Stage 1: Buenos Aires – Usuahia
Since 2006, I had nurtured a dream as vast as the geography of the Americas itself: to ride a motorcycle from Miami to Buenos Aires. But over the years, life and aspirations made that dream grow. It was no longer just a journey between two cities; it had evolved into a monumental expedition, an epic adventure from the southernmost tip of the world in Ushuaia to the northernmost in Alaska.
This December, I decided to take the first step in this long-awaited journey. I purchased my motorcycle, a Husqvarna Norden 901, in Miami, carefully packed it, and sent it by air to Buenos Aires. I flew out later, eager to begin. There, with tools in hand, I assembled the bike and felt the dream taking shape. It was Friday, December 6, 2024, when I fired up the engine for the first time and set off alongside my friend Gastón, who would not only accompany me on this leg but share the entire journey to Alaska on his own Norden 901.
The journey took us through roughly 3,500 kilometers of breathtakingly diverse landscapes, passing through cities and places that, with each kilometer, became part of the story of this adventure.
The first stretch brought us to Azul, a quiet city in Buenos Aires province known for its literary tradition thanks to Argentine writer Ricardo Güiraldes. It was a relaxed start, but even on the road, the change was palpable: fewer buildings and more open horizons.
From there, we continued to Las Grutas, a gem on the Patagonian Atlantic coast. This spot is famous for its warm waters—unusual for the region—and its spectacular cliffs. We paused for a moment to take in the ocean, aware that the road ahead would grow increasingly challenging.
It was a relaxed start, but even on the road, the change was palpable: fewer buildings and more open horizons.
The next destination was Puerto Madryn, the gateway to the Valdés Peninsula. This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its marine wildlife. Though we didn’t have much time to stop, we felt the presence of the ocean and the wildlife that would later accompany us on the steppe.
In the town of Camarones, we stopped for lunch at a small restaurant run by a kind lady who served us ravioli with stew. It was undoubtedly one of those places where simple, homemade food takes on an unforgettable flavor.
As we progressed, the landscape grew increasingly arid. We arrived in Comodoro Rivadavia, a city marked by its oil history and the strong Patagonian winds that gave us a preview of what lay ahead.
From Comodoro, we headed to Puerto San Julián, a small natural port with a fascinating history. Magellan landed here in 1520 during his expedition to circumnavigate the globe. That night’s dinner was a lamb cooked over an open fire in a small-town restaurant—a dish that stands out as one of the journey’s best flavors.
At this point, the adventure took on a new dimension. We learned that Santiago, a friend who shares our passion for motorcycles and great journeys, would join us in February for the second leg of the challenge. Santiago had bought his Africa Twin in Miami and was in the process of preparing to ship it to Ushuaia. Like us, his goal was to stamp his passport with the first half-seal of the Americas Route, something that filled him with the same excitement and anticipation we felt.
From Puerto San Julián, we continued to Cerro Sombrero, where we stayed at a dreamlike inn. The place was warm, cozy, and the owners made us feel at home. After an intense day of riding through challenging landscapes, staying there felt like finding an oasis in the middle of the adventure.
The next day, we crossed into Tierra del Fuego and had lunch in Río Grande with our dear friend Martín, who welcomed us with the region’s characteristic hospitality. Later, we stopped in Tolhuin, a picturesque town known as the “heart of the island.” There, we visited the iconic Panadería La Unión, famous as a meeting point for travelers worldwide. We enjoyed coffee and delicious pastries, taking a moment to soak in the warm atmosphere where walls are adorned with photos and messages from other adventurers.
From Tolhuin, we headed to the MTO Café 3005 Museum, a place that breathes passion for travel and motorcycles. There, we were warmly received, surrounded by stories of travelers who, like us, had reached the end of the world. This museum, with its unique collection of objects and mementos from motorcyclists, marked a special moment in our journey: we stamped our passports with the first half-seal of the Americas Route—a milestone that made us feel closer than ever to achieving this great dream.
The final stretch to Ushuaia took us along a challenging route near Lake Escondido, facing tough conditions: mud, rivers, and rocks. This section, part of National Route 3, was one of the most demanding, but the surrounding scenery—the emerald waters of the lake and the dense Fuegian forests—made every effort worthwhile.
Finally, after kilometers of desolate landscapes and mountains gradually appearing on the horizon, we arrived in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. We celebrated with an unforgettable lunch at Isabel, where we savored hunter-style lamb, one of the best meals of our lives.
Standing before the imposing landscape at the end of the world, with the mountains behind us and the Beagle Channel ahead, we exchanged looks of satisfaction and awe. We weren’t just friends crossing a continent; we were companions in a dream that now felt more attainable than ever.
We know the best is yet to come. The road to Alaska will be long and challenging, but the thrill of facing it together makes everything seem possible. This journey isn’t just about reaching a destination; it’s about sharing the road, the dreams, and the experiences that transform us. And with every kilometer we travel, we understand that this adventure isn’t just ours but belongs to everyone who has ever dreamed of conquering the world on two wheels.
