{"id":4791,"date":"2025-09-19T13:12:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-19T16:12:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/en-eu\/?p=6595"},"modified":"2025-10-03T02:39:29","modified_gmt":"2025-10-03T08:39:29","slug":"from-tierra-del-fuego-to-alaska-on-harleys","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/mx\/from-tierra-del-fuego-to-alaska-on-harleys\/","title":{"rendered":"From Tierra del Fuego to Alaska on Harleys"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

German H.O.G. members Katharina Korda and Peter Diller love adventure and recently conquered the legendary Carretera Panamericana. Katharina shares their experiences\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our great journey began in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. Our destination is Fairbanks, Alaska, near <\/a>the Arctic Circle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tierra del Fuego and Patagonia: wind, vastness, wilderness<\/strong>
The roads of Patagonia are endless, the landscape barren and breath-taking. Hundreds of guanacos grazed by the roadside and rheas crossed our path. The constantly strong winds demanded maximum concentration while riding, but the vastness and solitude of Patagonia rewarded us with a feeling of boundless freedom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Puerto San Julian, we marveled at a replica of Magellan’s flagship \u201cVictoria\u201d. A hurricane-like storm forced us to take a break \u2013 time for chess, books and Argentinian red wine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The journey continued to the sea and to Comodoro Rivadavia, where we discovered a local delicacy: fried plantain <\/a>with black beans \u2013 really delicious!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once we arrived in Puerto Madryn, we gave our Harleys a break and looked for some souvenirs to share with our chapter. The roads got better, the landscape greener, the sea a bright blue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Through the Pampas and over the Andes to Chile<\/strong>
The Pampa awaited us with a flood: near Bahia Blanca, all the fields were under water, and only the road was halfway dry. Then the landscape changed again: agriculture, corn fields, herds of cattle and yellow flowers dominated the scenery. The roads were often in poor condition, with lots of potholes and gravel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once we arrived in Mendoza, the Andes awaited us. The ride through the mountains is spectacular: reddish rocks, snow-covered peaks and a winding road that takes us up to an altitude of 10,440 feet. An oil slick on the road caused Peter to skid briefly, but he caught the bike \u2013 a guardian angel must have been along for the ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The border crossing from Argentina to Chile went smoothly, and the last few kilometres into Santiago de Chile were completely free of potholes for the first time. Our bikes were serviced at the Harley\u00ae dealer \u2013 the welcome was warm and we immediately felt at home in the worldwide Harley family. When we picked up our motorcycles, we were delighted to see that they were not only serviced, but also sparkling clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Through the Atacama and along the Pacific Coast to Peru and Ecuador<\/strong>
The ride through the Atacama Desert is an experience in itself: endless sand and stone landscapes, windswept mountains and lonely villages. In Taltal, directly on the Pacific Ocean, we founnd an artist’s hotel with artistically painted walls. The ocean roared, dolphins and seals accompanied our morning coffee…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We continued on Routa 1, past surreal landscapes, tired donkeys and abandoned industrial plants. In Mejillones, we were surprised by high-rise buildings in the middle of the desert \u2013 a strange contrast. We celebrated Peter’s 66th birthday with chess games and Harley stories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ride along the Pacific coast to Iquique is spectacular: huge waves, steep cliffs and always friendly encounters with other bikers. Peru greeted us with chaos on the roads: one toll booth after another, countless police checks, dense traffic and endless queues of trucks. However, the Peruvian coast was all the more beautiful for the contrast, with its cactus fields and breath-taking views of the ocean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The road conditions are a challenge for both man and machine: concrete sleepers, roadworks and potholes put a strain on the Sportster \u2013 a broken side stand spring had to be repaired in a makeshift manner with rubber and adhesive tape. The biggest challenge was the capital, Lima, with its 11 million inhabitants and chaotic conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Ecuador, after a long border procedure, we reached a much friendlier environment. We rode through endless banana plantations, passed through well-kept villages and were delighted by stalls full of wonderful fruit and vegetables. But challenges await us here too: police officers demand \u201cpenalty fees\u201d that can only be solved with negotiating skills and cash. We bypassed the capital, Quito, and crossed the equator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

From Columbia to Panama by airplane<\/strong>
After hours of waiting, entry into Colombia was finally successful. The roads lead through colourful artists’ villages, past exotic plants and friendly people. In Bogot\u00e1, at an altitude of 8,858 feet, we once again had to fight our way through heavy traffic and chaotic road conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our Harleys were prepared for onward transportation to Panama, because the Panamericana still has a gap here that cannot be bridged by motor vehicles: the Darien Gap. The transportation turned into a bureaucratic tour de force, which gave us an involuntary rest day in Panama City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The city surprised us with its modern infrastructure, high-rise buildings and a friendly Harley workshop. While we waited for our motorcycles, we explored the city, played chess and enjoyed Caribbean nights by the Pacific. When the bikes were finally ready to go again, the route took us across the famous Panama Canal and through tropical downpours in sweltering heat to Costa Rica.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Through Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala<\/strong>
Costa Rica welcomed us with lush nature, palm forests and friendly people. Ecuador was already beautiful, but we liked Costa Rica even more. The roads are mostly good, the landscape is a paradise, and there were hotel rooms with every comfort \u2013 even a washing machine and dryer so that we could clean our sweaty clothes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Nicaragua, endless border formalities awaited us again, but the roads were surprisingly good and the encounters cordial. The journey through Honduras was short but intense \u2013 characterised by armed police officers, tropical heat and the constant change between asphalt and potholes. In El Salvador, we rode past impressive volcanoes, while Guatemala welcomed us with chaotic traffic, power cuts and armed security guards. But even here, we find hospitality and a good hotel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mexico: pesos only, helpfulness and poor roads<\/strong>
Entering Mexico is surprisingly straightforward: no long checks, no disinfection, no waiting times, just ride on in. But the roads challenged us again… potholes, concrete sills and roadworks awaited. We entered the country without exchanging money beforehand because we are used to being able to pay with dollars. Not so in Mexico; the toll booths and petrol stations only accept pesos, no discussion. We didn’t want to upset anyone either. Particularly in the south, we kept coming across pick-ups with masked and armed figures on the back, and the petrol stations are guarded by armed security. On the other hand, we also experienced great helpfulness here: an enduro rider gives us the necessary toll money at the toll booth, a mechanic repaired the damaged rim of my Sportster with the simplest of means.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Texas: returning to civilisation<\/strong>
After a long journey through South and Central America, we finally reached the border with the US. A feeling of relief and anticipation flowed through us as we entered Texas after a smooth border crossing. The roads are better and wider, the hotel rooms comfortable, and for the first time in weeks we enjoyed the luxury of clean towels and a hearty breakfast. We made plans: our big destination was Alaska, but it’s still bitterly cold there. So we rode slowly, taking breaks and relaxing along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our route took us via South Padre Island, where we enjoyed the sea, and on to San Antonio. The ride up there was characterised by Texan rain, endless highways and our first encounter with American motorhomes \u2013 a sight that seemed almost exotic after the adventurous roads of Central America. In San Antonio, we strolled along the Riverwalk, drank Texan beer and soaked up the calm atmosphere. The friendliness of the Americans surprised us again and again: at the gas station we were greeted in German, and in a restaurant the waitress raved about Rothenburg ob der Tauber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Wild West: moose, bears and cowboys<\/strong>
However, minor problems are not long in coming: our Harleys needed maintenance and in Amarillo, Peter’s bike had to go to the garage because of a damaged rim. We passed the waiting time by playing chess, shopping and lazing around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The road north took us through endless prairies, past oil pumps, herds of cattle and small western towns. The mountains got higher, the wind got stronger, the weather moody. In Wyoming, we found ourselves immersed in a real cowboy feeling: western architecture, saloons and people with cowboy hats everywhere. We enjoyed the warmth of the locals and the beauty of the snow-covered mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our attempt to reach Yellowstone National Park failed due to closed roads \u2013 too much snow, too early in the year. So we went back, but not without first marvelling at a herd of buffalo at close range. The cold increased, our fingers became clammy, but the experience warmed our hearts, as we encountered moose, bears and curious Americans who welcomed us at the petrol stations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Canada: our destination is getting closer<\/strong>
In Canada, the wilderness became tangible. The roads became rougher, the distances between towns greater. We rode through scorched forests, watched wolves and grizzlies at the side of the road and experienced how quickly the weather can change. Sun, rain, snow and hail alternated. The Alaska Highway stretched endlessly through the vastness, but every kilometre brought new impressions \u2013 from frosty nights in small motels to warm encounters with other travellers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, after weeks on the road, we reached the legendary Alaska sign. Hearts pounding with pride and joy \u2013 we’d made it! The last few miles to Fairbanks were a triumphal procession through the wilderness. We met old friends from South America, swapped stories and toasted our adventure with Alaskan beer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion: the Panamericana \u2013 an adventure for life<\/strong>
Covering 14,592 miles, 14 countries, 17 border crossings \u2013 and countless unforgettable moments. The Panamericana demanded everything from us: patience, courage, perseverance and the willingness to keep trying new things. Our journey was characterised by countless encounters, challenges and moments of happiness. Whether Patagonia, Atacama, the Andes, the vastness of Mexico or the Rocky Mountains, every stage brought new experiences, new friends and new stories. Riding the Panamericana on a Harley is more than just a journey \u2013 it\u2019s an adventure that challenges and rewards body, mind and soul. And at the end, the feeling remains: we did it. And we would do it again, any time.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

German H.O.G. members Katharina Korda and Peter Diller love adventure and recently conquered the legendary Carretera Panamericana. Katharina shares their experiences\u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":3991,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[8],"class_list":["post-4791","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-stories","tag-pilotando"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/mx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4791","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/mx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/mx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/mx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/mx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4791"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/mx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4791\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4792,"href":"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/mx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4791\/revisions\/4792"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/mx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3991"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/mx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4791"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/mx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4791"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hog.thecreativeplot.com\/mx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4791"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}