South America 2013

[phazael]

Hi

I am planning a trip around South America starting from BA in October 2013. I know it is early warning - but it does take time to take 4 to 6 months out.

My initial planning is leave from BA in early October, head south - but not take in Patagonia then take the loop up the West coast- Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, visit the Carribean coast , down the Amazon by boat, Rio for the Carnival then back to BA, via Paraguay. I hope to be back in BA in late Feb. 2014.. But nothing is set in stone- and it is very flexible. The route is probably 25 kto 30k KM.

I am a retired New Zealander ( aged 63) and ride a 2008 V Strom 650. In 2011, I toured 21000 km in Europe as far west as the Ukraine. This year I travelled 22,000 km taking in Morocco, Turkey and Albania. You can read the blog on my Moroccan trip on this site.
I am learning Spanish, but am no great shakes as a mechanic- though I have managed to get by with " bush " mechanics, a vstrom service manual and e mail advice from a tame mechanic back in NZ

I am planning minimal off road , but prefer smaller roads to tolls and a maximum daily distance of around 400 to 500km. I like to stop and smell the roses, do some hiking and surfing, look at the ancient structures and have a .

I plan to stay in hotels or hostels - nothing flash- just clean and safe for bike and traveller and plan a daily budget of around $US100 a day for lodging, fuel and food. I managed Turkey and Morocco for (much) less than this.

If you are contemplating a similar trip and would like an easy going KIwi as a travel mate, get in touch

Regards

Peter