ATACAMA + MENDOZA • SEP 5–19, 2026
Atacama + Mendoza Tour 2026 — Desert, Pacific & Wines
Atacama, Chilean coast, the Andes, and Mendoza in 15 days.
7,021 km on a BMW R1300GS across 3 countries.
It’s the most complete continental crossing in the UpSerra calendar. You leave Urubici, ride across Argentina through pampas and mountain ranges, climb up to the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, descend through the Andes to the Pacific coast at Viña del Mar, cross the Andes again into Mendoza and its vineyards, and close the loop back to Brazil. Fifteen days through three countries and four completely distinct landscapes.
7,021 kilometers on a BMW R1300GS. You ride absolute desert in San Pedro de Atacama (4,000 m / 13,000 ft elevation, with Valle de la Luna and Geiser del Tatio), Chilean Pacific coast from La Serena to Viña del Mar, Mendoza vineyards at the foot of the Andes, and historic Salta with its preserved colonial architecture. Full UpSerra logistics: hotels, support vehicle, experienced tour leader, professional photo coverage.
This isn’t a single-destination tour — it’s South America condensed. In 15 days you cross the Paso de Jama (14,025 ft / 4,275 m), breathe the driest air on the planet in the desert, feel the Pacific Ocean, and drink Malbec at the foot of the Andes. Anyone who returns from this trip comes home with a different scale of the world.
IN MOTION
Watch the previous edition
Atacama, Chilean coast, and Mendoza in motion. What UpSerra delivers — not in slogans, on the road.
More videos on @upserra YouTube channel →
THE ROUTE
Urubici → Salta → Atacama → Pacific → Mendoza → Brazil
Day-by-day itinerary
DAY 01 · SAT SEP 5 · URUBICI
Initial briefing
Welcome at Pousada das Flores UpSerra, technical briefing, equipment check, welcome dinner. Last night in Brazil before 14 days on the road.
DAY 02 · SUN SEP 6 · 786 KM
Urubici → Santo Tomé
We cross the Catarinense mountains heading to the Uruguaiana border, entering northern Argentina. First night in Santo Tomé.
DAY 03 · MON SEP 7 · 690 KM
Santo Tomé → Charata
Open Argentinian pampas. Charata, in the Chaco province, is a quiet inland town — perfect technical stop before the climb to the Andes.
DAY 04 · TUE SEP 8 · 560 KM
Charata → Tafí del Valle
Climb through the Argentinian sierras to Tafí del Valle, a high-altitude village in Tucumán province, ringed by mountains. Landscape changes dramatically — pampas behind, Andes ahead.
DAY 05 · WED SEP 9 · 309 KM
Tafí del Valle → Salta
Crossing spectacular sierras to Salta, the capital of the namesake province — one of the most beautiful cities in northwest Argentina, with preserved colonial architecture.
DAY 06 · THU SEP 10 · SALTA · FREE
Free day in Salta
Day to explore Salta — Plaza 9 de Julio, MAAM (High Mountain Archaeology Museum), Cerro San Bernardo cable car, local gastronomy. Optional day-trip to Cafayate through the Quebrada de las Conchas (one of the most cinematic roads in South America).
DAY 07 · FRI SEP 11 · 596 KM · PASO DE JAMA
Salta → San Pedro de Atacama
Epic crossing through the Paso de Jama (14,025 ft / 4,275 m) — one of the highest and most scenic Andean passes. Turquoise lagoons, white salt flats, vicuñas, wind. Entry into Chile and descent to the desert. Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama.
DAY 08 · SAT SEP 12 · ATACAMA · FREE
Free day in Atacama
Day to explore the desert: Valle de la Luna at sunset, Geiser del Tatio at dawn (14,170 ft / 4,320 m), Altiplano Lagoons, Salar de Atacama with flamingos, historic cactus. San Pedro village has a cosmopolitan Andean atmosphere.
DAY 09 · SUN SEP 13 · 557 KM · DESCENT TO PACIFIC
San Pedro → Taltal
Descent of 4,000 m / 13,000 ft to the Pacific coast. Taltal is a charming port town where the desert meets the ocean — extreme landscape. First night by the sea.
DAY 10 · MON SEP 14 · 638 KM · CHILEAN COAST
Taltal → La Serena
Pacific to the right, desert to the left. La Serena is one of the oldest cities in Chile, with colonial architecture and wide beaches — second city founded in the country (1544).
DAY 11 · TUE SEP 15 · 425 KM
La Serena → Viña del Mar
Pacific coast scenic route to Viña del Mar, Chile’s “Garden City” with famous beaches, vibrant atmosphere, and proximity to Valparaíso (UNESCO Heritage, worth an extension).
DAY 12 · WED SEP 16 · 409 KM · CROSSING ANDES
Viña del Mar → Mendoza
Crossing the Andes via Cristo Redentor de los Andes (12,572 ft / 3,832 m, Chile-Argentina border) and descent to Mendoza, Malbec capital of the world. In one morning: ocean. By afternoon: vineyards at 2,600 ft / 800 m altitude.
DAY 13 · THU SEP 17 · MENDOZA · FREE
Mendoza wineries
Tasting day. Maipú (historic wineries) or Luján de Cuyo (high-end). UpSerra helps you build the circuit. Long lunch, long dinner, well-deserved rest after 12 intense days.
DAY 14 · FRI SEP 18 · 769 KM
Mendoza → San Francisco
Start of the return. Long stretch crossing central Argentina to San Francisco, in Córdoba. Overnight at a local guesthouse.
DAY 15 · SAT SEP 19 · 597 KM · FINISH
San Francisco → Paso de los Libres
Final day. Crossing the Argentinian pampas to the Paso de los Libres border. Closing hotel. Flight home the next day or continuation to Urubici.
EXPEDITION MEMORY
Atacama + Mendoza in pictures
Memories from previous editions — so you can see what’s waiting for you in September.
More images on Instagram @upserra_ →
FOUR LANDSCAPES, ONE TRIP
South America condensed
Four landscapes in fifteen days. Pampas — flat horizon, ranches, headwinds. Desert — Atacama is the driest non-polar place on Earth, where the air carries no moisture and the sky is a different blue. Pacific coast — La Serena, Viña del Mar, ocean on the right, desert on the left, the world ending and beginning. Vineyards — Mendoza, the Malbec capital, where Aconcagua frames every glass.
Three countries, four border crossings. The Paso de Jama at over 14,000 ft. The Cristo Redentor de los Andes between Chile and Argentina. This is the tour that gives you all of South America — desert, ocean, mountain, wine — without compromise.
What’s Included
- BMW R1300GS rental for 15 days (always included)
- UpSerra tour leader throughout the entire trip
- Mechanical support vehicle with parts, tools, and crew
- 14 nights of selected accommodation (Pousada UpSerra Urubici + hotels in Charata, Tafí, Salta, San Pedro, Taltal, La Serena, Viña, Mendoza, San Francisco, Paso de los Libres)
- Initial briefing in Urubici
- Professional photo and video coverage of the expedition
- Complete planning of route, refueling, and border crossings
- Pre-trip support (documentation, equipment, altitude preparation)
Not Included
- International airfare
- Motorcycle fuel during the tour
- Meals (high-quality local gastronomy)
- Atacama desert tours (Valle de la Luna, Geiser del Tatio — paid in San Pedro)
- Mendoza winery visits and tastings
- International travel insurance (mandatory)
- Personal expenses
In Atacama, the iconic excursions (Valle de la Luna, Geiser del Tatio, Altiplano Lagoons) are operated by local agencies from San Pedro — paid directly. UpSerra helps you build the free-day itinerary. Same in Mendoza: premium wineries paid separately, the UpSerra team guides the best combination for your profile.
Requirements
Documentation (international riders)
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond return date
- Visa requirements: US/Canadian/UK/AU/NZ citizens enter Brazil, Argentina, and Chile visa-free for tourism (up to 90 days)
- Motorcycle license (Class A or equivalent) — valid in country of issue
- International Driving Permit (IDP) recommended (issued by AAA in the US, AA in UK)
- Mandatory international travel insurance with high-altitude coverage (Paso de Jama 14,025 ft, Geiser del Tatio 14,170 ft) and medical evacuation
Other requirements
- Moderate level with high-altitude segments (above 4,000 m / 13,000 ft on Days 7-8). Acclimatization required.
- Heavy-bike experience (700cc+) with at least 2,000 km / 1,250 mi on long-distance touring
- Layered desert + cold-weather gear: September is early Southern Hemisphere spring. Atacama days 15-25°C / 59-77°F, nights 0-5°C / 32-41°F. High passes can drop below freezing.
- Vaccinations: none mandatory — keep routine vaccinations up to date
RESERVE YOUR SPOT
Reserve your spot — Atacama + Mendoza September 2026
Leave your details and our team will reach out on WhatsApp within 24 hours.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How tough is the high altitude on Day 7?
Paso de Jama at 14,025 ft (4,275 m) is significant elevation. Most riders feel some adjustment — slight headache, shortness of breath. We arrive in San Pedro de Atacama at 7,900 ft (2,400 m) and stay 2 nights, which lets your body acclimatize before the dawn climb to Geiser del Tatio at 14,170 ft (4,320 m). Drinking water and going slow is the protocol. Tour leaders monitor everyone closely, with portable oxygen available in the support vehicle.
Do I need a visa for Brazil, Argentina, and Chile?
US/Canadian/UK/EU/Australian/New Zealand citizens enter all three countries visa-free for tourism (up to 90 days). UpSerra confirms the latest entry requirements with you ahead of time.
Is my motorcycle license valid?
Yes — your home country motorcycle license (Class A or equivalent) is accepted. International Driving Permit (IDP) recommended (AAA in the US, AA in the UK).
What’s the weather like in September?
Early Southern Hemisphere spring. Atacama desert: 15-25°C (59-77°F) days, 0-5°C (32-41°F) nights. High passes can drop below freezing. Pacific coast: mild, 15-22°C (59-72°F). Mendoza: warm, 18-28°C (64-82°F). Layered system mandatory.
How tough is the tour overall?
Moderate — the challenge is altitude on Days 7-8 and the variety of conditions across 4 distinct climates. The roads are 99% paved with no off-road sections. Long stages (up to 786 km / 488 mi on Day 2) require endurance. Not first international ride, but more accessible than Carretera Austral.
How much fuel and food cost?
Fuel: ~USD 800-1,100 across 7,021 km. Meals: USD 30-60/day in Argentina/Chile. Atacama desert tours: USD 100-200 per excursion (Valle de la Luna, Tatio, Lagunas). Mendoza winery tastings: USD 60-300 per circuit. Budget USD 1,500-2,500 personal expenses for 15 days.
Best flights to Florianópolis or Curitiba (closest to Urubici)?
Florianópolis (FLN) is the closest international airport to Urubici (~3 hours by car). FLN has direct flights from Buenos Aires, Santiago, Lima, and seasonal flights from Lisbon. From the US, connections via São Paulo (GRU) or Buenos Aires. Plan to arrive 1-2 days early to recover and transfer to Urubici.
How do I pay? What’s the deposit?
10% deposit at booking confirms your spot. Balance via international wire transfer in USD or credit card. The team contacts you on WhatsApp within 24 hours to discuss the best option.
How does jet lag affect Day 1?
Trip starts in Urubici, Brazil (UTC-3). From US East Coast: 1-2 hour difference. From West Coast: 4 hours. We recommend arriving 1-2 days early. Day 1 is briefing and rest, no riding.
Pricing
Per person, in USD. BMW R1300GS rental and full UpSerra logistics always included.
| Package | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Rider — Twin Room (BMW R1300GS included) | USD 8,500 |
| Rider — Single Room (BMW R1300GS included) | USD 10,000 |
| Couple — Double Room (BMW R1300GS included) | USD 11,500 |
Payment terms: 10% deposit at booking. Balance via international wire transfer (USD) or credit card. Talk to the UpSerra team on WhatsApp to discuss the best package and any available adjustments.
Limited spots.
Small group to preserve pace and full attention from the team.
Reserve your spot by talking directly with our team.
“More than roads, we live experiences. More than destinations, we build friendships.”
@UPSERRA_ · OFFICIAL BMW MOTORRAD PARTNER