Crossing the Andes - Chile & Argentina - June/July
 

Hiya all,

Planning to cross the Andes in Chile and Argentina in June / July this year. Currently in Mexico and loving it...

Anyone criss crossed the Andes at this time of year in this location? Worried that I'm going to get a LOT of snow, although a number of Chileans I have talked to have said that all should be "good" on a bike. Not convinced, so would love to hear of anyones adventures in the Andes at that time of year...fully aware that its winter down there then.

Cheers all.

Brian Coles
http://colesyboy.tripod.com

I crossed the northern border of Ch/AR/bolivia in late July of 2003 and had no snow to worry about, although it was extremely cold (below freezing). There was snow on the side of the road but I don't think they had had any snowfall for quite some time.

Also, crossing from Mendoza, AR to Santiago CH would have been cake during early August, although we didn't have time to make the trip.

Here's some photos to give you a visual of the coldness of the environment you'll be riding through.

Snow, Road, Lake and KLR in ARG
http://www.bikerswithoutborders.org/...-small/AR5.jpg

Ice and my overloaded KLR650
http://www.bikerswithoutborders.org/...small/AR20.jpg


Regards, Steve
www.BikersWithoutBorders.org

Hi Brian,

Mendoza-Santiago only is closed during bad weather, but is reopen in 2-3 days.

In the north is very strange that the border is closed, but sometimes the rain destroy the road.

In the south only Osorno-Bariloche is open all the year. Mostly when Santiago-Mendoza is closed all the trucks go to Osorno-Bariloche.

If you visit Chile please come to my house in Curico, at least you will enjoy an asado with some friends.

Any help from Chile just call.

------------------
Ya verás como quieren en Chile al amigo cuando es forastero (traditional song)

Jose Pedro Espinosa
Curico, Chile

Thanks guys, thats given me a good insight as to what to expect - mmmm - better stock up on thermals I guess.

Cheers
Brian
http://colesyboy.tripod.com