From Chile to Bolivia to Peru... advise appreciated...
 

Hey there,

I'm in Santiago right now, planning on taking a little bit of a rest after driving up from Ushuaia via Chile and ruta 40 (which by the way was wonderful !) on my faithful XT. And before i saddle up again and head back into the beauty and desolation further north in Chile, i need some advise... maybe somebody can help ???

I need information on which route is best to take into Bolivia at this time of year from Northern Chile (or maybe Argentina... i'm flexible), bearing in mind the fact that it will be perhaps the middle of June when i cross the border, and COLD !! ...and HIGH !!! Looks to me like there are two passes north of San Pedro De Atacama which may be contestants for the job...

Anyone done this before who can offer suggestions, advise, border opening times, and a best route??

Also, if anyone has ideas of where the first opportunity for a re-fuel is once i get into Bolivia.. i will love you forever...

..Anything else you can think off too, just talk away and i will be lapping it up...

Muchos gracias
nik

Nic,

How was the weather in Ushuaia and Chile this time of year.

I'm heading south (motorcycle flys from Panama City to Bogota on Friday), and haven't decided yet how far south I will be able to go.

Perhaps if we cross paths on your way up, we can have a beer.

--Terry

[This message has been edited by TerryMoto (edited 19 May 2004).]

Exploring northern Argentina is fascinating while riding the Atacama desert is rather dull - unless you're in a real hurry consider hopping over to Mendoza and starting from there. I rode this bit in May/June last year and had no problems with the weather or the border crossing and enjoyed it far more than northern Chile. Once you cross into Bolivia turn left and go on to explore the Butch Cassidy country & amazing salt lakes of the south-west. Enjoy - I'm envious http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif

James

Terry,

I arrived in Ushuaia on about 5th April and the weather was fine - clear blue skies and little wind... I spoke to a french couple last week in Pucon (check their site at www.photobiker.com) and apparently they were stuck in Rio Gallegos in about February this year because of terrible weather, and they never actualy made it to Ushuaia for this reason.

I believe that March and april are the best months in some respects because the wind dies down a little before the winter...

ok.. gotta go, cheers for the replies you two.

nik