How I unexpectedly rode 20,000 KM across South America without a plan

In 2023, I made a bold decision: to turn my life upside down.

For years, I lived what many would call a “normal” life — a 9-to-5 marketing job, a nice house, and a routine built around counting down the days to my next vacation. But my heart was always somewhere else. Ever since a backpacking trip to Colombia a few years earlier, I couldn’t shake the pull of South America — the people, the nature, the chaos, the warmth, the adventure.

So in 2023, I said goodbye to it all. I quit my job, sold everything I owned, and bought a one-way ticket to Guatemala with nothing but a backpack and a vague idea that I needed.... Adventure. 

The seed was planted on two wheels

I’ve always ridden enduro bikes, but it never crossed my mind to combine that passion with travel. As I backpacked through Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua, the idea slowly crept in: what if I explored this region on a motorcycle?

In Nicaragua, I rented a bike for the first time on the road. I remember the exact moment I realized — this is it. The freedom, the connection to the environment, the thrill. That experience planted a seed that would soon grow into something much bigger than I expected.

After a few more border crossings and a sailing trip from El Salvador to Colombia (yes, hitch hiking with sailboats is a thing!), I arrived once again in the country that had always tugged at my soul. I was searching for a place to rent a motorcycle when I stumbled upon Donkey Sunrise, a motorcycle travel hub that offers a guest house, bike rentals and tours for two-wheeled adventurers.

A home away from home

At that point, I had been backpacking for about five months and felt the need for a home base. I offered to volunteer at Donkey Sunrise, helping them out with marketing in exchange for a place to stay and access to a bike. What I didn’t know then was that this decision would completely change the course of my journey — and honestly, my life.

Through Donkey Sunrise, I met riders who were traveling from Alaska to Ushuaia — people who had made motorcycle travel their lifestyle. I had always loved riding offroad, but the idea of long-distance moto travel had never seriously occurred to me. Suddenly, a whole new world opened up.

Inspired by the people I met and supported by the Donkey Sunrise crew, I bought a motorcycle. No plan. No experience with this kind of travel. Just the gut feeling that this was exactly what I needed to do. And so I went.

20,000 KM of Pure Freedom

From Colombia, I rode south — mostly offroad, always curious, often muddy. Through jungles, deserts, mountains, and small towns. Through Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil. I sought out the paths less taken, drawn to the wild routes that tested both me and my bike.

My enduro background gave me the confidence to ride remote trails, and that’s exactly where I found the magic. The kind of places no bus or backpack can reach. The kind of silence you only find miles away from any road. The kind of people you meet when you’re completely off the tourist track.

Backpacking is great, but traveling by motorcycle? It’s a whole different universe. You carry your life with you. You feel the wind shift with every border crossing. You become part of the landscape instead of just observing it.

A new chapter

Now, after riding over 20,000 kilometers through this incredible continent, I can’t imagine going back to my old life. My love for moto travel was born at Donkey Sunrise, and I’ll be forever grateful to them for helping me take that first leap. It's a magical place in Colombia, and I can't recommend them enough!

This wasn’t planned. It wasn’t strategic. It was pure instinct — and it led me to the time of my life!

If you're even thinking about doing something similar — do it. Get the bike. Take the leap. There’s a whole world waiting, and it’s even better when experienced on two wheels.

"Isn't South America dangourous as a solo female?" - Absolutely not. I think I never felt more save that in those countries. ESPECIALLY because I was a solo female traveler, people offered help so many times. It was amazing!

Back in Europe, but still on the road

After thousands of unforgettable kilometers, I eventually made my way back to Europe — but the adventure didn’t stop there. I’ve now settled in Portugal, a place where the spirit of exploration is always just around the corner. With endless trails, breathtaking landscapes, and a growing moto community, it’s truly an off-road paradise.

Here, I have the chance to ride every day, and more importantly, I’ve found a new dream to chase: building something of my own. I’m currently laying the groundwork for a motorcycle traveler’s guesthouse — a place for riders to rest, connect, and explore, just like Donkey Sunrise did for me back in Colombia. It’s my way of giving back to the community that gave me so much.

In the meantime, I’m organizing offroad tours and events right here in Portugal’s rugged terrain. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a curious beginner, there’s something here for everyone — and I can’t wait to share it!
 

Let's connect!
Want to hear more about my journey or have questions about motorcycle travel in South America? Hit me up — always happy to share stories, tips, or just help someone get started on their own wild ride.

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