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Registration for the first edition of Final Frontier Patagonia is simple and fast. You can sign up directly at: www.finalfrontierpatagonia/register
During registration, you have to select the time slot for boarding the ferry from Hornopiren to Caleta Gonzalo. There will be two groups, due to ferry capacity limitations.
IMPORTANT: Distance from start to Hornopiren is 175KM
Entry Fee:
Important Notes:
Post-Registration Requirements:
Your registration fee covers the essential elements for your adventure:
Essential participation and safety items
Logistics and travel support
Event materials and recognition
Training and preparation
Bike Adventure Series benefits
Media
Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation to Puerto Varas and from Ushuaia. Getting to Puerto Varas is simple and straightforward. Puerto Varas is a small city located 20 km from Puerto Montt airport and 18 km from Puerto Montt city. First, book your international flight to Santiago, Chile (SCL). From there, three airlines - LATAM, Sky Airline, and JetSMART - offer multiple daily flights to Puerto Montt. All three carriers allow the transport of bicycles and sports equipment for an additional fee.
IMPORTANT: Upon arrival in Santiago, all international passengers must collect their luggage and bicycle to clear customs before re-checking for the domestic flight.
We recommend booking your full itinerary from your city of origin to Puerto Montt to simplify transfers and baggage handling.
Alternatively, you may take a long-distance bus from Santiago to Puerto Montt; however, the journey takes over 10 hours.
Departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, is also quite convenient. Several airlines operate daily flights to Buenos Aires, from where you can easily continue on to Santiago or connect with international flights to your home country.
A list of recommended places in Ushuaia where you can obtain a suitable bicycle box for air travel will be included in the FFP Route Guide. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas, and from there take a local flight to Santiago.
All participants must arrive in Puerto Varas by their own means no later than March 4, 2027 - the day before the event begins for checking-in and receiving the event materials.
The exact location for registration, briefing, and the event start in Puerto Varas will be communicated to all registered participants 30 days prior to the event.
The group will depart together but will be divided into two sections due to the limited ferry capacity for transporting cyclists:
At the time of registration, you must select one of these options. Your selection can not be modified later. Please note that the distance from the departure point to Hornopirén is 175 km, including one 30-minute ferry crossing.
Participants must complete the route and arrive in Ushuaia no later than March 30, 2027. Early arrivals before March 19 are not permitted.
Those finishing between March 19 and March 30 will be officially recognized as Finishers of the 2nd FPP Edition, receive a commemorative finisher badge, and be included in the official photo registry and finishers gallery.
The Welcome Center in Ushuaia will be open daily from 09:00 to 20:00. If you arrive outside of these hours, the tracking system will validate your arrival and you will still be recognized as a finisher. Simply visit the Welcome Center during operating hours the following day to complete your registration and receive your official welcome.
The exact address, directions, and operational details for the finishing point in Ushuaia will be shared with all participants prior to the event.
If you reach Ushuaia after the official closing time, you will be recognized as an intermediate finisher, based on the last control gate you crossed within the designated time window.
The FFP route follows exclusively public roads of varying types. Approximately 60% of the journey takes place on paved surfaces, while the remaining sections consist of diverse gravel roads - ranging from smooth, fast-rolling stretches to more aggressive and demanding surfaces. The route includes several tough climbs and numerous hilly sections, but no technical terrain or hike-a-bike sections. Riders should be prepared for long segments through remote, sparsely populated regions. Throughout the journey, you'll cross a wide variety of landscapes: from cold rainforests and high mountain passes to broad valleys and open flatlands. The total length of the complete route, including ferry crossings, is approximately 3,000 km, with a cumulative elevation gain of 22,000 m.
Given the demands of an ultra-distance, self-supported event and the diversity of terrain involved, we strongly recommend a mid- to high-end mountain or gravel bike. However, any bicycle capable of handling the route's challenges may be suitable.
Choose a bike that is:
A front suspension is a valuable addition to any setup, offering extra comfort and control on uneven terrain.
Pay special attention to saddle selection - it's one of the most critical components for endurance riding. The right fit will help your body handle long hours on the bike, while a poor fit can lead to pain, numbness, and early fatigue.
In addition to your personal bike, riders must be equipped with essential gear to ensure safety and self-sufficiency throughout the event.
Mandatory Equipment:
Highly Recommended Equipment:
Participants are required to carry personal insurance that covers medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and accidental injury - valid for both Chile and Argentina during the full duration of the event.
We strongly recommend that your policy also includes coverage for:
Proof of insurance will be requested during registration. It is each rider's responsibility to ensure their coverage is adequate and valid for cross-border, endurance-based outdoor activities.
This event spans two countries, with three border crossings between Chile and Argentina along the route. At each crossing, participants must comply with the customs and immigration requirements of both nations.
You must carry a valid photo ID and/or passport, along with any necessary visas (see links below, if applicable). While Chile and Argentina do not require visas for citizens of most countries, participants are responsible for verifying their individual entry requirements.
For up-to-date visa and entry information, please refer to the official resources linked below.
Chile enforces strict agricultural regulations at all border entry points. Fresh fruit, meat products, honey, and some other food items are strictly prohibited upon entry into the country. Please consult the official link below for detailed information and the latest updates.
Most towns and cities along the route have access to medical facilities and pharmacies. A comprehensive list of available public and private medical services in the region will be included in the FPP Route Guide provided to participants.
Most towns and cities along the route offer basic and intermediate sized bike shops and repair services. A full directory of available mechanics and service points will be included in the FPP Route Guide. However, don't expect shops to stock a wide variety of complex or specialized replacement parts.
When selecting your bike setup, prioritize durability and ease of servicing. Components that can withstand heavy use and be repaired with minimal tools are ideal. In addition, we strongly recommend carrying a few critical spare parts that are specific to your gear and unlikely to be found locally - this small precaution can make all the difference if you run into trouble in a remote area.
Some portions of the route traverse sparsely populated and rugged areas. These remote segments -- particularly in certain regions of Argentinian Patagonia - mean you'll occasionally be riding through terrain with limited or no access to phone signal, resupply points, lodging, shops, or medical services.
To support your preparation, the route guide will include precise and up-to-date details on all available service points along these isolated stretches.
This is a core part of the challenge: it demands a high level of self-sufficiency and the ability to handle unexpected situations independently.
Mobile coverage is not guaranteed throughout the entire route. Certain segments - particularly those in remote or mountainous areas - pass through sparsely populated regions where signal may be weak or entirely unavailable for extended periods.
While we will provide each participant with a SIM card or e-sim offering the best coverage available in the region, you should still be prepared for stretches with limited or no communication. In addition, the Zoleo device provided to all participants enables bidirectional satellite messaging, ensuring a reliable means of contact even in areas without mobile service.
The route guide will include up-to-date details about expected signal coverage zones and practical tips to help you make the most of connectivity when it is available.
Although the event takes place at the end of summer - typically one of the most favorable times of year in Patagonia - you should be prepared for a wide range of weather conditions, sometimes shifting dramatically within a single day.
Temperatures may reach 25 °C on sunny afternoons but can drop to as low as 0 °C during early mornings or overnight. While most days are likely to be mild and pleasant, sudden changes are common and may include:
Being properly equipped for these variations is essential. Bring layered clothing, waterproof outerwear, sun protection, and - just as important - a flexible mindset to handle shifting conditions on the move.
Managing the weather is part of the adventure, and one of the key skills every rider must bring. We strongly recommend researching regional climate patterns in advance. The FFP route guide will also include updated weather resources and detailed preparation tips.
One of Patagonia's greatest charms is its untamed wilderness and profound quietness. That solitude makes sometimes finding a place to sleep one of the key challenges in an unsupported adventure like this.
In major cities along the route - such as Coyhaique, El Calafate, and Punta Arenas - you'll find a wide range of accommodation, from luxury hotels to basic campsites. In smaller towns, options tend to be more modest, typically limited to small inns or simple lodges. Out on the route, you'll encounter a mix of possibilities, including boutique lodges, hostels, and campgrounds.
You can book lodging day by day using platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, or similar apps. Alternatively, you may find places as you go, depending on availability and your preferred pace.
That said, due to the long distances between towns and the possibility of facing fully booked accommodations, we require you to carry a self-sufficient camping setup - such as a reliable sleeping bag and a tent or bivy sack.
Patagonian residents are known for their warmth and hospitality. They're accustomed to hosting bikepackers and long-distance riders. With courtesy and proper permission, it's often possible to camp on private land or in local spaces.
We'll include detailed recommendations for sleeping spots - including those in more remote and isolated sections of the route - in the FFP Route Guide.
Throughout the route, you'll find supermarkets, small markets, coffee shops and restaurants where you can eat or restock supplies. However, it's essential to plan carefully, as stretches without access to food or water can exceed 100 km.
The FFP Route Guide will provide detailed information on supply points and water refill locations - especially in the more remote and isolated sections of the route.
In most locations along the route, credit and debit cards are widely accepted - even in most of the small businesses. That said, we recommend always carrying some cash in the local currency, as electronic payments may not be available everywhere.
You can easily find ATMs in Puerto Montt, Chaitén, Coyhaique, El Calafate, Punta Arenas, and Ushuaia.
The complete GPS track (gpx and kml) and detailed FFP Route Guide will be released no later than 30 days before the event start date. The final version will include gate locations, elevation profiles, border crossing details, ferry schedules, lodging and resupply recommendations, logistical notes, emergency protocols, and any other relevant participant information.
Due to the unpredictable weather and trail conditions in Patagonia, minor route adjustments or last-minute changes may occur. Any such updates will be communicated promptly through official event channels.
The organization will provide each participant with a Zoleo satellite GPS tracker free of charge to monitor your position throughout the event.
During the event, a public tracking platform of FFP will be published at our website to allow your friends and family to track your exact location.
The FFP Route Guide is a digital document provided to all riders prior to departure. Its primary purpose is to deliver detailed, practical, and comprehensive information about the route and key logistical considerations.
The guide includes:
This guide has been meticulously developed on-site by the FFP team. It is part of FFP's copyrighted materials and is distributed exclusively to registered participants for personal use. Redistribution or publication of its contents is strictly prohibited.
Part of the magic of this route lies in crossing fjords and sea channels — an essential feature of Patagonia's southern geography. Ferries are a natural mode of transport in this remote territory, forming an integral part of its connectivity. The FFP route includes four scheduled ferry crossings that connect key segments of the journey.
| Route | Operator | Frequency / Timetable | Approx. Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caleta Arena – Puelche | Transportes del Estuario | 24 hours, varied frequency each 30 min approx. | 30–45 minutes |
| Hornopirén – Leptepu | Somarco | Twice daily at 10:00 and 18:00 | 3 hr 30 min |
| Fiordo Largo – Caleta Gonzalo | Somarco | After the previous service arrives (2 services per day) | 40 minutes |
| Punta Arenas – Porvenir | Transportadora Austral Broom | One daily departure, various times | 2 hours |
FFP will provide free tickets and guaranteed access to all scheduled ferry crossings. No advance reservation is required; however, riders must plan their itinerary carefully to arrive at each ferry on time, as departure windows are limited and delays may affect your progress.
The Hornopirén - Caleta Gonzalo ferry must be boarded at the time slot selected during the registration process. This service is limited to 100 available spots per departure, so please ensure you respect your assigned schedule.
The Punta Arenas - Porvenir ferry must be requested to the organization at least 48 hours in advance, indicating the desired day and departure time.
Note: All schedules are subject to change. We recommend verifying availability and departure times in advance through the operator websites.
There are three mandatory checkpoints that serve as control gates along the route, which will operate on the following dates. You must have your FPP passport stamped by event staff at each gate:
**Distances excluding ferries
The exact locations, directions, and operating hours for each gate will be shared with all participants prior to the start of the event..
If you arrive at a gate outside of its operating hours, don't worry - our tracking system will register your passage. You can simply get your passport stamped at the next gate.
Please note: You may not pass through an intermediate gate before its official opening date. The organization reserves the right to change the number and location of gates.
The FPP passport will be delivered to you during the check-in process in the departing location. It is your event document for granting the ferry passes. It also must be stamped at mandatory control gates. You can also use it to get some benefits and/or discounts in some selected route points. Your passport also includes the Discovery Challenge section, featuring optional cultural and environmental missions.
If you lose your FPP passport during the event, don't worry - you can still access rider benefits using your BIB. However, for validation at the official control gates, your GPS trace will serve as the only proof of passage.
The FPP organization will provide you with the best possible route, carefully designed through thorough on-site research. This route prioritizes safety, access to supply points, essential services, and the most scenic locations. Alongside the GPS track, you'll receive the FPP Route Guide, packed with all relevant complementary information for the journey.
You are expected to follow the designated route. However, unexpected situations — such as construction, accidents, or other unforeseen events — may require you to take detours or find alternative paths. In any such cases, you're encouraged to exercise your judgment.
Your safety is always the highest priority. If at any point you feel unsafe following the official route, you're free to choose an alternative segment.
You are also welcome to leave the route temporarily to rest, explore a park, or for any other reason. The only requirement is that you return to the same point where you exited in order to resume your journey.
Since GPS navigation is essential for following the route, we highly recommend having a backup navigation system with access to offline maps.
Patagonia is widely regarded as one of the safest regions in South America in terms of crime. Nevertheless, as in any urban setting, it's important to take standard precautions - particularly in larger cities you may be, such as Coyhaique and Punta Arenas. Avoid leaving your bicycle or valuable equipment unattended.
The region is highly accustomed to travelers from around the world, and interactions with locals are generally marked by kindness and curiosity rather than concern.
The main risks involved in this event are those inherent to an unsupported ultradistance cycling adventure. You must remain aware of the physical and environmental challenges that come with this kind of undertaking:
At the heart of this journey lies the principle of unsupported adventure. It means you're on your own - by design.
There are no support vehicles shadowing your moves, no mechanics waiting at checkpoints, no team handing you snacks or shelter. Everything you need, you carry. Every decision - when to eat, where to sleep, which turn to take - is yours alone. And with that freedom comes an extreme need of responsibility, high resilience, and a rare kind of clarity.
This is not a race, and it's certainly not a time trial. There are no rankings, no timers counting down. The pace is yours to set. What matters is not how fast you go, but how deeply you live each moment on the road.
It's not just about reaching a destination. It's about discovering what you're capable of when there's no one else to lean on. The discomfort, the uncertainty, the raw exposure - they become part of the reward. You'll adapt, you'll improvise, you'll endure. And each rider will come home with a unique story carved not just by kilometers, but by character.
Unsupported doesn't mean alone. There's community in solitude - a shared spirit among strangers following the same wild path. Collaboration between riders is encouraged, and you may ride solo, in pairs, or in small groups.
This is what makes FPP more than a ride. It's an experience that will shape you long after the dust settles.
FFP is designed to offer participants a deep and transformative experience - one that can genuinely enrich lives. We'll be crossing through one of the world's last great natural sanctuaries: Patagonia. Its breathtaking landscapes and warm-hearted people will welcome us, generously sharing their land, their beauty, and their culture.
Above all, what we ask from every participant is respect - for the environment, the culture, the people, the animals, the ever-changing weather, your fellow riders, the event staff, and most importantly, yourself.
Respect also means being kind and grateful. It means staying open to whatever this experience brings your way - the challenges, the surprises, and the quiet moments that change you.
Showing courtesy and respect to other participants and local communities will not only enhance your experience - it will uplift everyone around you.
And always, always remember: this is not a race. If your focus is on timing, performance, records, or winning, FFP is not the place for you. This event is about community and connection, not competition.
Unlike other events, FFP keeps rules to a minimum. The few that exist are simple, but all participants are expected to follow them in order to preserve the core values and spirit of the event. The organization reserves the right to impose penalties on those who violate the rules or engage in prohibited behavior. These penalties may include, in serious cases, permanent exclusion from the event.
Please refer to the detailed rules in the "Event Rules" section of the website. By registering for the event, you confirm that you understand and accept these rules, along with the possible consequences of not adhering to them.
If you decide - or need - to withdraw at any point along the route, that's totally fine. Just keep in mind that, as part of the self-sufficiency spirit of the event, getting yourself home will be your responsibility. In most mid-sized towns or cities, you'll usually find public buses that can take you to a larger city with an airport. If you're out in the middle of nowhere, hitchhiking is often a solid way to reach civilization. Locals frequently drive trucks or vans, and more often than not, they're happy to give you a lift to the nearest town.
If you do withdraw, make sure to notify the organization via the official communication channels and follow the instructions for returning your Zoleo tracker.
Throughout the event, Final Frontier Patagonia will have a professional media team capturing high-quality photos and videos. While we will make every effort to feature all participants, this may not always be possible due to the vast distances involved and the natural spread of riders along the route.
If your main motivation for joining is to get a photo, this might not be the right event for you.
That said, all images in which participants appear will be shared with them and made freely available for personal use.
If you prefer not to have your image appear on our website or social media channels, you can indicate this preference in the rider agreement following registration.
Although the route has been carefully designed to showcase Patagonia's most breathtaking landscapes, you may occasionally wish to take a break and visit a standout destination that's truly worth your time. Spots like the Marble Cathedral on Lake General Carrera, Queulat National Park with its dramatic hanging glacier, the stunning Baker River confluence, or the legendary Perito Moreno Glacier are all within reach.
Most of these must-see attractions lie just a few kilometers off the main route. If one calls your attention, feel free to take a detour — pause the journey, explore the site, and then seamlessly return to the track at the same point. These moments of curiosity and awe are all part of the experience.
In the event of natural disasters, social or political unrest, war, pandemics, or other force majeure situations, Final Frontier Patagonia (FFP) may reschedule the event for up to 13 months beyond the original date. In such cases, participation fees will not be refunded.
If FFP cancels the event entirely or reschedules it beyond this 13-month window, all registration fees will be fully refunded - no formal claim process will be required.
If the event is rescheduled within 13 months, participants may choose to:
For those who want to live the true Patagonian experience but have limited time or feel that the full route is too demanding, we've established officially recognized intermediate challenges. These are designed to still embrace the essence of Final Frontier Patagonia - on your terms.
All riders start together March 6, 2027 from Puerto Varas, regardless of the challenge they select.
*Distances excluding ferries
You can select your preferred challenge during registration. If you begin with a longer route and decide to finish on a shorter or larger one, that's perfectly fine. However, we do encourage advance selection, as it allows us to better prepare for your arrival at the corresponding control gate.
Riders who complete any of the intermediate routes will be honored and welcomed as Intermediate Finishers in the FFP gallery, featured under the section that matches their completed route.
All participants - whether completing the full route or an intermediate challenge - benefit from the same services and benefits. Therefore, the participation fee remains unchanged across all route options.
Whether you ride 790 km or the full distance to Ushuaia, your experience through Patagonia will be profound, wild, and one you'll never forget. Because here, it's not the finish line that defines you - it's the journey.
Final Frontier Patagonia does not provide luggage transportation between departure and arrival cities. Riders must organize their own gear transfer if needed. We recommend transporting your bike in a disposable cardboard box when arriving in Puerto Varas and sourcing another box locally at your final destination for the return trip. This method is cost-effective, airline-friendly, and widely available. While FFP remains an unsupported event, we will share recommendations for third-party service providers that may offer luggage transportation between cities along the route - please note these are external options and availability may vary.
As you will be crossing several national parks, you'll be amazed by the abundance of wildlife along the route. Encounters may include foxes, ñandú, armadillos, condors, guanacos, dolphins, wild cats, whales, penguins, flamingos, and many species of native birds - and, if you're lucky, even pumas. Patagonia has virtually no snakes or dangerous insects, making it one of the safest natural environments for outdoor exploration.
Please be extremely careful not to disturb any wildlife; respect their space and observe from a safe distance.
You will also come across plenty of domestic animals, such as stray dogs (most of them friendly) and large herds of horses, cows, and sheep, which are an integral part of the Patagonian landscape.
As a fully unsupported event, external media teams accompanying individual riders are not authorized. The presence of a media vehicle along the route may unintentionally provide assistance or create unfair conditions for the participant. Under exceptional circumstances, external media coverage may be requested, but it must always be coordinated and supervised by the organization to ensure neutrality and compliance with event regulations.
The Bike Adventure Series is the first non-competitive European network of bike adventure events, of which Final Frontier Patagonia (FFP) is proudly a part. Through the official website, you can manage your medical certificates for all affiliated events — uploading them just once — as well as handle your registrations and participant profile. New features and tools will continue to be added throughout the year, making it easier than ever to join and explore other adventures within the series. North Cape 4000, Tuscany Trail and Unpaved Roads are part of Bike Adventure Series events in Europe.
The FFP Pioneers Mentorship Program brings together a select and diverse group of riders who participated in the first edition of Final Frontier Patagonia and are eager to share their experience with new participants.
These pioneers embody the spirit of the event - resilience, respect, and adventure - and volunteer their time to guide incoming riders through the preparation process.
Through this program, you'll have the opportunity to:
