La Paz Bolivia to Santiago Chile
 

I am planning a trip next autumn from La Paz Bolivia to Santiago Chile. Planned route is La Paz - Potosi - Uyuni - San Pedro de Atacama - Paso Juma - Salta - route 40 to San Juan - Mendoza - Santiago.
All looks good on the map but I don't know what the passes are like or even if they are open all the time. Anyone ridden this area? Any comments/suggestions would be gratefully received.

Mike

Did that Bolivian section 3 years ago, some photos here:
Bolivia pictures by ya-honza - Photobucket

The section from Uyuni to SPDA took 3 days and was pretty tough in places (unless you really like riding or rather paddling with both feet on the ground through loose, deep gravel ruts - take a light bike) and you'll need to carry extra fuel, the rest was pretty straightforward. We were there December/January time and the Salar was under a few cms of water. Just take a jeep tour to avoid your bike rusting to bits if its wet when you go.

It's also worth riding the old 'death' road down to Coroico ( Coroico - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia ) which is very different to the altiplano then taking the new road back to La Paz.

We did a different route from your planned one. The Atacama route south of Antofagasta has some great coastlines with remote, empty beaches and great for free camping. Mendoza is nice as is Valpariso where we stayed rather than Santiago (only about 1.5hr on bus away).

Good choice. We did that in Jan so not sure about your question on time of year but it's a great route. Take sufficient fuel for the Altiplano. My F650 ran on fumes getting out of the national park, but it got there. But friends on a 990 had to arrange a drop of at Lago Colorado which is achievable from Uyuni. You'll be crossing it in the same direction as a whole horde of 4WD's which gives a bit of security.

Out of 50 countries that I've visited over the years that crossing is up there in terms of memories. We were very lucky with the weather not seeing a cloud during the crossing. Experience with riding dirt is required though.

Thank you, Great Photos