Skip to contentSkip to footer

We Value Your Privacy

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalised ads or content, and analyse our traffic. By clicking 'Allow All', you consent to our use of cookies. For further details, please see our cookies policy.

Skip to content

Journey to the end of the world

A world-class gravel bike adventure through Tierra Del Fuego

Our fully supported Patagonia cycling adventure begins in Punta Arenas before crossing the legendary Strait of Magellan into Tierra del Fuego. From there, you’ll ride deep into the wild landscapes of Chilean Patagonia on remote gravel roads towards the end of the earth. Expect lush valleys, dramatic mountain scenery, glacial lakes, shipwrecks, penguins, guanacos and endless Patagonian wilderness on this unforgettable cycling journey.

Cyclists travelling along road surrounded by mountains and greenery
Enter

Dates

15th - 26th January 2027

Duration

12 Days / 11 Nights

Distance

500 Miles (800km)

Discipline

Event Discipline - Cycling

Event Type

Bucket List Adventures

Highlights

Man stood infront of signs pointing to different places

End of the world finish line

The city of Ushuaia is the capital of Tierra Del Fuego and marks the end of your epic journey, quite literally at the end of the World.

Cyclist stopping to look at shipwreck

Visit the Desdemona shipwreck

Our day 8 finish line is the Desdemona Shipwreck, a spectacular site nestled on the coast at Cabo San Pablo. Built in Hamburg and sailed as a merchant ship, it was severely damaged off the coast of Buenos Aires and ran aground. The crew managed to escape and navigated the ship onward to Tierra del Fuego, the southern tip of Argentina.

Cyclist riding along rocky path next to water and mountains

A dramatic pass over Paso Garibaldi

Towards journeys end, Paso Garibaldo lies in wait as your last big obstacle! Enjoy the views before a thrilling descent from the pass down to Ushuaia.

Cyclist riding along track towards water

Sail across the Strait of Magellan

Your adventure will kick off on bikes from Plaza Mayor, home of adventure and signified by Magellan’s statue. We'll then board the ferry ready to make the 2 hour sailing over to Porvenir.

Itinerary

Woman stood with bike, looking out to water

DAY ONE: Friday

Fly into Punta Arenas where you will be picked up from the airport by our team and taken to the hotel. If you’re already in town, you can meet us directly at the hotel. The rest of the day is your own to catch up on sleep, make any final kit checks and explore town. Punta Arenas is well serviced with many shops, including outdoor shops and bicycle shops.

Man sat on fallen tree beneath colourful sky

DAY TWO: Saturday

We will have a leisurely start to the morning allowing you some time to catch up on sleep after a long journey. After breakfast, we will kick things off with a welcome briefing to talk you through the trip, how we will support you and other practical and safety matters. Following our briefing, we will have a round robin of activities including registration, kit check, medical chats, a tech workshop for any GPS worries, and finally we will issue you with the all important event stash – Tees, Rat Rags, your bib numbers and your GPX tracker. In the afternoon, there’s plenty of time to build and refit your bikes, take them on a test ride and see our event mechanic with any tweaks you might need help with. The rest of the afternoon is your own to explore or relax.

Cyclists riding along rocky path

DAY THREE: Sunday

Your Patagonia cycling adventure begins in Plaza de Armas Muñoz Gamero, beneath the statue of legendary explorer Ferdinand Magellan. From here, a relaxed 7km ride takes you to the ferry terminal for a spectacular two-hour crossing of the Strait of Magellan to Porvenir.

After landing in Tierra del Fuego, you’ll tackle a stunning 70km cycling loop featuring your first taste of Patagonia gravel riding. The route combines smooth tarmac with remote gravel roads through the wild landscapes of the “Land of Fire”, including the chance to see ancient stromatolites, one of Patagonia’s most fascinating geological wonders.

A waddle of penguins stood on grass

DAY FOUR: Monday

We have a few short tarmac km's to get ourselves to the edge of town, then it's back onto the good stuff. This is an excellent day of gravel riding with small climbs (OK, maybe a few bigger ones too) and descents to keep things interesting. The scenery is spectacular – as it is for most of this journey – and one of today's highlights is Mirador del Bogodon, the high point of the day. After this, it's a thrilling descent down towards the coast, at which point it's flat (almost)! the rest of the way. We will ride parallel to the coast here and you will have the option of tarmac or gravel, as the road has recently been resurfaced but part of the original gravel side road has been left in place alongside.  

Our target for the finish line is the King Penguin nature reserve, where we will be able to have a full visit and see them in their natural environment. It's a cruisy few km's on the bike to warm down and get yourselves back to the accommodation from here.  

Cyclists riding on a road past grass and trees

DAY FIVE: Tuesday

Today is our biggest day in terms of pure mileage, it's also one of the most challenging days in the saddle. It really is a whopper, almost entirely gravel with varying road conditions and undulations - it's enough to keep your lungs and legs working all day, and there will be times when your riding skill is tested. It's well worth all the efforts, as the whole day is incredibly beautiful. 

Cyclist riding along road, towards mountains

DAY SIX: Wednesday

Another stunning day almost entirely on gravel, but this time much shorter – and a net downhill! Your body will be thankful for the drop in mileage today and on top of that, there will be extra time to get off and stretch the legs when we go through border controls at Cruce Bellavista. On arrival into Argentina, we keep on pedaling towards Rio Grande, one of the biggest towns in Tierra del Fuego.  

Cyclist riding past barn and farmland

DAY Seven: Thursday

After a short and sharp asphalt section to put Rio Grande behind us, it’s back onto the gravel of Ruta F all day long. Our destination is the incredibly beautiful Estancia Carmen and the final section of riding along the private road towards our home for the night is one of the most fun and stunning sections of the whole journey.  

Cyclist stopping to look at shipwreck

Day Eight: Friday

Today’s Patagonia gravel cycling stage begins with a ride out from the Estancia along a private road before rejoining the remote gravel routes of Tierra del Fuego. From the junction, the route heads east towards the Atlantic coast and the spectacular finish at the Desdémona Shipwreck.

This varied cycling route combines long stretches of the famous Ruta H gravel road with a fast tarmac section on Ruta Nacional 3 before returning to remote gravel tracks along Ruta A all the way to Cabo San Pablo and the dramatic coastal scenery of Patagonia’s end of the world.

View through pipe of cyclist riding on road

Day Nine: Saturday

Let’s clarify here that ‘short’ is a relative term..! This is still a whopper of a day, retracing your tracks for around 40km on the Ruta A before rejoining the RN3, now heading South towards Tolhuin and the massive Lago Fagnano. Once the first 40kms on gravel are in the bag, it’s asphalt the rest of the way today, so this does have potential to be a speedy one. Beware, however, as the Patagonian winds may have other plans in store for you! Even on the asphalt, high chance of headwind means this is likely to be a tough day.  

Participant stood, looking out onto water and greenery

Day Ten: Sunday

So close to the finish now! After cruising along the shoreline of the enormous Lago Fagnano to kick the day off, we’ll be on the RN3 most of the day as we wind towards Ushuaia. Paso Garibaldo lies in wait as your last big obstacle, reach the top to earn unforgettable views before a thrilling descent from the pass down to Ushuaia.  

Man stood infront of signs pointing to different places

Day Eleven: Monday

Today is the victory lap. A short and sweet scenic 25km is all you need to conquer to reach the roads end. The official end of the RN3 demarks the finish line of our bike journey, and after receiving medals and toasting to a job well done, there’s time to explore the surroundings before returning back to Ushuaia for some well earned rest.  

Sheep looking at camera

Day Twelve: Tuesday

Homeward travel from Ushuaia, back to Punta Arenas, or stay in the area to explore even more of Patagonia.  

Two silhouettes of horses stood beneath colourful sky
Man cheering and stood by Rat Race flag

Your Adventure Leader

James

Our multi-lingual running machine, James brings extensive sports event experience, having delivered events of all shapes and sizes across the industry. A UK Athletics qualified running coach, he combines expert endurance expertise with a sharp eye for route design, logistics and participant experience. James has a knack for crafting running routes you’ll genuinely love, always seeking out the very best trails, roads and hidden gems in every destination to create unforgettable adventure experiences.

What's Included

Where you will sleep

Accommodation

All accommodation is always offered on a shared basis. If you are taking part on your own, you will be paired with another participant of the same sex. If you have preferences for who you share with you can indicate that on the pre-event forms we send you approx. 3 months before the departure date. Hostel accommodation will be in same sex dorms. There is one night on this adventure where we stay at a fantastic, authentic Estancia, here there are limited beds and half of the group will be camping.  Tents will be 2 – 3 people per tent. You are able to bring your own tent if you would like to sleep solo. You will need to bring a sleeping bag and mat for camping nights.  

Single supplements may be available on certain nights, please email events@ratrace.com to request availability and costs.   

What you'll eat

Meals

All meals are provided and all dietary requirements will be catered for. Evening meals will consist of one main meal and Pit Stop lunches will be a grab and go offerings. Pit Stops will be regular and these are places you can interact with the Rat Race crew and medics. You can refill your water and top up your snack stash with our goodies. We will always offer salty and sweet snacks and fruit as a minimum. Breakfast in South America can be quite basic so we recommend augmenting it with your own supplies to ensure you are setting off with enough in the tank for the day. 

How we will support you

Guides and Support

We will use a mixture of sweepers on foot and in vehicles, crew, medics and support vehicles to support you at intervals by our mobile ‘pit stop’ team. Across the challenge, we will have multiple vehicles at our disposal, plus multiple staff members, snacks and drinks to distribute. So, if it does get too much and you need us motivational support or otherwise, we should be able to assist. You are in good hands. 

If you can't make it

Flexible Transfer Policy

Entries may be transferred up to 12 weeks prior to departure in accordance with the Rat Race transfer policy. We strongly recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance as soon as you book to protect yourself against any unforeseen circumstances. Participants also have the option to add Refund Protect to their booking, facilitated by a trusted third-party provider, which may allow you to claim a refund should you be unable to attend for a range of qualifying reasons.

Adventure mementos

Mementos

All participants will receive a selection of exclusive event memorabilia to mark their Journey to the end of the World adventure, including a commemorative event T-shirt, Rat Rag and a massive medal when you cross this brilliant finish line! These special keepsakes are designed to celebrate your achievement and serve as lasting reminders of one of the world’s most extraordinary endurance adventures.

Event Medics

Medical Support

Our events are supported by Trail Med, who provide oversight, planning and participant screening across all of our international adventures, ensuring every expedition is backed by robust medical expertise. On the ground, you’ll be supported by a highly qualified UK medical team of paramedics and/or doctors, carefully selected for their experience in remote and challenging environments.

Rat Race also operates in line with the rigorous BS8848 standard for expedition management, independently audited to ensure the highest standards of safety, risk management and participant care. In short, every aspect of our medical and safety planning is designed with your wellbeing firmly at its heart.

Cyclist riding along road, towards mountainsChildren-with-Cancer-UK-logo-white

Raise £5000 and get up to £2500 refunded

Find out more

End of the World Adventure Gallery

Woman stood with bike, looking out to waterCyclist riding past barn and farmlandCyclist riding along road with water behindView through pipe of cyclist riding on roadMan stood infront of signs pointing to different placesCyclist riding along road, towards mountainsCyclists travelling along road surrounded by mountains and greeneryCyclist riding along track towards waterParticipant stood, looking out onto water and greeneryCyclists riding on a road past grass and treesCyclist riding past greenery and animalsSheep looking at cameraCyclists riding along rocky pathCyclist riding along rocky path next to water and mountainsTwo silhouettes of horses stood beneath colourful skyCyclist riding over narrow wooden pathTwo penguins stood on grassA waddle of penguins stood on grassCyclists riding on rocky pathCyclist stopping to look at shipwreckMan sat on fallen tree beneath colourful skyCyclists riding along rocky track with forest in the distanceWoman sat by a sign and having a drink

FAQs

Is the route likely to change?

The very nature of adventure means that the unexpected can sometimes become part of the journey and that is all part of the experience. While we will always strive to deliver “Plan A”, there may be occasions where operational, safety, weather or environmental factors require us to adapt plans and implement contingency routes or alternative arrangements.

As with all Rat Race adventures, participant safety and overall event delivery remain our highest priorities. We therefore reserve the right to amend routes, itineraries or logistics where necessary, using the experience and judgement of our expedition team to make the best decisions on your behalf in changing conditions. Wherever possible, we will communicate any changes in advance. More often than not, these unexpected moments become part of the adventure itself adding to the stories, memories and unique character of the experience.

How do I enter?

Click 'Enter' and sign into your Rat Race account and follow the sign up procedure. If you need any assistance please drop the customer service team an email on events@ratrace.com

How old do I need to be?

Rat Race require you to be over 18 on the day of Registration for this adventure.

Can I transfer my entry?

If you find yourself unable to join us on the start line of this event, you are able to transfer your entry into an event credit voucher once for use on a new entry into an event of your choice. Transfers must be requested within the qualifying transfer window to be accepted and processed. Credit vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Credit vouchers are exempt from the transfer process. To find out more information and how to submit a request, view of full transfer policy HERE 

Can I fundraise for charity?

You are very welcome to fundraise for any charity close to your heart while taking part in the event. Please note, however, that our Charity Refund Offer applies exclusively to participants fundraising for Children with Cancer UK.

Can I volunteer?

You can view our current volunteer positions here. 

Can I go at my own pace?

We have designed this challenge so that you may travel at your own pace and in general you will have daylight hours to complete each stage. There will also be some cut-offs within each day, but in the true Rat Race tradition these will be generous and we will always look to help you to achieve your goals in finishing this challenge, vs having to pull out.  

What is Refund Protect?

Add Refund Protect to your booking during purchase and receive a full refund of your entry fee if you are unable to attend the event due to a qualifying unforeseen circumstance. PLEASE NOTE this protection is with our 3rd party partner Refund Protect and NOT Rat Race. In the event you make a refund application this is administered by the Refund Protect customer service team, Rat Race are not privy to the application and cannot intervene on your behalf to influence the outcome determined by their team.

To add Refund Protect (administered by a 3rd party) to your Rat Race booking simply select this option when presented during the entry process. Refund Protect cannot be added retrospectively. Rat Race will then send you name and booking details to Refund Protect in order to protect your transaction with them. If you opt to pay in instalments and transfer your entry before the entry cost is full paid you will be liable to ensure the cost of Refund Protect has been fully covered. This total amount will be deducted from any Rat Race credit due through the transfer process or you will be invoiced by Rat Race for the outstanding amount as Rat Race have paid this on your behalf to Refund Protect at point of entry. 

Do I need insurance?

Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory for this event and must cover both general travel and participation in the outdoor endurance activities included within the itinerary. You will also require Evacuation Insurance, which covers emergency extraction and onward medical transport by helicopter or similar should urgent assistance be required in this remote environment.

We strongly recommend arranging your insurance as soon as you enter the event and booking flexible flight options where possible to allow for any unexpected changes. Please ensure your chosen policy specifically covers the activities you will be undertaking during the expedition. There are a number of specialist adventure travel insurers available, including Mann Broadbent.

What kit do I need?

Kit List 

This is our planned kit list for this adventure, additional items may be added but these will be communicated to you in our EEI document (3 months prior to the event). 

General 

  • Gaffa tape 

  • Ear plugs 

  • Watch 

  • Snacks/treats – enough to augment the pit stops  

  • Sunglasses – Cat 3 or better 

  • Power pack 

  • Water carrying capacity of 2 litres minimum 

  • Duffel for all luggage – no hard cases 

  • Sleeping bag liner 

  • Sleeping bag 

  • Personal First aid kit (See more details below) 

  • Sun cream 

  • Trainers or boots for the evenings 

  • Flipflops or sandals – to air your feet 

  • Sunhat 

Cycling phase 

  • Bike 

  • Bike box 

  • Cycling helmet 

  • GPS device with handle bar mount 

  • Cycling gloves x 2 (long and short) 

  • Cycling bibs/shorts   

  • Cycling jerseys 

  • Neck buff 

  • Spare batteries for lights 

  • High visibility vest or clothing item for tunnels etc 

  • Chamois cream 

  • Hydration bladder with backpack (optional) 

  • Bike shoes 

  • Socks  

  • Bar end Lights 

  • Head torch and spare batteries 

Bike spares - MANDATORY

(our minimum spec for mandatory spare bike kit ) 

  • 4 x inner tubes suitable for the size of your tyre  (carry 2 with you at all times when riding)  

  • Change of tyres – for the off-road section on day 2  

  • Tyre levers  

  • 1 x puncture repair kit  (if running a tubeless set up, have a slime spare and repair kit)  

  • Peddle spanner  

  • Bike multitool  

  • Chain link remover  

  • Chain links x 2 – ensure they are for your specific bike chain 

  • Small pump  

  • 1 x gear cable  

  • 1 x brake cable  

  • Cable ties  

  • Rear Hanger suitable for your own bike  

  • Small bottle of oil  

  • An old rag and toothbrush for bike cleaning  

  • Bike lock 

  • Spare torch 

  • Front light 

  • Rear light 

Personal Med kit - MANDATORY (Our minimum spec for mandatory medical kit (to be always carried)  

  • 1 x crepe roll bandage  

  • Gauze or similar absorbent dressing   

  • Small set of scissors  

  • Pain Killers (paracetamol)  

  • Steri-Strips   

  • Antiseptic (spray or cream)   

  • Assorted plasters   

  • Rubber gloves   

  • Prescribed medication   

  • Zinc oxide tape   

  • Compeed – various sizes   

  • Lube stick  (silicone-based) 

  • Sudacrem    

How do I navigate?

GPX routes will be provided one week ahead of the event, or you can hire one of our GPX watches/Garmin Edge bike devices with the routes pre-loaded for the duration of the challenge. Don’t worry – you won’t get lost. But if you do – support is never far away. 

What sort of bike and experience do I need?

A gravel bike is essential, you can hire one in country from us. We do suggest that you have experience riding on gravel and that you’re confident manoeuvring on this terrain. 

 

 

Pricing

PAY MONTHLY INTEREST FREE!
ENTER NOW AND SPREAD THE COST INTEREST FREE WITH OUR INSTALMENT PLAN

We’ve created a flexible, interest-free* instalment plan so you can choose how many months to spread the cost of your adventure. Choose to pay in full or in equal monthly instalments up to 3 months before your event date.

​* Once you sign up, Rat Race will set up a recurring monthly payment via Stripe. If a payment fails, you’ll receive reminders from Stripe and our team. After three failed contact attempts and no payment, your entry will be cancelled with no refund or transfer eligibility.

Protect your booking with Refund Protect

Pay in Instalments

Sign up today

£1,396.80

Interest Free!

/ Month

Pay in Full

2027

£5425

/ Total Payment

Cyclist stopping to look at shipwreck

Find your next adventure

View all events