Rent or buy in Chile or Argentina?
 

Planning a two month trip. Would like to fly into either BA or Santiago.
whats the current consensus on buying or renting a bike? Any screaming rental
deals in either BA or anywhere in Chile?
Any good shops with decent stock of used bikes? I've seen a couple good reveiws of shops that are recommended by travellers here, but do they have used
bikes? Or rent bikes?

I have seen a couple tour outfits that rent
but so far they seem pricey. sorry for my
ignorance. any help.
Gracias a todos, que le via bien.

Patrick
San Rafael, CA USA

Patrick,
Yes the price of hiring in Chile or Argentina is very expensive, we looked into it 3 months ago. I cannot offer any experience on the hire shops as we did not do that in the end. You will NOT be able to buy an argentine bike and get it out of the country, we looked into that too and the authorities told us no (see article somewhere in this SA section). Buying in chile is easier, but i believe there can be a lenghy paperwork process (upto 2 weeks). We bought an Oz plated bike in Argentina in the end. Little paperwork hastles but we are now in Bolivia and all is well. We are selling the bike in September if you are interested. Drop us a line. Good luck with your searching.
Rob

Thanks for the reply.
I'm not ready to travel quite yet.
Maybe by October or so. Just doing research at this point. Its been over 10 years since I was in S. America so I'm having to re-learn everything.

I saw your ad for your KLR250 in the bikes for sale area. Could be a good bike for me but I'd rather have a 600 or something if I have a choice. Good luck selling your bike, I'm sure someone will buy it. I've heard there is a good Kawa dealer in La Paz, maybe they would be interested?

Eat a Saltena and have a big glass of carrot juice for me.
Patrick