Canada to Chile - August 2013
 

Hello everyone,

I am currently planning a trip from Guelph, Ontario Canada to Santiago, Chile. I would enjoy any feedback from anyone that has gone through South America (i.e. from Mexico to Panama, Columbia, etc.) that could provide feedback on the best routes, hostels, towns, or people to meet, to plan my itinerary.

I will be leaving near the end of August 2013. I won't be in a rush, just taking in the sites and adventures wherever they may take me, no huge timelines, will be meeting a friend that lives in Chile whenever I arrive.

Also, I always enjoy company and do not mind riding or meeting up with others for periods of time as I move along.

David

Hey David,
I can't offer much advice as I haven't been yet but I'll be on my trip in late August too. Should hit Baja around Sept 1. Perhaps we'll cross paths. In the mean time, I've spent a bunch of time researching routes. Seems like every week I change my mind. I'd be happy to compare notes with you

Dave

Hello Dave,

I have found great tips for bike friendly hostels throughout South America so far. I will be taking the tips and setting my 'relaxed' itinerary around these places mentioned by past South American riders. I have researched places up until Ecuador so far. Where are you taking off from in Canada and where are you planning to have your final destination, just Baja, California, Mexico, or Baja, Ecuador?

I will be heading from Canada down through the U.S. on hwy 61 to cruise through Tennessee, Mississipi, New Orleans, etc. to get over to Mexico.

Talk soon,

David

David,

I took the trip last year. My advice, don't plan your route too much. Through Mexico and Central America the common route is pretty evident. Sign up for hostelworld.com and pay the annual membership which waves reservation fees. Then ride and book hostels along the way. I usually just booked 1 or 2 days in advance, sometimes the same day, and had no problem finding inexpensive places to stay. As you travel you will meet people that will share with you interesting places to visit. You'll end up changing your route based on what's of interest to you.

If you would like more info you can check out my ride report that has lots of info on my bike, gear, route and things to do. TheAdventureBegins.tv

Enjoy it!

Troy

I'm leaving from St. Albert, Alberta and going all the way to Ushuaia. 4 weeks in Mexico. Taking Stahlratte Nov 15th

hi you are welcom in argentina. anyone can write mi, mi house is yours

Thanks for the feedback Troy, much appreciated!

I plan to make it over to Argentina after hitting Chile to see friends. Will contact you in about six months, thanks for the warm invitation to your home!

If we are on the road around the same time and in the vicinity of each other I look forward to meeting up. Will post updates when on the road.

Check out these websites too
 

I just finished the PanAm - took me two years. Some good sources of information, particularly on border crossings are:

Drive the Americas
www.liveliferemotely.com

check also: http://www.expeditionportal.com/foru...-South-America


bring your camping gear and starting in Baja enjoy the beaches!

Chris

for what it is worth
 

Hello, we did Mexico and Central America in 2010. the link to our travel story is here:

I blogged the trip more for our own purposes and suggest anyone to do the same in some format. journal book/word document/video log...whatever works. we found it best to do it every night before bed, if we waited to do it every couple of days the details got "foggy" as the days melded together. we also downloaded our cameras daily.

This winter we are heading to South America, likely fly the bikes there and ride for 4months concentrating on Northern South America. Maybe our paths will cross :scooter:

hopefully you can get some useful info from our story.

Life from Behind the Visor