motorcycling through south america - top to bottom or vica versa?
 

My friend and I are thinking of motorcycling through South America but are still in the early stage of planning! Was looking for opinions on whether to start at the top or the bottom? Also, how easy is it to purchase a bike over there (rather than shipping from the UK) and how much would a used bike which could handle the journey be expected to cost?

As i say we are in the early stage but any help would be appreciated!

You cant really start at the bottom. Theres no major ports/airports there and there's not much apart from wilderness and national parks..

The most common place to start is Buenos Aires, Argentina... Then take the east coast down (HU meeting in December on the way) to Ushiaua for xmas/newyear. Most then take west coast up through Chilie (visiting the glaciers and national parks)

Many continue up North on the west side west visiting Bolivia, Peru , Equador , Colombia etc and then home from Bogota or into the USA.

If you have time and money, keep going round through Venezuala and then down the east coast of Brazil which is simply STUNNING. Brazil is incredible, please don't miss it !

Ted

...plus you need to look at seasonal weather relative to when you intend to travel.

For example, if you are starting in late Jan or Feb then northward is a good way to go to avoid winter conditions.

If you plan your trip timing and direction to the norm you will have others to ride with much of the way. I started in Chile Went south then north to BA and had company most of the way. I then stored in BA and came back in Sept. and rode north to US, this leg was the opposite of what most riders were doing so I rode by myself most of the time. Riding by oneself has its advantages (no one know how often you get lost) but I would have liked to have company on some sections.

Bob:scooter:

South of Santiago/Mendoza is best from november to april. Bolivia and Peru are best from May to September. EC & Co are fine, but expect some rain year round.

The easiest place to buy is in Chile. A chinese 250cc will run about $2000. A honda falcon 400cc can be had for $4500/5500. After that expect prices to skyrocket. Many travelers sell their klr´s & such in Buenos Aires very cheap after Patgonia.