Hi folks, I'm an Australian Adv rider, and I'm in early stages of planning a "dream ride" with my 3 sons to South America, and I have some pretty basic questions.

We are planning a 4 week trip around the 3 Corners. Probably starting in Antofagasta, Chile, and doing Southern Bolivia, Argentina, then back through Chile. Thinking of doing this late 2022 or early 2023. But our plans are totally flexible.

So here are my basic questions:

1) What time of year would you recommend?

2) Regarding motorcycles do we:
a) Rent bikes
b) Buy bikes and sell them (ideally from same dealer)
c) Ship bikes

Ideally, we would like mid-weight Adv bikes that would be comfortable offroad as well as on-road (like KTM 690 or Yamaha T7 etc.)

Those are my high-level questions for now. You will likely see me as a regular on this forum as I start trying to pull the trip together.

Thanks in advance
Brent

I didn't get any sense of how Australians are perceived in South America. While it's true that certain nationalities (including mine) are widely viewed through prejudicial lenses, it's also true that the overwhelming majority of motorbike travelers, regardless of origins, appeared to be having a blast in every region of every country I visited...which is to say all countries and most regions.

The exceptions were mainly people who had recently crashed, been victims of crimes, or insisted on acting like....ummmm....jackasses. I'd suggest that key contributors to having a good trip are avoiding crashing, being stolen from, or behaving badly.

In (very abbreviated) response to your questions: you probably already know the best time of year, which is summer. Four weeks is not long enough to justify buying or shipping unless you're either lucky or highly skilled. That leaves renting, which will almost certainly be expensive if you insist on high-quality 650-700cc adv bikes. This is not meant to discourage you; merely to point out the obvious.

In the end, no one can answer your questions with any certainty, because we don't know what's important to you or what sorts of limits apply. You might think about extending your trip in order to change the financials, or splitting a longer trip into sections separated by periods back home, which would do the same, or buying or renting lesser bikes. There are also upgraded Chinese bikes available in Peru which might suit your purposes. Or: maybe having just the right bike is of key importance, so shipping your own would be worth the added costs. You decide.

I'll add only that you're asking questions which have been asked by a whole slew of travelers before you. Doing some research on this site (and ADVriders, if you like) will offer a limitless store of firsthand information and advice.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark

Yeah, I guess the answer more properly depends on *where* in Argentina and Chile. In the south (Patagonia and southern Andes), summer and shoulder seasons are more or less the only times to go. Farther north, rainy season can be problematic, especially in the mountains. I rode through 6 inches of fresh snow over one pass in Bolivia.

With only 4 weeks, I would look for something organized.

Where you buy a package. MC rent, guide, accommodations ...

Shipping or buying bikes will not work for such a short period.(with decent budget)

And some thoughts about your preferred type of bikes.
That is not commonly used in SA. You will have very hard to find them.But tour organizers often provide large bikes.
The normal is much smaller bikes.
125-250 cc. Maybe up to 400 cc.

?? Is this true? Why?

__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250

New member, posted two (2) days ago. Be patient.

Well, for some of them.
All "western people" are "Gringos".
= From USA.
Why they don't like US people ?
Read the history, and you will understand !
So even if you are from Australia or Europe, you can get blamed for what USA has done....

But it depends on where you go and how you behave

A month in South America Id stick to one country Like Equador Peru or Colombia
There are plenty of rental agencies
Colombia would be beyond your expectations with way more Diversity than you could imagine

one month and many borders Unrealistic But whatever floats your boat covid is determing factor

Thanks Mark, I'm going to research all options, but I think you are right that renting will be the best alternative.

I've heard early Summer is the preferred time, I'm thinking of October now after speaking to a few others.

Yes, I'm reading this stuff, I just didn't get notified as it was my first post and I must have not checked a box to receive notifications. Apologies.

But now I will follow the thread more closely.
BP

Stay in one country, rent a 250cc moto. You will not be able to see one whole country in 4 weeks. If you like high mountains, I recommend Peru, especially the interior northern highlands. I like mountains, so I have Patagonia on my list to visit. The land borders in Peru are closed until March. I believe the same is true for Colombia. Depending on where you're going (touristy places or less so), you will do well to learn some Spanish. Otherwise carry some picture books to explain your needs, and have Google Translate on your phone.

hi there
if you have the money contact erik600 here on the forum and get a quotation for a 30 day trip.
saves a lot of hassle and you have a translater into the deal.
all the best geri
p.s.great guy,good service

Hi Manzini, thanks for your post. I will look up erik600. I'm wondering whether this is the same Erik as the Erik from RideAdventures.

BP