Peoples S.A must see's and give a miss.
 

Just looking for a thread ( have looked but have not found it yet ) of peoples must see or do in south America. If a thread does not exsist I would love to hear peoples opinions. E.g great roads, a tour or town etc and also places that maybe were not really worth the effort. I will have six months Santiago to cartagena Colombia.
Cheers
Jessedylan

Santiago
 

Hi, I am a transplant Pom living in Santiago for the last 8 months solo with my bike :-))))) Drop me a line before you come out. Family will be here shortly so won't have as much time on my hands but if I can help at all let me know.

Cheers - Martyn

There are lots of those threads. In fact, there's one not far below this one. Your problem is that "What should I be sure to see in South America?" is both way to common and way too broad. First, look for threads about roads or sights in individual countries (Peru, Colombia) or geographical areas (Patagonia, the Guianas). Then come back with specific questions when unable to find the information you need.

As always, others might be more generous than I.

Mark

Impossible question to answer. Its a big freakin continent and everyone is different in what they like.

I can tell you a couple of highlights from my trip.

Colombia (the whole country)

Staying in the Andes all the way through Peru and throw in the Cañon del Pato as well.

Salar de Uyuni and the Lagunas Route through Bolivia.

Remote altiplano routes in Bolivia and Argentina.

Remote Andean passes between Chile and Argentina.

Patagonia.

Beaches and mountains of southern Brasil.

The Guianas loop: French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana.

Gran Sabana in Venezuela.

Vince is correct. Perhaps start with the "best roads" sticky in this forum.

Must experience:
the people
las chicas
the Andes

Must miss:
Flat tires
collisions with cars/trucks/moto cars/ motos/ rickshaws/ horses/ livestock/ children/pavement etc etc
Corrupt officials


good luck with that!

Both these answers are perfect! :thumbup1:

Just a few...
 

DON'T MISS

Peru down the center
Bonito in southwestern Brazil
Iguacu Falls
Santa Cruz, Bolivia

MISS

As much of the Panamericana as possible!
Camping (People are the best part of SA)
Cooking your own food (street food is fantastic and cheap!)

Best ride
 

Here is another one. I rode this one with my 14 year old daughter on the back of my KLR in '09.
What I refer to as "The back door to Machu Pichu". which takes to to Santa Theresa, located on "the other side" of Machu Pichu. DON'T TAKE THE D_ _ _ _ tourist train out of Cusco. If you do, I feel you will miss one of the great rides in Peru, with absolutely NO TRAFFIC WHATSOEVER.

Enjoy!

It's not exactly without traffic anymore: since the train washouts early last year it's become way more popular. But I'll agree that's a spectacular route.

Mark