Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries
Argentina
In January 1952, Ernesto "Che" Guevara and Alberto Granado left Buenos Aires on a 1947 Norton 500 named La Ponderosa II, riding the lower part of Argentina to San Carlos de Bariloche before struggling through Chile to Santiago. Though the motorcycle was eventually abandoned, retracing the route from Che's birthplace in Rosario reveals the grazing country, Andean crossings, and political awakening that made the man.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Buenos Aires
Che and Alberto departed from here on La Ponderosa II in January 1952. The Palermo neighbourhood and revolutionary murals in San Telmo still carry the city's electric restlessness.
- Rosario
Che Guevara's birthplace on 14 June 1928, on the west bank of the Paraná. The house on Entre Ríos street where he was born is now a museum tracing his early years.
- Córdoba
Argentina's university capital and first major stop on the journey. The UNESCO Manzana Jesuítica, a Jesuit block dating to 1613, was already centuries old when Che and Alberto passed through.
- Mendoza
The Andean wine city where the pair prepared for the high mountain crossing into Chile. Aconcagua (6,961 m) dominates the skyline above the Cristo Redentor pass road to the west.
- Paso Los Libertadores
The Andes crossing at 3,832 m where La Ponderosa II laboured through snow and switchbacks into Chile. The Cristo Redentor statue marks the Argentina-Chile border at the tunnel entrance.
- San Carlos de Bariloche
The Argentine lake town where Che and Alberto's battered Norton 500 finally broke down beyond repair. The Swiss-style streets on Nahuel Huapi mark the end of the motorcycle's journey.
- Osorno
A Chilean lake-district city in the shadow of the perfectly conical Volcán Osorno (2,652 m). Che and Alberto passed through this German-settler region on their way north through Chile.
- Puerto Montt
The southern terminus of the Pan-American Highway, where the continent dissolves into islands and fjords. The Angelmó fish market is one of the finest seafood markets in South America.
- Santiago
The Chilean capital where Che and Alberto's Argentine motorcycle journey concluded before continuing north by other means. Cerro San Cristóbal and the snow-capped Andes frame a city of 7 million.
Where to Eat
- El Preferido de PalermoArgentinian
A historic bodega offering traditional Argentinian dishes in a charming, vintage setting.
- Bar El CairoCafé
Iconic café known for its literary history and classic Argentinian coffee culture.
- El PapagayoFine Dining
Exclusive restaurant offering a unique tasting menu in a narrow, stylish space.
- 1884 RestauranteArgentinian
Renowned eatery by chef Francis Mallmann, specializing in open-flame cooking.
- La MarmitaChilean
Cozy spot serving traditional Chilean dishes with a modern twist.
- BocanárizWine Bar
Wine bar offering an extensive selection of Chilean wines paired with gourmet tapas.
- La Fonda del TíoArgentinian
Popular spot known for generous portions of Patagonian lamb and other local specialties.
Things to Do
- Teatro ColónTheater
World-renowned opera house known for its exceptional acoustics and grand architecture.
- Monumento Histórico Nacional a la BanderaHistoric Site
Monument commemorating the creation of the Argentine flag, offering panoramic city views.
- Manzana JesuíticaHistoric Site
UNESCO World Heritage site featuring colonial-era Jesuit buildings and churches.
- Parque General San MartínPark
Expansive park with a lake, zoo, and rose garden, ideal for leisurely strolls.
- Cerro CampanarioScenic Viewpoint
Offers breathtaking panoramic views of lakes and mountains from its summit.
- Osorno VolcanoNature
Majestic stratovolcano with hiking trails and a ski resort on its slopes.
- La ChasconaMuseum
Former home of poet Pablo Neruda, now a museum showcasing his life and works.
Travel advisory
The route crosses into Chile and continues through Peru to Venezuela, so valid visas and vehicle documentation for each country are required. High-altitude sections in the Andes and Bolivian altiplano demand acclimatisation and careful preparation. Border crossings can be slow; carry photocopies of all documents.