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Santiago/los andes to Mendosa (ROAD OF CURVES) Santiago/los andes to Mendosa (ROAD OF CURVES)
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Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

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


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



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  #1  
Old 19 May 2010
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Santiago/los andes to Mendosa (ROAD OF CURVES)
Hi

In the planning of this leg of my RTW and was wondering if the ROAD OF CURVES was still passable and if the border post over the mountain was still operational as I DON'T want to use the tunnel???? The last time I was in this region was back in 88 and it was a great track for bikes even if it is loose and unpaved..

On another point will a Honda Goldwing fit on the Plane from Panama city to Bogata? or would I have to take a slow boat (would not mind but I get very sea sick, so this could put me out of action for a few days.)

Hope some one has been on the above road of curves as it was a butt clenching route. ( rabbit poooo comes to mind) As this used to be the main transport route over the mountain and one of the dangerous roads in south America..

Oneworld Biker

Doin it on a Goldwing cos I will never get my wings in heaven.

To old to die young To young to care.....
Last edited by oneworldbiker; 20 May 2010 at 13:07. Reason: oops spelling and some grammer
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  #2  
Old 20 May 2010
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What country is this road in.
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  #3  
Old 20 May 2010
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Judging by the title of the thread, he means a road linking Santiago and Mendoza, i.e. Chile and Argentina. But it's not too obvious whether he's referring to the main highway, which is paved and well-traveled, or some other route.

OP, could you reign in your enthusiasm a notch or two and post with a bit more clarity? This might increase your chances of getting an answer.

Mark

PS: your bike will fit on the plane. The real question is will it fit on the highways and byways....but that one's been done to death already.
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  #4  
Old 20 May 2010
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oooops
Quote:
Originally Posted by markharf View Post
Judging by the title of the thread, he means a road linking Santiago and Mendoza, i.e. Chile and Argentina. But it's not too obvious whether he's referring to the main highway, which is paved and well-traveled, or some other route.

OP, could you reign in your enthusiasm a notch or two and post with a bit more clarity? This might increase your chances of getting an answer.

Mark

PS: your bike will fit on the plane. The real question is will it fit on the highways and byways....but that one's been done to death already.

Sorry for lack of country its the old road over the mountain from santiago in chile to mendosa in argentina.. As far as I remeber the old road was never paved. It follows or is the paved route to the tunnel but somewhere before the tunnel it peels off to right?.. The tunnel was under construction when I was last here.. The old unpaved route takes you over the mountain. At the top there was or may still be. A cross, 2 wooden border Stations and a large wooden building used as a Hostel/ski lodge.. The Hostel/ski lodge was on the Argentine side.. It was known as the road of curves due to the high number of bends on both sides of the border.. As memory serves me there was about 40 plus bends. Also used to have many Bikers from all over the world. Best place to have seen many Brit bikes from the 50s to the early 80s and Not gsa to be seen, but a good few bmw r75s.( god showing my age now)...

Thanks for the info for the wing fitting in the plane as some airlines have refused to take her. Have also contacted Girads in Panama for A quote..
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Old 21 May 2010
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Thanks one world biker.
I am leaving to go south in september and getting together some interesting roads to ride.
Bill
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  #6  
Old 21 May 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by buyarbi View Post
Thanks one world biker.
I am leaving to go south in september and getting together some interesting roads to ride.
Bill

Your welcome...

Just checked on google earth and the unpaved section seems to still be there. It looks as if it is still used but need to find out if the border is still manned at the top...
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Old 23 May 2010
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good news
The route I wanted the info on is the unpaved route to Christ the redeemer of the Andes. This unpaved road is only open during the summer months October through to March, this is weather depedant so coud be open sooner.

Only problem I have now with the route is the bus Drivers.. Could cause some heart stopping moments on the wing. But who cares you only live once and can't take it with you..

Would like to thank the chilean embassy for the info.. and the correct name for the route. The Chilean embassy have informed me that the unpaved route is marked and well sign posted from both sides of the border...

They also sent me the ski report and hotel info so may do some summer ski-ing this year and check things out b4 I go.

To those on the road now keep safe.

Oneworld Biker

To old to die young. To young to care.
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  #8  
Old 24 May 2010
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Road of Curves
In 2005 (before our motorcycle life) we rented a car fora day in Mendoza and drove to the Christ the Redeemer monument. As I recall the Argentina side is paved. I do not recall any border post buildings up there, but then we were not interested in crossing into Chile, so I was not really paying attention. Should be a great ride.

Taz and Joel
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  #9  
Old 24 May 2010
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Do you mean this road?





This is as high as I managed to get before I hit the snow (There was a guy in the digger but he was too busy sleeping to clear the road):
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Last edited by MikeS; 24 May 2010 at 17:06.
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  #10  
Old 24 May 2010
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Thats the Route......
Mike..

Thats looks like the road.. It looks about the same as it did nearly 20 years ago so maintanance is the same.....


thanks for that the photos look good. :-)


fredsuleman
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Fred.
Thanks for the new info for the argintine side as the route was totaly un paved many years ago... The border posts at the top were the 2 military check points that covered no mans land.
Last edited by oneworldbiker; 24 May 2010 at 22:41. Reason: spelling
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  #11  
Old 9 Jun 2010
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Yep it's still open
I took my bicycle over this road in Feb.2009. It ruled. You will pass through Chilean immigration well before the turnoff, which is just before the tunnel starts, and Argentine immigration well after you rejoin the main highway. Everyone should ride over this road instead of going through the tunnel (assuming the road isn't blocked by snow). See my story starting here: A few years in North, Central & South America: Feb. 12, 2009: near Portillo to near Paso Cristo Redentor:. Suerte!
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