Emilio Scotto Argentine traveler Country: Argentina

Biography of Emilio Scotto

Emilio Scotto is an Argentine traveler, writer, and photojournalist. Born in Buenos Aires, he led a simple and ordinary life as a sales representative for the pharmaceutical company Pfizer until 1985. In that year, Scotto left his job and embarked on a 10-year journey on his 5-year-old Honda Goldwing Interstate.

At the beginning of his journey, Scotto had only $300 in cash and very little travel experience, having never ventured outside of Argentina. However, his travels far exceeded his expectations. Over the course of 10 years, Scotto visited 279 countries, covering a total distance of 457,000 miles (735,000 kilometers). He went through 13 passports, consumed 47,000 liters of gasoline and 1,300 liters of oil, and replaced 86 tires, 12 batteries, 9 seats, and 1 engine.

Throughout his travels, Scotto encountered numerous difficulties. He found himself in Nicaragua during a civil war, in Kuwait just before the Iraqi invasion in 1991, and faced arrests in Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, and Zimbabwe. He sought refuge in the embassy in Monrovia, Liberia, during a military conflict. He was denied entry into North Korea, but managed to pass through the demilitarized zone between the two Koreas. Chinese border authorities demanded $70,000 for his entry, but the Motorcycle Club of Beijing intervened on his behalf.

Initially, Scotto did not seek attention for his adventures. However, news of his travels spread worldwide. In late 1986, he became stranded in New York City, but thanks to the support of his many fans, he was able to continue his journey. Along the way, Scotto personally delivered a message to Pope John Paul II and had a personal meeting with the Libyan leader Muammar al-Gaddafi, who provided him with $300 for his trip across Africa.

By the end of his journey, Scotto had secured sponsorship from companies such as Pepsi, Agip, and Metzeler. His travels not only provided him with invaluable experience and countless memories, but also led him to meet his future wife. In 1991, Scotto married Monica Pino in New Delhi, India, and they continued their journey together.

In 2007, Scotto published the book "The Longest Ride: My Ten-Year 500,000 Mile Motorcycle Journey," which detailed his travel experiences. The book included photographs taken by Scotto himself. He proudly considers his achievement as the "greatest journey in the history of mankind."

Emilio Scotto's extraordinary accomplishment and his passion for travel continue to inspire adventurers around the world.