Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > South America
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 28 Apr 2006
Atwoke's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Northumberland, UK
Posts: 219
Question Favourite Roads Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina

I've done a bit of research on the HUBB and found that a lot of the posts regarding roads are quite old and more about the condition rather than pleasure value...

I am about to go (2 weeks time) North from Santiago into Peru. Plan is to see Nazca and Machu Pichu. If time allows I want to go to Huaraz (will you be around Vagamundo??) and try out the Canyon del Pato road. Return through Bolivia and definitely go from Uyuni to San Pedro de Atacama. I understand that the Routa 40 is more interesting than the PanAm.

Somebody said to keep crossing borders across the Andes, which sounds like good advice...

However, I've got only 8 weeks and naturally want to go on the most scenic/interesting roads around. So the question is:

What are your favourite roads in the area?

Will anybody be around these place in the next couple of months?

Cheers

Jens
__________________
You can never have too many bikes......

BMW R100GS
Triumph Tiger 885
Yamaha XT600e

Jens is gone, but not forgotten.

Last edited by Atwoke; 2 May 2006 at 14:36.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 2 May 2006
Fritz's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Yorkshire
Posts: 224
The Pan America is generally poor, but, but do not miss the section from Nasca - after you get to the coast - to Camana (from Memory). We went north south. One of the best m/c roads I've found, twisty, by the coast, great views and lightly trafficked (considering it's the PanAm), also the road Cuzco to Nasca looks do-able in a day, but is a two day trip, some head spinning curves and two 4000m passes, accommodation is poor on route. Call in on Norton Rats Tavern in Cuzco ! North Chile Pam Am will turn you suicidal with boredom !
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 3 May 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: London, UK
Posts: 14
Hi Jens,
I just spent a couple of months riding north from Santiago. I know you're going a different way (I went into Agentina then south) but if you want to goto San Pedro De Atacama have a think about this....

from Antofogasta to San P - not great road but not far,
Explore San P area - NOT to be missed lots of desert biking mayhem to be had!

From San P cross into Argentina via the MIND BLOWING paso de jama route

From Sousces in Arg' go down to Purmamarca via the EVEN MORE MIND BLOWING (wish i was on my speed triple) RP-52
(check out the description on page 450 of the Argentina rough guide-2nd edition)

from there you can turn north (i went south) along the Quebrada de Humahuaca into Bolivia and on up to lake titicaca cuzco etc...
Just a thought...
Have a good one...zade
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 3 May 2006
Atwoke's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Northumberland, UK
Posts: 219
Fritz,

Thanks for the info! I seriously thought it's only 400 miles - 1 day. Now I'll prepare for camping!

Zade,

Not necessarily a wasted effort. If I find the time (depending how progress on the road is, see above, fool that I am!) I would consider doubling back for some good riding. How long do I need to plan from San Pedro to Purmamarca?

Cheers

Jens
__________________
You can never have too many bikes......

BMW R100GS
Triumph Tiger 885
Yamaha XT600e

Jens is gone, but not forgotten.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 3 May 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: London, UK
Posts: 14
Hi Jens,
We took it easy and stopped overnight in Sousces
(you need to ask for the Pension/hotel as it's not signposted but it's directly next to the school opposite the church)
anyway, as I said we broke the journey into two days but a couple of Brazilian bikers we hooked up with did the hole thing (and then some) in a day.

It's not so much the distance that takes a while because the road is soooo good but it's just that we kept stopping to take photos/film 'coz it's incredibly scenic!

we also took the precaution to take a few extra litres of fuel just in case as it's a bit of a way if you run into prob's and have to turn back. You can fill-up at sousces and san pedro.
Have a good one...
Zade
P.S. pouring over maps and guide books is NEVER a wasted effort!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 4 May 2006
Atwoke's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Northumberland, UK
Posts: 219
Zade,

A truer word has rarely been spoken

With regards to fuel, I think I will have to deal with that anyway. The XT will only have 15 liters - 130miles reach? Don't think thta's enough, so I'm looking at installing a couple of 5 liter jerrycans.
__________________
You can never have too many bikes......

BMW R100GS
Triumph Tiger 885
Yamaha XT600e

Jens is gone, but not forgotten.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 5 May 2006
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: London, UK
Posts: 14
Smile

Hi Jens,
As far as the route I've described, you'd deffo need extra fuel if any prob's crop up.
We were on a Africa Twin (with carb trouble) and with the altitude an'all it's wise to have a few extra littres.

e.g. on our first attempt at taking this border crossing we got ourselves stamped out of Chile and set off to the Argentine border post...160k's away.
On arrival at the Arg' border post we were told that the chillian border people had cocked-up out bike dox and we'd have to go back! (totally our fualt for not checking the dox properly!)

we turned around knowing that we'd already gone past half-way of our tank's range...gulp!
In the end we coasted down the mountain roads at speeds of upto 80mph with the engine switched off to save fuel.
Fun but overtakinf trucks with our lights and engine off at that speed can be a bit nerve racking....

But anyway, I'm waffling on...
Basically it's a lovely part of the world and if you get the chance go for it...
If not...
There's always next time...
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 5 May 2006
Atwoke's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Northumberland, UK
Posts: 219
Just found out that the fuel consumption I used is if you give it some welly. Normal driving should provide about 270km range. So, a couple of 5 liter cans strapped to the bike, somehow, I think....

Cheers Zade
__________________
You can never have too many bikes......

BMW R100GS
Triumph Tiger 885
Yamaha XT600e

Jens is gone, but not forgotten.
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
chile bolivia peru info + motorbike search vincent danna South America 13 20 Aug 2008 05:51
chile bolivia peru info + motorbike search vincent danna Route Planning 3 12 Jan 2006 00:25
Tyres in Peru, Bolivia, Northern Chile mattpope South America 5 6 Dec 2004 05:20
From Chile to Bolivia to Peru... advise appreciated... nikmellor Route Planning 3 20 May 2004 19:46
Travel Partner(in) for Bolivia, Peru , Chile Michael_69 Travellers Seeking Travellers 3 15 Aug 2002 05:52

 
 

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 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
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 00:56.