Salar de Uyuni distances?
 

Thinking of crossing the Salar from San Pedro de Atacama. Have done a search here and have the respective GPS co-ordinates, however I'd appreciate any info on distances, i.e. from the main road to the Salar proper, from there to Isla de Pescada and then on to Uyuni town. Any information greatfully received.

Thanks, Hamish

I didn't go to the southwest part of the Salar where you would be coming from, but I can tell you that from Isla Incawasi, to the easten edge of the Salar is roughly 30-35 miles. There is a little town there whose name I forgot. From there it is roughly 20 miles to Uyuni. There is gasoline at the island and the little town. Some people seem to refer to Isla Incawasi as Isla Pescado, and there is an Isla Pescado, but Incawasi is the one with a restauant and gasoline. Uyuni has all the normal tourist services.

I met you two at Hostel Argentina in Rio Grande in December, glad to see you are still on the road. I, on the other hand, am at work in front of a computer right now. Saving for my next trip though.

can you share the coordinates? You can send them directly to me if you prefer, ted at perljam.net.

Are street tires OK for the Salar? Is it relatively smooth, or better for true offroad bikes?

-ted (in Ecuador)

Skidmark Rick checking in.
 

Hamish, quoting Andy T (who I met in Ushuaia and Buenos Aires, Hi Andy), but I am also envious of you still being on the road. I am the guy on the KLR you helped with the broken chain and skid mark near Puerto San Julian. I too am back at work at the Harley Dealer. I am keeping sane by planning my next trip. A circumnavigation of Australia starting in late Aug/early Sept. 2008.
Oh, btw the Salar is a wonderful ride. I wasn't sure about going there but it was definitely worth it. I have some GREAT pictures.
Stay safe. Rick McDermed.

Thanks for the feedback guys.

Andy, good to hear from you, we hope to hook up with you next year in the States.

Rick, good to hear from you also, check out our blog for info on Australia. We had a blast, spending most of our time in the outback. Feel free to contact us for any relevant info. In the meantime, try and get a copy of "Not all Ringers and Cowboys", by Drew Radford, do a search in: ABC Shop - Delivering the ABC to You, an inspirational read.

Cheers,
Hamish

Ahhhhh Bolivia
 

Coming from S.P de atacama, its not the distance of the salar or from the salar to uyuni you need to worry about. Its the distance from Bolivia entrance back to "civilization" in san jose. This stretch is some bad roads and will take you probably about 12 hours total riding. I sent you guys an email explaining in more detail how your route is going to look if you go from san pedro to uyuni via san jose and the salar. I cant express enough to anyone on this board how cool this stretch of the planet is. Its just a massive desert at 4,700 meters with the craziest lakes / rocks / dunes, etc. You really feel like you are on Mars for a couple days. Cheers friends

Place to stay in Southern Cal.
 

Hamish, searching for info on Australia when I got home, I found the blog . Was reading it and surprised to find out it was you that helped me. :=) I will reread it many times. If/When you get to Southern California (60 miles north of LA close to the beach) give me a call 805-985-9594. I have a 4 bedroom house all to myself (and you if you need it).
Rick

Definitely get in touch where you get nearer. You have a place to stay, and friends to show you around in San Antonio, Texas.

The Salar itself is extremely smooth, packed hard as asphalt. The roads to get there are another story, bad washboard for miles and miles. Of course I had the good fortune to be there when it was dry. I could see it being really miserable if it was wet. There are several places in Uyuni that specialize in washing the jeeps that they do tours with, but I would still worry about a bike on the salt if it was wet.

No help on Salar de Uyuni - but accom in Australia
 

Hi all,
Sorry for diverting the thread away from Hamishs original, but I couldn't help responding with a bit of social banter!

Hamish - we'll send you a separate email

Andy - good to hear you're plannig your next trip. Aasha & I (& the 1150 Adventure) are now back at home in Oz, in front of a computer also. We don't have another big trip on the horizon after South America, just trips within Oz.

Rick - For your info, we were with Emma & Hamish when you were on the side of the road with the chain drama. Good to hear all is well with you. When you get to Oz, you must come & stay with us. We are in Brisbane & there is always a bed & anything else you might need. We can help with ride planning & might even come along for part of it - we don't need much of an excuse!

GREAT hearing from you!
 

Sorry also but had to say "HI". Cords and Aash. I sm SO looking forward to my OZ trip but it is going to have to wait till 2008. I have to take the girlfriend on a little cruise to Fiji and Tahiti this year so....
I plan on coming over in late August/Early Sept. 2008 and spending 4 months riding "around" and up to Alice. Thank You so much for the invitation. I will get in touch when it is a little closer and keep you informed. Save my info also and you have a place to stay in Southern California ANYTIME.
btw, I just received that book Hamish recommended and am loving it!
"Skidmark Rick" :=)

San Pedro de Atacama - Uyuni
 

Hi Emma and Hamish
I am back in Argentina again! Better steaks here :-))
I should have the whole track vom San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni on my GPS. I will send you the information.
When I remember correctly, the total distance was 540 KM.
Have fun! Hope to see you later in Paraguay, Uruguay or Buenos Aires...?
Cheers Marcello
BTW: I would not drive on the Salar when it is/was wet...:scooter:

Marcello,we´re getting close to Bolivia. We are planning like Em & Hame to cross the salar and ride to San Pedro de Atacama. Could you kindly email me the GPS way points if possible?Could be useful!

Em, Hame,where are you now? When are you planning the crossing?
Cheers,
Maria

San Pedro - Uyuni - San Pedro
 

Hello Maria,

Me and my son are from Chile.
We will do San Pedro - Uyuni - San Pedro, starting August 13th.
I do have all GPS info (all details).
Let me know your email and I'll send.

Fernando

I did SPDA-Laguna Colorado-Villa Alotta-Uyuni using only Garmins Worldmap, it actualy had most of the tracks we needed which was a bit of a surprise. The paper maps you can buy of Bolivia are pretty laughable to be honest, a lot of the towns are generallyin the wrong places!

Also have your waterproofs handy as mine got soaked putting it all on and I was literally freezing by the time we reached Villa Alotta. I also remember covering a whole 25 miles in 2.5 hours from Laguna Colorado, that was fun....

Anyway, you'll totally have a blast, just bring some spare fuel though. I brought 10L from SPDA and bought (syphoned) some off the owner of the hotel in Villa Alotta out of a bucket. Mmm, and all before breakfast.