Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > South America
Best place to cross the Andes? Best place to cross the Andes?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
South America Topics specific to South America only.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 1 Feb 2008
Hindu1936's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Yongin, South Korea
Posts: 327
Question Best place to cross the Andes?
By now most of the regulars know that we are on a maxi-scooter and don't do well with mud. There are several places to cross the Andes in Chile, but which one has the best surface? We intend to be in Ushuia for the Christmas meeting and would like to stay on tarmac all the way down if we can. So far, most of what I have read indicates riders on bikes that can handle dirt, mud, sand, or gravel. We are okay with dusty roads and gravel, just have to slow down a lot, but mud--we just sink. Which road offers the best chance for us, Valpariso.Vina Del Mar, then south at Mendoza, or go on down to Temuco and cross or ??????

Thanks for suggestions

Joe
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 1 Feb 2008
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Home in Tasmania for the summer
Posts: 53
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hindu1936 View Post
By now most of the regulars know that we are on a maxi-scooter and don't do well with mud. There are several places to cross the Andes in Chile, but which one has the best surface? We intend to be in Ushuia for the Christmas meeting and would like to stay on tarmac all the way down if we can. So far, most of what I have read indicates riders on bikes that can handle dirt, mud, sand, or gravel. We are okay with dusty roads and gravel, just have to slow down a lot, but mud--we just sink. Which road offers the best chance for us, Valpariso.Vina Del Mar, then south at Mendoza, or go on down to Temuco and cross or ??????

Thanks for suggestions

Joe
I crossed a few weeks ago at Paso de Pino Hachado, after turning east off the PanAm at Victoria, Chile. Good pavement all the way, until the top of the pass at the actual border. About 4km of GOOD hardbased gravel down to the control point, then pavement again. I'm not a lover of gravel, but it was easy. Just take it carefully.

This crossing brings you out into Argentina near Zapala, from where you can go north, east or south as you wish.
__________________
Margaret
"twenty grand and twenty miles don't make you a biker"
www.ridingtoextremes.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 1 Feb 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: vallejo, ca
Posts: 42
..The best pass is Puente del Inca.. all pavement.. only problem is the favorite for every single truck.. too much traffic! But view is heartbreaking whit aconcagua mount in sign...
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 1 Feb 2008
quastdog's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Chiangmai, Thailand
Posts: 509
The pass between Osorno, Chile and Bariloche is paved the whole way. Only problem there is that you have to do a lot of Hwy 5 (PanAm Hwy) down through Chile. But on the plus side, you pass through much of the Lake District in Chile, and come out in a truly great area of Argentina. If you do Mendoza (Puente del Inca) you still have a lot of desert like country to pass through to get to Bariloche - and there's a stretch of Ruta 40 that isn't really paved. (it was paved, but that was long ago).
__________________
quastdog
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 2 Feb 2008
Hindu1936's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Yongin, South Korea
Posts: 327
Talking
Thanks all. I am working 30 hours a week teaching privates (forced into retirement because of madatory retirement age) to put together the last few shekels needed for the long awaited RTW. Moved to a cheap apartment close to town into a very small complex of only 5 buildings. Still, there are 800 families so it wasn't hard to find 30 students. Nice is that I don't have to drive or ride anywhere to teach. The day is coming! More than 40 years of working, putting kids through college, etc., and now if I only don't get another goround with "C" or have a heart attack, we are on our way the end of this year. I hope to meet some of you who have so generously answered some of my idiot questions, and given me such good tips and advice. Oh, it's not over by any means. As time approaches I will likely be asking many more.

Thanks again.

Joe
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
Salkar Motos Nicaragua - A place to stop by! SalCar Central America and Mexico 81 22 Oct 2015 01:55
great place in Mashhad, Iran sanddune Sleep and Eat, Middle East 2 23 Oct 2010 03:45
patagonia chili perou andes mountains - end of 2005 : need i vincent danna Route Planning 1 15 Aug 2005 16:38
Crossing the Andes - Chile & Argentina - June/July colesyboy South America 3 17 Mar 2004 07:23
Best place to cross into Peru che South America 1 24 May 2002 02:45

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

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 10:21.

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