South America 2013
 

Hi

I am planning a trip around South America starting from BA in October 2013. I know it is early warning - but it does take time to take 4 to 6 months out.

My initial planning is leave from BA in early October, head south - but not take in Patagonia then take the loop up the West coast- Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, visit the Carribean coast , down the Amazon by boat, Rio for the Carnival then back to BA, via Paraguay. I hope to be back in BA in late Feb. 2014.. But nothing is set in stone- and it is very flexible. The route is probably 25 kto 30k KM.

I am a retired New Zealander ( aged 63) and ride a 2008 V Strom 650. In 2011, I toured 21000 km in Europe as far west as the Ukraine. This year I travelled 22,000 km taking in Morocco, Turkey and Albania. You can read the blog on my Moroccan trip on this site.
I am learning Spanish, but am no great shakes as a mechanic- though I have managed to get by with " bush " mechanics, a vstrom service manual and e mail advice from a tame mechanic back in NZ

I am planning minimal off road , but prefer smaller roads to tolls and a maximum daily distance of around 400 to 500km. I like to stop and smell the roses, do some hiking and surfing, look at the ancient structures and have a beer.

I plan to stay in hotels or hostels - nothing flash- just clean and safe for bike and traveller and plan a daily budget of around $US100 a day for lodging, fuel and food. I managed Turkey and Morocco for (much) less than this.

If you are contemplating a similar trip and would like an easy going KIwi as a travel mate, get in touch

Regards

Peter

S.America trip
 

Peter,
Planning a similar trip around that time, but no plans? Retire end this year, will start planning then. Not sure what bike yet, but been riding mainly bmw's for many years (current bike 1995 gs). No great shake as a mechanic also. Perhaps keep in touch and assess if there is some compatibility, but we do seem to have common steady approach, though I was considering camping some of the time to keep cost down on such a long trip?
I am British by the way, and love to travel. Not started my Spanish lessons yet, but it is on the cards....

Brian

sa trip 2013
 

Hi Brian

Thanks for your response . I am currently in UK ( Bexhill) until early Sept when I flee back to NZ for the summer then back over here in april 2013. My bike is stored over the winter.

Where in the UK are you? I can be contacted on 07903269764.

The BMW is a great bike. Did Turkey with a mate who rode a 1200 GS and his only complaint was it was a bit heavy. That is why I went for the V strom as I can lift it after a fall. Has proved very reliable.

Re compatability. Once the route and a rough timetable are agreed then I find it is usually simple from there on.

Peter

Wrong times of year!
 

Peter,

You might want to rethink your timing on this trip. Dec to April is NOT the time for traveling in the highlands of Bolivia and Peru. Same goes for most anywhere in the Amazon... ESPECIALLY with a Strom!

Most people don't get that as they want to ship their bikes into BA or Santiago the end of the year for the best weather at Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego when it is warm, but that leaves them trying to do the upper 2/3rds of the continent (by land mass) during the rainy season which is HORRIBLE! Believe me! I've lived and ridden in Peru for over 20 years. You DON'T want sleet and snow in the Andes or red mud and landslides in the jungle!

Southern Brazil rainy season is Sep-Oct. Even so it's not very cold then and all pavement.

Cheers, Toby

Weather
 

Toby,
I do intend to travel to Patagonia. What is the best time of year to visit and include Bolivia and Peru?

Peter,
I am in west London at the moment.

Brian

Hi Peter, my 4-6 month plan and I know you say you do not intend to take in Patagonia would be as follows. BA to Azul night stop at Pollo's (Jorge) place then on towards Puerto Madryn to see the whales on the Valdes peninsula. Balls out down Rt.3 cutting across at the bottom of Argentina to visit Puento Arenas if you want to be in the southernmost city on the mainland of S.America then up to Puerto Natales and the Torres de Paine. Back into Argentina via the border crossing just to the east of the park then north up Rt 40 which ranges from brilliant to bloody and back into Chile at Chile Chico. Up the Caraterra Austral to Puerto Montt then balls out north to San Pedro de Atacama and over the Paseo de Jama to Argentina from where you can head into Bolivia. I realize that this will miss many many great sights but to go south from BA and not take in the bits I have mentioned would be a great waste. Lots of long and boring to some, stretches but the rewards are great. Christmas in Cusco is quite a sight. Ride safe.

south america 2013
 

Toby, Maja

Many thanks for your input and advice. As I arrive in BA in October I can meander South then head back up from Patagonia to Bolivia, Paraguay and Rio.
I have up to 6 months before I have to be back home and I could do the northern section another time.

Again thanks for your input and I will begin looking at southern routes and destinations.

Regards

Peter

Brian,

The best way is to ship your bike into Peru or Ecuador in May, then ride south thru Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and on thru Patagonia near the end of the year. If you have less time than that then ship your bike in July. Aug and Sept are still good in Peru and Bolivia.

I know everyone wants to ship into BA or Santiago near the end of the year, but then you have to wait until May to go north doh

Toby

Thanks
 

Some food for thought Toby, thanks for the advice,

Brian

south america 2013
 

hi i am looking to do this trip in 2013 as well still looking at the dates and weather conditions for the trip i have been to Argentina 4 times but not on my bike back packing ect i speak some Spanish i have done some long trips in the last few years on my bike the Arctic circle, Canada cost to cost Alaska and the lower 48 states i am 62 years old i ride a 1150 gs if you are looking for a fellow traveller on this trip email me se how it goes

geoff the lost biker

I concur with this. Say hi to Jorges in Azul from me. Don't forget to sign the wall. Take in the HU meeting in December if it is still run by Oscar.
After crossing the border into Argentina at San Pedro de Atacama go south to the camp site at Yala, great place to chill out, with a good restaurant cabins and camping. Take a day trip to Salta via the back road over the mountain (spectacular), and visit Jujuy just 14km south of Yala. The road north into Bolivia has/is being upgrade now so should be great by the time you get here.
If I am still in South America we will meet up somewhere.