5 weeks to where and back?
 

I have weeks on the ground in South America. Flying into and out of Santiago.
Hoping to sort a bike quick and crack on.
Where to go? I’ve done south before so want to head through Bolivia. But how far can I go realistically?

You can eat the miles and be in Antofogasta in 2 days. Another day to ride to San Pedro de Atacama.

Then you have enough time to visit the high desert and Salara de Uyuni, ride to La Paz, visit Cordillera Real a little bit North of La Paz, then east to see the Death road and a bit of the jungle, South to Potosi and Sucre, then enter Argentina at La Quiaca, Catch the Ruta 40, ride South on 40 in Argentina, all the way to Mendoza. Visit a bodega in Mendoza, then re-enter Chile to reach Santiago.

Very doable in 5 weeks if you dont get lazy.

:scooter:

I had pretty much the same thoughts as jfman--including "if you don't get lazy"--but hadn't yet gathered the energy to write it up. And there are an infinite number of side trips and alternatives if you're moving at a steady clip.

You don't mention a time of year, which might make a difference. Nor do you mention whether buying or renting, whether selling at the end of your trip (which will eat into your riding time), or what your interests are. If you like waterfalls, maybe squeeze in Iguazu; if bird and wildlife viewing, the Pantanal; archeological sites are thick in Peru but less common elsewhere; etc.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark