Colorado to Ushuaia
 

Hello! I’m new to the forum but have attended a couple of HU events. I’m sure this question has been asked a million times but I’m going to ask anyway because I’m struggling to find a solid answer. I’m planning a ride from Colorado to Ushuaia and back, over a total of 6 months, and am trying to figure out the best time to leave. Anyone have thoughts on this? I’m been thinking mid December but may be wrong about that. Thanks!

Think about what time of year you want to arrive in Ushuaia, and work backwards from there. Everything else can be managed with good route selection and a reasonable degree of flexibility.

Also think carefully about whether you really want to make the full trip down and back in 6 months. That's pretty speedy.

Mark

Well, I’m thinking we’d be there by the third week of March. From what I’m seeing this there fall down there. I’m concerned this may be pushing the envelope a little. Anyone been down there towards the end of March to relay some first hand knowledge of what to expect in regards to weather?

I've been in Ushuaia in the end of February, and my preference would definitely be to avoid the end of March. Mid-December's not a very friendly time to be motorcycling through Colorado or New Mexico, either, and it's kind've late for some of the Mexican mountains as well. Not to mention you'll have to ship by air across the gap, since sailboats won't be running. Etc. etc. etc.

There is no perfect time; all depends on which kind of less-than-ideal weather you'd prefer to encounter, and where you want to encounter it.

Mark

That’s some good info, thank you! I’ve been wondering if we should be leaving more more in the November range. Leaving Colorado that time of year certainly has the potential of being unpleasant but should be doable. As far as the 6 month time frame goes, it may end up being closer to 7, but it’s hard to say for sure.

That’s some good info, thank you! I’ve been wondering if we should be leaving more more in the November range. Leaving Colorado that time of year certainly has the potential of being unpleasant but should be doable. As far as the 6 month time frame goes, it may end up being closer to 7, but it’s hard to say for sure.

10 years ago I left Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada in September and arrived in Ushuaia in Mid January. Then I rode back. Here are my thoughts for you based on that trip.

6 months is not much time. You'll be doing little else than riding. I wanted to be in Buenos Aires for the start of the first Dakar in South America (January 2009) so I didn't spend nearly as much time enjoying and exploring as I normally would. The Dakar route went south that year and I followed along until they turned west. Then I continued to Ushuaia.

I have always regretted not having taken more time. South America is a big (huge!) diverse continent, lots of culture, lots to see and do. It's an epic trip, with epic sights. Wonderful local people. Wine. Food. If I was to do it again (and I hope to some day soon), I'd take a couple of years to explore more.

The only reason I can think someone would want to do such a trip so quickly would be to cross it off their bucket list.

YMMV, and that's okay.
Robert