Best Bikepacking Destinations in South America

South America offers some of the most dramatic bikepacking terrain on the planet. The landscapes shift from windswept Patagonian steppe to lush Andean cloud forests, from coastal deserts to high-altitude passes where the air thins and the views stretch forever. The continent is increasingly accessible to bikepackers, with growing infrastructure, affordable living costs, and a welcoming cycling culture in many countries.

Carretera Austral, Chile

The Carretera Austral is a 1,240-kilometer road running through southern Chile's Lake District and into Patagonia. It is widely regarded as one of the great bikepacking routes in the world. The road passes through temperate rainforest, alongside turquoise lakes and rivers, past glaciers, and through tiny frontier towns where the hospitality is genuine and the food is simple and good.

The route is mostly gravel with some paved sections. Traffic is light outside of January and February, the peak summer months. You will encounter rain regardless of when you go, so pack quality rain gear. The wind in southern sections can be relentless, usually from the west, so riding south to north puts it at your back more often than not.

Camping is easy. Free campgrounds dot the route, and wild camping is both legal and common. Resupply towns appear every 50 to 100 kilometers, though selection is limited and prices are higher than in central Chile. Carry enough food for 3 to 4 days between major resupply points.

Ruta 40, Argentina

Running along the eastern side of the Andes from Patagonia to the Bolivian border, Ruta 40 is Argentina's legendary backbone route. The southern stretch through Patagonia is the most popular for bikepackers, featuring vast open steppe, strong headwinds, and enormous distances between services.

This is not a route for those who need constant stimulation. The beauty of Patagonian Ruta 40 is in the emptiness, the big sky, and the feeling of being genuinely alone in a vast landscape. Towns are spaced 100 to 200 kilometers apart in the south. Water sources exist but need to be planned for. Wind is a constant factor and can make or break a day.

The northern sections through wine country near Mendoza and the Quebrada de Humahuaca offer a completely different experience: arid landscapes, colorful rock formations, and more frequent villages.

Death Road, Bolivia

The North Yungas Road, known as Death Road, is a 64-kilometer descent from La Paz to Coroico. While it is heavily marketed as a tourist mountain biking experience, bikepackers can ride it as part of a longer route connecting the Altiplano to the Amazon basin. The road drops from over 4,600 meters to about 1,200 meters through cloud forest, with sheer cliff edges and no guardrails on much of the original route.

The old road is now mostly used by cyclists and local traffic, while a newer highway handles most vehicles. It is a single-day ride that works well as a spectacular side trip during a longer Bolivian tour. Ride early to avoid afternoon clouds and tourist groups.

Colombia: Bogota to the Caribbean Coast

Colombia has rapidly become one of the most popular bikepacking destinations in South America. The route from Bogota north to the Caribbean coast takes you through dramatic Andean passes, lush coffee country, colonial towns like Villa de Leyva and Barichara, and eventually down to the heat and beaches of the coast.

The cycling infrastructure in Colombia is surprisingly good. Sunday ciclovias close major roads to cars in many cities, and drivers are generally respectful of cyclists. The climbing is relentless in the Andes, but the roads are mostly paved and the scenery is extraordinary. Food is cheap and delicious. Accommodation ranges from camping to inexpensive hostels.

Security has improved dramatically over the past two decades. The bikepacking community reports overwhelmingly positive experiences, though standard travel precautions apply.

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Crossing the Salar de Uyuni by bike is a surreal experience. The world's largest salt flat stretches for over 10,000 square kilometers at an elevation of 3,656 meters. During the dry season (May through October), the surface is hard and flat enough to ride on, though navigation requires a GPS as there are no landmarks in any direction.

This is a challenging ride. The altitude affects your stamina, the sun reflects off the white surface intensely, and there is zero shade. Carry all your water (at least 6 liters per day), sun protection for every exposed surface, and enough food for the crossing. The reward is riding through one of the most otherworldly landscapes accessible by bicycle.

Practical Tips for South American Bikepacking

• Season: Southern Patagonia is best from November to March (southern summer). Colombia and northern countries are rideable year-round with dry season preferences.
• Language: Basic Spanish goes a long way. English is rarely spoken outside tourist hubs.
• Currency: Carry cash in local currency. ATMs exist in towns but not between them.
• Water: Treat or filter water from natural sources. Tap water varies by country and region.
• Bike setup: Gravel-capable tires (40mm minimum), low gearing for mountain passes, and sturdy racks for loaded touring.
• Security: Use a cable lock, do not leave gear unattended, and trust your instincts about camping spots.

South America is a continent that rewards bikepacking like few others. The scale of the landscapes, the warmth of the people, and the affordability of travel make it a destination that serious bikepackers keep returning to.