Favourite Roads Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina

[Atwoke]

I've done a bit of research on the HUBB and found that a lot of the posts regarding roads are quite old and more about the condition rather than pleasure value...

I am about to go (2 weeks time) North from Santiago into Peru. Plan is to see Nazca and Machu Pichu. If time allows I want to go to Huaraz (will you be around Vagamundo??) and try out the Canyon del Pato road. Return through Bolivia and definitely go from Uyuni to San Pedro de Atacama. I understand that the Routa 40 is more interesting than the PanAm.

Somebody said to keep crossing borders across the Andes, which sounds like good advice...

However, I've got only 8 weeks and naturally want to go on the most scenic/interesting roads around. So the question is:

What are your favourite roads in the area?

Will anybody be around these place in the next couple of months?

Cheers

Jens

[Fritz]

The Pan America is generally poor, but, but do not miss the section from Nasca - after you get to the coast - to Camana (from Memory). We went north south. One of the best m/c roads I've found, twisty, by the coast, great views and lightly trafficked (considering it's the PanAm), also the road Cuzco to Nasca looks do-able in a day, but is a two day trip, some head spinning curves and two 4000m passes, accommodation is poor on route. Call in on Norton Rats Tavern in Cuzco ! North Chile Pam Am will turn you suicidal with boredom !

[Zade Alassad]

Hi Jens,
I just spent a couple of months riding north from Santiago. I know you're going a different way (I went into Agentina then south) but if you want to goto San Pedro De Atacama have a think about this....

from Antofogasta to San P - not great road but not far,
Explore San P area - NOT to be missed lots of desert biking mayhem to be had!

From San P cross into Argentina via the MIND BLOWING paso de jama route

From Sousces in Arg' go down to Purmamarca via the EVEN MORE MIND BLOWING (wish i was on my speed triple) RP-52
(check out the description on page 450 of the Argentina rough guide-2nd edition)

from there you can turn north (i went south) along the Quebrada de Humahuaca into Bolivia and on up to lake titicaca cuzco etc...
Just a thought...
Have a good one...zade

[Atwoke]

Fritz,

Thanks for the info! I seriously thought it's only 400 miles - 1 day. Now I'll prepare for camping!

Zade,

Not necessarily a wasted effort. If I find the time (depending how progress on the road is, see above, fool that I am!) I would consider doubling back for some good riding. How long do I need to plan from San Pedro to Purmamarca?

Cheers

Jens

[Zade Alassad]

Hi Jens,
We took it easy and stopped overnight in Sousces
(you need to ask for the Pension/hotel as it's not signposted but it's directly next to the school opposite the church)
anyway, as I said we broke the journey into two days but a couple of Brazilian bikers we hooked up with did the hole thing (and then some) in a day.

It's not so much the distance that takes a while because the road is soooo good but it's just that we kept stopping to take photos/film 'coz it's incredibly scenic!

we also took the precaution to take a few extra litres of fuel just in case as it's a bit of a way if you run into prob's and have to turn back. You can fill-up at sousces and san pedro.
Have a good one...
Zade
P.S. pouring over maps and guide books is NEVER a wasted effort!

[Atwoke]

Zade,

A truer word has rarely been spoken

With regards to fuel, I think I will have to deal with that anyway. The XT will only have 15 liters - 130miles reach? Don't think thta's enough, so I'm looking at installing a couple of 5 liter jerrycans.

[Zade Alassad]

Hi Jens,
As far as the route I've described, you'd deffo need extra fuel if any prob's crop up.
We were on a Africa Twin (with carb trouble) and with the altitude an'all it's wise to have a few extra littres.

e.g. on our first attempt at taking this border crossing we got ourselves stamped out of Chile and set off to the Argentine border post...160k's away.
On arrival at the Arg' border post we were told that the chillian border people had cocked-up out bike dox and we'd have to go back! (totally our fualt for not checking the dox properly!)

we turned around knowing that we'd already gone past half-way of our tank's range...gulp!
In the end we coasted down the mountain roads at speeds of upto 80mph with the engine switched off to save fuel.
Fun but overtakinf trucks with our lights and engine off at that speed can be a bit nerve racking....

But anyway, I'm waffling on...
Basically it's a lovely part of the world and if you get the chance go for it...
If not...
There's always next time...

[Atwoke]

Just found out that the fuel consumption I used is if you give it some welly. Normal driving should provide about 270km range. So, a couple of 5 liter cans strapped to the bike, somehow, I think....

Cheers Zade