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Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
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Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



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  #1  
Old 8 Jul 2010
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Alaska - Argentina

We`re in the very early stages of planning the trip, so please excuse the dumb questions;

How long would it take??? Will 3 months be long enough?

What time of year is best??

Cheers
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Old 8 Jul 2010
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In my opinion three months would not be long enough. Physically you could probably just about make it but you wouldn't see anything along the way. And anyway, the weather wouldn't have changed. When it's summer in Alaska it's winter in Argentina.

You really need to do Alaska between June and August (especially on a motorbike). And southern Argentina between October and February.

I would recommend starting in July in Alaska, getting to Panama in about 3-5 months Then starting in Colombia in October/November head south to get to Ushuaia around Jan/Feb.

Just my opinion...
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Old 8 Jul 2010
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Excellent advice George. Many travelers break the journey into two or even three segments. You can leave your bike in certain countries, fly home and then fly back at some point and continue.

In three months you could get a pretty good feel for Mexico and maybe part of Cent. America, depending on side trips and interests. So much of Mexico gets missed. Worth seeing for sure, and you need a couple months to see it properly.

Do what you can, make the trip.

Going fast is an utter waste of your time.
Been there, done it. No point. I'd rather just ride to San Miguel de Allende, or some other idyllic locale and spend three months just hanging out, doing day loop explorations, then ride home when time is up. Up to you.
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Old 8 Jul 2010
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I hope to do this trip too as part of a complete RTW trip. Not started looking at this stage of it yet though, still trying to figure out a way of getting through China!

The Darien Gap looks to be a pain though, would love to hear more about your plans as they progress.
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  #5  
Old 9 Jul 2010
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Cheers Guys

I`m told the trip is possible with the minimum of paperwork...ie. no carnet's etc. All you need is a passport??


Anyone know if that is the case?? What about insurance?

Cheers
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Old 10 Jul 2010
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Probably be money well spent to purchase Grant's new Achievable Dream Videos. See link at top of very HUBB page. Well worth it, all will be answered
and much more. Very inspiring as well!

Good travels!
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Old 10 Jul 2010
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Back to the basic question of how long. IMHO six month minimum and you will be on the move most days and cost per day will be higher than traveling slow. With a fast trip you get to see the country but not "feel" the country. If all you can get is three months make a run to Panama and back. Fast is better than nothing for sure but much better to do in stages and slow down and get to know the people.

RJT
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Old 10 Jul 2010
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We are in the same boat (early planning, trip start July 2012) and are going to spend 18 months doing the above route.
Just got back from a 9 month 27000 mile UK-India-UK trip and that felt rushed at times 3 months!!!! wouldn't that be something like 300/350 miles per day?

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Old 10 Jul 2010
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We originally planned on doing Argentina to Alaska in 6 months but ended up taking nearly 11 and that felt rushed at times. The Darien Gap really isn't a problem at all, there's plenty of little boats (if you go at the right time of the year) or just stick it on a plane if you prefer doing that.
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