In Mendoza Argentina with cam chain slapping noise: how/where do I fix it?

[arooni]

Hi everyone!

Writing to you from Mendoza, Argentina. My plan is to head up to Asuncion Paraguay stay a few months, then finish my trip through Brazil/Venezuela.

HOWEVER, while I was repairing the bike, the shop owner came outside and told me that the engine sound didn't sound healthy. I have a Suzuki V-Strom 650 2005 with 62,500 miles on it. I took the bike to three separate mechanics all of which told me the cam chain slapping noise was obvious and that I should replace the chain and/or tensioners ASAP or risk destroying the engine. To be honest, I think I've had this noise for awhile but always thought it was a normal engine noise. It's a constant noise that varies with speed depending on how much I accelerate; and I hear a constant "tich tich tich tich" sound.

So I figure given that I have about 5000-6000 miles left to do, it's probably a good idea to get it fixed. However while mechanics here have quoted me around 2000 ARG Pesos to replace the two chains ($200USD or so), the problem is getting the parts. They don't really get imported parts here too easily. Maybe there's a way I can get the chain/parts here. For instance:

0) A Chilean girl is coming to visit this weekend or next. I could have the mechanic open up the bike and tell me if I need the chain, the tensioners or both, and then maybe have the girl bring the cam chains and/or tensioners across the Argentenine border.

The other two options are:
1) Go ride about 300 miles to Santiago de Chile in the opposite directoin where I'd like to be travelling to (I want to be heading north east) where a trusted mechanic quoted me 140.000 pesos chilenos ($251) to replace the chains, and has assured me that even though I haven't found a lot of luck calling around I-Moto and ProMoto (Chilean part places) that we could find a similar model of chain to throw in there that would probably cost around $100. So $351 plus the cost of getting to Chile.

2) Ride 2000KM o 1200 miles to Asuncion Paraguay where its likely I can get the parts or maybe send them from the USA down there. Find a mechanic and repair/replace it there.

What would you do in my place?
Many thanks for your advice in advance!