Shipping US to Southern South America

[Moonchicken]

Has anyone found reasonable shipping from US to Peru, Chile, Uruguay, or Argentina? I've checked with two companies that advertise motorcycle shipping and the don't ship there from the US. They referred me to a US shipping company. But the US company wanted around $2300 one way per bike. I would like to ship two bikes there and back but that's too expensive. I am looking to stay three months and I can rent a small jeep camper for half as much. I would rather ride but not a double the price!

[m37charlie]

This answer may surprise you. I will probably be shipping my large truck camper (Unimog based) To Montevideo in a year or two. Reasons for avoiding Central America coming from North America include difficult and expensive shipping from Panama to Colombia And high crime rates in Guatemala El Salvador Honduras and to a lesser extent other countries.
Also, despite being a US citizen I have learned that using US ports for international shipments either going in or out his unduly difficult because of bureaucratic and governmental “BS”. Therefore, despite the fact that I live in Alaska I will drive to Halifax Nova Scotia, ship to Antwerp, and then from there after some time in Europe shipped in Montevideo on a roro ship through Seabridge that one can book a cabin sufficiently in advance. Sounds circuitous but the goal is to avoid US ports and also spend time in Europe. Your experience may vary but I have found US ports horrible experiences all 3 times.

[markharf]

Yes, look into shipping from Canada...but you don't need to get to Halifax first, and it's not necessary to head for Europe enroute, or to spend weeks in a freighter cabin.

For whatever it's worth, shipping motorcycles is not a high priority for air freight companies anywhere (that I'm aware of) in the world. No matter what you do, it'll be expensive. And your 3 month trip is pretty marginal in terms of making it worthwhile to ship vs. rent--particularly round trip. You might also search this site for information on legal and/or semi-legal means for purchasing a bike on the spot in South America--there are at least a couple of reputable options in Colombia and Peru.

I'd add that riding through Central America to and from South America is not such a big deal, current Nicaragua situation aside, and shipping across the gap is expensive but not difficult. Your 3 month schedule doesn't really allow for that route, but if you had the time it'd be a worthwhile option. I've done it twice, and scores, maybe hundreds of riders do it every year.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark

[charapashanperu]

Originally Posted by markharf

No matter what you do, it'll be expensive. And your 3 month trip is pretty marginal in terms of making it worthwhile to ship vs. rent--particularly round trip. You might also search this site for information on legal and/or semi-legal means for purchasing a bike on the spot in South America--there are at least a couple of reputable options in Colombia and Peru.

Mark

MUCH less expensive to buy local in Peru! PM me.

[Moonchicken]

Thanks for the information everyone! I will look into everything discussed here.