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Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 15 May 2012
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Not enjoying long trips on motorways
Headed north from Santiago, and not much option but to follow route 5, very featureless once it gets away from the coast, huge trucks rolling by... not my idea of a motorcycle trip. How much of the rest of South America is like this, versus smaller backroads where you can cruise along at 60-80 and enjoy the surroundings and scenery?

Cheers.
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  #2  
Old 15 May 2012
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I've heard there is an option to get away from R5. Or at least for a couple 1OOkm's. I'm not sure I have to check this information!!! but I think someone in the santioago community told me that between Coquimbo and Caldera (near Copiapo) you can take a coast road that is realy nice to drive. I'm meeting someone tonight and try to check this info. If it's so I think it could turn your frown upsidedown. I don't know about the rest of SA though

I know you're around there somewhere so fast info would be nice. I'm doing my best!

Info seems to be correct. Don't have the details though. Don't know how good your maps are
Last edited by nouwynck86; 15 May 2012 at 17:32. Reason: confirmation of Info
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  #3  
Old 15 May 2012
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Yep, thanks for that info, saw some diversions available on my southern South America map I have (runs out of road soon though), so hopefully they're nice. I'm sure they're nice than ruta 5!
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Old 16 May 2012
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I recently rode up the coast from Antofagasta to Iquique, which was great. Paved, but lots of interesting coves and sea views. Also a bit cooler than the 5.

Have fun
Pat
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  #5  
Old 16 May 2012
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just did Ruta 5. it is not the best road you will do on your tour but I didn't think it was too bad once you get further away from Santiago.

i had inrended to take the coastal road (Tatal) so that i could visit the Observatory. cocked up and missed the exit. Still you get to see the Manos del Desierto on R5.

In case you are interested, I stopped at Bahia Inglesa - very nice quiet fishing village, Elqui Vallee - Vicuna is fun in a quirky way. Calama - good for tyres and exloring nearby then of course San Pedro.

enjoy!
Delb
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Old 16 May 2012
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Quote:
Originally Posted by deeve007 View Post
Headed north from Santiago, and not much option but to follow route 5, very featureless once it gets away from the coast, huge trucks rolling by... not my idea of a motorcycle trip. How much of the rest of South America is like this, versus smaller backroads where you can cruise along at 60-80 and enjoy the surroundings and scenery?
If you can get over to mendosa, ruta40 del Norte is very beautiful. Highly recommended.
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