Has anybody done recently the Paso Sico border crossing? How was the road, how long from Salta or San Pedro Atacama.
Thanks!

Patricio

Hello,
I do not have latest news, but I can tell you how the road condition was in mid of february and just from San Antonio de los Cobres, since we came from Salar de Pocitos to san Antonio and went back over paso sico to San Pedro:
Well, after San Antonio you will follow a short time the little river the the road gets a bit worse up the mountain. There were a lot of stones and the trucks with their dust did not make it easier. Anyway, the rest of the distance is not difficult and was just easy gravel road.
In San Antonio at the entry of the village you will find a gasoline station to fill up you tank. In case you want a nice (but expensive) room, about 200m away you will find a Motel for a proudly price of 30 Pesos (but breakfast included). Additionally there is one (not more, just one) computer in the city with internet connection. It is free for use, but highly ferquented. Ask for it, they will tell you where you find it.

From there it is about 360km to San Pedro. Oh, just as an info: When you pass the border to Chile, have some dry, vacuum packed food with you (in case you want to take it into chile and camp somehwere), since everything else we had to leave at the border. You will have a short check there, but usually there is just one or two men, since the real costums check, as well as the paper work is at the entry of San Pedro de Atacama.
About 100km before San Pedro, the gravel road changes to a paved road. From there you have a superb view over the area!

In San Pedro I can recommend Hostal corvatsch (6000Pesos/night). However, there is also a camping. The Corvatsch hostal you will find when you ride through the whole village and the last crossing you turn to the left. The first possibility you turn again to the left and the after about 50m you will find a wooden door to the left. You can park your bike in the back yard (it is safe there!).
Here is the adress
Residencial Casa Corvatsch
Ustavo Le Paige 178
San Pedro de Atacama II Región
Chile
Tel: (56) (55) 851101
Email: corvatsch ATTTT sanpedroatacama.com
Page: www.corvatschchile.cl
Oder: www.sanpedroatacama.com
Prices: 6000Pesos/Pers.

Don`t miss the springs of Puritama (hot springs in a small canyon about 32°C. Also the El tatio Geysiers are good. If you need some more advice, let me know.

Have a nice ride

burnout1

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email address obfuscated by Grant - don't give the spambots an easy target!

[This message has been edited by Grant Johnson (edited 11 November 2005).]

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Thanks a lot for the information!

Patricio