Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > South America
alternate salar routes in bolivia alternate salar routes in bolivia
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
South America Topics specific to South America 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



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 13 Oct 2008
lorraine's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Definitely Nomadic
Posts: 523
alternate salar routes in bolivia
Here's an alternate route to the Salar's in Bolivia if you want to avoid corrogation, though admittedly, I only did part of it. You'd start in Chile, and after crossing the Colchane/Pisiga border you head east 10 k until reaching a tiny pueblo on the right hand side. There's a tiny dirt track that begins just beyond the pueblo, and quickly heads away from the main corrugated road (which if you follow goes to Oruru). After 1 1/2 hours of powder, no services and just a few houses here and there, you'll reach Villa Vitalina, a small pueblo. You can't get supplies here during the winter, as most people leave and head for better grazing for their animals.
You'll see Salar de Coipasa and there's a map of sorts at the main entrance which leads you first across the Salar, then across to Jirira, the entrance to Salar de Uyuni.

You can also get to Salar de Coipasa from Oruru, Bolivia by turning off at Sabaya, but the track is a few hours of corrugation. You can buy supplies in Sabaya and there's a hotel there too.

I did this route in my 1978 Chevy van during the dry season and had no problems. But again, services are scarce.

Lorraine
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 15 Oct 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Michiganland
Posts: 19
Lorrain,

Thanks. You answered a question that was knocking around on the AdvRider sight. I hope you didn't mind me referencing your suggestion over there.

A friend and I will be in that area in January or February on the way south. We will likely explore your suggested route if we forego a stop in La Paz after leaving Cusco.
__________________
H-Jay

2007 BMW R1200GSA
1968 Norton Fastback
1969 Triumph Bonnie

Latin American Blog - Currently Underway
www.patagonia-bound.blogspot.com

Latin American Ride report
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=420453

Alaska Ride Report http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=250239
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 15 Oct 2008
PocketHead's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Sucre, Bolivia
Posts: 535
Whats the best route to do this solo and/or in the wet season?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 15 Oct 2008
lorraine's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Definitely Nomadic
Posts: 523
Pockethead,
You can get to Salar de Coipasa from Oruru, Bolivia on a hard track but corrugated road in the wet season, and when you get to Sabaya, head over to Villa Vitalina. I have no idea of the crossover from Coipasa to Uyuni is like when wet, or if Salar de Coipasa is passable. Since there's villages on the other side of the Salar which need supplies, I would think so...

Lorraine
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 16 Oct 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 137
Lorraine,

I see you are still on your mission...cool.
We did not cross paths last year - maybe this year.
Glad to hear you are still keepin' on.

Jeff
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 16 Oct 2008
PocketHead's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Sucre, Bolivia
Posts: 535
Quote:
Originally Posted by lorraine View Post
Pockethead,
You can get to Salar de Coipasa from Oruru, Bolivia on a hard track but corrugated road in the wet season, and when you get to Sabaya, head over to Villa Vitalina. I have no idea of the crossover from Coipasa to Uyuni is like when wet, or if Salar de Coipasa is passable. Since there's villages on the other side of the Salar which need supplies, I would think so...

Lorraine
Thanks mate, I'll check that out
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
Roads and routes in Bolivia Sarae Route Planning 4 17 Feb 2008 17:35
Anyone going to Bolivia - Laguna Verde/Salar de Uyuni worldtraveler Travellers Seeking Travellers 0 28 Jun 2007 19:24
Salar De Uyuni - routes, hotels, gps, bike death.. davegonefishing South America 14 6 Jun 2006 12:31
Best post-Salar crossing from Bolivia to Chile? Ride Far South America 1 20 Jan 2005 01:24
Bolivia April 2002 Salar? Strikes,Danger? WILD THINGS Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 1 7 Feb 2002 02:49

 
 

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 06:27.

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