Best of Andes – 2 paso

Welcome, and thank you for joining us on this exciting adventure! Once everyone has arrived, we gather for a warm welcome, introductions, and refreshments. The evening’s agenda includes getting to know each other better over a delightful dinner in true Latin-American style. For those with energy to spare after the journey, there’s the option to explore a local bar nearby.

(Explorer & fun day)

The day kicks off with an essential information meeting, delving into details about the Best of Andes 3 Paso tour, your stay in Santiago, and practical aspects like motorcycle and car rental checkout. We prioritize safety by covering rules on the road, traffic guidelines, practical tips, and bike preparation, ensuring everyone is well-prepared for the journey ahead.

Following the meeting, the rest of the day is yours to explore downtown Santiago at your own pace. We recommend checking out Cerro San Cristobal, an 860-meter hill boasting a zoo, wine museum, and a gondola ride to the top where a Virgin Mary statue offers panoramic views of the city. Don’t miss the SkyCostanera, the highest viewing platform in Santiago atop the tallest building in Latin America, providing a breathtaking 360° panorama at 300 meters high.

As the evening unfolds, we’ll also take the time to check out our motorcycles/vehicles before coming together for a delightful dinner. Get ready for an amazing journey through the Andes!

(Driving day 1: 338 km/240  miles)

The journey kicks off with the start of our driving adventure in Latin America! Once everyone is ready, we set out on our spectacular tour, heading north to experience one of the absolute highlights: crossing the Argentina border through Cristo Redentor, standing at an impressive 3,832 meters (10,499 feet) above sea level. The roads are tailor-made for motorcycle riding, ensuring you enjoy every meter of the journey. Note that the stretch across the actual mountain pass, though optional, is a gravel road.

A well-deserved lunch break awaits us in Las Cuevas before continuing our journey to Puenta del Inca, an ancient Inka (Indian) village. En route to Mendoza, we also pause to savor the view and capture pictures of Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Andes at 6,962 meters above sea level. Our final stop for the day is Mendoza, where we’ll spend a delightful evening together. Mendoza, with its laid-back charm, boasts numerous cozy cafes and exciting shopping opportunities. Don’t forget to visit the fountain in the city center! Get ready for more adventures in the days ahead.

(Explorer & fun day)

Enjoy a day in Mendoza tailored to your preferences. One highly recommended option is “The Wine Yard Experience,” where we visit one of the world’s most famous and best wineries. The program includes a winery tour, a restaurant brunch featuring a regional menu, wine tasting, and more. Alternatively, you can relax at the hotel, explore the charming surroundings of Mendoza, or indulge in some shopping. Whichever option you choose, make the most of your time in this delightful city before we continue our journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes.

(Driving day 2: 363 km/225 miles)

Welcome to another leg of our journey! We bid farewell to the enchanting city of Mendoza and its picturesque wine country as we set our course back towards the majestic Andes mountains. Our route takes us north on Ruta 40 / 149, offering us the chance to experience the diverse landscapes that make this region so unique. Along the way, we’ll make a stop at the stunning La Cuesta del Viento, where the beauty of nature unfolds before us.

As the day progresses, we’ll reach the charming town of Rodeo, where we’ll enjoy a delightful dinner. This promises to be another memorable day filled with breathtaking scenery and the camaraderie of fellow travelers. Get ready for more awe-inspiring moments as we continue our adventure through the Andes.

(Driving day 3: 373 km/232 miles)

Get ready for another extraordinary day of riding! Today marks another tour highlight as we bid farewell to Rodeo, Argentina, and cross back into the captivating landscapes of Chile. Our journey takes us along the mesmerizing Ruta 150, leading us to the awe-inspiring Paso Agua Negra, standing proudly at an elevation of 4,781 meters (15,682 feet). As we cross the Chilean border, we embark on Ruta 41, a road that promises unparalleled views of the sprawling mountains, creating a backdrop for memories that will last a lifetime.

A must-visit on our route is the enchanting town of Pisco Elqui, known for its historical significance in the early production of pisco in Chile. The town, originally named La Greda, offers a glimpse into Chile’s rich cultural heritage. Our day concludes in La Serena, where we’ll be greeted by beautiful beach shores and the charm of cozy small villages. Get ready to capture the beauty of this day and savor the unique experiences that lie ahead.

(Driving day 6: 515 km/321 miles)

Get ready for a picturesque ride along the stunning Chilean coastline! Today’s journey takes us south towards Vina del Mar, as we cruise along beautiful beach shores and through charming, cozy villages. Keep an eye out for the playful antics of pelicans and sea lions that may accompany us along the way.

Our first stop is at Fray Jorge National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its unique ecosystem. Continuing our southward route, we’ll make enjoyable pit stops in the delightful towns of Papudo and Zapallar, each offering its own charm and character. As the day unfolds, we’ll find ourselves in Vina del Mar, often referred to as Chile’s version of St Tropez. Here, we’ll conclude our journey with a farewell dinner, celebrating the camaraderie and memories we’ve shared throughout this incredible adventure.

(Driving day 7: 515 km/321 miles)

The culmination of our awe-inspiring adventure through Argentina, Chile, and the majestic Andes mountains is upon us as we embark on our final driving day. Returning to Santiago, we bid farewell to our vehicles and head to the airport. As we say goodbye to the Best of Andes Mountains tour, we express our gratitude for the wonderful ride, shared camaraderie, and the choice to explore with JoyRides.

Wishing you a safe and pleasant journey home, we hope to welcome you again on one of our other tours, whether in the US, South America, Asia, Africa, Oceania, or Europe. Until then, ride on and explore!

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Note: Due to the time difference, travelers from Europe will arrive home on the date/day following their departure from the US.

Additionally: This itinerary serves as a guide for activities and experiences on the tour. While deviations may occur, we assure you that our dedicated tour leaders will make every effort to adhere to the program as described, to the extent feasible and under prevailing circumstances. Our commitment to enhancing your experience means that positive surprises may unfold along the journey, as we continuously strive to improve the program.