Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
Mongolia vs Peru - Help me choose! Mongolia vs Peru - Help me choose!
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Giovanni Lamonica, Aralsk, Kazakhstan.

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Giovanni Lamonica,
Aralsk, Kazakhstan.



Like Tree3Likes

Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 12 Mar 2018
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 20
Mongolia vs Peru - Help me choose!
Hi!

I'm planning on a three and a bit week trip in June between graduating university and starting a job. It'll be my first proper riding adventure, I have a full license in the UK, but for simplicity and cost plod about on a wee CG125, which I bought as a project to learn to work on bikes.

Anyway I'd really like to make the most of the few weeks that I have off and go and explore by motorcycle - having been inspired by countless other stories. I'm obviously a little apprehensive about doing it alone, especially with my limited riding experience, but I've been unable to field any trip buddies, and I really don't want to miss out on my chance. I've spent no time off road, but getting off the beaten track really appeals.

Two places that really interest me, are Peru and Mongolia. Can't explain exactly why, but they appeal, and I may as well start somewhere. In Peru I'd be looking at renting something like an XR250 and in Mongolia a Shinneray 150 as seems to be the most prevalent rental bikes in both countries - without costing too much.

So any suggestions on where would make the best first moto trip? And any tips to soothe mine (and potentially those close to me's) concerns?

Thanks!
Last edited by InvyBiker; 12 Mar 2018 at 21:10.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12 Mar 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Bern, CH
Posts: 263
Quote:
Originally Posted by InvyBiker View Post
between graduating university and starting a job
Hello
What time of the year?
sushi
__________________
My RTW:
http://www.youtube.com/user/MrXt660ztenere
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12 Mar 2018
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 20
Quote:
Originally Posted by sushi2831 View Post
Hello
What time of the year?
sushi
Ah sorry, this June!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12 Mar 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Bern, CH
Posts: 263
Hello


https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/peru
https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/mongolia


June is good for mongolia and peru, might get cold in the andes.
Mongolia has paved roads from UB to all direction, but they turn to sandtracks at some point, lots of new road construction.
Peru has all sort of roads to choose from.
Mongolia is better for wild camping while Peru has lots of cheap rooms, no need to camp.
The traffic is worse in peru, in mongolia just in UB as similar.
For a beginner on a heavy bike, I'd say peru, but no idea on how it's on a 150ccm.

How is your spanish or mongolian?

Hard to choose, the open space of mongolia vs. the high altitude of the andes.

sushi
__________________
My RTW:
http://www.youtube.com/user/MrXt660ztenere
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 13 Mar 2018
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 20
Hi Sushi

Thanks for your thoughts! I know neither Spanish nor Mongolian but trying not to let that stop me.

It's a tough call. May have a lead on someone to ride with in Mongolia, which would probably sway it for me. But if that comes to nothing I need to figure out which would be best!

Cheers
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 14 Mar 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Bern, CH
Posts: 263
Quote:
Originally Posted by InvyBiker View Post
I know neither Spanish nor Mongolian but trying not to let that stop me.
Hello


Well, then +1 for mongolia, I think it's easier to travell there with no knowledge of the local language.


sushi
__________________
My RTW:
http://www.youtube.com/user/MrXt660ztenere
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 23 Mar 2018
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 20
Thanks for the advice sushi - just booked flights to Peru this morning! Better try and learn some Spanish!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 26 Apr 2018
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 34
I have never been in Mongolia, but spent 12 years in Bolivia (but left 12 years ago). Visited Peru many times. Just be careful when riding, nobody really gives a crap about traffic rules, and especially about bikes. But Peru has it all, jungles, mountains and the sea. The security might be also bit of an issue, among South Americans, Peruvians have the worst reputation for thieving (sorry if that touches any Peruvians on the forum, but that is the reality, or at least was, when i was there). Be very careful with your valuables, and do not leave anything anywhere without supervision. The poorer you look, the better, try not to flash your expensive gear (if you have any), just hide it. Also always look like you know what you doing and where you are. If you have to look into a map, do it somewhere where nobody can see you doing it. Be friendly, but not too friendly (unfortunately).
Sorry cannot comment on Mongolia, and as I said my info might be bit out of date by now, I left in 2006.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 7 May 2018
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 20
Cheers for your insight, I appreciate hearing of other's experiences.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 12 May 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Panama
Posts: 187
Right choice on Peru
Having done both, I think you made the right choice heading for Peru. Mongolia is interesting but there is virtually no infrastructure. All roads eventually become sand tracks, and limited places to stay (although it's easy to do wild camping).
Peru has many fascinating places...Machu Pichu, Nazca, Pisco (and the islands), desert, etc. Roads are generally (not always!) well paved but drivers are nuts. I would think about a circle from Nazca to Cuzco (visit Machu Pichu by train) to Puno (Lake Titicaca) and down to Arequipa among other areas.
Have fun!
__________________
Steve Barnett
Panama City, Panama
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 13 May 2018
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 20
Cheers - headed off in just over 3 weeks now, so getting pretty excited. Honestly hoping to ride as much dirt as possible, so need to try and finalise my rough itinerary!
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 13 May 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Honduras
Posts: 175
How exciting. Good luck with your travels! I'm sure you'll get by with whatever level of Spanish that you're at. Be friendly with people and for the most part they will reciprocate.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 14 May 2018
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 20
Thank you! Hoping I'll be able to bumble along with what I do know!
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 14 May 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: South of the border (MN)
Posts: 163
For me, Cusco and the tourist areas in that part of Peru were more disappointing than the northern highlands. I have a long ride report from Peru that you might find helpful at Leaving the Arrowhead Country to ride Peru and beyond | Adventure Rider

Yes, traffic in cities is crazy. They have their own rules, and motos are at the bottom. I didn't find security a big issue. Normal precaution; keep your stuff in sight, or park in a secure place. I rode a 250cc Peru licensed moto, not a large displacement foreign moto.

Bring a translation device, because English is absent, except in the tourist areas like Lima and Cusco.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 16 May 2018
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 20
Thanks for that, I'll give your RR a read. I realise the more touristy areas may not be so great, but I decided for a first moto trip to keep fairly close to more commonly travelled areas. I've got offline translate as well as a small phrasebook so hopefully I'll get by. I'll be on a Peru reg XR250 which should do the job well, and seem as common as they come over there. What did you use for navigation?

Will have to leave the northern highlands for the next trip!
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 2 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 2 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Mongolia By Motorcycle deelip Ride Tales 11 30 Jun 2017 18:42
2015 - Heading east from Europe, add your itinerary / plans kim Travellers Seeking Travellers 190 5 Mar 2016 07:38
Mongolia - Northern Route in June 2014 Up The Junction Ride Tales 6 29 Jul 2014 09:27
Mongolian road conditions in May sushi2831 Northern and Central Asia 21 7 Jul 2013 13:19
Sweden - Mongolia and back... Hellboy Ride Tales 2 29 Dec 2012 03:33

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 21:39.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top