Situation in Bolivia ?
 

Anyone out there know how bad it is in Bolivia with the strikes and disturbences, or is it normal and ok to travel ? I saw it even made CNN news !!

I might be there in a couple of weeks.

Dave

Hi Dave

About a week ago, I rode from Copacabana on the Peruvian border to Villazon/ La Quiaca on the Argentinian border via La Paz, Oruro and Tupizia. Only thing I came across was that the road was closed between Patacamaya and Oruro due to a public demonstration (attended by the local riot police who told me it would probably last for a few hours). However, one of the locals just pointed out a couple of tracks round the town to bypass the main road, so it didn´t really hold me up for long.

Hope this helps, although more recent events might have changed things.

Cheers

Gary

Thanks Gary,
Thats pretty much the route i am going to do.
What were the roads like now asits still riany season ?

Dave

As I was in a rush, I took the tarmac from Copacabana to just south of Potosi, so no problems with that. The last 300km on route 14 and route 1 (I think) was a mud and gravel track but fine to ride - however it was nearly dry when I did it. I did have about 20minutes drizzle during the ride and at that point the track turned quite slippery and difficult, so it might be "interesting" if there is/has been rain. Other than that I must have been lucky cos I didn´t get any rain. There was lots of roadbuilding going on from about 50km south of Potosi (where the tarmac ends) to Tupizia, so that can slow you down a bit as well. Otherwise I thought the ride from Potosi to the border was great.

Have fun

Gary

just want to say to ghostridergary´s comment of following a local ´guide´ to get around the blokkades. Be aware that this can be a setup and they will lead you to some place where they are waiting for you. They do this to their countrymen as well so even outside the tourist paths this might happen. I heard it has happened on the last ´paro´ around Pisco last week. Follow a truck or busdriver. If they dont do it the path is likely to not exist! Do NEVER follow a taxi!
And then I just heard what recently had happened to a peruvian friend of mine: while he had his car parked in Lima, someone had gone underneath and blocked the fuelhose (cut it in 2 and put a piece of metal inside and slide it back). So when he drove away the car stopped after 1 km .And hallelujah, at once ´help´ showed up. He got out clean because by coincedence police showed up too and they drove off. The police said this way 4 cars were stolen in a week time. The same could be done more easily with a motorcycle I would think so be aware of your hoses....


Marcel