How much time?
 

I know this is a very subjective question but here goes...

I have 4-5 months, is Colombia to Ushuaia achievable on a pair of small bikes?


This is going to be a once in a lifetime trip and I don't want to ruin it by rushing around.

Yes its achievable in that time...?

or yes I'm going to ruin the trip rushing around??

As you said very subjective, but in my opinion it's doable but you will be rushing. Many bikers spend that much time just in Colombia or perú. But it can be done if you really want to. I've ended up breaking my trip into two sections.

So consider starting your trip and see how you go. If you end up feeling rushed you have the option of postponing the second half of the trip (for example leave your bikes in Peru, where you can suspend the import permit up to a year) and returning the following year for the second half of the trip.

The other issue you have is the seasons. If you start in Colombia in summer you'll be in the south of Chile, Argentina in winter. No fun on bikes!

There's always lots more to see, and you'll be riding an entire continent in its longest dimension. I took less than two months heading south from Bogota, and I was moving faster than most (but still slower than a few). Then I spent 4.5 months heading the other direction. On both occasions I felt like i was in too much of a hurry, but that's life.

And yes, the season is crucial. If it's winter when you arrive in the south there are a lot of places you're probably not going to go anyway. Sometimes it's best to start in the south and finish in Colombia.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark

Thank you all

I brought a bike from the States, and I brought it home with me. Buying and selling locally is its own subject, full of controversy and unknowable outcomes. I'd rather ride than mess with purchase, sales, documentation, etc., but of course that's just me, not you.

Mark

Thats some very valid points to consider.