UYUNI & ATACAMA EXPEDITION • FEB 14–27, 2027
Uyuni & Atacama 2027 — Salt Flats and the Driest Desert
14 days riding from southern Brazil to the Bolivian altiplano and the Atacama Desert, returning through the Andes.
5,962 km · 4 countries · Moderate / Advanced level.
An expedition that crosses four countries and the most dramatic high-altitude landscapes of South America. We start in Lages (southern Brazil), ride west through Argentina’s Chaco, climb the Bolivian altiplano to the Salar de Uyuni at 3,656 meters, descend into the Atacama Desert in Chile, ride the Pacific coast and return through the Andes to Brazil.
Two of the most coveted locations in motorcycle touring, on the same trip: the world’s largest salt flat and the driest desert on Earth. With the Géiseres El Tatio above 4,500 meters as the highest point of the route, and the Pacific Ocean as the lowest. The contrast happens in days.
Full-tour format: you can bring your own bike or pick the BMW R1300GS UpSerra option. Either way, mechanical support, paperwork for AR↔BO↔CL crossings, fuel logistics and lodging are handled by the team. You bring a Category A motorcycle license and your gear.
February is the peak of the southern summer — warm and wet in southern Brazil and Argentina; on the altiplano, dry sun by day and cold nights, with thin rain layers occasionally creating the famous Uyuni mirror effect. Moderate / Advanced level — this is for riders with experience on long trips and comfort handling altitude (we acclimate progressively).
DEPARTURE
February 14 — 27, 2027
ROUTE MAP
Lages → Uyuni → Atacama → Lages
Day-by-day itinerary
DAY 01 · FEB 14 · ARRIVAL
Arrival in Lages — briefing
The group meets in Lages (SC). Full briefing with the UpSerra team: route, borders, paperwork, pace and expectations. Welcome dinner at Le Canard, with the cool Serra weather and the right wine to season the conversation. Tomorrow the road starts.
DAY 02 · FEB 15 · 439 KM
Lages → São Miguel do Oeste
First proper riding day. We leave the Serra Catarinense and cut across the western part of the state — one of the most enjoyable roads in southern Brazil. Arrival in São Miguel do Oeste, a gaúcho-leaning town with strong accent and serious churrasco, on the Argentine border. The South American continent begins tomorrow.
DAY 03 · FEB 16 · 658 KM
São Miguel do Oeste → Resistencia (Argentina)
We cross the border into Argentina. Long day across the plains of the Argentine Chaco — open flatland, dry heat, a straight road that doesn’t end. Arrival in Resistencia, capital of Chaco province, known as the city of sculptures. One of the toughest days in km — but the reward arrives in altitude a few days from now.
DAY 04 · FEB 17
Resistencia → La Quiaca
The relief shifts. We leave the flat Chaco and climb through northwestern Argentina — passing Tucumán and Salta, where the landscape changes color hour by hour. Arrival in La Quiaca, a border town at 3,442 m. Bolivia starts on the other side of the street. The altiplano is already in the air.
DAY 05 · FEB 18
La Quiaca → Uyuni (Bolivia)
We cross at La Quiaca/Villazón and enter Bolivia. The altiplano takes over: 3,600 meters of altitude, constant wind, surreal silence. The landscape loses vegetation and gains immensity. Arrival in Uyuni at sunset. Tomorrow the Salar.
DAY 06 · FEB 19 · REST DAY
Salar de Uyuni — free day
The world’s largest salt flat. 10,582 km² of dry salt — perfect mirror when wet, white horizon when dry. We visit Isla Incahuasi, with century-old cacti in the middle of nowhere. In February, the thin layer of rainy-season water creates the sky reflection that became the symbol of the Bolivian altiplano. One of the most photographed days in UpSerra history.
DAY 07 · FEB 20
Uyuni → San Pedro de Atacama (Chile)
We cross into Chile through the Paso de Ollague — one of the most dramatic border crossings on the continent: snow-capped volcanoes around, open altiplano, no other road in sight. We descend to San Pedro de Atacama (2,408 m). Orange evening over the world’s driest desert.
DAY 08 · FEB 21 · REST DAY
San Pedro de Atacama — free day
Pre-dawn at the Géiseres El Tatio — above 4,500 m, water boiling in -10°C cold, white steam against the dark sky. Afternoon at Valle de la Luna, where sand and rock mimic another planet’s surface at sunset. San Pedro doesn’t get tiring. Each hour brings a different scenery.
DAY 09 · FEB 22
San Pedro → Antofagasta (Pacific coast)
We descend from the altiplano toward the Pacific — the landscape change happens in real time: red desert turns to rocky coast, dry air turns to salty breeze. Arrival in Antofagasta. Visit La Portada, a natural rock arch over the sea. First overnight by the Pacific.
DAY 10 · FEB 23
Antofagasta → Copiapó
We continue south along the Chilean coast — the Atacama Desert route hugging the Pacific. Arrival in Copiapó, a mining town and inflection point on the route: from here we head back inland, toward Argentina and Brazil.
DAY 11 · FEB 24
Copiapó → Cordillera
We climb back into the Andes through the interior — desert and rock landscape gaining snow on the peaks. One of the most visually striking stretches of the return. Overnight at altitude in the border region.
DAY 12 · FEB 25
Cordillera → Tinogasta (Argentina)
We cross back into Argentina through the Andes and descend to Tinogasta, in Catamarca. The route now points east — Argentina becomes the road home. Stop at Francisco de Chara, a regional gastronomy classic.
DAY 13 · FEB 26
Tinogasta → Santo Tomás → Brazil border
We cross Argentina eastward — kilometers of Argentine plains, the most direct route home. Pass through Santo Tomás and back into Brazil. One of the strangest sensations of any international expedition: the “Brasil” sign at the border, after days living in other countries.
DAY 14 · FEB 27 · CLOSING
Brazil → Lages — closing
Last leg: we climb back into the Serra Catarinense. Lages is waiting. Closing dinner, hugs, lasting memories. Whoever left 14 days ago came back changed — and it’ll take a few days to understand how much.
EXPEDITION MEMORY
The route in images
What’s included
Included
- Bilingual rider-guide for the full 14 days
- Mechanical support vehicle
- 13 nights in selected hotels
- Welcome briefing in Lages + closing dinner
- Full route, border and refueling logistics
- Professional photography and video coverage
- AR↔BO↔CL paperwork support
- Pre-trip advisory (gear, insurance, training)
Not included
- Brazil → Lages travel (Florianópolis FLN airport ~3h drive)
- Fuel during the tour
- Meals (breakfast included; some group dinners noted)
- Border crossing fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- If choosing own bike: Green Card insurance, CRLV, riding gear
Pricing
Two modalities: BMW R1300GS UpSerra included, or own bike (reduced rate).
⚠️ 2026 reference values held — 2027 update coming soon. Lock pricing on signup.
With BMW R1300GS UpSerra (included)
| Package | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Rider — Twin Room (BMW R1300GS included) | USD 7,200 |
| Rider — Single Room (BMW R1300GS included) | USD 9,000 |
| Couple — Double Room (BMW R1300GS included) | USD 10,500 |
Bring your own bike
| Package | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Rider — Twin Room (own bike) | USD 5,000 |
| Rider — Single Room (own bike) | USD 6,700 |
| Couple — Double Room (own bike) | USD 8,300 |
International wire / SWIFT
Lock-in rate at signup
Credit card
Up to 12 installments · Check rates
Down payment + balance
Until trip date · Flexible split with the team
What you need before the trip
- Category A motorcycle license (international permit recommended for AR/BO/CL)
- Travel to Lages (SC, Brazil) by D1 (Feb 14, 2027) and departure from D14 (Feb 27, 2027) onward — Florianópolis (FLN) is the closest international airport, ~3h drive
- Travel insurance with motorcycle activity coverage and high-altitude clause (we send a reference list)
- If bringing your own bike: CRLV (or international equivalent), Green Card insurance covering Argentina, Bolivia and Chile — UpSerra advisory available
- Riding gear (jacket, pants, gloves, boots, helmet) — layered for cold altiplano nights and warm coastal days
Reserve your spot in the Uyuni & Atacama 2027 Expedition
Drop your details and our team will reach out on WhatsApp within 24h to confirm payment and send paperwork.
Frequently asked questions
How does altitude affect the ride?
The Bolivian altiplano sits between 3,600 and 4,000 meters. The Géiseres El Tatio are above 4,500 meters — the highest point of the expedition. The air is 40% thinner than at sea level, which is felt in riding (bike loses power), in fatigue (the body works harder), and in sleep (more shallow). UpSerra builds the route with progressive acclimatization: we sleep at increasing altitudes in the days before the altiplano. Arrival at the Salar isn’t abrupt. With constant hydration, proper pace and team support, the vast majority of riders have no serious issues.
Can I bring my own bike?
Yes. Two modalities: with BMW R1300GS UpSerra included, or with your own bike (reduced price). On own bike, you need CRLV (or international equivalent) and Green Card insurance covering Argentina, Bolivia and Chile. UpSerra guides you through all the paperwork in pre-trip advisory.
What weather to expect in February?
February is summer in the Southern Hemisphere. In southern Brazil and Argentina, warm and humid weather. On the Bolivian altiplano, sunny dry days and cold nights — possible afternoon rain (which creates the famous Uyuni mirror). On the Atacama coast, mild to warm. On the cordillera passes back, possibility of snow at higher altitudes. Layered gear is essential.
How do I get to Lages?
Lages is in the Serra Catarinense, southern Brazil. The closest international airport is Florianópolis (FLN), about 3 hours’ drive away. UpSerra can arrange airport transfer on request. Internal Brazilian connections also available via São Paulo (GRU) or Porto Alegre (POA).
How tough is this expedition?
Moderate / Advanced level. Mostly good asphalt with some gravel sections in the altiplano. Long stages (up to 658 km on D3) and altitude are the main challenges. Recommended for riders with experience on big bikes (700cc+) and previous long international trips. Not a first-international tour.
How does border crossing work?
4 country crossings on this route: BR↔AR, AR↔BO, BO↔CL, CL↔AR, AR↔BR. UpSerra handles all motorcycle paperwork and border procedures. You bring your passport, motorcycle license and the documents we send in advance. With UpSerra’s BMW, no extra paperwork required from the rider.
SPOT RESERVATION
Reserve your spot in the Uyuni & Atacama 2027 Expedition
Drop your details and our team will reach out on WhatsApp to confirm payment and send paperwork. Reply within 24 hours.
More than roads, we live experiences. More than destinations, we build friendships.