Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Central America and Mexico
Mexico/Guatemala or Peru/Bolivia/Chile? Which do you suggest? Mexico/Guatemala or Peru/Bolivia/Chile? Which do you suggest?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Central America and Mexico Topics specific to Central America and Mexico only.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree3Likes
  • 1 Post By stbarnett
  • 1 Post By markharf
  • 1 Post By Flipflop

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 16 Feb 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 2
Mexico/Guatemala or Peru/Bolivia/Chile? Which do you suggest?
Hi All, Im hoping I can tap into the wealth of experience on here.

I planning on joining an organised tour in Nov/Dec 2016. I have spent a lot of time travelling the world, but never been to central and southern america - and this will be the first trip on a motorbike. (15 years riding - 44yo male)

There are basically three different options I have - so i am keen to hear from those who have spent some time in these areas as to which area would be best to see for a first timer to that part of the world.

Im planning on joining a 3 week approx tour, then spend a week or two afterwards somewhere in the Americas before joining the rest of the family for a holiday in Canada.

Option 1 - is starting in Mexico traveling down to Guatemala, up thru Belize and finishing in CanCun (World On Wheels - Tacos 'n' Tequila Tour)

Option 2 - Is Peru /Bolivia/Chile (World On Wheels - Awesome Andes Tour)

Option 3 - would be Chile and Argentina, but its probably a lot to fit into a shorter trip -

Any suggestion of which option would be the most interesting?

Any suggestions for tour companies??

Cheers

Zane
Queensland, Australia
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 17 Feb 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Panama
Posts: 187
Wow! Tough choices. I've done all of north, central, and south America and any of those trips would be fine for the kind of tour you are looking at.

I love traveling in Mexico, but would definitely spend more time in Chiapas and less in tourist resorts like Acapulco and Cancun. Belize is one I wouldn't repeat.

The Peru/Bolivia/Chile ride includes a lot of truly unique areas... things that you won't see anywhere in the world. Machu Pichu, Puno, and Nazca are all incredible, as is the Atacama desert (southern Peru/northern Chile). If I had to make a choice, I would go for this trip. Mexico and Guatemala are great, but the Andes trip is covers things that you just can't see anywhere else.

After you've done that, you might find you want to do Mexico and Guatemala on your own.

Have fun.
__________________
Steve Barnett
Panama City, Panama
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 17 Feb 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 2
Thankyou!
Hi Steve - I had come to the same conclusion. Really appreciate your input - helps make a tough choice easier. Cheers
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 20 Feb 2016
Peter Bodtke's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Maplewood NJ USA
Posts: 588
Consider a tour with Around the Block Moto Adventures in Peru.

adventure motorcycle tours in Peru and all South America - Home

I usually travel by myself, but friends were going on a short tour and I wanted to travel, so I signed up. Toby and Sara Shannon will take good care of you. And they offer a good service and well maintained bikes at a fair price.

Three weeks is not that much time. I recommend taking a tour within one country. With a multiple country tour you will chew up a fair amount of time getting to and clearing borders. Peru has a lot to offer. I'm going back there as time allows.
__________________
Peter B
2008/09 - NJ to Costa Rica and back to NJ
2012/13 - NJ to Northern Argentina, Jamaica, Cuba and back to NJ
2023 - Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia...back to Peru.

Blogs: Peter's Ride
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 20 Feb 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: NSW Australia - but never there
Posts: 1,235
Mexico you can do any time. Three months for Peru, Bolivia and Chile would still be about a year too little. The central spine of Peru has some fantastic roads and scenery and would be more than enough. Do you have an itinerary?
__________________
Tony
Click here for Travel Photos & Travel Map
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 22 Feb 2016
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,971
If you're bound and determined to take an organized tour, the Peru/Bolivia/Chile extravaganza is about as good as it'll get--far more fun in almost every way than anything you're likely to find in Central America.

But if you might swing a couple of months or a year down there any day soon, save South America for then. That three-week Andean tour will keep you hopping from place to place without much chance to absorb or explore.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark
Last edited by markharf; 22 Feb 2016 at 17:18.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 7 May 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
Posts: 38
I finished my trip in last December. I would suggest doing the Peru, Bolivia, Chile. Peru is nice for that country is one big desert. It is a lot bigger than it looks on the map.

Sent from my SM-G530BT using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 3 Weeks Ago
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2024
Posts: 1
Try this itinerary in Peru
9-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Cuzco
Activity 1: The historical center and Plaza de Armas
Activity 2: The Qoriqancha Temple


Day 2: Sacsayhuamán and Q’enqo
Activity 1: Sacsayhuamán
Activity 2: Q’enqo

Day 3: Pisac
Activity 1: Visit the Pisac ruins
Activity 2: Pisac craft market

Day 4: Ollantaytambo
Activity 1: The Ollantaytambo fortress
Activity 2: Stroll through the village

Day 5: Moray and Maras
Activity 1: Moray – The mysterious Inca circles
Activity 2: The Maras Salt Mines

Day 6: Machu Picchu
Activity 1: Exploration of Machu Picchu
Activity 2: Climb Huayna Picchu (optional)

Day 7: Return to Ollantaytambo
Activity 1: Hike to the Pumamarca ruins

Day 8: Chinchero
Activity 1: The archaeological center
Activity 2: Traditional weaving workshops

Day 9: Cuzco – Relaxation and museums day
Activity 1: Inca Museum
Activity 2: Temple of the Moon (optional)

What do you think? Any comments/Changes?
You can find more details about activities, accomodation, restaurants, ... on this blog:
https://my-little-trip.com/voyage-pe...rs-historiques

Enjoy
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 3 Weeks Ago
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: UK
Posts: 446
Another way of looking at it is:
Do you want a bike ride or a tourist trip on a bike?
Peru sounds like the latter so if that’s what you want then great. But, if you want a bike ride then I would choose Patagonia, Columbia or Ecuador.
Enjoy your trip
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 3 Weeks Ago
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Colombia,(when not travelling)
Posts: 384
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zebu View Post

Im planning on joining a 3 week approx tour, then spend a week or two afterwards somewhere in the Americas before joining the rest of the family for a holiday in Canada.

Option 1 - Mexico/Guatemala/Belize/Mexico(Cancun)

Option 2 - Peru/Bolivia/Chile

Option 3 - Chile/Argentina
Hmm - in three weeks you don't have nearly enough time to explore any of these fully except perhaps Guatemala or Belize. So, it'll be a very brief introduction to the places you go. Adding another 2 weeks does help.

The question is "what are your interests?". If you want to spend most of your time on back roads the answer will be different from the answer if you want to explore local history and archæological sites.

However, resisting the temptation to go into detail on the pros and cons of all of these, I'd go for the Perú/Bolivia/Chile option. The webpage wouldn't work for me, however I'd hope that this would include time in SW Bolivia, crossing the Salar to San Pedro de Atacama. If you end up in Chile then you could spend the extra 2 weeks criss-crossing Argentina and Chile - Ruta 40, the mountains and lakes.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 3 Weeks Ago
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: BKI, Sabah
Posts: 301
flipflop raises a very good question.

For me I would like a bike ride and mix with a bit of touristy stuff. I don't like big crowds.

Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Mexico/Guatemala January 2015 - Guate/Honduras June 2015 ThirtyOne Travellers Seeking Travellers 2 24 Feb 2015 05:25
Border crossing Mexico/Guatemala @El Ceibo Meike Huelsmann Central America and Mexico 1 21 Jan 2015 16:04
Suggest an itinerary for 10 days in Mongolia? Ben-SG Northern and Central Asia 6 27 Aug 2014 05:51
Mexico/Guatemala via Texas May-Jun 2013 Astockjoc Central America and Mexico 33 24 Jul 2013 05:53
Suggest me where to go after S.America! Africa? or Asia country? wkheathjr Route Planning 1 24 Feb 2013 23:18

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:27.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top