Very nice dirt road indeed between Loja and the border with Peru at La Balsa. Note however that it's not an easy road for 2 up on a heavy bike, I had quite a few deep ponds of mud on the way.
Ever seen a river of mud?
Because of the road condition, don't expect a queue at the customs offices - I was told that about 5 cars cross the border here daily. A sweet Peruvian nurse will offer you a free shot of yellow fever vaccination.
The downside is that you can't buy your Peruvian SOAT there. The officer will tell you that you can buy it in San Ignacio - that's not true. The closest place where you can buy your SOAT is Jaen.
While you're there, pay a visit to Maria at her shop Maeli Clinics Motos on Alfredo Basti 543. She might offer you free accommodation and/or arrange for some kids to take you around town. Also, visit las cataratas de San Andrés, it's about 30 km out of town on a nice gravel road going up all the time (1400 higher than the town of Jaen I was told).
The road between Jaen and Chachapoyas is very scenic.
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