I don't think there is any way to catch all the best weather throughout the whole continent, no matter when you start. It's not a question of getting "screwed;" it's all about making choices and yielding to what's inevitable.

You don't say when you might now be planning to leave home. It's February, and if you wait until April, start in Colombia, and take 8 months for your trip (per your original plan), you'll be in Patagonia in spring or maybe summer, which is fine.

I'll add only that the language barrier in Brazil is only slightly more difficult than any language barriers in the Spanish-speaking countries. Both languages are similar, and Brazilians can generally understand simple Spanish, although someone with only basic Spanish skills might have difficulty understanding them. Lots of the people you meet will speak other languages anyway--Quechua, Guarani, even German, Dutch, and others. You don't have time to go everywhere, so maybe you'll miss Brazil anyway, but don't skip it merely due to the "language barrier."

Hope that's helpful.

Mark

Hey! I had the same plan, and can maybe save you a few headaches!

I arrived in Santiago on Jan 21, hoping to buy a used or new bike. I stayed at Casa Matte(great spot! I learned a ton about bike maintenance just watching people work, and Kristian is the nicest human on this planet, where I learned of a few issues with Chilean plated bikes from other travelers. therefore i changed my plan. (Which is actually turning out for the best as I don’t really want to be in Patagonia at the height of the season anyway)

Met an American, chilean plates, ownership paperwork- has been denied at 7 border crossings

Met a Belgian- bought a new bike, submitted paperwork to have ownership papers (which can take 3+ weeks to get)...the agency lost his paperwork. He submitted again, and paid-agaib, and they lost the paperwork, again. He is now stuck in chile with a bike he cannot legally sell.

I read that Peru was a good country to have a plate from. I bought a bike and will pick it up in a few weeks, then was contacted by a few people who heaes my plan through the grapevine with their problems at border crossings and a 15 step guide on how to get out. Yikes, this next month should be interesting

Met 2 Americans that purchased brand new bikes in Colombia, had ownership papers in their hands within the day, havent had a single issue crossing any border.

Colombia seems the way to go! I will let you know how leaving Peru goes for me

Im splitting my travels into several chunks after hearing it is possible to store the bike for 6 months in Colombia or 1 yesr in Uruguay, so will come back in Nov for Patagonia.

Hope you get on the road soon’

It was helpful ! Good reminder Latin America is more culturally dispatched than I imagined. In any case, I won't be doing Brazil because I just don't have time, as you said. When it comes to the itinerary, I have to leave now, I can't really wait unfortunately but Patagonia seems enjoyable in early Autumn, I think I'll give it a try !


Thanks man ! Good to have up to date informations. It's pretty scary what I hear on the Internet about Chile. Many people tell me it's possible/no problem and many others are saying it's impossible/over.
Obviously I never take into account old informations because this seem to be changing quite often.

I realised after searching that Patagonia in early/mid Autumn would be pretty fine as well.

I guess I should follow your advice but considering an equal amount of people people did not have much trouble I'll give a try to the companies who deal with all the paperwork in exchange for money. Hopefully I can cross !

If like you I end up learning that I can't cross I'll just move to Peru like you.

If anyone has suggestions or wants to make me change my plan please tell. I'm booking tomorrow.

I'll keep everyone updated of course.