8,000 Miles, Eight Fascinating Countries in 52 Days!

Trans-Amazonian Motorbike Challenge 2025. 8,000 miles and 8 Countries in 52 Days! Are you one of the lucky few with the time to achieve the unthinkable?

The Trans-Amazonian Motorbike Challenge 2025 is well known for being the final Frontier. Are you an Adventure Motorcycle Touring Rider? Would you like a life-changing challenge?

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Join us on the Trans-Amazonian Motorbike Challenge 2025, a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Message from Mike T – Chief Rider. “We at Motodreamer did it in 2022, and it was so exhilarating we decided we had to do it again!”

If you had. 52 days to blaze your way through a bucket list of motorcycle adventure tours across a single continent. In the true spirit of overland travel, which would you choose? 

In our minds, there’s no question. South America has it all. 

Now, South America’s reputation as a motorcycle touring paradise is legendary. This single continent encompasses all the ingredients of the motorcycle journey of a lifetime. And we’re not just talking about the roads themselves, as intoxicatingly thrilling and enchanting as they are.

What makes a long-distance journey through this continent of extremes a truly unforgettable experience in every part of the adventure combined?

Here´s something to whet your appetite. In a few days of riding, you’ll discover an incredible richness and diversity of cultures. Mesmerizing landscapes that are both instantly dramatic and thrillingly changeable from day to day.

What about the locals? You will find that they are friendly, welcoming, and good-natured people.

In addition, from the world’s most extended mountain range to dry desert canyons, wind-swept coastline, and lush rainforests teeming with wildlife, you will believe your life has changed in many ways.

There is simply nowhere with the sheer volume of natural and historical world wonders—the mind-blowing diversity of landscapes. With amazing cities, fascinating cultures, and crazily changeable riding conditions, any other place can throw at you.

All in the space of six weeks

(we ride 42 out of the 52 days on this Trans-Amazonian Motorbike Challenge 2025 Expedition.)

Once every few years, around the beginning of summer, an intrepid crew of riders takes part in a MotoDreamer’s Trans-Amazonian Motorbike Challenge. This expertly guided and fully supported expedition takes in eight countries in 52 Days.

On this expedition, you’ll climb 5,000m high mountain passes before plummeting down to surf-splattered coasts and flat desert plains. 

Starting from the coffee-covered hills of Colombia’s evergreen Andean lowlands to the towering snow peaks of Peru and Ecuador.

Furthermore, you will also visit the mysterious ‘Three Guianas’ on the northern Atlantic Coast. Then, onwards to Brazil’s pink dolphin-inhabited Amazonian waterways. Will I be seeing the towering tropical falls of Venezuela? Yes, you most definitely will.

Forty-two of these days will involve riding, almost entirely on some of the most epic motorcycling roads on the planet.

We understand that for most people, a ride like this is a truly once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Then, of course, you’ll come face to face with the Amazon herself. The sacred rainforest whose breath sustains all life on earth.

While this ride is named the Trans-Amazonian Motorbike Challenge 2025, it explores the Northern Andes and the Amazon Basin. A 6,300,000 km area with eight countries flowing over its borders: 

Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana, and Venezuela. 

If you’re undertaking a 12,875km (8,000 miles) journey from the northern Andean mountains of Colombia to the Amazon Basin and beyond. You had damn well better be having the time of your life! Hence we know what you’re thinking right at this moment.

It’s not all that often that you get 52 days to go out and ride into the wilderness in a single year. So for that very purpose, we’ve planned a route that packs more diverse and spectacular scenery into 52 days than seems geographically possible.

No two days are ever the same, and we can almost guarantee that every day is full of sights, scenes, and moments where one can scarcely believe their own eyes.

Yes, you will visit all these countries on this most exhilarating, challenging, and mind-opening expedition MotoDreamer has ever devised. All 8,000 miles (12,875km) of it.

Why Now is THE time to Get on a Motorcycle and experience the Trans-Amazonian Motorbike Challenge 2025?

With MotoDreamer’s matchless years of experience. Leading tour and expedition groups across some of the most gnarly terrains on god’s earth. MotoDreamer has successfully run the Trans-Amazonian Motorbike Challenge in the past and as recently as in 2022.

Another Message from Mike T – Chief Rider. We’ve been able to run this vast undertaking because of the unparalleled level of planning, safety, and expert guidance. We bring an extremely demanding trip to what is logistically, physically, and mentally.”

Who is MotoDreamer’s Trans-Amazonian Motorbike Challenge 2025 For?

First and foremost, we schemed up the Trans-Amazonian Motorbike Challenge 2025 with serious Adventure Motorcycle Touring Riders in mind.

Because this expedition is about showing you the absolute very best of the enormously diverse northern region of South America. We regularly leave the comfort of the tarmac and venture onto remote backroads and rarely used mountain trails.

As any off-road rider knows, take that turn off, and you never know what sort of conditions lie ahead until they’re staring you in the face.

You’ll reach altitudes of over 5,000m climbing (with two wheels and an engine, thankfully!) the freezing cold Andean passes.

Once we hit the rainforest (although it is technically the dry season) – it’s a safe bet you’re going to get rain. Therefore, expect all kinds of mud-related mayhem, with high humidity and sweltering summer temperatures thrown into the mix.

If all this sounds like great fun, the Trans-Amazonian Motorbike Challenge 2025 might be for you.

To join this expedition, you must be a highly skilled, continuously practiced long-distance rider.

Now plenty of days will get extremely physical, so it’s crucial that you’re in fit, healthy condition, with ample off-road experience under your belt.

Of course, this type of ride requires both individual stamina combined with social and teamwork qualities conducive to collaboration. With each other’s support, we make sure any obstacles are navigated around safely, and each individual rider is given the help they need.

But like every other motorcycle tour company worldwide. The events of early 2020 & 2021 have meant MotoDreamer literally shut up shop for months. They had to cancel a string of tours and sadly had many customers pull the plug on their commitments. 

MotoDreamer’s last two Trans-Amazonian expeditions were scheduled back in August 2020 and again in 2022.

2020, but was postponed with things the way they were.

While most of the MotoDreamer riders who had booked in 2020 quickly shifted to the 2022 departure, and all spots were filled in days.

So for those of you who’ve had your world motorcycle touring dreams crushed by the border closures and general terribleness of 2020 and 21.

Why not celebrate your freedom in true, come-at-me, “I live for adventure” style?

Put 8,000 miles between those months of bikeless boredom the pandemic had thrust upon you. After 52 insane, arduous, and ridiculously fun days in the wilds of South America. You won’t just have made up for “wasted time.” You’ll have had the time of your whole life. 

Do I Need My Own Motorbike to enter the Trans-Amazonian Motorbike challenge 2025?

Because of the duration of this expedition and the, at times, highly demanding terrain, many riders prefer to bring their own bikes. They either ship them to Colombia or ride them elsewhere in the Americas.

Therefore, if you wish to bring your bike, we welcome you as well. The advantages are clear; taking on this type of expedition with a machine you’re comfortable and familiar with will undoubtedly help.

You´ll get to set up and acclimated in a shorter timeframe. What´s more awesome is that you will handle the conditions and riding styles more quickly.

Of course, not everyone can bring their own motorcycle halfway across the world with relative ease. So a variety of late-model hire bikes fresh out of the MotoDreamer garage are available to rent.

Can Non-Riders Still Come Along for the Journey?

Adventure Motorbike Touring Riders. Yes, you can take a pillion rider with you. Provided they’ll put up with nearly two months of some seriously bone-rattling off-road riding. Notwithstanding a considerable amount of dust, mud, and general filth.

As a self-proclaimed “professional pillion rider.” My advice to anyone thinking of accompanying their soul mate or best motorcycle-riding buddy on this expedition is to make sure you’re super comfortable first.

You will endure long days of riding a pillion on rough and often extremely windy roads. Be prepared to give massages to aching necks, backs, and arms at the end of the day.

4X4 Passengers: On this expedition, our motorcycle convoy will be escorted from the rear by a 4×4 support vehicle. Instead, Pillion riders can join our expert driver over the same roads and trails our riders will be using if they need a rest from the motorbike.

Do you need Another Reason to Ride the Trans-Amazonian Challenge 2025 Now? 

Then let it be the Amazonas

The Amazon rainforest is home to a diverse array of plant and animal life and indigenous cultures. That have lived in harmony with the forest for generations.

Motorcycle touring in the Amazon offers the opportunity to experience this unique and fragile ecosystem. While also providing a challenging and adventurous riding experience.

Additionally, the Amazon region offers excellent river rafting, fishing, and jungle trekking opportunities. Thus, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Ariel view over the many rivers meandering through the Amazonas Rainforest. 

Not so subtly sprinkled amongst the Coronavirus news. Last year alone, We’ve heard facts, rumors, and opinions about the current Brazilian government’s plans to ramp up development in the Amazon region. Basically not doing much (and probably the exact opposite) in the fight against illegal mining and logging operations. 

See the following link to learn more from the United Nations:

The United Nations report on illegal mining & trafficking in precious metals. 

While this expedition is called the “Trans-Amazonian challenge 2025.” The actual Trans-Amazonian Highway. (Or at least the most exciting stretch of it) is only one section of the entire route.

There will be many other amazing sections on the route.

Like the almost entirely unvisited and most intact rainforests in the world, the Guiana Shield.

The Guiana Shield is a geological formation located in northeastern South America and part of the larger South American Shield. It is made up of a complex assemblage of ancient rocks. Each has been shaped by millions of years of erosion and tectonic activity.

The Guiana Shield is home to the world’s largest expanse of untouched rainforest, including the Amazon rainforest. This area is considered one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.

Furthermore, it is home to thousands of species of plants and animals, many of which are found nowhere else. The Guiana Shield is also home to several indigenous communities who have lived in harmony with the forest for generations.

The exact number of indigenous communities living in the Amazon rainforest is difficult to determine. As there are many remote areas that are difficult to access and survey.

However, it is estimated that there are around 400 distinct indigenous groups in the Amazon. Together, they make up an overall population of around 2.5 million.

A deforestation area on the edge of the Amazon River with an indigenous house is still intact.

These communities represent a wide range of cultures and languages. Many have lived in the rainforest for generations. Developing unique ways of life and knowledge systems intimately connected to the forest.

It’s important to note that many of these communities face threats from illegal logging, mining, and other activities. With the disastrous results of destroying their traditional lands and climate change impacts.

What Exactly is the Trans-Amazonian Highway?

The part of the original early 1970s Trans-Amazonian Highway we ride in this Trans-Amazonian Challenge 2025 expedition was the road that effectively “opened up” the Amazon Rainforest to the rest of Brazil and the world at large.

The Trans-Amazonian Highway, also known as the BR-230 or “Rodovia Transamazonica” in Portuguese. Is a highway that runs across Brazil’s northern portion of the Amazon rainforest.

The Rodovia Transamazonica would be one of Brazil’s grandest infrastructure projects, one of the world’s longest sealed highways.

It was built with the goal of promoting development and settlement in remote regions. But it has had limited success in achieving that goal and has also led to significant environmental damage.

It would connect important port towns on the Atlantic to Brazil’s isolated inland villages. Then on to the untouched land, resources, and riches that sure awaited in the Amazon itself.

The highway would bring mass migration, agriculture, development, and opportunity, along with the unavoidable blight of large-scale environmental destruction.  

By 1972, the budget had been decimated. The Trans-Amazonian was opened prematurely before the final 1,000km stretch to the Peruvian border had even started. Less than half of the highway had been paved as promised.  

Decades later, barring a few populated regions, the highway sees amazingly little use. The government’s plots of land to attract thousands of resettlers appear to be of incredibly poor quality.

Furthermore, The highway has also been used to facilitate illegal logging and mining. It has led to the displacement of indigenous communities and the destruction of their traditional lands.

That, and the torrential monsoonal weather combined with predominantly sandy, red rainforest soil, have made massive parts of the highway still impassable for a good chunk of the year.

The road is also known as the “Highway of death.” Because of the high number of accidents and crimes that occur along it. Mostly due to poor maintenance and lack of security.

Despite its negative impact on the environment and the people living in the region. The road continues to be a major transportation route in the Amazon, connecting cities and towns in the region.

The Trans-Amazonian Challenge 2025: Where do we Ride? 

We ride the TAC in the dry season. It is still one pig of a dusty, pot-holed, physically punishing, and mentally exhausting road (this is a “challenge,” after all!)

Dirt hogs will relish the eventual conquest. But the surroundings of cleared forest and dilapidated farmland in some areas are eye-opening. 

However, we will get to ride the Trans-Amazonian’s longest stretch of untouched rainforest. 

While it winds its way through deep, dark, dense, and beautiful jungle within the Amazonia National Park. The sanctuary has thus far been protected fiercely by the indigenous Kayapo community. (Who incidentally are also exceptionally welcoming to eco-tourism.)

The Kayapo people are the Amerindian (Native) group of Brazil. They live in the Amazon rainforest in the state of Pará.

They are considered one of the region’s most traditional and isolated groups and have a long history of resisting outside pressures to change their way of life. They are also famed as a traditionally fierce group of warriors. In their long history, they would often raid their enemy’s settlements.

The Kayapo are known for their distinctive culture, which includes a complex system of rituals and ceremonies and a strong sense of community and collective decision-making.

They have a deep spiritual connection to the forest and its resources and have developed a sophisticated land use and resource management system.

The Kayapo people have been active in protecting their land and culture.

They have been successful in resisting attempts by the Brazilian government and private companies to exploit their territory for mining, logging, and hydroelectric power.

The Kayapo people have also been active in promoting sustainable development and conservation in the Amazon.

They have established partnerships with NGOs and other organizations to promote sustainable economic activities, such as ecotourism, and to protect the forest and its resources.

It’s worth noting that the Kayapo people, like many other indigenous communities in the Amazon, face multiple challenges, such as climate change, deforestation, and land invasions.

With the battle for the Amazon truly reignited, the Trans-Amazonian Highway has once again become pivotal to the story.

Thanks to existing in one of the worst environments in the world for building anything quickly, construction on the road itself continues at a snail’s pace. But once such corridors into the rainforest’s interior do open, they allow for land clearing on a rapid, industrial scale.

What About What’s on the News Right Now? Is the Amazon Being Destroyed?

Will that Ruin my Trans-Amazonian Challenge 2025 Expedition? 

While most of the world only hears about the plight of the Amazon through the media. As a (hopefully curious, open-minded) foreigner on the ground. You will see what is happening with your own eyes. 

As riders, we, too, benefit from the construction of highways into tracts of previously pristine wilderness. For locals, some of these highways have been literally lifelines.

The balance between survival in the here and now and the future of the wider world is a game that is constantly being played out. If we want to call out those breaking the rules, isn’t it better to understand the game first?  

Being present while it all unfolds, what you see, how you feel, which images and whose stories you bring back home can make far more difference than watching from a distance. 

You might want to hurry and be one of those people who gets to see the Brazilian Amazon “while it’s still there.” We don’t know how much time you’ve got.

 We think that’s a valid reason to go reserve your spot on the Trans-Amazonian Challenge 2025. Enough eco-oriented motorcycle riders spending at once can even keep that time limit indefinitely extended. 

So, if you’re concerned about some of the artificial ugliness that will undoubtedly be exposed, don’t despair.

There is so much beauty on this trip that remains completely unspoiled – sometimes even partly (or wholly) due to human protection. 

What Should I Most Look Forward To when entering the Trans-Amazonian Motorbike Challenge 2025?

Why have we chosen this part of South America for our 52-day circuit, starting and ending in our home base of Cali, Colombia? Because it has absolutely everything.

Since this is an anything-can-happen, remote area expedition and routes and destinations can change like the wind. Always expect the weather or road conditions to decide to throw a spanner in the works.

We’ll visit the Nazca Lines, Machu Picchu, the Amazon River Basin, and Angel Falls in Venezuela.

We’ll visit the Nazca Lines, Machu Picchu, the Amazon River Basin, and Angel Falls in Venezuela.

We know every one of them will absolutely blow your mind.

What´s more remarkable, you’ll be equally moved by the warmth and friendliness of the South American people. Witness the villagers allowing you a glimpse into their age-old traditions. See how they treat their guests, who often visit for only a few moments and from far away.

Expect many to bombard you with their friendship and dazzling smiles. Move to the exhilarating pace and permanently festive atmosphere of the metropolises.

While many guests begin their journey, most are keen on getting to the “bucket list” sites. In the end, they take away a lot more than a list of destinations.

What will it be like for this Trans-Amazonian Motorbike Challenge 2025?

As you have already learned, the MotoDreamer gang has made this trip before, but we believe 2025 will mark a new era of travel. No one knows what it will look like yet.

It’s possible on our day excursion to Machu Picchu; we’ll be some of the lucky few to see this majestic city enchantingly devoid of tourist crowds. Or (while less likely), the opposite could be true. 

It’s almost sure that less “typical” tourist destinations will still be in recovery. Expect attractions overall to be minimally crowded even as we visit regions during their usual peak tourism period.

Of course, other places on our itinerary are never anything less than refreshingly quiet – Spring Break in Suriname, anyone?!

Remember, countless people, from shopkeepers to hotel owners to tour guides, live along the route we’ll be traveling. All rely heavily upon, if not wholly, on tourist income for survival. 

Writing this originally in mid-2020 and updating in 2023, we know that most of the folks you’ll meet on the Trans-Amazonian Challenge 2025 won’t have seen an unfamiliar face for sometimes many months.

We here at MotoDreamer can easily imagine outpourings of warmth and gratitude from both sides as we experience the beauty of international, intercultural interaction. 

What makes the Trans-Amazonian Motorbike Challenge 2025 not just a tour or expedition? But a genuine adventure that is a rite of passage of sorts.

A secret journey shared by a tight-knit band of like-minded travelers, venturing into lands few outsiders have ever looked upon.

It’s the riding itself, the unpredictability, the teamwork, and the camaraderie that develops over a 52-day journey that’s tough, exciting, and full of moments of overwhelming beauty and intensity.

It’s a sense of both individual accomplishment and shared experiences that make the Trans Amazonian Motorbike Challenge 2025 what it is.

And what it is, is not just one of the coolest two-wheeled expeditions in all of South America. But the journey of an absolute lifetime.

And if adventure motorcycle travel to you means gliding high above the clouds and sliding down in the dirt. Then, in that case, book your spot on one ridiculous all-terrain, no-terrain, white knuckle, border bunny-hopping ride of a freaking lifetime. – Don’t miss this chance to be an adventure moto-pioneer!

Written originally by Fiona Davies (extreme pillion rider and adventure travel writer) back in 2020. Three years later, Mike Bowley SEO Content Writer with Calibri. Pro updated it to include the Trans-Amazonian Motorbike Challenge 2025.

JOIN US AT THE NEXT TRANS-AMAZONIAN MOTORBIKE CHALLENGE 2025

Check out some of the highlights we have for 2023 and 2024 with the following articles:

MotoDreamer Brazil and Dirtbike Adventures 

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The Three Guianas, The Forgotten Gems of South America 

The Three Guianas, the Forgotten Gems of South America. Have you ever heard of them? I promise you, once you discover them, you will never forget them.

Around the World in Eighty Days – MotoDreamer 

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