Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > South America
Uyuni, Bolivia to Ollague and on to Calama, Chile Uyuni, Bolivia to Ollague and on to Calama, Chile
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
South America Topics specific to South America only.
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



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 31 Aug 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Hulme or India, this year
Posts: 285
Uyuni, Bolivia to Ollague and on to Calama, Chile
Hey Kids,

How is it? After any recent information about Uyuni, Bolivia to Ollague and on to Calama, Chile. Hard? Easy? Time? I'll be there within the next month, inshallah, so it should be dry.

Ta, Dan Walsh.
__________________
Que el cielo exista, aunque mi lugar sea el infierno...
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 19 Oct 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: longmont, co, USA
Posts: 117
Depends on the bike and if it rains. It rained the night before we left so we decided not to ride across the salt. We went south of the salt (I think that is what you are talking about). Had my partner been on a dirtbike (XR650L) like me instaed of a BMW, it would have been pure joy. As it turns out, there is no road there like my map said and we had to take a lot of railroad track (with trains) and muddy mess. Most of it was a nightmare with the BMW. Later friends said they rode the salt with the water and it was totally worth whatever damage the salt miht have done.

Bottom line- dont go south of the salt on anything less than a REAL dirtbike. or better yet JUST RIDE THE SALT!

------------------
Back on the road again.

sopgear.com
__________________
Stuck at home...

sopgear.com
velocity-research.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 19 Oct 2004
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 10
Hi,

This is Rupert. Rode from Colcha k, just north of San Juan, halfway between Uyuni and Ollague, to Calama a week ago. The salt all the way from San Juan to near Ollague was fine and hard for me and that was for a 50cc scooter with damaged rings so l guess as long as it stay's dry it'll be good. It's pretty easy to follow the tracks also. The road from Ollague to Calama was also not so bad but the hardened road ripples in the gravel sections pissed me off a bit but no probs for you l think. The road is paved for the last 40k to Calama after Chiu Chui also. There is no gas as such in Ollague but you can try and get some from the Municipality office as l if it's an emergency.

Laters, Rupert Wilson-young
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 29 Oct 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Ardning Austria
Posts: 132
The Salar the Uyuni is easy to cross and it is the best road in Bolivia if it is dry! You find your way easy, no need of GPS and Compas.The road down to San Juan is a washboard as soon you leave the saltlake, go beetween 80 and 100km/h and you will be fine. Or go slow and hopple down! We went down to Laguna Colorado there you have a bit of everything, washboard, stones, sand, deep sand and if you dit not drive sand before you will learn to pick up your bike propably. The road to Calama i don't know, but from San Juan to the turn of to Laguna Colorado it is quiet good compered to the part before!

Have fun, Albert
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 29 Oct 2004
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Guildford, UK
Posts: 269
When do the rains normally hit the salt flats? Is it December?

Cheers, Matt
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 05:46.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top