Questions, Answered

Yes. The South America Expedition is built as two independent stages. Stage I runs from Santiago to Rio de Janeiro over roughly 40 days. Stage II runs from Rio de Janeiro to Cartagena over roughly 45 days. You can ride either one on its own, or both for the complete crossing of the continent.

A maximum of four. This is not a mass tourism motorcycle tour. A small group means decisions stay direct, the route can adapt, and everyone gets Rodrigo's attention when something goes wrong.

Stage I finishes in Rio de Janeiro, which is also the start of a planned Christmas and New Year break. Riders continuing to Stage II can fly home for the holidays, leave the motorcycle behind, and return to Brazil to carry on.

Breakfast, then a briefing covering the route, terrain, fuel stops and the highlights ahead. We refuel, ride, and stop regularly for breaks, photographs and lunch at local restaurants. Evenings are for resting, checking the bikes and eating well before the next day.

A full unrestricted motorcycle licence, solid road riding experience and comfort on a loaded motorcycle over long days. This is a long distance continental ride where the challenge comes from the scale of the journey rather than technical terrain.

Roughly 95 percent of the route is paved, from scenic highways to remote secondary roads. The remaining 5 percent is light off road, mainly in Bolivia and remote transitional areas, where you can expect gravel, corrugations, sand and uneven surfaces. An off road course beforehand is not compulsory, but it is strongly recommended.

It changes completely across the crossing, from the dry Atacama Desert and cool Andean highlands to tropical heat, humidity and rain in the lowlands. Bring gear that layers.

We strongly recommend it. Riding a bike you already know makes a real difference in comfort and confidence over a journey this long. International motorcycle shipping is included in the expedition price and coordinated by the team.

An adventure or touring motorcycle of 650cc or more, with a minimum fuel range of 350 km (220 mi). It should arrive fully serviced and fitted with crash bars, a bash plate, hand guards, a suitable luggage system and navigation.

Tyres can be hard to find in parts of South America and are often far more expensive than in Europe, North America or Australia. Start the expedition on new dual purpose tyres such as Heidenau K60, Mitas E07 or equivalent. For riders continuing into Stage II, replacement tyres can be arranged along the route.

Service the motorcycle fully before shipping and tell the team about any known issues in advance. If servicing, tyres or repairs are needed during the expedition, we help coordinate with trusted local workshops along the route.

Wherever possible, motorcycles are parked in secure hotel parking, monitored areas or private property. A disc lock or alarm is strongly recommended. With sensible precautions, motorcycle travel across South America is both safe and rewarding.

Carefully selected two and three star hotels and lodges, plus traditional estancias and unique stays including the Amazon. Chosen for cleanliness, comfort, location and atmosphere rather than luxury. In remote regions standards vary and we take the best available option. There is no camping on this expedition.

Breakfasts are generous, lunches are taken at local restaurants and cafés along the route, and evenings are one of the highlights of the journey. Expect Chilean and Argentine asados, Bolivian specialities, Brazilian churrascarias, tropical fruit and fresh seafood.

Airport transfers, motorcycle shipping, a support vehicle with passenger capacity, the services of the ride leader, pre departure material, route documents, GPS routes and waypoints, and a Jacko On Tour expedition shirt.

International flights, fuel, tolls, visas where required, personal health and travel insurance, and tips. Domestic transport to the shipping port, crating and local freight charges are also excluded.

Yes, and it is mandatory. Your policy must cover motorcycle riding, medical emergencies, cancellations and travel disruption. Riders are responsible for making sure their cover is adequate.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the end of the expedition, with enough blank pages for border crossings. Visa requirements vary by nationality and change over time. As a general guide, Brazil may require visas for some nationalities including Australian, Canadian and US passport holders, and Australian citizens may need a multiple entry visa for Chile.

Consult your doctor or a travel clinic before departure about the countries on the route.

You receive a welcome email followed by a detailed Expedition Information Pack covering motorcycle shipping and preparation, packing recommendations, border crossings, accommodation and route details. Final updates are shared before departure.