 1Likes
-
1
Post By VicMitch
 |
2 Dec 2015
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 75
|
|
|
Route suggestions Salta to El Calafate (Argentina)
I apologize for the double post. I only realized there was a section for route planning after I posted in the South America Regional section.
I'm in the beginning stages of planning a fairly long ride beginning in Bolivia This will be the furthest south I have been in Argentina. I plan to do it in January.
I will be on a Harley Davidson softail (street bike).
I don't mind a little dirt and gravel here and there, but my machine, of course, won't do what a dirt bike will.
Can anyone recommend route(s) between the two points considering both road conditions, fuel availability, and scenery/interesting landmarks? Any "must see" places on the route to suggest?
Many thanks in advance for any help!
|
2 Dec 2015
|
|
Banned
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 65
|
|
|
the road is great, and fairly easy, google maps and thats it
I would suggest riding up to paso San Francisco and back, overnite in Cortaderas; most amazing views and perfect asphalt.
(any pass to Chile is amazing, just go up to the border and back and continue south)
For the rest, just press search ...
|
3 Dec 2015
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 75
|
|
Thanks for the info Churchill. Much appreciated.
My understanding is there are two routes to El Calafate from the North:
Ruta 40 ... following the foothills of the Andes ... which has spectacular views, but which becomes unpaved just south of Mendoza. Im OK with some gravel, but not to crazy about the idea of the 2400 km to El Calafate on gravel on a Harley Softail . . .  Still not completely discounting this possibility.
Ruta 3 ... following the east coast ... which is pretty desolate with not as much spectacular scenery ... but paved all the way (I think)
Is my information correct?
Thanks again.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Churchill
the road is great, and fairly easy, google maps and thats it
I would suggest riding up to paso San Francisco and back, overnite in Cortaderas; most amazing views and perfect asphalt.
(any pass to Chile is amazing, just go up to the border and back and continue south)
For the rest, just press search ...
|
|
3 Dec 2015
|
|
Banned
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 65
|
|
|
You really must study the maps , google, the earth view is good enough.
90 % of route 40 is paved on way to el Calafate, and the gravel (ripio ) around the Cachi area (nice) is not bad.
Don't go down route 3, you could return on route 3 but I would suggest going slowly down the 40 and only returning on route 3 is you are short of time..or if you like penguins, whales (only till november, they swim off in summer) sea elephants, guanacos, ostiches, vultures and such.
its just that the 40 and surrounding roads are much nicer than the 3, which is windswept and quite monotonous.
you are correct, 3 is all paved
|
3 Dec 2015
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 75
|
|
Thanks for that ... Ill try Google Earth. Maybe its better quality images for Argentina ... but I haven't had good luck being able to identify paved roads in Bolivia with it.
Thanks again.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Churchill
You really must study the maps , google, the earth view is good enough.
90 % of route 40 is paved on way to el Calafate, and the gravel (ripio ) around the Cachi area (nice) is not bad.
Don't go down route 3, you could return on route 3 but I would suggest going slowly down the 40 and only returning on route 3 is you are short of time..or if you like penguins, whales (only till november, they swim off in summer) sea elephants, guanacos, ostiches, vultures and such.
its just that the 40 and surrounding roads are much nicer than the 3, which is windswept and quite monotonous.
you are correct, 3 is all paved
|
|
3 Dec 2015
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 75
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Churchill
You really must study the maps , google, the earth view is good enough.
90 % of route 40 is paved on way to el Calafate, and the gravel (ripio ) around the Cachi area (nice) is not bad.
Don't go down route 3, you could return on route 3 but I would suggest going slowly down the 40 and only returning on route 3 is you are short of time..or if you like penguins, whales (only till november, they swim off in summer) sea elephants, guanacos, ostiches, vultures and such.
its just that the 40 and surrounding roads are much nicer than the 3, which is windswept and quite monotonous.
you are correct, 3 is all paved
|
From what Im seeing on Google Earth (the pictures people post along the way) it looks more like Ruta 40 is about 50% paved between Salta and El Calafate. The whole stretch from Jose de San Martin to Tres Lagos (about 900 km) appears to be all ripio, for example. Maybe the pictures Im seeing are old? Have the southern parts of Ruta 40 been paved recently?
|
3 Dec 2015
|
|
Banned
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 65
|
|
|
yes, most of south is paved OR there is a paved alternative. route 25 is a nice alternative to change sides...
|
3 Dec 2015
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 75
|
|
I think I see what youre suggesting now. Jump over to ruta 3 (via 25) to avoid the ripio after Jose de San Martin. That puts me on pavement nearly all the way
The jump over to ruta 3 via 26 seems a lot shorter, but looks like about 500 km of ripio ... that wouldn't be bad.
one reason I want pavement is that Im going in the rainy season. Do the ripio roads hold up well in the rain?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Churchill
yes, most of south is paved OR there is a paved alternative. route 25 is a nice alternative to change sides...
|
|
3 Dec 2015
|
|
Banned
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 65
|
|
|
GR, there is NO ripio down to el calafate that you can't avoid. BUT the little there is ( eg close to LONDRES about 50kms) is easy; and the road is worth it.
At San Blas go to Tinogasta and on to paso San Francisco....and back, sleep at Cortaderas. (you'll thank me for that one)
Forget the ripio..and buy a map at the first news agent in argentina, eg Firestone; because the maps you are using must be really old or lacking detail
route 25 and 26 are across country roads to use if you happen to want to accros country. 25 is nice, 26 uglyish
best
|
3 Dec 2015
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 75
|
|
gotcha. your advice and patience much appreciated!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Churchill
GR, there is NO ripio down to el calafate that you can't avoid. BUT the little there is ( eg close to LONDRES about 50kms) is easy; and the road is worth it.
At San Blas go to Tinogasta and on to paso San Francisco....and back, sleep at Cortaderas. (you'll thank me for that one)
Forget the ripio..and buy a map at the first news agent in argentina, eg Firestone; because the maps you are using must be really old or lacking detail
route 25 and 26 are across country roads to use if you happen to want to accros country. 25 is nice, 26 uglyish
best
|
|
9 Dec 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA
Posts: 238
|
|
|
Thanks for the info as I am doing the route on an even bigger bike, 2003 Victory TC. I can do dirt, but would rather not. It's getting hard to pick this thing up/
|
9 Dec 2015
|
|
Banned
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 65
|
|
|
Don't pick it up....alone
wait for help, there will always be someone...
Take a six pack for while you are waiting
|
12 Dec 2015
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 75
|
|
Here's what I gleaned from here: Tramos de la Ruta 40
ARGENTINA RUTA 40
•Tramo 1. Cabo Vírgenes a Río Gallegos PRINCIPALMENTE RIPIO
•Tramo 2. Río Gallegos a Río Turbio LARGOS SECTORES DE RIPIO
•Tramo 3. Río Turbio a Tres Lagos TOTALMENTE ASFALTADO
•Tramo 4. Tres Lagos a Perito Moreno LARGOS TRAMOS DE RIPIO Y TAMBIEN DE ASFALTO
•Tramo 5. Perito Moreno a Esquel 39 KM DE RIPIO AL SUR DE RIO MAYO LUEGO ASFALTADO HASTA ESQUEL
•Tramo 6. Esquel a Bariloche TOTALMENTE PAVIMENTADO
•Tramo 7. Bariloche a Zapala CASI TOTALMENTE ASFALTADO
•Nueva Traza Ruta de los Siete Lagos TOTALMENTE ASFALTADO
•Tramo 8. Zapala a Barrancas TOTALMENTE ASFALTADO
•Tramo 9. Barrancas hasta San Rafael CASI TOTALMENTE ASFALTADO
•Nueva Traza El Sosneado a Pareditas ??
•Tramo 10. Rafael a Mendoza TOTALMENTE ASFALTADO
•Tramo 11. Mendoza a Guandacol TOTALMENTE ASFALTADO
•Tramo 12. Guandacol a Alpasinche. TOTALMENTE PAVIMENTADO
•Tramo 13. Alpasinche a Santa María CASI TOTALMENTE PAVIMENTADO
•Tramo 14. Santa María a Cachi CASI TOTALMENTE DE RIPIO
•Tramo 15. Cachi a San Antonio de los Cobres CASI TOTALMENTE DE RIPIO
•Tramo 16. San Antonio de los Cobres a La Quiaca RIPIO MEJORADO
Quote:
Originally Posted by VicMitch
Thanks for the info as I am doing the route on an even bigger bike, 2003 Victory TC. I can do dirt, but would rather not. It's getting hard to pick this thing up/
|
|
13 Dec 2015
|
|
Banned
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 65
|
|
|
•Tramo 1. Cabo Vírgenes a Río Gallegos PRINCIPALMENTE RIPIO
•Tramo 2. Río Gallegos a Río Turbio LARGOS SECTORES DE RIPIO
Tramo 1 doesnt really go anywhere and is only for weirdos that must do the whole ruta 40 (me)
.Tramo 2 has an easy paved option
BOTH are beyond calafate, further south.
when you have to ride on ripio calculate that your speed will be less than half your normal (it takes a few Kms to get the hang of it)
|
21 Dec 2015
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA
Posts: 238
|
|
Still in Costa Rica. Hoping to be in Colombia soon.
|
|
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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
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...
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™ 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!
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!
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.
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.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
