ATACAMA + MENDOZA • MAR 14–28 · SEP 12–26, 2028
Two departures in 2028, same 15-day route (Sunday to Sunday): March 12–26 and September 10–24.
Atacama & Mendoza 2028 — Desert, Pacific & Wines
Atacama, the 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 on the UpSerra calendar. You leave Urubici, cross Argentina through pampas and mountain country, climb to the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, descend the Andes to the Pacific coast at Viña del Mar, cross the Andes again to Mendoza and its vineyards, and close the loop back to Brazil. Fifteen days crossing 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 altitude with Valle de la Luna and Geiser del Tatio), the Chilean Pacific coast from La Serena to Viña del Mar, Mendoza’s vineyards at the foot of the Andes, and historic Salta with its colonial architecture. The entire logistics are UpSerra’s: hotels, support vehicle, experienced guides, professional photography.
This isn’t a single-destination tour — it’s South America condensed. In 15 days you cross Paso de Jama (4,275 m), breathe the driest air on the planet in the desert, feel the Pacific Ocean, and taste Malbec at the foot of the Andes. Whoever comes back from this trip comes back with a different scale of the world.
IN PICTURES
See how last year’s edition went
Atacama, the Chilean coast and Mendoza in motion. What UpSerra really delivers — not in a slogan, on the road.
More videos on the channel @upserra on YouTube →
THE ROUTE
Urubici → Salta → Atacama → Pacific → Mendoza → Brazil
Day-by-day itinerary
DAY 01 · SUN MAR 12 · URUBICI
Welcome & briefing
Welcome in Urubici, bike prep, briefing with the team. Welcome dinner at Pousada das Flores UpSerra.
DAY 02 · MON MAR 13 · 786 KM
Urubici → Santo Tomé
We cross the Santa Catarina highlands toward the border at Uruguaiana, entering Argentina from the north. First night in Santo Tomé.
DAY 03 · TUE MAR 14 · 690 KM
Santo Tomé → Charata
Open Argentine pampa. Charata, in Chaco province, is a quiet inland town — perfect for a technical stop before the climb into the mountains.
DAY 04 · WED MAR 15 · 560 KM
Charata → Tafí del Valle
Climb through the Argentine mountains to Tafí del Valle, a highland village in Tucumán province surrounded by mountains. The landscape changes dramatically — the pampa is left behind, and the Andes begin.
DAY 05 · THU MAR 16 · 309 KM
Tafí del Valle → Salta
We cross mountains with spectacular scenery to Salta, capital of the province of the same name — one of the most beautiful cities in northwestern Argentina, with well-preserved colonial architecture.
DAY 06 · FRI MAR 17 · SALTA · REST DAY
Free day in Salta
A day to explore Salta — a stroll through Plaza 9 de Julio, the MAAM (High Mountain Archaeology Museum), Cerro San Bernardo by cable car, local food. For those who want it, a day trip to Cafayate via Quebrada de las Conchas (one of the most cinematic roads in South America).
DAY 07 · SAT MAR 18 · 596 KM · PASO DE JAMA
Salta → San Pedro de Atacama
Epic crossing via Paso de Jama (4,275 m) — one of the highest and most scenic passes in the Andes. Turquoise lagoons, white salt flats, vicuñas, wind. Entry into Chile and descent into the desert. Overnight in San Pedro de Atacama.
DAY 08 · SUN MAR 19 · ATACAMA · REST DAY
Free day in Atacama
A day to explore the desert: Valle de la Luna at sunset, Geiser del Tatio at dawn (4,320 m), the Altiplano lagoons, Salar de Atacama with flamingos, historic cacti. The village of San Pedro has a cosmopolitan Andean atmosphere.
DAY 09 · MON MAR 20 · 557 KM · DESCENT TO THE PACIFIC
San Pedro → Taltal
Descent from 4,000 m to the Pacific coast. Taltal is a charming little port town where the desert meets the ocean — extreme scenery. First night by the sea.
DAY 10 · TUE MAR 21 · 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 — the second city founded in the country (1544).
DAY 11 · WED MAR 22 · 425 KM
La Serena → Viña del Mar
Scenic Pacific coast route to Viña del Mar, Chile’s garden city, with famous beaches, a vibrant atmosphere, and proximity to Valparaíso (UNESCO Heritage Site, worth the detour).
DAY 12 · THU MAR 23 · 409 KM · CROSSING THE ANDES
Viña del Mar → Mendoza
Crossing the Andes via Cristo Redentor de los Andes (3,832 m, Chile-Argentina border) and descending to Mendoza, the world capital of Malbec. In one morning: the ocean. By afternoon: vineyards at 800 m altitude.
DAY 13 · FRI MAR 24 · MENDOZA · REST DAY
Mendoza wineries
Tasting day. Maipú (historic wineries) or Luján de Cuyo (high-end). UpSerra helps put together the circuit. Long lunch, long dinner, well-earned rest after 12 intense days.
DAY 14 · SAT MAR 25 · 769 KM
Mendoza → San Francisco
Start of the return. A long stretch crossing central Argentina to San Francisco, in Córdoba. Overnight at a local inn.
DAY 15 · SUN MAR 26 · 597 KM · CLOSING DAY
San Francisco → Paso de los Libres
Last day. Crossing the Argentine pampa to the border at Paso de los Libres. Closing hotel. Flight home the next day, or continue on to Urubici.
EXPEDITION MEMORIES
Atacama + Mendoza in pictures
A few memories from past editions — so you can see what awaits you in 2028.
More photos on Instagram @upserra_ →
FOUR LANDSCAPES, ONE TRIP
South America condensed into 15 days
This tour is unique on the UpSerra calendar because it crosses four completely distinct landscapes: the vast Argentine pampa, the absolute desert of Atacama (the driest place on Earth), the Chilean Pacific coast, and Mendoza’s vineyards at the foot of the Andes. We cross the Andes twice — via Paso de Jama on the way out (4,275 m) and via Cristo Redentor on the way back (3,832 m).
In a single week you feel the thin altitude air at Geiser del Tatio (4,320 m, freezing dawn), breathe sea air in Viña del Mar, and taste Malbec in Mendoza. Four climates, three countries, seven thousand kilometers. Whoever finishes this tour doesn’t need to explain to anyone what it’s like to ride a motorcycle across South America — they know.
THE PACKAGE
What’s included
Included
- UpSerra guiding throughout the entire tour
- Support vehicle with luggage, parts and mechanical support
- 14 nights of accommodation (Pousada UpSerra Urubici + selected hotels and inns)
- Initial briefing in Urubici
- Professional photo and video coverage of the expedition
- Complete route, refueling and logistics planning
- Pre-trip support (documentation, equipment, preparation)
Not included
- BMW R1300GS rental (R$10,100 separately, optional for those without their own bike)
- Fuel during the tour
- Meals (quality Argentine/Chilean cuisine)
- Winery visits and tastings (paid directly)
- International travel insurance (mandatory, arranged by the rider)
- Optional excursions in Atacama (Valle de la Luna, Tatio — local agencies)
- Personal expenses
- Tourist fees and local taxes — paid directly by the participant