![Reply](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/buttons/reply.gif) |
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
29 Dec 2004
|
![Ride Far's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar13765_1.gif) |
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Central New York
Posts: 344
|
|
Best post-Salar crossing from Bolivia to Chile?
Hi,
In Cusco Peru with four others and heading to La Paz, Coroico, Potosi, and Salar de Uyuni (weather permitting but looks good).
Plan on heading west from Uyuni across Salar to Isla de Pescadores and south to San Juan ... from there, which is the best route to Chile?
It´s either due west to Ollague at the Bolivia-Chile border, about 70 kms, or south to Laguna Colorada and San Pedro Atacama, Chile, several hundred KMs.
Researching the site I see many more travelers choose the latter option ... but looks like Ollague would be faster and we´ll be in the mood for Chilean pavement by then. Both routes will be gnarly, I´m sure...
From Ollague, in Chile, the route would be southwesterly (route 21) to Calama Chile ... any info on conditions on that road?
Thanks for any insights on which route to choose!
[This message has been edited by Ride Far (edited 28 December 2004).]
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
20 Jan 2005
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Guildford, UK
Posts: 269
|
|
Hi Joseph. Not sure where you guys are at the moment but maybe this is of some help.
Following arecent visit I have some news on the condition of both routes from 12th January. I was told that the salt flats were wet and impassable and took a jeep tour. It soon became clear that it would have been possible to ride on the salt flats from Uyuni out to Fish Island and back. The southern part of the flats were under a few cms of water and I would not have wished to ride across. The jeep tour then continued south through San Juan and down to Laguna Colorada, Laguna verde and back to Uyuni. There was heavy rain after we left the salt flats and the roads became quagmires. I decided that I would not ride along route 5 to the border at Ollague. Simply too much mud. However, the alternatives (routes south to Laguna Verde and the border near San Pedro De Atacama) were looking very bad too.
Ultimately I chose a route from Uyuni to San Cristobal to Alota to Ollague. This route (from Alota to Ollague) was not marked on my map. The surface was generally hard (with very little sand) all the way to the border. It is gradually being improved though and shopyuld in future be a good road. However, just outside Uyuni you need to cross 2 rivers. They are currently building the bridges. The first one (Rio Colorado) had to be crossed by truck. The second was just over boot height. Lovely. If anyone is facing a choice between routes during the wet season I would recommend this one. But it is not nearly as scenic.
At Ollague (150 miles from Uyuni), I could not even find the place to exit Bolivia. Rolled into Chilean customs and they promptly confiscated my sheepskin seat cover. If you have one stash it in your bag!
The road to Calama was terrible. Corrugations and loose sand but probably still better than the route through southern Bolivia. The road was unpaved for the first 120kms then badly paved for the last 80 kms to Calama.
PS Last fuel is at Alota - available at the general store. Then it is 280kms to Calama. There is no fuel or money changing at the border.
Hope this gives you some clues.
Matt
|
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.](/stuff/ripcord/ripcord-logo-250.jpg)
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!](/stuff/grahamfield/graham-field-2021-280.jpg)
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.
|
|
|