Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > SOUTH AMERICA
SOUTH AMERICA Topics specific to South America only.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 18 Aug 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Suffolk, England
Posts: 109
Question Panamerican Highway - Nasca to Lima.

Has anybody any info on the state of the Panamerican Highway between Nasca and Lima following Wednesday's earthquake? At the moment we are in Nasca trying to decide whether to continue north or give up and head south instead. We have heard that a bridge between Ica and Pisco was damaged plus other damage to the highway itself.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 18 Aug 2007
quastdog's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Chiangmai, Thailand
Posts: 509
No firsthand knowledge, but from today's NY Times, apparently a reporter was in the area:

On the Pan-American highway from Lima, the earthquake tore large chunks of asphalt from the highway and formed zigzagging crevices in many parts of the road.

From a photo attached to article (showing a bridge standing, but a single lane open):

The road from Lima suffered serious damage in the earthquake and crevices in the pavement made passing difficult at several points.

The same article did say that Ica was one of the hardest hit cities. I'd be more worried about what the people are doing (who are reported desperate for relief assistance) than the road conditions.
__________________
quastdog
Chiang Mai, Thailand

Last edited by quastdog; 18 Aug 2007 at 18:52. Reason: added photo caption
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 18 Aug 2007
angie.cordano's Avatar
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: on road
Posts: 2
Exclamation

Please be careful in that area. Expect the road to be broken in many places, cracks, holes, and some very broken sections.

Also, please be careful of the people you meet. Many of them have lost *everything* and are blocking the road to get money/food/water/assistance from wherever they can.



Angie Cordano

Smellybiker
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 18 Aug 2007
BklynDakar's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: NY, USA
Posts: 356
Peru earthquake

An email from Peru I received makes it sound pretty bad, especially the mountain roads. I would sit tight until things calm down.

I am heading that way from Ecuador, btw.
__________________
Prevously known as JSherm
My blog: http://www.motorcycleramblings.com/
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/sherman/ I will up date this soon, really Grant, I will....
"This is the story of America. Everybody's doing what they think they're supposed to do." J Kerouac
"Who's more foolish: the fool, or the fool who follows him" OW Kenobi
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 19 Aug 2007
albert crutcher's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: colombia-ecuador
Posts: 218
Lima

I,m in Lima just now watching the local news and they,re still pulling dead bodies from the ruins in Pisco and the people are starting to sound a bit desperate due to the lack of action from the government.
If I were you I,d just sit tight for a couple of days let shit sort it,s self out and if you,re driving a dual purpose bike pick your way through the wreckage,if you are on a road bike find a long way round.
let me know when you get to Lima and I,ll buy you a ,here,s my cell number
9061 4222
just so you know I own a bar in Quito but I,m working in Lima right now!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 21 Aug 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 50
I'm on the north side of the wreckage (in Huaraz) and wondering the same thing - how's the road south? Trying to find other paved roads (or at least short sections on very good dirt roads) that would allow me to pass by Lima, Ica & Nasca (sadly) in the northern highlands.

I'll post this separately, but I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who knows about the roads from Huaraz to Huanuco to Huancayo to Ayacucho to Cusco. Everyone I talk to here and every map I look at I gives me a different answer.

Thanks and stay safe,
Daren
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 21 Aug 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Quito, Ecuador
Posts: 68
I rode north through to Quito, 2 days before the quake. I don´t have any info on the roads, but would urge you all to heed the advice given above. People in desperate situations, will do desperate things. While normally the whole area is safe to travel through, it may not be as safe now, at least not until the local population has gotten some relief.

I am South American, from Argentina, so I don´t have a problem saying this. While under normal conditions they may see us ride thorugh in our high $$$ (to them) machines and not bother us, under the current circumstances it may not be the case. Think what you might do in a disaster to feed yourself and your family.

Not saying this is the case, just asking all to be careful, and if you can, just try and give it some time...

Best of luck with whatever you decide to do.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 21 Aug 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 50
Thanks for the sensible advice reminder gpothoven. I agree and will be looking for a better long-term place to stay here in beautiful Huaraz.

Cheers
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 22 Aug 2007
quastdog's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Chiangmai, Thailand
Posts: 509
Quote:
Originally Posted by dmotorider View Post
I'm on the north side of the wreckage (in Huaraz) and wondering the same thing - how's the road south? Trying to find other paved roads (or at least short sections on very good dirt roads) that would allow me to pass by Lima, Ica & Nasca (sadly) in the northern highlands.

I'll post this separately, but I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who knows about the roads from Huaraz to Huanuco to Huancayo to Ayacucho to Cusco. Everyone I talk to here and every map I look at I gives me a different answer.

Thanks and stay safe,
Daren
I rode from Huaraz to Huanuco a couple months ago. The first half is paved, to a town I can't remember the name of - and the 2nd half to Huanuco is unpaved. Its not difficult dirt riding - I was using touring tires (Scorpions). Its a nice ride actually, especially along the part that's paved. Its a long ride though, so either do it in two days or start early from Huaraz.

From Huanuco south about 50km past Huancayo it is all asphalt - about 1/2 the distance at over 4000m.

I didn't do the ride south through Ayacucho to Cusco - I was having bike problems and had to go back to Lima - rode south from there through the Pisco-Ica area to Nasca on the way to Cusco.
__________________
quastdog
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 22 Aug 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Ardning Austria
Posts: 132
Ayacucho - Abancay - Cuzco

I rode that part 3 years ago and it was all dirt road till you reach the mainroad just before Abancay!
Very nice road, some parts where a little raff, but not really bad!
If you ride offroad from time to time than just go for it!

Appie
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 23 Aug 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Ardning Austria
Posts: 132
Lima - Arequipa

Just spoke with a busdriver, he said there are some parts broken up but even a bus can pass through!
He said to watch out beetween Pisco an Chincha!
That's where most of the people lost everything!
Better not to stop there he said!

Appie
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 23 Aug 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Wellington, New Zealand
Posts: 146
Huancayo - Abancay - Cusco

The road after Ayacucho is all gravel -good condition. Not a particularly fast road, will take a couple of days but was in good condition. A lot of switchbacks etc. Cheap hotels in most small towns. I crashed on this road so it took me a little longer. Some people very friendly, some people most definitely suspicious of strangers, real small towns...

still thinking of those who have lost their homes
__________________
The Road To Rio - Locokiwi
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 24 Aug 2007
Statdawg's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: U.S.A.
Posts: 94
It was reported here in the States that a Prison wall fell over and 600 prisoners are lose in southern Peru which is hampering rescue operations. Just be careful, furthermore there could be another quake in the area which is not uncommon. Sit tight or go around. Be safe.

Is there any rider/traveler that is trapped in the area ?
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 25 Aug 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Quito, Ecuador
Posts: 68
Quote:
Originally Posted by Statdawg View Post
It was reported here in the States that a Prison wall fell over and 600 prisoners are lose in southern Peru which is hampering rescue operations. Just be careful, furthermore there could be another quake in the area which is not uncommon. Sit tight or go around. Be safe.

Is there any rider/traveler that is trapped in the area ?
I saw that on the news here in Ecuador. 500 are back in, and 100 are camped outside the walls, asking to be let back in, but being refused.

I'm not kidding...
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 25 Aug 2007
brennan's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Fl USA
Posts: 254
Sit tight

The advice above is great. Please be careful. There must be some desperate times in Lima and outlying areas right now.

It's so sad what just happened. Those poor people! From what I saw on my trip through two months ago was that they are tough as nails and very resilient.

I am not so much of a praying man but.... I pray that there are no bikers in the mix or in harms way because of this earthquake.

Keep us updated as to what you do and what you see when you feel it is safe to pass.

Good luck.
__________________
Brennan Dates

www.brennandates.com
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
panamerican highway ready2ride Route Planning 2 25 May 2007 21:53
Cassiar Highway: British Columbia normw Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 9 20 Jan 2007 19:33
FROM LA TO LIMA jcb51 SOUTH AMERICA 0 29 Apr 2003 17:13
Tyres in Lima Jose M. Garcia SOUTH AMERICA 2 5 Dec 2001 12:50
Official fees for Panamerican Borders Gonzalo Trip Paperwork 3 18 May 2001 18:49

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 22:10.