Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > SOUTH AMERICA
SOUTH AMERICA Topics specific to South America only.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

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


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Like Tree7Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #91  
Old 26 Mar 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Australia
Posts: 166
Tailgate a truck!

So I'd just done this checkpoint on 24th march 2011 at about 1500h. My original plan was to camp before it and do it at 6 am or so. As I'd just left BA I was bound to hit the checkpoint with many hours of riding left. I picked up a big truck a few k before it and stuck right behind it all the way there. The lads stand in the middle of the road and didn't see me until I was past them! No time or money wasted. All I heard when i passed was Aaaaaaaaa.

Down further I was stopped n told I had to have a reflective x thing and that I had to pay 20 pesos while it isn't much it's still 100km of fuel. I was let on my way after a bit if polite arguing. I do feel sorry for the lad tho as he was only askin 20pesos and prob gets paid in peanuts!

Listen to easyg. Thatwas my backup plan. Enjoy! In p Iguazu now!!!
__________________
'10 Suzuki DR650. 2011-12 Sth-Nth Chile-Alaska. Currently in Cairns, Australia. www.followtheakubra.com.au
Reply With Quote
  #92  
Old 7 Apr 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Australia
Posts: 46
Quote:
Originally Posted by easyg View Post

My advice: carry some kind of fake international insurance card/papers. I have carried mine for 48,000 miles and this is the first time I've had to use them.


Overshoot the police checkpoint. This isolates the policeman from his colleagues and helps any negociation to remain private and allows the policeman the opportunity to wave you on your way without losing face

2nd these....
Worked perfectly in many occasions..
__________________
brigginggaps.com.au
Reply With Quote
  #93  
Old 18 May 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Calgary
Posts: 13
I do not worry about corrupt cops anymore, never paid them anything.

A few days ago I've been asked to stop about 3 or 4 times going down that road, the cop just put 2 fingers on the side like a "please pull over", I just don't stop, I respond by a similar 2 fingers sign that say "hey hello dude" and keep going slowly without stopping, I look back in the mirror see what they do. They've never chased me!!

It's very funny to watch, the cop look at me then do the same sign to the car behind, the car pulls over...
__________________
Current trip: Canada to Ushuaia
http://aventuresdesimon.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #94  
Old 18 May 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 135
I usually wave and honk, unless I'm bored, then I stop and have a few laughs with the guys while they try to get money from me. Dot worry about this kind of stuff, it not a big deal.
Reply With Quote
  #95  
Old 22 May 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Greece, Athens
Posts: 5
I can't believe after all these stories and reports that they're still there doing their thing... Surely someone local in the right position must hear of all this and put an end to it.. It's one thing hearing about a vague checkpoint that something happened, and a whole different story hearing about the same exact km and the same 3 guys ripping tourists off...

I hope they get what's coming to them soon...
Reply With Quote
  #96  
Old 23 May 2011
javkap's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Buenos Aires - Argentina
Posts: 519
Then where will be the adventure on this flat and boring road???
Well those things don’t work in that way down here…
“Someone local in the right position” are doing the same in a big scale. Or if are good people are worry about important stuffs.
Now at least you are warned, if you don’t get angry or impolite your experience will be just anecdotic.
If tourist are not silly and don't pay they will get tired and quit to stop them…
Just my 2 argie cents.
Saludos
__________________
Javier...
Dakar Motos “ ”

Last edited by javkap; 19 Sep 2011 at 15:24.
Reply With Quote
  #97  
Old 9 Jun 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Brisbane Australia
Posts: 76
La ruta

I was stopped in Entre Rios region earlier this year after crossing into argentina at frey bentos. When i say stopped.. my bike had a blocked vacume line from the tank. The police actually stopped organised me a utility vheicle to the nearest town, asked for my facebook and had a in town with me... all for nothing..

check out some of the images from iran motorcycle journey
__________________
http://www.andrewmclagan.com
Reply With Quote
  #98  
Old 18 Sep 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Des Moines
Posts: 433
Quote:
Originally Posted by javkap View Post
Now at least you are warned, if you don’t get angry or impolite your experience will be just anecdotic.
Yeah right, that is horrible advice for this check point. This checkpoint is definitely different then all the other ones.

It is better to have a few lines of Spanish memorized where you can tell the corrupt cop that you have heard stories about the corruption at this checkpoint.

Another good idea, if you have a fancy camera, is to have it out and ready when you get to this checkpoint and start taking pictures of them when they stop you. Tell them that you are a journalist and are writing an article about the police in Argentina.
__________________
http://www.journeyrider.net Latin America blog (07-8)
Reply With Quote
  #99  
Old 19 Sep 2011
javkap's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Buenos Aires - Argentina
Posts: 519
Quote:
Originally Posted by gatogato View Post
Yeah right, that is horrible advice for this check point. This checkpoint is definitely different then all the other ones.

It is better to have a few lines of Spanish memorized where you can tell the corrupt cop that you have heard stories about the corruption at this checkpoint.

Another good idea, if you have a fancy camera, is to have it out and ready when you get to this checkpoint and start taking pictures of them when they stop you. Tell them that you are a journalist and are writing an article about the police in Argentina.


Will you, who can’t not distinguee a clutch cable from a throttle one, come to tell me in my own country that my advices are “horrible”?
Why you don’t remember all of us all the misadventures you had with the police just for been stupidity impolite and arrogant?
Nice advice yours recommending everybody to confront police saying they are corrupt and trying to take pictures showing fancy cameras.
I have living here all my life passing through all that check points one or two times every year and many others more, I never had to pay a coin always being nice, correct, having my papers in order and discussing with respect if they want to fine me....

Very funny now that after your big misjourney ride come here as the master of the ultimate motorbike overlander to teach all of us... why you don’t already wrote a book to illuminate the world???

Your Top 3 Chapters could be:
-How to get lost and get the CIA & FBI searching for you in the Darien Gap.
-How to be ripped off by a cute Gringo Hunter in Buenos Aires.
-How to be bad treated by a corrupt police in some shithole in South America.


Please Gatogato, come back to the real world and try to learn something!!!!
__________________
Javier...
Dakar Motos “ ”
Reply With Quote
  #100  
Old 20 Sep 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Des Moines
Posts: 433
Quote:
Originally Posted by javkap View Post
Will you, who can’t not distinguee a clutch cable from a throttle one, come to tell me in my own country that my advices are “horrible”?
Why you don’t remember all of us all the misadventures you had with the police just for been stupidity impolite and arrogant?
Nice advice yours recommending everybody to confront police saying they are corrupt and trying to take pictures showing fancy cameras.
I have living here all my life passing through all that check points one or two times every year and many others more, I never had to pay a coin always being nice, correct, having my papers in order and discussing with respect if they want to fine me....

Very funny now that after your big misjourney ride come here as the master of the ultimate motorbike overlander to teach all of us... why you don’t already wrote a book to illuminate the world???

Your Top 3 Chapters could be:
-How to get lost and get the CIA & FBI searching for you in the Darien Gap.
-How to be ripped off by a cute Gringo Hunter in Buenos Aires.
-How to be bad treated by a corrupt police in some shithole in South America.


Please Gatogato, come back to the real world and try to learn something!!!!

Javier, it is clear to me that you can not take a little bit of criticism without becoming a fanatic.

This checkpoint is a serious problem and you are doing the international motorcycle community a disservice by pretending otherwise and giving bad advice so you can protect Argentina's pride.

The police at this checkpoint are trying to take advantage of foreign motorcyclists who are not familiar with Argentinian law. When you passed through with your Argentinian plates that is probably why they did not try to extort you. It is a lot more intimidating to have a police officer take your passport away from you in a foreign country and be told that you will be going to jail if you do not pay $400 US. I promise you that I have never been rude to a police officer in my life, but with these crooks on km 341 you need to be witty and make sure you know exactly how to call them out right in Spanish.

You are right about how I will never know as much as you about motorcycles Javier. When I did my trip I was young and naive. The difference between me and you is that I have humility.

If the same thing had happened to you in a foreign country, none of us would ever receive a warning because you would be too Proud to post about it.
__________________
http://www.journeyrider.net Latin America blog (07-8)
Reply With Quote
  #101  
Old 3 Oct 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 135
I'm not sure why some long distance moto travelers get so wrapped up about the police fishing for a little money? It happens, its part of the deal, relax, get over it.

I always had some interesting and even comical experiences with the cops that wanted money from me. Never paid them though. Getting stopped by cops trying to get a few bucks from me is just a nice break that punctuates the monotony of the day IMO.

I'll give the Mexican cops first place prize for creativity. Several years ago, one guy went as far as to handcuff me and put in in the back of his cruiser for an almost an hour with the windows rolled up in 90 degree heat, while he was supposedly trying to find a truck to come pick up my bike. I called his bluff, and I won. But, mentally I was fully prepared to go to jail. That was the only time I ever thought that I may have got myself into a little more than I expected. I was surprised he wasted so much time on me. I thought that I might have met my match with that guy.

In second place, not far behind, the Honduran cops were pretty slick. The cop gambit of CA1 through Honduras was quite entertaining. By the 6th time I was stopped on that 100 mile stretch of road, the cops laughed at me, and said, "oh, youre the guy with no passport, and no money. Move along gringo, cuidate"

I wouldnt dare put the Argentinian cops at this Ruta 14 checkpoint in the same league with the Mexican and Honduran cops. In my travels, only twice in all of Argentina did a cop even hint that he wanted a mordida. My other experiences with cops in Argentina was positive. One guy even helped me change a front flat on the side of the road. Never heard of a cop in the US doing that.

The Peruvian cops whom people seem to have lots of issues with, only hit me up for cash 3 times in about 3000 miles of riding. Only took about 5 minutes of my time for them to eventually tell me to move along.

If youre strategy is to get aggressive by taking out a camera and start snapping pictures of the cops, telling them you are writing for a magazine, one day youre going to piss off the wrong cop and get yourself into much more than you bargained for IMO. You have to remember that you are still dealing with the cops and cops have the power to make your life very miserable. I will not pay them, but I also prefer not to piss them off. Once you do that, you just dug yourself a much deeper hole to get out of. But, do whatever you like.

gatogato, dealing with the cops is all part of the reality that you signed up for when you pointed that bike south, so I dont understand all the heartburn with this.

Javier is correct. Be polite, use your head, stand your ground. Everyone has a different capacity to deal with situations like this, and there is always a learning curve. Hopefully the $400 you paid in tuition did not go to waste.

Saludos.

Last edited by crashmaster; 3 Oct 2011 at 17:33.
Reply With Quote
  #102  
Old 3 Oct 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Des Moines
Posts: 433
Quote:
Originally Posted by crashmaster View Post
I'm not sure why some long distance moto travelers get so wrapped up about the police fishing for a little money? It happens, its part of the deal, relax, get over it.

I always had some interesting and even comical experiences with the cops that wanted money from me. Never paid them though. Getting stopped by cops trying to get a few bucks from me is just a nice break that punctuates the monotony of the day IMO.

I'll give the Mexican cops first place prize for creativity. Several years ago, one guy went as far as to handcuff me and put in in the back of his cruiser for an almost an hour with the windows rolled up in 90 degree heat, while he was supposedly trying to find a truck to come pick up my bike. I called his bluff, and I won. But, mentally I was fully prepared to go to jail. That was the only time I ever thought that I may have got myself into a little more than I expected. I was surprised he wasted so much time on me. I thought that I might have met my match with that guy.

In second place, not far behind, the Honduran cops were pretty slick. The cop gambit of CA1 through Honduras was quite entertaining. By the 6th time I was stopped on that 100 mile stretch of road, the cops laughed at me, and said, "oh, youre the guy with no passport, and no money. Move along gringo, cuidate"

I wouldnt dare put the Argentinian cops at this Ruta 14 checkpoint in the same league with the Mexican and Honduran cops. In my travels, only twice in all of Argentina did a cop even hint that he wanted a mordida. My other experiences with cops in Argentina was positive. One guy even helped me change a front flat on the side of the road. Never heard of a cop in the US doing that.

The Peruvian cops whom people seem to have lots of issues with, only hit me up for cash 3 times in about 3000 miles of riding. Only took about 5 minutes of my time for them to eventually tell me to move along.

If youre strategy is to get aggressive by taking out a camera and start snapping pictures of the cops, telling them you are writing for a magazine, one day youre going to piss off the wrong cop and get yourself into much more than you bargained for IMO. You have to remember that you are still dealing with the cops and cops have the power to make your life very miserable. I will not pay them, but I also prefer not to piss them off. Once you do that, you just dug yourself a much deeper hole to get out of. But, do whatever you like.

gatogato, dealing with the cops is all part of the reality that you signed up for when you pointed that bike south, so I dont understand all the heartburn with this.

Javier is correct. Be polite, use your head, stand your ground. Everyone has a different capacity to deal with situations like this, and there is always a learning curve. Hopefully the $400 you paid in tuition did not go to waste.

Saludos.
Oh, another "know it all."

It is so fun to read the posts of the people who do not make any mistakes on this site!

I am sure there is a reason why this thread was stickied as opposed to one about a police checkpoint in another country. Please notice that I was not the thread starter.

Quote:
Originally Posted by crashmaster View Post
I wouldnt dare put the Argentinian cops at this Ruta 14 checkpoint in the same league with the Mexican and Honduran cops.
If you did not travel through this checkpoint then why are you giving other rider's advice on it? How would you have any idea how the police at this checkpoint compare to anyone else?

Quote:
Originally Posted by crashmaster View Post
Javier is correct. Be polite, use your head, stand your ground. Everyone has a different capacity to deal with situations like this, and there is always a learning curve. Hopefully the $400 you paid in tuition did not go to waste.
I never paid a bribe to the police on my trip.

Quote:
Originally Posted by crashmaster View Post
gatogato, dealing with the cops is all part of the reality that you signed up for when you pointed that bike south, so I dont understand all the heartburn with this.
Thanks again for your patronizing advice! It was very informative.

The only reason I was posting in this thread was to warn other riders about the danger of this checkpoint. It is too bad that this thread is turning into a pissing match. Hopefully, potential riders can discern the relevant information for themselves.
__________________
http://www.journeyrider.net Latin America blog (07-8)
Reply With Quote
  #103  
Old 3 Oct 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 135
Quote:
Originally Posted by gatogato View Post
Oh, another "know it all."

It is so fun to read the posts of the people who do not make any mistakes on this site!

I am sure there is a reason why this thread was stickied as opposed to one about a police checkpoint in another country. Please notice that I was not the thread starter.
Glad you enjoyed my post. I have no idea why this thread was stickied because its just another checkpoint among hundreds in Latin America where the cops will try to get a few bucks from you. I understand that you didnt start the thread, but you did flat out tell Javier that he had absolutely no clue as to what he was talking about. So who is the "know it all?"



Quote:
Originally Posted by gatogato View Post
If you did not travel through this checkpoint then why are you giving other rider's advice on it? How would you have any idea how the police at this checkpoint compare to anyone else?
I've traveled through the Ruta 14 Km 341 checkpoint, more than once. Its not a big deal, just one more checkpoint where cops try to get money from you.


Quote:
Originally Posted by gatogato View Post
I never paid a bribe to the police on my trip.
Then why all the drama?



Quote:
Originally Posted by gatogato View Post
Thanks again for your patronizing advice! It was very informative.

The only reason I was posting in this thread was to warn other riders about the danger of this checkpoint. It is too bad that this thread is turning into a pissing match. Hopefully, potential riders can discern the relevant information for themselves.
Your welcome. I'm happy I could help enlighten you. I dont see any pissing match here other than the one you started with Javier. The relevant information is that the cops may try and shake you down at this checkpoint, nothing else. A checkpoint like this is neither unique, nor rare in Latin America.

Youre getting all worked up about nothing. Relax.
Reply With Quote
  #104  
Old 3 Oct 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 273
Time to throw my 5 pesos worth into this one I think!
This particular checkpoint IS a nest of vipers. That's why this thread was stickied. I've been through numerous times as an overland truck driver in the last 10 years and can give plenty of first hand experience of pistols being waved about, even pointed at my codriver to make him sit down in the office, and every time a truck goes through it IS stopped.
Sorry if this embarasses our Argentine friends, but it's time to stop patronising us with this "they're just normal cops trying to make a bit of extra" bull... They're not. They are thoroughly nasty bast...s, and Crashmaster, after 10 years on the continent, I can tell you this checkpoint IS rare. If some have passed through it with little or no trouble then bully for them, but don't try to reduce other's experiences to mere overreaction.
There. Don't need to visit this thread again. Thanks for listening.
Reply With Quote
  #105  
Old 4 Oct 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 135
Quote:
Originally Posted by mossproof View Post
I can tell you this checkpoint IS rare. If some have passed through it with little or no trouble then bully for them, but don't try to reduce other's experiences to mere overreaction.
There. Don't need to visit this thread again. Thanks for listening.
I've been traveling in Latin America enough years to know that I can expect to run into checkpoints like this in Mexico, Central America, and South America. I'm not saying its right nor that its OK. I'm saying it is not uncommon and any foreign moto traveler should expect to run into situations like this and deal with it accordingly. This checkpoint is not unique in the Americas and whining about it on the internet doesnt accomplish anything of value.
Reply With Quote
Reply


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
Police Troubles in Argentina javkap SOUTH AMERICA 40 20 Mar 2012 22:11
Police hassle in northern Argentina hook Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 8 2 Sep 2006 02:35
Ruta 40, Argentina goggstrotters SOUTH AMERICA 8 29 Apr 2006 15:10
Police Troubles in Argentina javkap Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 0 14 Nov 2004 08:25
Argentina Police -- need photo ultimatejourney SOUTH AMERICA 1 14 Jun 2004 19:38

 
 

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.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

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. 11-15
  • 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!

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 21:51.