They say Buenos Aires is the Paris of South America, so maybe it's not that incongruous a starting point for the race formerly known as the Paris-Dakar Rally. Founded in 1978, the bone-shaking, engine-rattling ride attracts adventurers on cars, quad bikes and motorbikes, and is one of the most thrilling and dangerous event in sport.
It has been held in South America since security concerns forced it away from its traditional route, which ran from the foot of the Eiffel Tower to the capital of Senegal.
The route has been changed; the latest route is 9,000km loop that runs from the Argentine capital into the salt flats of Bolivia and up into the altiplano, and then back across the border through Andean Foothills to finish in Rosario - Lionel Messi's hometown.
Although it is possible to enter the Dakar rally as a competitor, you need some previous experience and a lot of money; some teams spends as much as $1 million, and the entrance fee alone will set you back more than $6,000. You can get a taste of the spectacle, though, by following the race on a bike.
That way, you can get the best of both worlds; the adventure and camaraderie of travelling across a beautiful part of the world, with the option of the safety offered by organised tours.
Horizonte Tours and Rally Tours offers a 16-day tour that allows you to be part of the adventure. Horizonte's tour includes motorbike rental, insurance, petrol and two meals per day. Rally Tours, is done in a 4x4 (Toyota Land Cruiser), air fare and insurance is not included. Prepare for the bumpy ride ;-).