The film takes place in 1952, when Che Guevara, a young medical student, and his friend Alberto Granado, a chemist, set out on a journey from Argentina to Peru on a motorcycle called "La Poderosa". The two friends aim to travel through South America, explore new lands, and experience different cultures. Along the way, they face numerous challenges, including mechanical issues with their motorcycle, harsh weather conditions, and encounters with various people who shape their perspectives on life.