Need any help on Bolivia?
 

Hey everyone… I've been reading a lot information requests on my country, so I decided I would post a message here. I love motorcycles and will be more than glad to provide you any advice on traveling within the country (paperwork, selling/buying bikes, lodging, status of routes, places to visit, things that you should avoid or be aware of, etc.) I am based in the city of La Paz…

Hi, I am so glad that I found your post!

I am traveling South and we are considering going as well to Bolivia. We are traveling 2up on a VStrom 650.

As the bike is quite heavy and loaded, my main worries are related to the roads condition (especially the ones without tarmac) and the time frame to go there.

My questions would be:
- is January a good month to go to Bolivia (meaning no rain or very few rains?)
- are the "main" roads and the roads going to landmarks like (Salar de Uyuni) manageable traveling 2up on a VStrom?

Thank you!
Alex

Heya Wmur, we are traveling down but are in Mexico at present for a while, we won't be in Bolivia until say March/April ish next year but value any inforation you put up here.

Thank you for taking the time to post.

hi I could do with a bit of help in they way of a place to work on my bike . the water pump needs some work . i have the parts and can do the job . just looking for a work shop if possible .
thanks kito

Hi, AnjiSan. I hope your trip is going ok. January is normally a rainy season in the country but lately the weather is so crazy that we won't be able to make any decent forecast so far. Just keep in mind that the Salar gets flooded if the rains are heavy. Let's stay in touch so I can give you the most updated information by the time you plan to arrive (do you have a date?)

On your other question: if you get into Bolivia through Peru or Chile, you won't have major problems in the Vstrom. The main roads are paved. and you will be able to reach La Paz city without major issues. Ride carefully, as animals and even villagers may just show up upon a curve. The road to the Salar is 50% paved and 50% bumpy and dusty. As long as you ride with caution, I would say that the Vstrom will make it. Two up on the bike may diminish its performance in high altitudes, but I've seen smaller bikes on the route. I wish you a nice trip. It'll be great having people like you visiting our country. Just keep me posted and let me know your travels plans so we can discuss further details on specific routes...

Two Moto Kiwis: March/April is a great time to visit the country. You may want to focus on some interesting spots (Lake Titicaca and the inca area, Yungas/Rurre/Madidi, and the Salt Flakes). Not sure which bike you are using, so let's stay on the traditional routes, for the time being… As soon as you let me know how many days you plan to spend around Bolivia I can maybe provide you additional information. Be prepared to abrupt changes of weather, altitude and landscape. Bolivia has amazing and radically different areas that you will enjoy. Will be happy to help you planning your time here and also suggest places to stay over, do's and donut's… Keep riding!

Heading thru Boliva in the next few days
(Plan to leave Cucso around November 20th).
Puno then Bolivia- :scooter:

Let me know if anyone is heading that way.
-Will

Hi Will I am still in the wild rovers hostal in La Paz for a few days longer . On wednesday everything will be closed and people are not allowed out of there house so i guess the border will be closed on that day.

Good Lookin out- In Puno. Just got in today
Plan to cross tomorro or the next.

Crazy census.
My friend told me about it in cusco.

Guess they can't even leave the house?
Great day to rip around the streets.

Hope Allz well bud

Hi, heading north from Argentina, will be crossing at Agua Blancas in a few days. We plan to head to Potosi and La Paz, may head to Sucre as well.

A ot depends if the F650 Funduro can manage 2 up at those altitudes :-).


Its managed 3000+ twice so far ... :-)

Two questions, currently in Tarija and heading to Potosi (when I fix my ignition).

How much of the road between Potosi and Tarija is asphelt ? (best report I have seen is 50/50 from March las year).

And is there any fuel in Camargo ? Or do I need to add a larger gas can ? :-)

Sorted it, got the info from the locals. 80km dirt and fuel in Camargo. Looks like we will make it a 2 day trip to Potosi

Wmur,

We're two bikes, currently in La Paz and heading to Oruru tomorrow, then to Uyuni. One quick question, do you have any reccomendations on where to stay in Oruru? Maybe a cheap-ish hotel where we can also park?

Cheers,
Kevin

In Oruru, head for the central market. There is an hotel called the Galaxia, about 250Bob for a double. Not cheap, but cheaper than the same back home :-)

They have secure parking 2 blocks from hotel

Riding in Bolivia NOW!!! Need help!
 

Hello,
Just crossed the Peruvian border yesterday, today in Copacabana and heading tomorrow to La Paz. My intention is to go to Salar de Uyuni on Dec. 12... any comments? Is it possible to get there now (weather conditions)?
Also, I need to get new tires for my bike, Pirelli 130/80/17 MT60. Any suggestions?
My budget is REALLY low, can anyone recoommend accomodation?
Thanks in advance!