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Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries — Argentina — Historical
South America

Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries

Argentina

In short: Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries is a 2,446 km historical road trip in Argentina, typically driven over 2–3 weeks, best in November – March. Highlights: Buenos Aires, Rosario, Córdoba.

Distance
2,446 km
Duration
2–3 weeks
Best Season
November – March
NotableModerateHistoricalBorder crossing

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.

~4 refuels
~8 charges
Practical notes
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.
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Stops along the route

Buenos Aires — Departure — Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries — Argentina
Departure
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.
Hotels
Rosario — City — Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries — Argentina
City
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.
Hotels
Córdoba — City — Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries — Argentina
City
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.
Hotels
Mendoza — City — Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries — Argentina
City
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.
Hotels
San Carlos de Bariloche — City — Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries — Argentina
City
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.
Hotels
Osorno — City — Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries — Argentina
City
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.
Hotels
Puerto Montt — City — Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries — Argentina
City
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.
Hotels
Santiago — Arrival — Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries — Argentina
Arrival
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.
Hotels

Things to Do

Paso Los Libertadores — Nature — Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries — Argentina
Nature
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.
Teatro Colón — Theater — Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries — Argentina
Theater
Teatro Colón
World-renowned opera house known for its exceptional acoustics and grand architecture.
Monumento Histórico Nacional a la Bandera — Historic Site — Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries — Argentina
Historic Site
Monumento Histórico Nacional a la Bandera
Monument commemorating the creation of the Argentine flag, offering panoramic city views.
Manzana Jesuítica — Historic Site — Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries — Argentina
Historic Site
Manzana Jesuítica
UNESCO World Heritage site featuring colonial-era Jesuit buildings and churches.
Parque General San Martín — Park — Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries — Argentina
Park
Parque General San Martín
Expansive park with a lake, zoo, and rose garden, ideal for leisurely strolls.
Cerro Campanario — Scenic Viewpoint — Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries — Argentina
Scenic Viewpoint
Cerro Campanario
Offers breathtaking panoramic views of lakes and mountains from its summit.
Osorno Volcano — Nature — Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries — Argentina
Nature
Osorno Volcano
Majestic stratovolcano with hiking trails and a ski resort on its slopes.
La Chascona — Museum — Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries — Argentina
Museum
La Chascona
Former home of poet Pablo Neruda, now a museum showcasing his life and works.

Where to Eat

El Preferido de Palermo — Argentinian — Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries — Argentina
Argentinian
El Preferido de Palermo
A historic bodega offering traditional Argentinian dishes in a charming, vintage setting.
Bar El Cairo — Café — Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries — Argentina
Café
Bar El Cairo
Iconic café known for its literary history and classic Argentinian coffee culture.
El Papagayo — Fine Dining — Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries — Argentina
Fine Dining
El Papagayo
Exclusive restaurant offering a unique tasting menu in a narrow, stylish space.
1884 Restaurante — Argentinian — Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries — Argentina
Argentinian
1884 Restaurante
Renowned eatery by chef Francis Mallmann, specializing in open-flame cooking.
La Marmita — Chilean — Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries — Argentina
Chilean
La Marmita
Cozy spot serving traditional Chilean dishes with a modern twist.
Bocanáriz — Wine Bar — Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries — Argentina
Wine Bar
Bocanáriz
Wine bar offering an extensive selection of Chilean wines paired with gourmet tapas.
La Fonda del Tío — Argentinian — Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries — Argentina
Argentinian
La Fonda del Tío
Popular spot known for generous portions of Patagonian lamb and other local specialties.

Explore related routes

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries drive?

The Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries covers 2,446 km from start to finish.

How long does the Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries take to drive?

Most travellers spend 2–3 weeks on the Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries?

The recommended season for the Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries is November – March.

Where does the Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries start and end?

The Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries runs from Buenos Aires to Santiago.

What are the main stops on the Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries?

The Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries passes through Buenos Aires, Rosario, Córdoba.

Can I drive the Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries in a regular car?

Yes — the Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Do I need a permit or border paperwork for the Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries?

Yes — the Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries requires permits, fees, or border paperwork. Plan ahead: 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.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries?

Plan around 4 refuels (or about 8 EV charges) along the Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries, based on its 2,446 km length.

Is the Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries safe to drive?

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.

What scenic tier is the Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries?

The Che Guevara, Motorcycle Diaries is a notable drive — Notable scenic drives — strong character routes that locals know well and that reward travellers willing to step beyond the most-photographed roads.