Motorcycle Diaries Road Trip

motorcycle diaries

"The Motorcycle Diaries" is a 2004 biographical film directed by Walter Salles, based on the memoirs of the same name by Ernesto "Che" Guevara. The film stars Gael García Bernal as Guevara and Rodrigo de la Serna as his friend Alberto Granado. The story is set in 1952 and recounts the journey of the two friends as they embark on a motorcycle road trip across South America.

The movie is a coming-of-age tale that explores the transformation of Guevara from a young medical student into a revolutionary figure. The journey takes them through Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Colombia, covering roughly 8,000 miles (13,000 kilometers). Throughout their travels, they encounter various landscapes, cultures, and socio-economic realities, which help shape their perspectives on social inequality and injustice.

Itinerary

The Motorcycle Diaries is a memoir written by Ernesto "Che" Guevara, which recounts his journey through South America from 1951 to 1952 with his friend Alberto Granado.

  1. Buenos Aires, Argentina (December 29, 1951) - Start of the journey.
  2. Miramar, Argentina - First stop on the coast.
  3. San Martín de los Andes, Argentina - A town in the Argentine Patagonia.
  4. Temuco, Chile - Crossing the border into Chile.
  5. Valdivia, Chile - A city in southern Chile.
  6. Concepción, Chile - Che and Alberto attended a New Year's Eve party here.
  7. Santiago, Chile - The capital of Chile.
  8. Valparaíso, Chile - A port city on the coast.
  9. La Serena, Chile - A city in northern Chile.
  10. Caldera, Chile - Che and Alberto worked at a leper colony here.
  11. Antofagasta, Chile - A port city in northern Chile.
  12. Atacama Desert, Chile - Crossing the desert.
  13. Chuquicamata, Chile - A large copper mine.
  14. Iquique, Chile - A coastal city in northern Chile.
  15. Arica, Chile - A city close to the border with Peru.
  16. Tacna, Peru - First stop in Peru.
  17. Arequipa, Peru - A city in southern Peru.
  18. Cuzco, Peru - The historic capital of the Inca Empire.
  19. Machu Picchu, Peru - The famous Inca ruins.
  20. Puno, Peru - A city on the shores of Lake Titicaca.
  21. La Paz, Bolivia - The capital of Bolivia.
  22. Leprosarium of San Pablo, Peru - Che and Alberto worked at this leper colony for a few weeks.
  23. Leprosarium of San Francisco, Peru - Another leper colony where they worked.
  24. Iquitos, Peru - A city in the Amazon rainforest.
  25. Leticia, Colombia - A small town in the Amazon region of Colombia.
  26. Manaus, Brazil - A city in the Brazilian Amazon.
  27. Caracas, Venezuela (July 26, 1952) - End of the journey.

Buenos Aires

Miramar

Santiago, Chile

Machu Picchu

Leticia, Colombia

Please note that this itinerary is a simplified version of their journey, as they took many detours and visited several smaller towns and villages along the way. Additionally, the dates of their visit to each location are not specified, as the memoir is not a day-by-day account.

Some route maps of their journey (excluding Atacama desert)

google directions from Buenos Aires to Valparaiso
google map from Antofogasta to Cusco

From Buenos Aires to Valpraiso

From Antofagasta to Cusco

Quotes

Name Quote Column 3: Context
1. Ernesto "Che" Guevara "I now know, by an almost fatalistic conformity with the facts, that my destiny is to travel." Ernesto reflects on his growing wanderlust and desire for adventure, which fuels his journey through Latin America.
2. Alberto Granado "All we could see was the dust on the paths of our footprints." Alberto describes the transient nature of their journey, emphasizing the ephemeral moments and experiences they encounter.
3. Ernesto "Che" Guevara "The true revolutionary is guided by great feelings of love." Ernesto reveals his belief that love and compassion are essential driving forces behind revolutionary change.
4. Ernesto "Che" Guevara "I knew that when the great guiding spirit cleaves humanity into two antagonistic halves, I would be with the people." Ernesto's growing awareness of social inequality and his commitment to stand with the oppressed in their struggle for justice.
5. Ernesto "Che" Guevara "The most important thing for us was to keep moving." Ernesto emphasizes the importance of continuous motion on their journey, both physically and in terms of personal growth.
6. Alberto Granado "I'm not a man of means, but I'm rich in spirit." Alberto expresses his contentment with his life and the experiences he has gained, despite a lack of material wealth.
7. Ernesto "Che" Guevara "Wandering around our America has changed me more than I thought." Ernesto acknowledges the profound impact their journey has had on his perspective and personal development.
8. Ernesto "Che" Guevara "One must harden without ever losing tenderness." Ernesto stresses the importance of maintaining compassion and empathy, even in the face of adversity and struggle.

Lima, Peru

Interesting places along the way

This table provides an overview of some of the key locations featured in "The Motorcycle Diaries," but it is not exhaustive. Additionally, the cultural aspects mentioned here are just a few highlights, and each location has a wealth of cultural experiences to offer.

Name Description Interesting Fact Culture
Buenos Aires, Argentina Capital of Argentina Birthplace of Ernesto "Che" Guevara Rich in history, tango, and Argentine cuisine
Miramar, Argentina Coastal city in Buenos Aires Province Starting point of the motorcycle journey Beach destination, relaxed atmosphere
Cordoba, Argentina City in central Argentina Home to the National University of Córdoba, one of the oldest in the Americas Colonial architecture, student life
San Martín de los Andes, Argentina Mountain village in Argentine Patagonia Scenic route through the Andes Mountains Outdoor activities, natural beauty
Santiago, Chile Capital of Chile Guevara and Granado crossed the Andes to reach Santiago History, art, and Chilean cuisine
Valparaiso, Chile Port city on the Chilean coast Historic port city with colorful houses and funiculars UNESCO World Heritage site, bohemian culture
Atacama Desert, Chile One of the driest deserts in the world Guevara and Granado crossed the desert on their journey Stark beauty, stargazing
Cuzco, Peru Historic city in the Peruvian Andes Former capital of the Inca Empire, close to Machu Picchu Inca history, rich Andean culture
Machu Picchu, Peru Ancient Inca citadel in the Andes One of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world Inca history, UNESCO World Heritage site
Lima, Peru Capital of Peru Guevara and Granado spent time volunteering at a leper colony Colonial architecture, Peruvian cuisine
Leticia, Colombia City located in the Amazon region of Colombia Guevara and Granado's trip ended here, at the San Pablo Leper Colony Gateway to the Amazon, indigenous cultures

Ethical travel

Ethical travel, also known as responsible or sustainable travel, is an approach to tourism that aims to minimize negative social, economic, and environmental impacts while providing meaningful experiences for travelers. The idea is to ensure that the local communities, environment, and cultural heritage benefit from tourism while promoting understanding and tolerance among people from different backgrounds.

Here are some key principles and practices associated with ethical travel:

  1. Respect local customs and traditions: Learn about and respect the customs, traditions, and religious practices of the places you visit. Dress modestly where appropriate, and ask for permission before taking photos of people or sacred sites.

  2. Support local economies: Choose locally-owned businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and tour operators to contribute to the local economy. Purchase souvenirs and crafts from local artisans to help support their livelihoods.

  3. Protect the environment: Travel in an environmentally responsible manner by minimizing your waste, conserving water, and reducing energy consumption. Avoid single-use plastics, recycle whenever possible, and consider using public transportation or eco-friendly alternatives.

  4. Minimize carbon footprint: Offset the carbon emissions generated by your travel, either by reducing your overall energy consumption or by supporting projects that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as reforestation or renewable energy initiatives.

  5. Choose responsible tour operators: Research and select tour operators that prioritize sustainable and ethical practices, such as employing local guides, supporting conservation efforts, and minimizing their impact on the environment.

  6. Respect wildlife and natural habitats: Avoid activities that harm animals or disrupt their habitats, such as feeding wildlife, purchasing products made from endangered species, or engaging in activities that cause stress or harm to animals.

  7. Engage in cultural exchange: Make an effort to learn the local language, engage with the local community, and participate in cultural activities to foster understanding and appreciation for the culture of the places you visit.

  8. Volunteer responsibly: If you choose to volunteer while traveling, research the organization thoroughly to ensure that your efforts will have a positive impact. Be cautious of "voluntourism" programs that may exploit communities or create dependency rather than empowering local people.

  9. Educate yourself: Research the history, culture, and politics of the places you visit to better understand the local context and engage in meaningful conversations with locals.

By following these principles and practices, travelers can minimize their negative impact on the places they visit and create a more positive and sustainable travel experience.