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!

Hello
What time of the year?
sushi

Ah sorry, this June!

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

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

Hello


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


sushi

Thanks for the advice sushi - just booked flights to Peru this morning! Better try and learn some Spanish!

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.

Cheers for your insight, I appreciate hearing of other's experiences.

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!

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!

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.

Thank you! Hoping I'll be able to bumble along with what I do know!

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.

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!