In a couple days, I'll be heading out from Colombia to Bolivia. The original plan was to go with another guy I had met on here, but I couldn't stomach him and opted to split up.

I know a little bit of spanish and I am studying hard but the reality is that I struggle to communicate basic concepts and my ability to listen to spanish is almost zero. The inability to communicate makes me alot more nervous than I would be otherwise.

Interested in hearing other peoples thoughts about traveling alone. Is it significantly more risky than going in a group? Does anyone recommend against it all together? Anything that solo riders should focus on to stay safer?

Just my humble opinion, but I've always felt safer and more comfortable riding solo than in a group, or even in a pair of bikes. The fact is that when you ride with another motorcycle or motorcycles, at least a small portion of your attention is used to track what they're up to and maintain safe distances, etc. When I ride, I want to ride for myself, and concentrate all of my attention on what I'm doing and on threats to my riding from the cars; I don't want to have to track what fellow riders are up to as well.

Like I said, JMHO. I think I'm in the minority on this.

As for not knowing Spanish, well, you'll learn what you really need to know pretty quickly. Take a small phrasebook/dictionary, and a small notepad with pen for doodling pictures and maps to communicate with locals.

I also find that having a small pocket calculator for punching in numbers can be very helpful when haggling prices with local sellers - with the LCD display, there is no mistaking what prices are being negotiated.

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Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250

Really awesome to hear. Puts me a little bit more at ease.

One of these is handy if your worried about the langauge problems :
https://www.google.co.uk/search?ei=C...k1.gcfk0b2Noa8

... or if want to learn the language, stop in a nice town for a while and find yourself a girlfriend!

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Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250

In 2015/16 I rode 30000km in 8 months solo around South America. It depends on how comfortable you are in your own skin. The people are great and if you're not totally naive nor stupid, you'll be just fine.

Go where you want, when you want.

Brighty no mates; should have washed that tshirt more often!

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Brighty's website: TheBrightStuffDotCom

CURRENT RR WITH REGULAR UPDATES: The Wife Takes on Chlamydia: A South American Retrospective

No worries going solo. I have traveled 10K miles solo thru different parts of SA with no problems. A phone (or I used my ipad) with spanish translations can be a big help when you need it most. The locals are happy to help. Be sure to stay well hydrated and healthy and it will be the trip of your life.

Wow riding solo

Been doing that now in South America for over a year now with absolutely no problems apart for bike issues but apart the people are friendly and will offer what they can to assist.

I came here with no Spanish and still am a long way off but you will learn quickly what you need as is always the way but just speaking to them makes them happy that you are having a go, I regularly have conversation with both languages in full flow and all parties happy shaking hands and smiles, so don't be put off.

Go and see, Bolivia is a real eye opener so much variation and persevered culture, rituals and great roads, on and off.

Bryan

Welcome to South America !!! Be careful in the big cities, country zone are calm, not problem. I know the Pacific shore route, ask me if you need. Enjoy your trip

keep away from sex , drugs and rock n roll, late nights, big cities and you'll be Jim Dandy

Download the language app called Mircosoft Translator https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/translator/

You can download the Spanish pack and use it off line in typing format - Spanish -> English and English -> Spanish. On line wifi or cell tower, you can use verbal. Android, Windows, and Apple

I had no problems traveling solo last year in Peru, and will be heading north from Peru to Ecuador in 3 weeks. I had no unusual concerns for safety, although I can speak a little Spanish, so I understood what was going on with daily encounters. Latino cultural norms are welcoming to travelers, especially rural areas.

Buen viaje! (good trip)

I hate it when priests give advice

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My memory is becoming that good, I should be able to organise my own surprise party soon

Thanks for asking this question. I too am about to embark across SA and had the same concerns - no spanish (though I intend to try and stop somewhere to learn), and general safety.
Starting out in BA this time next month!

Hey ANM! Let me tell you that I have been traveling solo since December 14, 2016. I do know spanish which obviously helps, but you can get fine by learning your basics. Lot of folks know English, specially in the hostels or aribnb homes.

I believe there is nothing better than going solo because you are the owner of your own time. Stop when ever you want, keep going if you would or not. More people means having to go on others time table, which sucks. The experience of being alone is incredibly rich.

It is not dangerous at all. Always be safe and try to travel during the day. Make sure to inform yourself on what roads you are taking and ask for advise from locals on what they think the roads are like. Be in the look out for the weather and what your driving conditions might look like. Basic drills and all your bike stuff that it looks good on a daily basis.

If I was you I would go solo and once in a while meet with someone down the road. I'm in Colombia right now and heading into Ecuador next week. IM me if you want to get in touch to meet up some where down the road.

Bolivia is a huge country, internet is not so good and gasoline for tourists is more expensive than it is for locals. Expect to get jacked on gasoline. Do some digging and safe travels!

Fuel in Bolivia is more expensive for international plated bikes but bear in mind that the local price is very much cheaper than other local countries so even if you do pay the full price it is on par.

I have been riding around Bolivia now for 7 months with a few more weeks left before heading off and only once paid the full "gringo" price.

I just park the bike outside and walk in with my 5lt plastic holder and ask for 20Bs which is just under full, seems to work quite well with a few nice words and smiles and then repeat.

If not many shops along the way display "HAY GASOLINA" the fixed price is 5Bs so they make a little and you save without hassle and you can fill as much as you want.

Its the same stuff from the petrol stations as you will see many pick ups loading many containers full, they just then resell it.

Bolivia is great, go see, especially off the tar roads.