Hi, I am planning a trip from Phoenix to TDF starting this summer. I like to camp, and here in the states I often just find a place off the beaten path and "stealth camp" so to speak.

Can I expect to do this in Central and South America without a problem? Or should I expect to find a designated campground, or hostel?

Thanks

Bill

__________________
AtlasRider.com
Sport Touring Blog

Bill,

I did the same trip last year. I camped through the states and in Mexico without a problem. Once I crossed I always kept myself hidden very well, just in case anyone wanted to give me problems. I have heard of people getting messed with but as long as you pick your spots wisely you should be fine.

On the other hand I aslo realized once I started my trip, that hostels are dirt cheap, ranging from $2-$7 a night. Plus they are always good for meeting people and other bikers.

Good luck and let me know if you need anymore help.

Dave

One more thing, there are a lot of campgrounds in Mexico and they are very cheap as well, you can find books on where to find them, I have seen the books, just not sure where to find them (google?). I am not sure about the rest of Central America.

__________________
keep your front wheel ahead of your rear wheel
www.mototheworld.com

Thanks cruthas.

I will probably camp half and hostel the other half. I'll start googling around for those guides.

Thanks

Bill

__________________
AtlasRider.com
Sport Touring Blog

I came north from TDF and camped a lot in Arg and Chile, but once in Bolivia, didn't start camping again till Costa Rica. It might be worth thinking about sending your camping equipment on to some place further south where you think you'll be camping again.

__________________
Mike


www.singapore-scotland.blogspot.com
www.argentina-alaska.blogspot.com
My little Vid: India/Pakistan

BMW R1150GS
Suzuki DR650 SE: Ride it like ya stole it. Oh, somebody just did...

Im currently in mexico on the same trip, solo. I concluded the bike needs to go on a diet and shed some weight and am in a convenient place to do it.
Im planning on ditching the camping gear altogether. Other than saving a few bucks (not an issue) and in case of a remote break down, is there any reason I should keep it? I figure if i really get the urge to camp, I can pick up something resembling a tent (tarp and bug net) along the way. Input appreciated.

Greenthumb,

If I were to do the trip again, I would leave the tent, just bring the sleeping bag, something light. The bag can protect you from at least the bugs. I didnt run into to much rain in Central America, but if I did I wouldn't have used my tent, just find a cheap hostel. Answer to your question, I would dump the gear, keep the bag. Also some hostels get cold, have the bag adds extra warmth.

__________________
keep your front wheel ahead of your rear wheel
www.mototheworld.com

You say you are leaving this summer.Is that North American summer or South American summer?I plan to do the TDF starting November.
A friend of mine said it wasn't worth the added weight to camp.And he said CA was hard to find stealth camping.

I plan on starting around August, so the end of the North American summer.

__________________
AtlasRider.com
Sport Touring Blog

Lots of camping in the far south, i.e. Chile and Argentina. If you enjoy camping, you'll want camping gear. Besides, even hostels are expensive in most of the south, and camping can save some serious cash (in case that's a concern). Plus, there are trekking opportunities--you can usually rent gear, but it's easier (and better quality) if you bring your own.

This aside, there've been times from Mexico all the way south when I've rolled into a full hostel but, with camping gear could just pitch a tent.

This doesn't mean you should or shouldn't bring tent, sleeping bag, pad and/or stove, but I think it's worth considering rather than just dismissing the whole idea because "it's not safe" or "there's no place to camp."

Hope that helps.

Mark

(northward bound in Argentina)

August means rainy season for much of Mexico and Cent. America. Have you ever seen tropical rain?

marhharf's points are good. Sometimes hostels are full, too true. But if you've planned well, you'll arrive (somewhere) in DAYLIGHT, with enough time to sort out a place to stay. But of course sh@#t happens and we end up on the road in the dark, miles from our big town destination and end up in some whore house nightmare town. In this case camping may be preferable, so always keep an eye out and make note of possible spots before its dark.

Choices? Drive back out of town and find a suitable camping spot (if still daylight) Or wander aimlessly around town asking in unintelligible Spanish where another hotel/hostel, hospedaje', camping might be.

Or do what I like to do .... hire a Taxi driver to lead me to suitable lodging. Money well spent most times if you bargain well.
Picking random wild camping spots in the dark has its down sides.

If you end up in a really small Aldea or village, ask around to see if someone takes in boarders. Many do. Ask the mayor or priest, they know everything about everyone in a small village or town. Kids will stare, same questions will be asked, but generally these folks will give you the clothes off their back .... and many times they will feed you as well. Don't over pay them, but do offer something. Other times there is simply NO FOOD in the village. NONE. Been there, done that.

But this is why the HUBB is so great. Ask riders here for alternate overnight spots along your route, get Hostel recommendations, places to eat or get food. And don't forget they DO have something called a Telephone down there .... and internet! Make a reservation ahead for your room! What a concept! Call em' up!

Remember, even in medium sized towns they may have a central market (or market day) of some kind. Most markets have restaurants, sometimes many, all grouped together, or around the market area.

So no need to do like the inexperienced do and buy another can of Sardines, Salmon, Spam, Soup or packaged meat or cheese.
(unless you're northern European and this, to you, is gourmet faire!)

Eat real food where the people eat. I am not a fan of cooking or camping or eating out of cans. I do bring my own Tea (while it lasts) and nearly any Cafe/restaurant you find, you can ask for "Agua herviendo" (boiling water) They get this! dice: agua herviendo para Te' por favor. (con azucar y leche, gracias)

Riding through the rainy season is fantastic, I've done it a couple times. All the best fruit will be ripe and plentiful, fewer tourists everywhere, cheaper rates (if you bargain). Mornings are often sunny and nice. Do your riding in Early AM. By noon things can begin to change and rain can come any time in the PM or night, but not always. If a real Tormento tropical comes through, hunker down for a few days to avoid being drowned, as this will blast day and night for a day or three. Go with the flow.

Use your best judgment about camping spots, as noted, sometimes you can save big money camping depending on situation.