Skip to main content

12 Day - Sugar, Sand, and Mountains

8 days of riding

Experience the stunning Pacific coast and ride across the heart of the Andes on an unforgettable journey through northern Chile and Argentina. An ambitious tour with an emphasis on miles, exploring remote deserts, salt flats, high mountain passes, and some wine country along the way.

Duration
12 days
8 days of riding
Distance
2750 km
1710 mi
Difficulty
Motorcycle HelmetMotorcycle HelmetMotorcycle Helmet
% Paved
90 %
  • Start and end in the coastal city of Antofagasta
  • Ride south along the breathtaking coastal highway
  • Two of the highest border crossings in the world, up above 4,000m
  • Wine country
  • Fantastic food

$8610 USD - deposit to guarantee your spot. 

Thumbnail image Map of tour, with town names Elevation chart
Itinerary
Day 1

Welcome to the North

Arrive in the coastal city of Antofagasta - "the Pearl of the North".  Transfer to the hotel, and meet your fellow riders over dinner. Get introduced to the route, and what to expect on this unforgettable journey through northern Chile.

Day 2

The Desert and the Sea

Leaving Antofagasta, the road heads south along the edge of the Pacific, with the desert on one side and ocean on the other. The landscape is stark and open, with long stretches of highway leading toward the small town of coastal Taltal.

Day 3

Down the Coast

From Taltal to Copiapó, the route continues south down the coast toward the Pan de Azucar National Park. We then climbs inland where the scenery shifts gradually, from arid hills to rocky outcrops, dry riverbeds, and distant ridgelines marking the way toward the mining city nestled in a desert valley.

Day 4

Into the Highlands

This is a long day. Heading east from Copiapó, the road ascends into the Andes, winding through high-altitude passes and remote desert terrain. Vast, silent landscapes give way to towering peaks before crossing into Argentina, where the descent leads to the quiet, vineyard-dotted town of Fiambalá.

Day 5

Valleys & Red Rocks

From Fiambalá to Cafayate, the road crosses rugged Andean foothills and remote valleys, passing through quiet villages and shifting desert scenery. As you near Cafayate, the landscape softens into vineyards and red rock formations, framed by the Calchaquí Valley’s dry beauty.

Day 6

Relax in Cafayate

A rest day in Cafayate offers time to explore local vineyards, sample regional wines, and stroll through the quiet town plaza. Nearby trails and rock formations invite short rides or gentle hikes.

Day 7

To the High Plains

From Cafayate, the route climbs along the Calchaquí Valley, winding through red rock ridges and terraced vineyards. Beyond Ampato, the ascent continues into arid highlands, passing small villages and salt flats before reaching San Antonio de los Cobres.

Day 8

Crossing the Andes

Leaving San Antonio de los Cobres, the road climbs to the Andes’ high passes, crossing vast salt flats and windswept plateaus. After crossing the Chilean border, a long descent leads into the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama.

Day 9

Rest & Stargazing

In San Pedro de Atacama, a rest day invites you to wander vibrant markets, tour natural wonders like geysers or salt flats, or unwind in peaceful desert surroundings with quiet plazas and shaded patios.

Day 10

Ride San Pedro’s Best

The area around San Pedro de Atacama features unique landscapes like Moon Valley, steaming geysers, soothing hot springs, colorful salt lagoons, and vibrant flamingo colonies. Riding here offers a chance to experience this diverse natural beauty up close.

Day 11

The Final Ride

The ride from San Pedro de Atacama to Antofagasta descends from the high desert through rocky terrain and vast salt flats. The landscape gradually transitions to coastal desert, with wide open roads leading to the Pacific coast and the city of Antofagasta.

Day 12

Farewell from Antofagasta

Departure Day. After an unforgettable journey, it's time to say goodbye, or maybe a la prochaine. 

  • Single occupancy accommodations. (3 star average, better when available.)
  • Transfers to- and from- Antofagasta airport.
  • Motorcycle rental, luggage, gas, tolls.
  • Bilingual Guides (English/Spanish)
  • Chase vehicle with mechanic and part support.
  • Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Lunches might be picnic style, dinners will focus on the best local/regional cuisine available
  • First aid capabilities.
  • Entrance fees to monuments and attractions.
  • Water.
  • 19% Chilean Value Added Tax

 

NOT INCLUDED

  • Airfare
  • Visas
  • Medical insurance coverage.
  • Motorcycle damage, optional damage liability reduction & associated fully refundable security deposit
  • Alcohol
  • Personal Items, gifts, snacks, etc.
  • Elective/Optional Activities. 
Sign Up Now!

Tour Date: 2026-02-24
Seats Available: 6
Register Now
Register before:
2026-02-17

Other Dates
12 Day - From Shores to Summits

Journey along Chile’s coastal highway, through desert landscapes to hidden oases, scenic valleys, and mountain passes nearing 4,000 meters. This guided tour delivers the region’s most stunning vistas and rich cultural heritage for an unforgettable ride.