity page, driving licence, registration, owner authorization and its legalization/apostille pages, plus applicable insurance. Carry the originals separately. Two sets is a suggested buffer, not a verified mandatory copy count at this crossing.
- Save offline scans. Copy or photograph new entry/exit records and the validated SIVETUR permit after issuance; these cannot all be printed before departure.
- Passport photos and a printed bank statement are not listed here as mandatory visa-application documents for visa-exempt US, Spanish or Mexican tourists. Keep accommodation/onward plans and accessible evidence of funds available if immigration asks; admission remains subject to border checks.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗31Salar de UyuniRest dayLogistic task
Shared bike careAll three bikes · one shared session
Use the stop in Uyuni for one shared session: check all three bikes together, share tools and help each other. Allow roughly 30–45 minutes, adjusted to what needs attention.
Check tyres/pressures, brakes, visible leaks, luggage and accessible fasteners. Inspect both Voge chains; clean, lubricate or adjust only as their manuals and condition require. The BMW has shaft drive. Record odometers and upcoming service deadlines for all three bikes.
This group session can move to a nearby evening if the day gets busy. Plan B travel/activity choices may require another slot. Daily safety checks and the Voge 500 km oil-level checks continue separately; attend to rain, dust, warning lights or faults immediately. This is not an oil/filter service and does not reset any service interval.
- Distance · approx.
- 0 / tour-dependent km
- Riding time · estimate
- 0 / tour-dependent h
- Country
- Bolivia
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The plan
Uyuni base → optional guided Salar outing → Uyuni
View route reference image
Today’s plan
Spend the planned excursion day on the Salar de Uyuni rather than extending the road itinerary. Vast salt patterns, perspective photographs and changing evening light are the draw. Let a local operator adapt the circuit to conditions; the road map is not a safe track across the salt flat.
Daylight · sunrise 05:44 (Uyuni); sunset 19:07 (Uyuni). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 18:22.
Worth the stopSalar, Colchani & sunset
An enormous white horizon, giant-cactus viewpoints when accessible, playful perspective photographs and sunset light make the Salar one of the trip’s standout days. Stay two nights in Uyuni and use 22 December for the visit; a full-day excursion fits if you arrive on Day 30.
Choose your outing
4×4 itinerary & seasonal access ↗Motorcycle tour & booking ↗Firsthand motorcycle account ↗Two things to picture while you are there
- You are standing on the world’s largest salt flat, covering roughly 10,000 km². That vast scale is what makes the horizon seem endless.
- It is the mineral remnant of a huge prehistoric lake that dried over thousands of years. The landscape you photograph is a former lake bed, not a white-sand desert.
Logistic taskPeru SOAT follow-up
- Follow up on Peru SOAT: verify plate, activation on Day 33 (24 December), expiry through Peru exit and certificate delivery.
- If entry papers are required, agree where and how it will be issued before riding onward; do not rely on finding a seller at the border.
- Do it today: two days remain, with tomorrow reserved for final corrections before the Christmas period.
Motorcycle maintenanceUpcoming 10,000 km work · confirm the next stop
- Plan A reaches Uyuni at about 9,638 route km. Check the BMW’s actual remaining distance and the Voge 900 service book. Tomorrow’s stage passes the 10,000 km route estimate; arrange work before the actual deadline, potentially on the Oruro corridor. No qualified appointment there is confirmed.
- Today is a booking/check decision, not a mandatory early oil change. If there is no reliable due-day workshop, an earlier confirmed appointment is the fallback. Under Plan B today is a transfer day and the mileage is different.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗- Mapped distance · approx.
- 195 km
- Map travel baseline
- 3 h 13 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 5–6 h
- Country
- Bolivia
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Tupiza → Uyuni
Route for day 31 · Plan B ↗Google driving estimate checked 11 October 2026; stops, queues and future conditions can change the total.
Today’s ride · Plan B
Ride the high, exposed Route 21 to Uyuni in daylight. Settle in and rest for tomorrow. A full-day Salar tour no longer fits; do not assume a late arrival can join a sunset departure. Arrange any short operator outing only after confirming arrival and conditions.
Daylight · sunrise 05:38 (Tupiza); sunset 19:07 (Uyuni). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 18:22.
Logistic taskPeru SOAT follow-up
- Follow up on Peru SOAT: verify plate, activation on Day 33 (24 December), expiry through Peru exit and certificate delivery.
- If entry papers are required, agree where and how it will be issued before riding onward; do not rely on finding a seller at the border.
- Do it today: two days remain, with tomorrow reserved for final corrections before the Christmas period.
Motorcycle maintenanceUpcoming 10,000 km work · confirm the next stop
- Plan A reaches Uyuni at about 9,638 route km. Check the BMW’s actual remaining distance and the Voge 900 service book. Tomorrow’s stage passes the 10,000 km route estimate; arrange work before the actual deadline, potentially on the Oruro corridor. No qualified appointment there is confirmed.
- Today is a booking/check decision, not a mandatory early oil change. If there is no reliable due-day workshop, an earlier confirmed appointment is the fallback. Under Plan B today is a transfer day and the mileage is different.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗32Uyuni → PatacamayaRiding dayLogistic task
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 447 km
- Map travel baseline
- 6 h 41 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 8–9h
- Country
- Bolivia
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Uyuni → Patacamaya
View route reference image
Today’s ride
An exposed Altiplano transfer to Patacamaya, with big horizons, long stretches and altitude throughout. Leave early enough for measured breaks and fuel checks. Temperatures can change quickly; this is a day for steady progress rather than adding a distant viewpoint.
Daylight · sunrise 05:45 (Uyuni); sunset 19:05 (Patacamaya). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 18:20.
Riding notes
High plateau · moderate / long
Keep extra layers accessible and check onward fuel availability before leaving the last reliable supply.
Worth the stopAltiplano: the scale of the high country
The reward is the broad high-country landscape between settlements, where an enormous sky and distant ridgelines dominate the ride. Choose one safe roadside pause to appreciate the scale. Today is a transfer with limited services; a remote viewpoint detour would work against the fuel and arrival plan.
The Altiplano is a high plateau formed as the Andes rose. After Uyuni’s salt-white surface, the open basins and distant mountains give today’s ride a different sense of scale; use an existing turnout for a brief pause.
Source ↗Keep it brief: roadside scenery or a short arrival walk. Budget 15–30 minutes if you stop; no separate excursion is included. Use safe on-route pullouts, or check local access from your accommodation.
Bolivia Travel · high-country destination contextWhen to do it · Outdoor stop: use daylight and actual arrival time. No ticketed activity or indoor opening is assumed.
Fuel challengeUyuni → Patacamaya · 447 km
Leave Uyuni full and confirm an operating refill along the RN5/RN1 corridor, for example around Challapata. Check payment and availability for a foreign vehicle before the next remote section.
Check the next working fuel stop locally; no future opening hours or fuel stock are guaranteed.
Find fuel along this corridorLogistic taskPeru & Ecuador insurance
- Finalize Peru SOAT for tomorrow, Day 33. Have the active certificate, or written arrangements for issuance immediately after the required entry document and before riding onward.
- Follow up with SENAE/insurer on Ecuador entry for Day 48 (8 January): accepted policy or payment process, issuer, documents and proof.
- Do it ahead: Ecuador’s practical issuance process remains unconfirmed and Christmas/New Year closures reduce the working days available.
Motorcycle maintenanceBMW / 900DSX · oil only if due
- Around 10,085 planned trip km by Patacamaya. The BMW may need oil/filter before reaching town; the 900DSX depends on its recorded service-book due point and any earlier service. Agree a workshop stop before exceeding either deadline. Do not change the DS800 oil again if it was serviced near Chaitén.
- This is a riding day and no suitable shop is verified. Reserve enough workshop time and shorten the riding plan if required; do not recover lost time by riding into darkness.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗33Patacamaya → PunoRiding day
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 328 km
- Map travel baseline
- 5 h 40 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 8–10h
- Countries
- Bolivia → Peru
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Patacamaya → Desaguadero → Puno
View route reference image
Today’s ride
Ride toward Lake Titicaca and the Desaguadero crossing before continuing to Puno. Start early so paperwork does not consume the afternoon. The lake country rewards brief safe photo stops, but arrival, Christmas travel bookings and rest take priority over a separate lakeside circuit.
Daylight · sunrise 05:56 (Patacamaya); sunset 18:11 (Puno). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 17:26.
Riding notes
Mostly paved · border day
Reconfirm your booked train station, transfer and Machu Picchu circuit today; allow road-transfer time in addition to the railway check-in.
Worth the stopFirst evening beside Lake Titicaca
The broad lake and high-altitude light give Puno a setting unlike the valleys you have crossed. If the border day finishes comfortably, make a short waterfront visit after parking. Island visits require a boat and several hours; they are not included in this arrival-day suggestion.
Titicaca sits roughly 3,810 m above sea level. The broad blue horizon you see from Puno is high-Andean lake country, not a lowland coast; take the arrival stroll slowly and leave island visits for a separately planned outing.
Source ↗After parking: allow 20–40 min for the local walk or food stop. Access depends on your accommodation; this is not included in the road distance.
Perú Travel · Lake TiticacaWhen to do it · Outdoor stop: use daylight and actual arrival time. No ticketed activity or indoor opening is assumed.
Border crossingBolivia → Peru · CEBAF Desaguadero
- Where to go: Go to the CEBAF on the binational road, km 3. Use the vehicle-processing compound rather than the town-centre pin.
- What to do: Close Bolivia’s SIVETUR and complete migration exit/entry. Obtain Peru temporary vehicle admission and verify active SOAT before continuing.
- Documents: Passport or accepted travel ID, any entry permission required for your nationality, driving licence, original registration/ownership documents and authorization if the bike is not yours. Keep copies offline.
- For this crossing: Bolivia admission record, Peru SOAT valid through your Peru exit, and vehicle ownership or valid possession/authorization documents.
- Timing: Aim for morning processing. SUNAT publishes 08:00–20:00 Peru time; confirm current service and adjust your watch at the border.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗34Puno → CuscoRiding day
Shared bike careAll three bikes · one shared session
Use the stop in Cusco for one shared session: check all three bikes together, share tools and help each other. Allow roughly 30–45 minutes, adjusted to what needs attention.
Check tyres/pressures, brakes, visible leaks, luggage and accessible fasteners. Inspect both Voge chains; clean, lubricate or adjust only as their manuals and condition require. The BMW has shaft drive. Record odometers and upcoming service deadlines for all three bikes.
This group session can move to a nearby evening if the day gets busy. Plan B travel/activity choices may require another slot. Daily safety checks and the Voge 500 km oil-level checks continue separately; attend to rain, dust, warning lights or faults immediately. This is not an oil/filter service and does not reset any service interval.
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 386 km
- Map travel baseline
- 6 h 40 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 8–9h
- Country
- Peru
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Puno → Cusco
View route reference image
Today’s ride
A high-Andean Christmas Day ride toward Cusco, with plateau scenery and the La Raya corridor giving way to greener valleys. Leave early and choose at most one cultural stop. Aim to park before evening holiday activity and organise tomorrow’s train transfers tonight.
Daylight · sunrise 05:08 (Puno); sunset 18:15 (Cusco). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 17:30.
Riding notes
Paved · high mountain pass
Arrange secure bike storage and tomorrow’s station transfer before evening; holiday services may differ.
Worth the stopRaqchi · Temple of Wiracocha
The towering remains of the temple and its storehouses make Raqchi a striking introduction to Inca architecture before Cusco. Choose this as your one cultural visit today, with time left for the Christmas Day arrival and train preparation.
The Temple of Wiracocha’s high surviving walls are Raqchi’s signature sight. Look beyond a single ruin photograph at the wider complex; it shows that this was a substantial Inca site on the travel corridor.
Source ↗Estimated local access: 10–20 min. Visit: 45–75 min. Total extra: 55–95 min; confirm holiday access before stopping.
Visitor information ↗When to do it · 25 Dec: Raqchi publishes 07:00–17:00, but Christmas Day exceptions remain unconfirmed. Depart Puno around 07:00 if taking the 55–80 min stop; aim to reach Cusco by 17:30. Skip it if delayed.
Schedule / sourceMotorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗35Train to Machu PicchuRest day
- Distance · approx.
- 0 km
- Riding time · estimate
- 0 h
- Country
- Peru
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The plan
Cusco → booked transfer / rail departure → Aguas Calientes
View route reference image
Today’s plan
Today belongs to the train journey toward Machu Picchu, with the landscape changing toward the Urubamba valley. Your ticket’s station and transfer time determine departure, not the motorcycle map. Leave the bike securely stored and carry the passport used for the reservation.
PeruRail advises arrival at the station 30 minutes before departure, plus your transfer time. The saved Cusco–Saqsaywaman road reference is not the train route.
Daylight · sunrise 05:20 (Cusco); sunset 18:17 (Machu Picchu Pueblo). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 17:32.
Worth the stopThe rail journey is part of the attraction
Watch the Sacred Valley narrow into greener mountain scenery as the railway approaches Machu Picchu Pueblo. The changing landscape is the reason to spend the journey looking out rather than treating it as a transfer to endure. Window style and onboard extras depend on the train you actually book.
Look for agricultural terraces, river scenery and the change to greener slopes through the Sacred Valley. Panoramic roof windows are a feature of particular train classes, so check your ticket rather than assuming all services have them.
Source ↗Within today’s planned activity time; any operator transfer and meeting point must be confirmed separately.
PeruRail · scenery and train experienceWhen to do it · 26 Dec: travel only against reconfirmed train and transfer tickets. The itinerary moved one day; check the booking date, station and meeting time before departure.
Schedule / sourceMotorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗36Machu PicchuRest day
- Distance · approx.
- 0 km
- Riding time · estimate
- 0 h
- Country
- Peru
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The plan
Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu → return transfer to Cusco
View route reference image
Today’s plan
Make the booked Machu Picchu circuit the focus, then protect the return connection to Cusco. Terraces, mountain ridges and the setting are best enjoyed without racing between extra activities. Your timed entry and train tickets set the schedule; tomorrow resumes the road journey.
Return to Cusco tonight to preserve Day 37; the entry circuit and return connection still depend on your confirmed bookings.
Daylight · sunrise 05:24 (Machu Picchu Pueblo); sunset 18:16 (Cusco). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 17:31.
Worth the stopMachu Picchu: terraces above the valleys
The extraordinary feature is the combination of carefully fitted stonework, steep agricultural terraces and mountains falling away below the citadel. Take time to look at how the buildings fit the ridge. Your ticketed circuit determines the viewpoints and structures you can visit; the classic panoramic photograph is not included with every route.
The Inca stone blocks were fitted without mortar. Look at the joints as well as the terraces: the craftsmanship is as remarkable as the mountain setting. Only your purchased circuit determines which structures you can approach.
Source ↗Within today’s planned activity time; any operator transfer and meeting point must be confirmed separately.
Perú Travel · Machu PicchuWhen to do it · 27 Dec: the purchased circuit and timed ticket control admission. Confirm bus/guide meeting time and the return train before choosing a slot. Mountain add-ons require their own route entitlement and time.
Schedule / sourceMotorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗37Cusco → ChalhuancaRiding day
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 313 km
- Map travel baseline
- 6 h 26 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 8–9h
- Country
- Peru
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Cusco → Chalhuanca
View route reference image
Today’s ride
The Andes take over again: expect repeated bends and elevation changes through the Abancay corridor toward Chalhuanca. Start early enough to ride the mountain sections in daylight. Distances can feel slower here than on the coast, so favour short viewpoint breaks over extra detours.
Daylight · sunrise 05:22 (Cusco); sunset 18:23 (Chalhuanca). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 17:38.
Riding notes
Paved mountain corridor · demanding
Collect the bikes before departure and allow for traffic around Abancay.
Worth the stopThe mountain road toward Chalhuanca
Today’s highlight is the changing perspective as the road crosses high slopes and descends into the Apurímac landscape. A short pause at an existing turnout lets you appreciate the valley’s depth instead of concentrating only on the next bend. Keep it brief: arrival in daylight matters more than finding another attraction.
Apurímac’s deep valleys are the landscape story here. At a safe on-route turnout, include the road in the frame to show the mountain scale; avoid a separate canyon-viewpoint detour on this transfer day.
Source ↗Keep it brief: roadside scenery or a short arrival walk. Budget 15–30 minutes if you stop; no separate excursion is included. Use safe on-route pullouts, or check local access from your accommodation.
Perú Travel · regional travel informationWhen to do it · Outdoor stop: use daylight and actual arrival time. No ticketed activity or indoor opening is assumed.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗38Chalhuanca → NazcaRiding dayLogistic task
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 345 km
- Map travel baseline
- 6 h 39 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 8–9h
- Country
- Peru
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Chalhuanca → Nazca
View route reference image
Today’s ride
A dramatic mountain-to-desert day toward Nazca, with sustained curves, high sections and a warmer finish. Leave early and expect changing temperatures rather than one outfit for the whole ride. Save energy for the descending roads and keep stops brief if progress is slow.
Daylight · sunrise 05:26 (Chalhuanca); sunset 18:31 (Nazca). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 17:46.
Riding notes
Paved mountain road · demanding
Give trucks space on descents and change layers at safe stopping places.
Worth the stopPampa Galeras: look for vicuñas
The high grasslands around Pampa Galeras are home to the slender wild vicuña, an animal closely linked to Andean conservation and fibre traditions. Seeing a small herd against the open plateau is a memorable contrast before the descent to Nazca’s desert. Observe from a safe stopping place and give animals space.
Pampa Galeras helped recover the vicuña through protection and community management. Its traditional chaccu is a controlled capture-and-shearing event, principally in June; your December visit is a wildlife-viewing opportunity, not that festival.
Source ↗Keep it brief: roadside scenery or a short arrival walk. Budget 15–30 minutes if you stop; no separate excursion is included. Use safe on-route pullouts, or check local access from your accommodation.
SERNANP · Pampa GalerasWhen to do it · 29 Dec: roadside wildlife observation only. No reserve visitor-centre admission or guided activity is assumed; animals and visibility are not guaranteed.
Logistic taskStart Colombia SOAT
- Contact Colombia’s foreign-vehicle SOAT provider for entry on Day 51 (11 January). Confirm registration-country eligibility, documents, payment and activation.
- Ask about RUNT registration and cover through the actual Cartagena handover. Check that any daily border product covers the full onward journey.
- Start 13 days ahead: New Year closures and a Monday public-holiday entry leave limited correction time. Listed support: weekdays 08:00–17:00 Colombia time, +57 601 432 4102, option 1; recheck before calling.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗39Nazca → HuacachinaRiding day
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 149 km
- Map travel baseline
- 2 h 41 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 4–5h
- Country
- Peru
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Nazca → Huacachina
View route reference image
Today’s ride
The Panamericana replaces mountain bends with open desert riding toward Ica and Huacachina. This shorter transfer offers more breathing room; a reasonable morning departure can leave time for the oasis late in the day. Save the larger dune activity for tomorrow.
Daylight · sunrise 05:32 (Nazca); sunset 18:33 (Huacachina). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 17:48.
Riding notes
Paved · desert transfer
Any Nazca Lines flight is a separately booked activity with its own time requirement. The route does not include riding across the dunes.
Worth the stopFirst look at Huacachina’s oasis
A green lagoon and palms sit beneath towering sand dunes—a striking change after the desert highway. Walk the lagoon edge when you arrive and enjoy the contrast of water, village and sand. Save the strenuous dune climb or buggy outing for tomorrow’s dedicated rest day.
One local legend says Huacachina’s lagoon formed from a grieving woman’s tears. Treat it as folklore while you walk the palm-fringed water; the contrast with the surrounding dunes is real enough.
Source ↗After parking: allow 20–40 min for the local walk or food stop. Access depends on your accommodation; this is not included in the road distance.
Perú Travel · Huacachina oasisWhen to do it · Outdoor stop: use daylight and actual arrival time. No ticketed activity or indoor opening is assumed.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗40Huacachina dunesRest dayLogistic task
- Distance · approx.
- 0 km
- Riding time · estimate
- 0 h
- Country
- Peru
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The plan
Huacachina / Ica base
View route reference image
Today’s plan
A day off the bike beside the dunes. A relaxed morning makes sense if your booked activity is later; the softer evening light is the attraction for photographs. Use an authorised operator for any buggy or sandboarding outing and leave time to rest before Lima.
The saved Ica location is not a dune-riding track; use the operator’s confirmed meeting point.
Daylight · sunrise 05:37 (Huacachina); sunset 18:34 (Huacachina). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 17:49.
Worth the stopHuacachina: dunes at golden hour
The dunes are the show: late sunlight brings out their ridges and turns the sand gold and orange around the little oasis. Choose a guided buggy-and-sandboarding outing for the thrill, or a shorter sunset viewpoint walk for the landscape. Soft sand makes climbing slower than it looks; agree a manageable viewpoint with your guide.
The oasis and surrounding desert are a Regional Conservation Area, not just a buggy playground. For photographs, the lagoon gives the dunes a sense of scale; for activity, use a licensed local operator and protect the service appointment first.
Source ↗Within today’s planned activity time; any operator transfer and meeting point must be confirmed separately.
Perú Travel · dunes and sunsetWhen to do it · 31 Dec: sunset is approximately 18:34 local. Ask for a tour that actually stays through sunset—a generic 16:00–18:00 slot ends too early. Allow about 2 h plus check-in; return on foot or with the operator.
Schedule / sourceLogistic taskEcuador & Colombia paperwork
- Get Ecuador’s accepted insurance/payment process in writing for Day 48 (8 January): issuer, documents, payment and certificate delivery.
- Advance any outstanding Colombia SOAT application for Day 51. An unanswered enquiry or payment receipt is not an active policy.
- Use today’s rest day, but New Year support may already be limited. Have essential paperwork arranged earlier; individual issuance hours remain unconfirmed.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗41Huacachina → LimaRiding day
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 308 km
- Map travel baseline
- 4 h 21 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 6–7h
- Country
- Peru
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Huacachina → Lima
View route reference image
Today’s ride
Follow the coast toward Lima on New Year’s Day. Holiday traffic, reduced services and the city approach can dominate the finish. Leave early and aim for secure parking well before dark.
Daylight · sunrise 05:38 (Huacachina); sunset 18:36 (Lima). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 17:51.
Riding notes
Paved · busy approach
Set the accommodation and parking destination before entering Lima.
Worth the stopMiraflores malecón after parking
If your Lima base is nearby, the clifftop malecón offers Pacific views and a welcome walk after city traffic. The contrast is memorable: a major capital above surf and open ocean. Make this an arrival stroll, not another ride across Lima to chase sunset.
The Costa Verde road runs below Lima’s cliffs, while the malecón walk is above them. That elevated perspective is the attraction: surf, ocean and the city edge in one view after you have parked.
Source ↗After parking: allow 20–40 min for the local walk or food stop. Access depends on your accommodation; this is not included in the road distance.
Perú Travel · Miraflores and Costa VerdeWhen to do it · 1 Jan: outdoor arrival stroll only. New Year’s Day opening hours are unverified; keep sightseeing close to the hotel.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗42LimaRest day
Shared bike careAll three bikes · one shared session
Use the stop in Lima for one shared session: check all three bikes together, share tools and help each other. Allow roughly 30–45 minutes, adjusted to what needs attention.
Check tyres/pressures, brakes, visible leaks, luggage and accessible fasteners. Inspect both Voge chains; clean, lubricate or adjust only as their manuals and condition require. The BMW has shaft drive. Record odometers and upcoming service deadlines for all three bikes.
This group session can move to a nearby evening if the day gets busy. Plan B travel/activity choices may require another slot. Daily safety checks and the Voge 500 km oil-level checks continue separately; attend to rain, dust, warning lights or faults immediately. This is not an oil/filter service and does not reset any service interval.
- Distance · approx.
- 0 km
- Riding time · estimate
- 0 h
- Country
- Peru
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The plan
Lima base
View route reference image
Today’s plan
A New Year’s Day pause in Lima. Sleep in, walk locally and make the day about food and recovery rather than crossing the city on the bike. Holiday opening hours vary; essential paperwork should already be resolved before today.
Daylight · sunrise 05:47 (Lima); sunset 18:36 (Lima). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 17:51.
Worth the stopLima at walking pace
Choose one neighbourhood rather than racing around the capital. Miraflores offers clifftop ocean walks; Barranco brings murals, older streets and an arts atmosphere. Pair the walk with a proper Peruvian meal. Today is New Year’s Day, so outdoor scenery is the dependable option while restaurants and museums need individual confirmation.
Barranco’s wooden Bridge of Sighs is tied to a local wish-making legend. Combine it with the Bajada de los Baños and ocean viewpoint for an outdoor walk; New Year’s Day opening hours still need checking for restaurants and interiors.
Source ↗Within today’s planned activity time; any operator transfer and meeting point must be confirmed separately.
Perú Travel · Lima neighbourhoodsWhen to do it · 2 Jan, Saturday: confirm attraction and restaurant hours directly. Keep time free for the near-due DS800 service if the workshop confirms a slot.
Motorcycle maintenanceLima · DS800 near its second oil window
- About 11,914 planned route km at this rest day. If the DS800 was serviced around 6,000 km, check its actual next deadline around 12,000. A confirmed Lima appointment is a near-due opportunity before tomorrow’s ride; work on the other bikes only if due or inspection requires it.
- Saturday 2 January: confirm holiday-weekend opening, Voge filters/oil and finish time. BigTrail Center Perú is a candidate for the Voges; BMW Motorrad is a BMW-specific option. Neither appointment is confirmed.
BigTrail Center Perú · Lima alternative
Multi-brand adventure-bike workshop advertising diagnostic scanners, suspension work, tyre fitting and balancing. Av. Alfredo Benavides 4210, Surco; +51 966 406 202. Confirm both Voges and the BMW, parts and a shared appointment. Lima is an alternative service city, not a quick detour from Huacachina.
Workshop / contact ↗Google Maps ↗BMW Motorrad Perú · Lima alternative
Official BMW contact at Av. El Polo 1117, Surco; workshop appointments via [email protected]. Confirm the actual workshop reception address and R1200GS work. This is the BMW-specific alternative; servicing the Voges there has not been confirmed.
Workshop / contact ↗Google Maps ↗Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗43Lima → ChimboteRiding day
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 426 km
- Map travel baseline
- 6 h 39 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 8–9h
- Country
- Peru
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Lima → Chimbote
View route reference image
Today’s ride
Leave Lima early to clear the urban approach before settling into the northbound coastal corridor. Desert stretches, towns and truck traffic make this a concentration day rather than a constant scenic twisty ride. Keep breaks regular and reach Chimbote before dark.
Daylight · sunrise 05:48 (Lima); sunset 18:37 (Chimbote). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 17:52.
Riding notes
Paved · traffic / desert
Plan shade and water breaks; take particular care around trucks and town entrances.
Worth the stopA Pacific pause on the coastal corridor
The appeal today is the stark meeting of desert and ocean, with fishing settlements breaking the long coastal journey. Use a normal meal or rest stop with a sea view if one is convenient to the road. This is a flexible pause, not a named attraction worth delaying arrival for.
Peru’s coast is not uniformly tropical: central-coast beaches have cooler water, unlike the warmer northern beaches ahead. The desert-and-Pacific contrast is today’s photo opportunity during a normal roadside break.
Source ↗Keep it brief: roadside scenery or a short arrival walk. Budget 15–30 minutes if you stop; no separate excursion is included. Use safe on-route pullouts, or check local access from your accommodation.
Perú Travel · coastal travel contextWhen to do it · Outdoor stop: use daylight and actual arrival time. No ticketed activity or indoor opening is assumed.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗44Chimbote → ChiclayoRiding day
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 345 km
- Map travel baseline
- 6 h 20 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 8–9h
- Country
- Peru
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Chimbote → Chiclayo
View route reference image
Today’s ride
Continue north through the Trujillo corridor to Chiclayo. Open coastal mileage is broken by busy urban sections, so an early start matters if you want Chan Chan. Make it the one substantial stop today and skip it if the access traffic would threaten daylight arrival.
Daylight · sunrise 06:00 (Chimbote); sunset 18:39 (Chiclayo). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 17:54.
Riding notes
Paved · moderate / long
Reassess the optional stop after seeing actual Trujillo traffic.
Worth the stopChan Chan · only with time to spare
The Chimú adobe city reveals monumental walls, courtyards and geometric reliefs in a desert setting. It is a substantial visit, not a quick roadside photo. Make it today’s single major stop and protect daylight for Chiclayo.
Chan Chan was the capital of the Chimú kingdom before the Inca conquest. Its earthen walls and repeated decorative patterns give a very different impression from the stonework you saw at Machu Picchu.
Source ↗Estimated access/return to corridor: 30–45 min. Visit: 90–120 min. Total extra: 2–2¾ h, more with Trujillo traffic.
Visitor information ↗Monday 4 January: skip Chan Chan unless the operator confirms a special opening. The Ministry of Culture lists Tuesday–Sunday 09:00–16:00 for the site and museum. Do not build a Monday visit into this riding day.
Schedule / sourceMinistry of Culture · opening daysMotorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗45Chiclayo → MáncoraRiding dayLogistic task
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 392 km
- Map travel baseline
- 5 h 55 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 7–8h
- Country
- Peru
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Chiclayo → Máncora
View route reference image
Today’s ride
Ride north through Lambayeque and Piura toward the beach break in Máncora. Expect open, warm coastal-country mileage and busy town approaches. Leave in the morning and plan shade and water breaks.
Daylight · sunrise 06:09 (Chiclayo); sunset 18:39 (Máncora). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 17:54.
Riding notes
Paved · hot / exposed
Allow for Piura traffic and avoid pushing through heat without breaks.
CampingMisfits · Máncora beach
- Why camp here: pitch your own tent beside the Pacific, with beach access, hammocks and the sound of waves. July 2026 tent campers and August visitors confirm the appeal; ask for a sheltered pitch away from neighbouring music.
- Facilities: shared kitchen, toilets, cold shower and Wi-Fi are reported. Expect simple beach-camp comfort. Mosquitoes, ants, wind and occasional noise feature in reviews; bring a good tent net and repellent.
- Big-bike access: contact the host before arrival for the road entrance and firm motorcycle parking. Sandy pitches are reported; do not ride loaded bikes onto the beach or soft sand. Park on firm ground and carry the tent if needed. January space, gate arrangements and prices still need confirmation.
- Tonight, 5 January: arrive and inspect in daylight after the long ride; use a hotel if the entrance is sandy or you are tired.
Logistic taskInsurance & shipping appointment
- Reopen outstanding Ecuador and Colombia insurance cases. Target completion during the Máncora rest days, by Day 47 (7 January).
- Confirm the Cartagena handover address, appointment, export paperwork and cut-off with the agent arranged before departure. If no agent is appointed, resolve that now; 15 January handover is not yet assured.
- Do it now: Ecuador entry is in three days and Colombia entry is Monday 11 January, a public holiday. Shipping hours cannot be checked until an agent and appointment are identified.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗46MáncoraRest day
- Distance · approx.
- 0 / optional 50 km
- Riding time · estimate
- 0 / optional 1 h
- Country
- Peru
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The plan
Máncora base → optional Punta Sal → Máncora
View route reference image
Today’s plan
A genuine beach recovery day in Máncora. Sleep in, stay close to your accommodation and make room for a long lunch or sunset walk. Keeping the bike parked gives you a useful break before the final international stages.
Daylight · sunrise 06:19 (Máncora); sunset 18:40 (Máncora). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 17:55.
Worth the stopMáncora: a beach day worth slowing down for
After weeks of riding, the luxury here is time beside the Pacific: a long beach walk, watching surfers and an unhurried seafood lunch. Stay near your base so the day remains restful. A separate Punta Sal outing is optional and needs its own transport allowance; it is not necessary to enjoy this coast.
Máncora’s warm-water coast is a contrast with Lima’s cooler Pacific edge. This is a good day to make a relaxed seafood meal and beach walk the activity, with no need to ride to another resort.
Source ↗Within today’s planned activity time; any operator transfer and meeting point must be confirmed separately.
Perú Travel · northern beachesWhen to do it · 6 Jan: sunset about 18:40. Keep swimming and any surf lesson within conditions advised locally; no surf-school booking or hours are confirmed.
CampingMisfits · Máncora beach
- Why camp here: pitch your own tent beside the Pacific, with beach access, hammocks and the sound of waves. July 2026 tent campers and August visitors confirm the appeal; ask for a sheltered pitch away from neighbouring music.
- Facilities: shared kitchen, toilets, cold shower and Wi-Fi are reported. Expect simple beach-camp comfort. Mosquitoes, ants, wind and occasional noise feature in reviews; bring a good tent net and repellent.
- Big-bike access: contact the host before arrival for the road entrance and firm motorcycle parking. Sandy pitches are reported; do not ride loaded bikes onto the beach or soft sand. Park on firm ground and carry the tent if needed. January space, gate arrangements and prices still need confirmation.
- 6 January rest day: stay in the same pitch if comfortable. This is the best day to enjoy the beach without adding riding.
Logistic taskPlan B · Ecuador paperwork
If using the Machala split, finish Ecuador document and insurance checks today for the 7 January crossing; confirm Machala parking and rooms. The original crossing date is 8 January.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗47MáncoraRest dayLogistic task
Shared bike careAll three bikes · one shared session
Use the stop in Máncora for one shared session: check all three bikes together, share tools and help each other. Allow roughly 30–45 minutes, adjusted to what needs attention.
Check tyres/pressures, brakes, visible leaks, luggage and accessible fasteners. Inspect both Voge chains; clean, lubricate or adjust only as their manuals and condition require. The BMW has shaft drive. Record odometers and upcoming service deadlines for all three bikes.
This group session can move to a nearby evening if the day gets busy. Plan B travel/activity choices may require another slot. Daily safety checks and the Voge 500 km oil-level checks continue separately; attend to rain, dust, warning lights or faults immediately. This is not an oil/filter service and does not reset any service interval.
- Distance · approx.
- 0 km
- Riding time · estimate
- 0 h
- Country
- Peru
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The plan
Máncora base
View route reference image
Today’s plan
Your final rest day before Ecuador is best kept light: beach time, packing and an early night. Tomorrow combines a border with the climb to Cuenca, so avoid a late excursion. Finish the outstanding document tasks below while weekday support is still available.
Daylight · sunrise 06:20 (Máncora); sunset 18:40 (Máncora). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 17:55.
Worth the stopOne last Pacific sunset
Make this the simple beach evening: walk on the sand, watch the light change and finish dinner early. It is a final coastal pause before tomorrow’s long climb toward Ecuador’s Andes. Choose a viewpoint within walking distance of your accommodation so sunset does not create a night ride.
The northern coast’s seafood is part of its appeal: ask what is fresh locally before choosing lunch. Keep sunset close to your accommodation and the evening short, with tomorrow’s border paperwork already organized.
Source ↗Within today’s planned activity time; any operator transfer and meeting point must be confirmed separately.
Perú Travel · Máncora coastWhen to do it · 7 Jan: sunset about 18:40. Watch locally on foot; tomorrow’s daylight problem must be resolved before committing to this final beach night.
CampingMisfits · Máncora beach
- Why camp here: pitch your own tent beside the Pacific, with beach access, hammocks and the sound of waves. July 2026 tent campers and August visitors confirm the appeal; ask for a sheltered pitch away from neighbouring music.
- Facilities: shared kitchen, toilets, cold shower and Wi-Fi are reported. Expect simple beach-camp comfort. Mosquitoes, ants, wind and occasional noise feature in reviews; bring a good tent net and repellent.
- Big-bike access: contact the host before arrival for the road entrance and firm motorcycle parking. Sandy pitches are reported; do not ride loaded bikes onto the beach or soft sand. Park on firm ground and carry the tent if needed. January space, gate arrangements and prices still need confirmation.
- 7 January, Plan A only: keep the same camp, pack before bed and protect tomorrow’s early border departure. Plan B leaves Máncora for Machala, so this camping option does not apply.
Logistic taskBorder documents & Colombia SOAT
- Finish Ecuador insurance/payment proof and vehicle documents for tomorrow, Day 48. Confirm CEBAF vehicle-office access; keep Peru cover through exit.
- Target Colombia SOAT issuance today for Day 51 (11 January): verify activation, RUNT and dates. If the daily product applies, arrange its required advance registration.
- Do it now: Friday 8 January is the final weekday backup before Monday’s Colombian public-holiday entry. Save all proof offline.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗- Mapped distance · approx.
- 201 km
- Map travel baseline
- 3 h 46 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 6–8 h
- Countries
- Peru → Ecuador
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Máncora → Panamericana / Tumbes → CEBAF → Machala
Route for day 47 · Plan B ↗Google driving estimate checked 11 October 2026; stops, queues and future conditions can change the total.
Today’s ride · Plan B
Paved Plan B · leave around 08:00 on the Panamericana through Tumbes. Complete the official CEBAF rider and vehicle procedures, then stop in Machala. This uses one Máncora rest day and avoids Charralique/TU-105. Confirm road status and secure motorcycle parking.
Daylight · sunrise 06:20 (Máncora); sunset 18:34 (Machala). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 17:49.
Border crossingPeru → Ecuador · CEBAF Tumbes / Huaquillas
- Where to go: Follow the official CEBAF vehicle-control route at Tumbes/Huaquillas; the town-centre crossing is not a substitute for motorcycle customs processing.
- What to do: Close Peru temporary admission and complete migration exit/entry. Present the motorcycle to SENAE for the applicable tourist vehicle admission (DJT). Keep the issued record.
- Documents: Passport or accepted travel ID, any entry permission required for your nationality, driving licence, original registration/ownership documents and authorization if the bike is not yours. Keep copies offline.
- For this crossing: Peru admission record; Ecuador migration entry, licence and vehicle registration (rental contract if applicable). Obtain written confirmation of the current foreign-vehicle insurance/payment requirement before crossing.
- Timing: Process in the morning. SUNAT lists Tumbes CEBAF as 24-hour, but that does not guarantee insurer availability or every Ecuador service. SPPAT / later insurance-law implementation still needs local clarification.
Logistic taskBorder documents & Colombia SOAT
- Before today’s crossing, have Ecuador’s confirmed insurance/payment evidence and vehicle documents ready. Keep Peru cover valid through exit. The border panel contains today’s processing steps.
- Target Colombia SOAT issuance today for Day 51 (11 January): verify activation, RUNT and dates. If the daily product applies, arrange its required advance registration.
- Do it now: Friday 8 January is the final weekday backup before Monday’s Colombian public-holiday entry. Save all proof offline.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗48Máncora → CuencaRiding day
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 383.1 km
- Map travel baseline
- 8 h 29 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 11–13h
- Countries
- Peru → Ecuador
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Máncora → Charralique / TU-105 → CEBAF → Cuenca
Time-saving route
Coastal road via Tumbes / CEBAF
Choose the coastal main roads to reach the same overnight stop in Cuenca with roughly 37 km and 1 h 40 min less driving than Charralique. Border processing still makes this a full day; the two-day Plan B gives more time. This road-surface alternative does not resolve the regional security concerns.
346 km · about 6 h 45 min driving. Panamericana → Tumbes → CEBAF → E25/E59 → Cuenca. Allow 9–11 h including border processing and breaks; leave early. Day 47 remains a rest day.
Driving estimates checked 11 Oct 2026; stops and border queues are extra. Check live conditions. Dashboard and master line remain Plan A.View route reference image
Today’s ride
Leave very early: this is a long coastal-to-Andean day, with the border followed by a slower climb toward Cuenca. The saved approach includes Charralique/TU-105; verify local access before committing to it. Preserve daylight for the mountain finish and make town sightseeing optional after parking.
Riding notes
Coast to mountains · demanding
Expect a slower mountain climb after the border, with cloud, rain and bends on the approach to Cuenca. Review the unpaved-road panel before choosing the inland approach.
Worth the stopCuenca historic centre
The cathedral domes and streets around Parque Calderón make a rewarding first glimpse of Cuenca after the mountain approach. Explore on foot after parking; a short evening walk is enough on this already long day.
Cuenca preserves a centuries-old street grid, with its old and new cathedrals around Parque Calderón. Notice how the squares and façades fit together; that coherent cityscape is part of its UNESCO heritage value.
Source ↗After parking: 30–60 min walking from a central base. No extra riding loop; add local transport if staying farther away.
Visitor information ↗When to do it · 8 Jan: town walk only after arrival and parking. Do not promise cathedral interior access after this long border stage; specific opening hours are unconfirmed.
Border crossingPeru → Ecuador · CEBAF Tumbes / Huaquillas
- Where to go: Follow the official CEBAF vehicle-control route at Tumbes/Huaquillas; the town-centre crossing is not a substitute for motorcycle customs processing.
- What to do: Close Peru temporary admission and complete migration exit/entry. Present the motorcycle to SENAE for the applicable tourist vehicle admission (DJT). Keep the issued record.
- Documents: Passport or accepted travel ID, any entry permission required for your nationality, driving licence, original registration/ownership documents and authorization if the bike is not yours. Keep copies offline.
- For this crossing: Peru admission record; Ecuador migration entry, licence and vehicle registration (rental contract if applicable). Obtain written confirmation of the current foreign-vehicle insurance/payment requirement before crossing.
- Timing: Process in the morning. SUNAT lists Tumbes CEBAF as 24-hour, but that does not guarantee insurer availability or every Ecuador service. SPPAT / later insurance-law implementation still needs local clarification.
Unpaved sectionsTU-105 via Charralique · surface not verified
- Where / length: the inland approach leaves Máncora via Carr. Barrancos and PI-105, then follows about 90 km of TU-105 through Charralique toward Puente Francos / Pampas de Hospital.
- Unpaved kilometres: unknown. The 90 km is the mapped TU-105 segment, not a verified all-gravel distance; the approach adds about 30 km on other local roads. Official records document unpaved roadworks, but do not establish current loaded-bike access.
- Do not commit after heavy rain or without local confirmation. The coastal alternative via Tumbes / CEBAF avoids this inland section; the two-day Plan B also gives you a Machala overnight.
Daylight riskThe upper time allowance exceeds daylight
Daylight · sunrise 06:20 (Máncora); sunset 18:30 (Cuenca). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 17:45.
Schedule decision needed: sunrise 06:20 and sunset 18:30 give about 12 h 10 min. The 13 h allowance cannot fit daylight; even 11 h leaves little delay margin. Use a rest day to split the approach rather than plan night riding.
Logistic taskFinal Colombia insurance checks
- Verify the Colombia SOAT/RUNT issue is already resolved for Monday 11 January. Check activation, plate, dates and any required preregistration.
- Resolve any insurer corrections today, Friday 8 January, before 17:00 Colombia time. Published support is Monday–Friday 08:00–17:00; reconfirm availability.
- Why today: check saved documents before the holiday border entry. If something is missing, contact the provider now and adjust the crossing rather than ride uninsured.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗- Mapped distance · approx.
- 168 km
- Map travel baseline
- 3 h 42 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 5–7 h
- Country
- Ecuador
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Machala → Cuenca
Route for day 48 · Plan B ↗Google driving estimate checked 11 October 2026; stops, queues and future conditions can change the total.
Today’s ride · Plan B
Paved Plan B · continue from Machala toward Cuenca on the E59 corridor. Yesterday’s border is already behind you. Start around 08:00 and allow for mountain curves, cloud and rain. Check current road reports; do not accept unreviewed shortcuts onto smaller roads.
Daylight · sunrise 06:17 (Machala); sunset 18:30 (Cuenca). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 17:45.
Worth the stopCuenca historic centre
Cuenca’s cathedral domes and Parque Calderón reward the mountain approach. Explore on foot after parking; allow 30–60 minutes for a first walk.
Cuenca preserves a centuries-old street grid, with its old and new cathedrals around Parque Calderón. Notice how the squares and façades fit together; that coherent cityscape is part of its UNESCO heritage value.
Source ↗After parking: 30–60 min walking from a central base. No extra riding loop; add local transport if staying farther away.
Visitor information ↗8 January: walk around the historic centre after parking. Check cathedral visiting hours locally; interior access is not confirmed.
Logistic taskFinal Colombia insurance checks
- Verify the Colombia SOAT/RUNT issue is already resolved for Monday 11 January. Check activation, plate, dates and any required preregistration.
- Resolve any insurer corrections today, Friday 8 January, before 17:00 Colombia time. Published support is Monday–Friday 08:00–17:00; reconfirm availability.
- Why today: check saved documents before the holiday border entry. If something is missing, contact the provider now and adjust the crossing rather than ride uninsured.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗49Cuenca → AmbatoRiding dayLogistic task
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 322.8 km
- Map travel baseline
- 5 h 57 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 7–8h
- Country
- Ecuador
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Cuenca → Azogues → Riobamba → Ambato
View route reference image
Today’s ride
A full Andean riding day through Azogues and Riobamba toward Ambato. Curves, elevation changes and town traffic make progress less predictable than the distance alone suggests. Start early; mountain views are a bonus when cloud clears, not a reason to add a side trip.
Daylight · sunrise 06:14 (Cuenca); sunset 18:27 (Ambato). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 17:42.
Riding notes
Paved · Andean curves
Check any live navigation changes against the planned towns before accepting a reroute.
Worth the stopA taste of Ambato: pan de Pinllo
Pinllo’s traditional wood-fired bread gives a normal food break a local story: a century-old baking tradition rather than another generic roadside snack. Ask where to buy it near your overnight base. Visiting the Pinllo neighbourhood itself adds local travel, so keep that optional after checking arrival time.
Traditional pan de Pinllo is baked directly on the floor of a eucalyptus-fired wood oven. Ask for the local bread by name; its texture and baking tradition make a simple snack more memorable.
Source ↗After parking: allow 20–40 min for the local walk or food stop. Access depends on your accommodation; this is not included in the road distance.
Pinllo parish · bread and local heritageWhen to do it · Outdoor stop: use daylight and actual arrival time. No ticketed activity or indoor opening is assumed.
Logistic taskFinal Colombia insurance checks
- Verify the Colombia SOAT/RUNT issue is already resolved for Monday 11 January. Check activation, plate, dates and any required preregistration.
- Insurer corrections should have been completed by Friday 8 January. Listed support is Monday–Friday 08:00–17:00 Colombia time; Saturday assistance is not confirmed.
- Why today: check saved documents before the holiday border entry. If something is missing, contact the provider now and adjust the crossing rather than ride uninsured.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗50Ambato → TulcánRiding day
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 392.3 km
- Map travel baseline
- 6 h 52 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 8–9h
- Country
- Ecuador
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Ambato → Latacunga → Cayambe → Ibarra → Tulcán
View route reference image
Today’s ride
Continue north through Latacunga, Cayambe and Ibarra toward Tulcán. This is a mix of highland road and busy town approaches, with an easy opportunity to turn one food break into a local speciality stop. Arrive early enough to organise tomorrow’s Colombia crossing.
Daylight · sunrise 06:16 (Ambato); sunset 18:20 (Tulcán). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 17:35.
Riding notes
Paved corridor · long / busy
Check the planned Quito bypass and keep tomorrow’s border papers accessible.
Worth the stopCayambe bizcochos or Ibarra helados de paila
Crisp bizcochos with queso de hoja make a distinctive Cayambe snack; Ibarra’s traditional paila ice cream offers a different local treat. Turn one normal food break into the experience instead of adding two separate stops.
Cayambe’s Paradero del Bizcocho is a family business with more than 40 years of tradition. Pair the crisp biscuit with queso de hoja or manjar, and make this one planned food break rather than two diversions.
Source ↗Local access estimate: 5–15 min. Food stop: 20–30 min. Total: 25–45 min; less extra if replacing your usual break.
Visitor information ↗When to do it · 10 Jan, Sunday: choose one food stop during normal daytime business hours. Individual bakery/ice-cream shop hours are not verified; do not delay arrival for a closed shop.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗51Tulcán → PopayánRiding day
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 343.8 km
- Map travel baseline
- 6 h 47 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 9–11h
- Countries
- Ecuador → Colombia
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Tulcán → Puente Internacional de Rumichaca → Popayán
View route reference image
Today’s ride
An early border start protects a long ride through Pasto to Popayán. Expect winding Andean sections and variable progress around towns; this is not a day for a major sightseeing detour. Save the white-city walk for after parking, only if you arrive with energy.
Riding notes
Paved mountain road · demanding
Check current road and local security advice for Pasto–Popayán before departure; avoid night riding.
Worth the stopPopayán old town & pipián
White façades and quiet historic streets make Popayán particularly inviting on foot. Pair the walk with empanadas or tamales de pipián for a local food experience; it belongs after arrival, not as another motorcycle detour.
Popayán’s appeal is strongest on foot: its white façades frame a compact historic townscape. Ask for empanadas or tamales de pipián so dinner also introduces you to local cooking; review the approach-road security separately.
Source ↗From a central overnight base: 45–60 min for a short walk and snack. No extra route riding; skip if arrival is late.
Visitor information ↗When to do it · 11 Jan, Monday public holiday: enjoy Popayán after parking. No museum entry is planned. Arrange active insurance before the holiday.
Border crossingEcuador → Colombia · Rumichaca
- Where to go: Use Rumichaca International Bridge between Tulcán and Ipiales. Attend migration and the DIAN tourist-vehicle service before continuing toward Pasto.
- What to do: Close Ecuador vehicle admission and record migration exit/entry. Obtain Colombia temporary vehicle admission; keep the documents for eventual shipping/export.
- Documents: Passport or accepted travel ID, any entry permission required for your nationality, driving licence, original registration/ownership documents and authorization if the bike is not yours. Keep copies offline.
- For this crossing: Issued Colombia SOAT valid through the actual last riding/handover date; Ecuador admission record, ownership documents and Colombia migration entry for DIAN.
- Timing: Cross early on Monday 11 January, a Colombian public holiday. Reconfirm vehicle customs hours; DIAN’s 24/7 notice dates from 2014. Have SOAT active beforehand.
Daylight riskEarly Rumichaca crossing is essential
Daylight · sunrise 06:16 (Tulcán); sunset 18:13 (Popayán). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 17:28.
Early start: depart around 06:30, after sunrise, with papers ready. At the 11 h allowance arrival is about 17:30, only 40 min before sunset. Extra border delays can make this unworkable.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗52Popayán → ArmeniaRiding day
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 310 km
- Map travel baseline
- 5 h 24 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 7–8h
- Country
- Colombia
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Popayán → San Isidro → Armenia
Alternative route
Via Cartago and Alcalá
Use this only if the La Paila–Armenia approach is affected and the Cartago–Alcalá route is confirmed open. It adds about 53 km and 1 h 10 min. Both options share the earlier Popayán/Cali corridor, so it cannot bypass a closure there or resolve the regional security concerns.
363 km · about 6 h 35 min driving. Continue north to Cartago, then approach Armenia through Alcalá on 25VL/29Q. Allow 8–9 h overall, leave around 07:30 and skip extra tours. Confirm the actual closure location and road status first.
Driving estimate checked 11 Oct 2026; confirm current conditions. Dashboard and master line remain Plan A.View route reference image
Today’s ride
Ride from Popayán through the Cauca valley toward the coffee region and Armenia. Broader valley roads give way to greener hills. Leave in the morning and check current road conditions before committing.
Daylight · sunrise 06:15 (Popayán); sunset 18:07 (Armenia). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 17:22.
Riding notes
Paved corridor · moderate / long
Traffic around Cali/Palmira can slow progress. Confirm San Isidro remains on a suitable through route.
Worth the stopCoffee in the heart of Quindío
Armenia is a good place to make the evening coffee more than a caffeine stop. Ask for a local-origin cup and notice how the flavour differs from your usual coffee; the surrounding region’s identity is built around the crop. A full finca tour is a separate booking and is not included in today’s ride.
Quindío is part of Colombia’s Coffee Cultural Landscape. Ask the café which farm or area produced your cup; knowing the origin gives the flavour a connection to the green hills you have just ridden through.
Source ↗After parking: allow 20–40 min for the local walk or food stop. Access depends on your accommodation; this is not included in the road distance.
Colombia Travel · Armenia and coffee cultureWhen to do it · 12 Jan: confirm a café locally; no finca tour or museum opening is assumed.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗53Armenia → Santa Fe de AntioquiaRiding dayLogistic task
Shared bike careAll three bikes · one shared session
Use the stop in Santa Fe de Antioquia for one shared session: check all three bikes together, share tools and help each other. Allow roughly 30–45 minutes, adjusted to what needs attention.
Check tyres/pressures, brakes, visible leaks, luggage and accessible fasteners. Inspect both Voge chains; clean, lubricate or adjust only as their manuals and condition require. The BMW has shaft drive. Record odometers and upcoming service deadlines for all three bikes.
This group session can move to a nearby evening if the day gets busy. Plan B travel/activity choices may require another slot. Daily safety checks and the Voge 500 km oil-level checks continue separately; attend to rain, dust, warning lights or faults immediately. This is not an oil/filter service and does not reset any service interval.
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 300 km
- Map travel baseline
- 5 h 08 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 7–8h
- Country
- Colombia
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Armenia → La Garrucha → Santa Fe de Antioquia
View route reference image
Today’s ride
Ride through the Coffee Region toward Santa Fe de Antioquia, using La Garrucha as a corridor anchor. The waypoint belongs to the municipality of Marmato; it does not call for a detour up to the mining town. Expect curves, trucks and variable mountain-road speeds.
Daylight · sunrise 06:15 (Armenia); sunset 18:05 (Santa Fe de Antioquia). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 17:20.
Riding notes
Mountain roads · demanding
Keep the saved corridor through La Garrucha and check road status. Do not add a Marmato town-centre excursion simply because the municipality appears in the waypoint name.
Worth the stopColonial streets & tamarind sweets
Santa Fe de Antioquia’s shaded squares and colonial streets are an inviting contrast after a winding riding day. Try a tamarind sweet while exploring the centre slowly on foot; no bridge excursion or additional road loop is needed.
Santa Fe de Antioquia was founded in 1541. Its old streets give the tamarind-sweet stop a historical setting; enjoy the centre after parking instead of adding another motorcycle loop to the day.
Source ↗In-town walk: 30–60 min after parking. No added route riding from a central base; transport depends on your accommodation.
Visitor information ↗When to do it · 13 Jan: exterior town walk after parking. Shop hours for sweets are not verified; keep the experience flexible.
Logistic taskConfirm Cartagena handover
- Confirm the Cartagena handover address, appointment, export paperwork and cut-off with the agent arranged before departure. If no agent is appointed, resolve that now; 15 January handover is not yet assured.
- Keep insurance valid through the actual final riding/collection date, including any agreed delay buffer.
- Do it two days ahead: reconfirm the Friday 15 January handover and resolve missing documents during business hours.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗54Santa Fe de Antioquia → San Juan de UrabáRiding day
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 372 km
- Map travel baseline
- 7 h 17 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 9–10h
- Country
- Colombia
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Santa Fe de Antioquia → Parque Principal de Chigorodó → Alcaldía Municipal de San Juan de Urabá
View route reference image
Today’s ride
A substantial stage toward the warmer Urabá region through Chigorodó. Start early and expect the feel of the trip to change from mountain country toward lower, more humid terrain. Keep the day focused on progress and arrive ready for the final run to Cartagena.
Riding notes
Mountain descent · demanding
Check works, rain-related disruption and local route advice before leaving.
Worth the stopArrive in Urabá with time to enjoy it
The shift from Antioquia’s mountains into tropical lowlands is the day’s main experience. Save your stop for the overnight town: a relaxed local meal is a better reward than another diversion after this long stage. No specific beach access or attraction has been confirmed for this evening.
Security review comes before sightseeing: the UK currently advises against all but essential travel to Urabá. Reassess this overnight corridor before committing to a local beach stop or the Turbo fallback.
Source ↗After parking: allow 20–40 min for the local walk or food stop. Access depends on your accommodation; this is not included in the road distance.
Colombia Travel · regional travel contextWhen to do it · Outdoor stop: use daylight and actual arrival time. No ticketed activity or indoor opening is assumed.
Daylight riskLeave around 07:00 to keep a daylight buffer
Daylight · sunrise 06:19 (Santa Fe de Antioquia); sunset 18:04 (San Juan de Urabá). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 17:19.
Early start: aim for 07:00. With the 10 h allowance, 08:00 departure reaches town almost at sunset and leaves no useful delay margin.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗- Mapped distance · approx.
- 270 km
- Map travel baseline
- 5 h 04 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 7–8 h
- Country
- Colombia
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Santa Fe de Antioquia → Chigorodó → Turbo
Route for day 54 · Plan B ↗Google driving estimate checked 11 October 2026; stops, queues and future conditions can change the total.
Today’s ride · Plan B
Use Turbo as an earlier overnight if progress through the Urabá corridor is slow. Arrange accommodation with parking before arrival. This saves effort today but transfers it to tomorrow; it does not recover a lost day.
Daylight · sunrise 06:19 (Santa Fe de Antioquia); sunset 18:06 (Turbo). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 17:21.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗55San Juan de Urabá → CartagenaRiding day
- Mapped distance · approx.
- 324 km
- Map travel baseline
- 5 h 54 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 7–8h
- Country
- Colombia
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Alcaldía Municipal de San Juan de Urabá → Cartagena de Indias
View route reference image
Today’s ride
The final coastal-country stage ends in Cartagena’s urban traffic. Leave in the morning and protect any confirmed motorcycle handover appointment before celebrating. Once parked, the walled city and a local dinner make a fitting finish; warehouse transfers are separate from the city-centre route.
Daylight · sunrise 06:25 (San Juan de Urabá); sunset 17:58 (Cartagena). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 17:13.
Riding notes
Paved corridor · hot / busy
The city endpoint is not a confirmed shipping warehouse; navigate to the agent’s actual address for handover.
Worth the stopCartagena’s walled city & local dinner
The colourful streets and old walls give the journey a memorable finish. Make dinner part of the celebration with posta cartagenera or tropical fruit juices. Complete any motorcycle appointment first, then enjoy the city on foot.
Cartagena’s walls and port fortifications are part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the historic streets on foot after the motorcycle handover; the city’s architecture makes a fitting finish without a further road excursion.
Source ↗After parking: 30–60 min walk + 60–90 min dinner = 1½–2½ h. Local transport and warehouse transfers are separate.
Visitor information ↗When to do it · 15 Jan: confirm motorcycle handover before sightseeing. Reserve dinner directly if there is a particular restaurant you want; none is booked here.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗- Mapped distance · approx.
- 432 km
- Map travel baseline
- 8 h 33 min
- Allow for the whole day
- 10–11 h
- Country
- Colombia
- Accumulated km · planned
- 0 km
The route
Turbo → San Juan de Urabá → Cartagena
Route for day 55 · Plan B ↗Google driving estimate checked 11 October 2026; stops, queues and future conditions can change the total.
Today’s ride · Plan B
Leave at first daylight, keep breaks short and skip optional stops. This is a demanding final day through the warm Caribbean lowlands, with urban traffic near Cartagena. The upper allowance leaves little daylight buffer: if weather or fatigue persists, the arrival deadline needs renegotiating.
Daylight riskPlan B · first-light departure from Turbo
Daylight · sunrise 06:25 (Turbo); sunset 17:58 (Cartagena). Local times, approximate. Aim to park by 17:13.
At the 11-hour allowance, a 06:25 departure reaches Cartagena about 17:25, just 33 minutes before sunset and after the preferred parking target. Leave at first daylight, skip sightseeing and reconfirm any handover appointment.
Motorcycle maintenanceQuick oil-level check · 500 km reminder
Check Voge oil level at each 500 km checkpoint using the model-specific method. Check BMW oil regularly by its own manual. Inspect Voge chains and tyres before every ride; clean/lube chains when needed, especially after water, dust or washing. The 500 km marker is an oil-check reminder, not a manufacturer chain-lube interval. BMW uses shaft drive.
DS800 · Oil / Aceite · pp. 151–152900DSX · Oil / Aceite · pp. 135–136BMW · Oil / Aceite · pp. 138–139DS800 · Chain / Cadena · pp. 166–168900DSX · Chain / Cadena · pp. 150–151Tyre checks · all three manuals ↗Cartagena de Indias
The riding route ends here. Our motorcycles return home by container.
Browse all tripsInsurance for the miles ahead.
Motorcycles traveling through South America: liability, SOAPEX, SOAT and the questions to resolve before riding.
Open the South America insurance guide ↗Before departureDocuments, bookings and trip preparation
- Insurance: confirm acceptance of your registration country, covered dates and all border entries.
- Vehicle collection: confirm release documents and an appointment before weekends or holidays.
- Ferries: book dated services early; check terminal, motorcycle space and check-in time.
- Excursions: confirm operators and meeting points; coordinate Machu Picchu entry with the train.
- Documents: keep insurance, vehicle papers and tickets offline; check policy activation.
- Schedule changes: move reminders with your dates and recheck office hours and holidays.
- Shipping: choose the Cartagena agent before departure and obtain written warehouse location, lead time, documents and handover cut-off. Arrival on 15 January does not confirm same-day export.
- Maintenance: book proposed service windows and parts against your exact model/year and odometer. Check tyres and pressures daily; maintain chains after rain/dust and according to the manual. Shaft-drive bikes have a different schedule.
Timing checked 11 October 2026. Sunrise/sunset are calculated at approximate town centres with local time zones; hills, cloud and road delays can reduce usable light. The 45-minute sunset buffer is a planning target. Published hours are not a dated booking; unresolved activities are marked above.
Revised dates: arrival 22 November, bike preparation 23 November, riding starts 24 November, Cartagena 15 January. Reconfirm dated bookings: glacier activities 10–11 December; Salar 22 December; train 26 December; Machu Picchu 27 December. These are itinerary dates, not confirmed booking changes.
Daily bike careOil checks, tyres and chain care · manuals
Use these quick checks throughout the trip. Links open the relevant PDF page; the printed page number is included if your phone ignores the page jump. Match the manual to your exact bike: the BMW year/VIN remains unconfirmed.
Oil changes · normal-use planning
- DS800 Rally: oil + filter every 6,000 km after running-in (manual table: 1,000 / 7,000 / 13,000 km…).
- 900DSX: follow the service-book milestones at 10,000 / 20,000 km after the first service. If departure is just after the 1,000 km service, only 9,000 km remain to the next milestone. Record the actual next due point.
- BMW R1200GS: oil + filter every 10,000 km or annually, whichever comes first; verify the manual against the actual model/year.
- Meet at the workshop together, but perform only the work due on each bike. Tyres, brakes and chains are replaced on inspection, not a fixed trip kilometre. Severe use can require shorter intervals.
Before riding · tyres
Check cold pressure, cuts and tread. Use the correct load specification for each bike; tyre replacement depends on condition, not a promised kilometre life.
Voge 800 · pp. 168–170Voge 900 · pp. 152–154BMW · pp. 146–147Oil level · each bike has its own method
Check using the manual’s temperature, stand, waiting time and dipstick/sight-glass procedure. A shared service date does not mean identical checking instructions or oil specifications.
Voge 800 · pp. 151–152Voge 900 · pp. 135–136BMW · pp. 138–139Voge chains · inspect daily; clean/lube as needed
Inspect tension and condition before riding; give extra attention after rain, dust or washing. Use seal-safe cleaner/lubricant and follow the illustrated method with the engine off. The BMW has shaft drive and no chain-lube task.
Voge 800 · pp. 166–168Voge 900 · pp. 150–151Running-in services will be complete before departure. All bikes start with fresh oil. Confirm each service-book/odometer due point at collection: the oil-change counter does not reset other scheduled work. BMW year/VIN still needs confirmation.
DS800 service table · p. 178900DSX service table · p. 163BMW service schedule · pp. 214–215Workshop contacts · use when work is due
These are candidates, not booked appointments. Confirm model acceptance, parts, opening hours and finish time before relying on a workshop.
Moto Pablo · Ushuaia
Independent workshop with long-distance rider reports. Listing: Int. Manuel Olmo 898. Candidate for oil/filter, tyre and general checks; ask specifically about the DS800 Rally, 900DSX and R1200GS, filter stock and diagnostic tools. Current appointment and exact-model expertise are unconfirmed.
Workshop / contact ↗Google Maps ↗Rider reports · historical ↗Pueyrredón Motos · Voge
Official Voge dealer advertising filters, fluids, tyres, engine and injection work. Service contact: +54 9 261 344 5434; confirm the workshop branch and drop-off address. Reserve both Voge filters and any tyre sizes before the visit.
Workshop / contact ↗Google Maps ↗Genco BMW Motorrad · BMW
BMW Motorrad dealer in Godoy Cruz. Rodríguez Peña 401; published general post-sale hours Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00. Service contact: +54 9 261 221 0998. Request a Motorrad appointment for the exact R1200GS year/VIN; car-dealer hours alone do not confirm motorcycle workshop availability.
Workshop / contact ↗Google Maps ↗BigTrail Center Perú · Lima alternative
Multi-brand adventure-bike workshop advertising diagnostic scanners, suspension work, tyre fitting and balancing. Av. Alfredo Benavides 4210, Surco; +51 966 406 202. Confirm both Voges and the BMW, parts and a shared appointment. Lima is an alternative service city, not a quick detour from Huacachina.
Workshop / contact ↗Google Maps ↗BMW Motorrad Perú · Lima alternative
Official BMW contact at Av. El Polo 1117, Surco; workshop appointments via [email protected]. Confirm the actual workshop reception address and R1200GS work. This is the BMW-specific alternative; servicing the Voges there has not been confirmed.
Workshop / contact ↗Google Maps ↗Mileage reminders use the selected itinerary, including modeled ferry kilometres. Local outings, detours and the actual odometer can bring a service forward. Record actual oil changes and next due points; the website is a planning estimate, not a live service log.