Patagonia

[southamericaherewecome]

Hi
Is anyone able to advise if a good travel guide book. Looking at traveling dec2013- jan 2014 with 4 other bikes and need a good reference book for accommodation etc::helpsmilie

[Mick O'Malley]

Hi

I used Footprint. I find Lonely Planet a bit patronising.

I've been to Patagonia on the bike three times now, each time for six months. It's so vast, and there's so much to see, that I've only scratched the surface in that time.

As you've only two months max (if I've read your post correctly) you'll be pushed to see anything in depth. Also, in a group, you'll be unlikely to interact with local people the way a solo traveller (myself) does.

If you post your starting and finishing locations, I can let you know my pick of 'must sees'.

Regards, Mick

[brian sherriff]

Mick,
Having just decided to limit my 3 month trip to America to just the south, It was quite a shock to see your post....
Patagonia was on my todo list, but if you have spent so much time there and still need more time, I may have to reconsider the rough plan of my trip (for later this year hopefully).
Did you ship or rent / buy?
Thank for the shock,
Brian

[noel di pietro]

Not a guidebook but a "must read" if going to Patagonia, it will make it even more interesting than it already is;

Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin, or am i stating the obvious here

Cheers,
Noel

[Mick O'Malley]

Hi Brian

Being retired, I have the luxury of travelling Tilbury - Buenos Aires (and return) by Grimaldi, taking my bike (NX650 Dominator) with me.

There is a mountain of information on this site regarding buying and renting (expensive!) in Argentina and Chile.

Where in the UK are you based, and are you planning on attending HUUK at the end of May, or any of the smaller meetings? It would be easiest to have a chat about this, rather than try to write an essay here! Skype?

Argentina is 15 times the size of the UK: pop. 41 million, half of whom live in Bs As province. So, as you can imagine, Patagonia is more or less empty of people, apart from the towns.

Noel is correct: Chatwin's 'In Patagonia' is obligatory reading!

Regards, Mick

[markharf]

Mick, it's all well and good to say that you've put in 18 months without seeing all there is to see, but that doesn't mean most riders wouldn't enjoy a two month trip. In fact, most riders like Patagonia, and most I met were putting in two months or less there. Similarly, I've spent many years traveling in North America without running short of places I'd like to explore, but that doesn't mean it's pointless for anyone coming here for a couple of months of cruising around.

OP, buy any basic guidebook (Lonely Planet, Rough Guide, Footprints, etc.) and/or start searching this site and assembling your own by cut and paste. When asking questions, be specific about what sort of stuff you like to see and do or you'll attract answers with no relevance to your own interests. And in an expensive place like Patagonia, certainly say something about your budget.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark

[brian sherriff]

Thanks for the reply Mick. I have been to 2 of the last 3 HUB meets in Derbyshire and hope to make Mays. So maybe swap some for information. How much and how long from Tilbury? Its an option I didn't know about. I live in Cleethorpes, shame they don't sail from there....
I have heard of mr chatwin, but was not aware of that book, so thanks.

Brian

[Mick O'Malley]

Originally Posted by brian sherriff

Thanks for the reply Mick. So maybe swap some for information.

Deffo. I'm the ageing slaphead on registration - so, easy to find!

Originally Posted by brian sherriff

How much and how long from Tilbury?

It's about £1,800 one way. My fastest trip (of five) was 24 days; my slowest 40 days. In my book, the longer it takes, the greater the VFM! It seems expensive at first glance, but if you subtract the cost of getting yourself and the bike to Bs As by any other means, it becomes cheap. Five week's board and lodging, an extra dimension to your trip and days ashore in Dakar, Rio de Janeiro and Santos. Your fellow passengers (maximum ten) will be like minded travellers and the Filipino crews are great. Can't say the same about some of the Italian officers though (see 'allo 'allo for details!).

See you at HUUK.

Regards, Mick

[brian sherriff]

Thanks for that Mick. All being well I will see you at the meet.

Brian