Bike rental in bolivia???

[jumaru]

Hi there!
I'm planning a 4-week low-budget trip to Peru-Bolivia for next April-May 2015. Due to enormous expenses for shipping my bike from Greece, and the short time of the trip, it will be backpacking style.
On the last week of the trip or so, I'd like visit the south of Bolivia (Salar, lagoons), preferably riding a bike on my own (doesn't exist public transport and I don't like organised tours).
Any idea for renting a bike (whatever...) in Bolivia? Where? Prises?
Thanks in advance,
Alex

[ridetheworld]

Make sure it's a good one, preferably an Enduro for the lagoons. Take a very good sleeping bag too.

[jumaru]

Originally Posted by ridetheworld

Make sure it's a good one, preferably an Enduro for the lagoons. Take a very good sleeping bag too.

Thanks for the advice, I've heard it's a bit "chilly" out there! However, heavy and bulky equipment is a problem when backpacking... Doesn't exist any type of accomodation there?

As for the bike, a enduro one would be great, where can I find it though???:confused1:

[ridetheworld]

Originally Posted by jumaru

Thanks for the advice, I've heard it's a bit "chilly" out there! However, heavy and bulky equipment is a problem when backpacking... Doesn't exist any type of accomodation there?

As for the bike, a enduro one would be great, where can I find it though???:confused1:

Yes, accommodation can be found at some of the small villages, such as Quetena Chico, at the hot springs and at the park entrance/exit near Lago Verde - not sure where else. I wouldn't feel confident about going down without all the necessary gear that will keep you alive when it hits -10. Relying on the unreliable accommodation means you could be stuffed if they don't have room. At least take a 3-4 season bag and thermals. You need to make sure you are very well equipped, it's remote and it is dead cold at night. Regarding rentals I know a board member on here rents in Peru but not sure about Bolivia I'm afraid! Suerte Amigo!!

[sudstrom]

Hi. Check out these guys:
Boliviamotors.com
I have no perdonal experiance.
But their partner company (peru motors) are well known.

Hope this helps.
Andy

[jumaru]

Originally Posted by sudstrom

Hi. Check out these guys:
Boliviamotors.com
I have no perdonal experiance.
But their partner company (peru motors) are well known.

Hope this helps.
Andy

Thank you Andy!
I' ve checked their site already.
Only big motos (>650cc) and prices from $90/day, plus a deposit of $2500!
Too much for me... I've sent them a mail for something cheaper...
Will see,
Alex

[Peter Bodtke]

You might know this already, but as far as I know it is impossible to cross borders with a rented motorcycle.

[jumaru]

@Peter: No intents to escape Bolivia... so far! Just fooling around! Thanks anyway...

News from BOLIVIAMOTORS for anyone interested:
Bike(650cc) rental comes to $600 per week + $2500 of guarrantee
(or $1000 of guarrantee if a $15 of extra security is added daily)

For me it's too expensive... hoped for $35-40/per day for a chinese 250!
Will see... a bicycle maybe??? hahaha

[sudstrom]

You can rent bikes in uyuni as well.
Mtb is the company.
Only with guide though.
250$
So i guess out of budget as well.
But just for info

[jumaru]

Originally Posted by sudstrom

You can rent bikes in uyuni as well.
Mtb is the company.
Only with guide though.
250$
So i guess out of budget as well.
But just for info

I've contacted the mtb's department in Uyuni, asking for renting a 250cc or 400cc bike for a week or so, WITHOUT guide. They answered that don't rent bikes sin guia... because Salar is a very dangerous area....mpla... mpla...:confused1:
However they told me that rental without guide is posible at their department in La Paz. I've mailed already, no answer though...

What's going with these folks???
Anyway, is there someone who've actually rent a bike (without guide) in Bolivia...???

[jumaru]

Originally Posted by jumaru

...they answered that don't rent bikes sin guia... because Salar is a very dangerous area....mpla... mpla...:confused1:

SPAM ON
Don't you think that danger factor is a bit subjective... or nο?
I wonder if this is only MY way of thinking...???
SPAM OFF

[ridetheworld]

Originally Posted by jumaru

SPAM ON
Don't you think that danger factor is a bit subjective... or on?
I wonder if this is only MY way of thinking...???
SPAM OFF

The salar can be deadly if you are without the right gear and brake down / fall off out in the middle of it. Apparently temperatures can hit -40 in winter out there in the wind! As for renting you could just turn up and ask around you'll find something eventually. I met a group of Aussies in Sucre who rented China bikes though only for a day or two (and still had problems lol) so you can definitely do it. If your lucky you could always buy a bike in Chile, takes a week or so, then drive back and sell it within the month but paperwork in Chile doesn't always go to plan so you'd need a backup plan. You can buy a hardcore Honda CGL125 second hand for next to nothing!

[Peter Bodtke]

I was corrected recently, it is possible to take a rental bike across if the rental company will produce the needed paperwork.

For anyone looking for Bolivian rentals, visit this HU page for a list of Central and South American tours:

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/links/tour-operators/south-%2526-central-america/all?title_sort=unsorted&created_sort=DESC