Where to Start in S America?
 

I am planning a 6-12 month trip to S America starting Feb 05. Any advice on where to start?

I had thought Argintina as it will be summer plus it might be a bit easier to start in a relitively modern country to get my 'eye' in.

Hi nickc,

probably everybody will have a different idea... How do you intend to get your bike there, by ship or by plane? From travelogues I have read and own experience it seems to be less of a hassle with Chilean customs than Argentine beaurocrats.

In any case it would make sense to head south first, because the weather in southern Patagonia tends to be extreme. The argentinian coast offers less to the eye, has tarmac and is thus useful for quick travelling. The west (Paine and Los Glaciares national parks, ruta cuarenta and carretera austral) is absolutely beautiful. No hurry here.

Hans