Road between La Paz and Potosi
 

Hello to everyone,

And of course Happy New Year in advance.

I'm currently in La Paz, Bolivia and want to reach Potosi.
For a while, I have a back pain (feel better now) and I have an heavy bike with all stuff for 2 people.

Due to my issue with my back I try to avoid some difficult or dirt roads....

I know that the road between La Paz and Challapata is paved, but how is it from here to Potosi?

Maybe you know some other roads...

Thanks,

Damien

The main route between La Paz and Potosi is paved all the way. Do you have a map? Are you looking at the obvious route?

I saw some snow on the passes--15 cm deep and accumulating on the highway--late December a couple of years ago. Seemed localized and spotty, as was all the weather on the altiplano that time of year. However, it did put the fear of god into me for a few short periods.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark

Thanks Mark,

Yes I saw a map and looking the route. Your response is very helpful, because a map don't say anything about the road ;-)

Damien

the worst part...
 

The worst part of your trip south is the first leg after you leave La Paz. The road had deep grooves/channels from truck tires. There were a few spots were that police were pointing radar at the road. Heading south thru a small town (where you are supposed to slow down to speed that few can manage) they police holding radar guns wagged their finger at me for riding too fast. Heading north I got pulled over and given a warning. Turns out I was only going 5 kph over the 80 kph limit.

Between Challapata and Potosi you will climb a mountain range or two. I experienced hail and/or snow each of the three time up and down that road. Fuel is easy to get in Oruro and Challapata. I bought some gas in Poopo from a small shop because I failed to top off in Oruro. After Challapata there are fewer fuel opportunities, as I recall.

I had back issues on my trip, which started on day two. At a Horizons Unlimited meeting I pulled a muscle in my back. The pain dogged me for months. A friend turned me onto a massage therapist in Sucre that was long, expert and cheap. You might ask around for a steam bath. Turns out they exist in Bolivia. I found a public steam bath in Tarija that was hot and inexpensive. There is one in Sucre as well, which I was planning to visit, but didn't make it.

You can get a lot of current road conditions here, Mapas - Administradora Boliviana de Carreteras , but as already pointed out by others the road to Potosi is fine.

As in the new road to Uyuni (small toll) and then via Tarija to Argentina.

Went that way on a Compass Expeditions trip coupla months ago. Paved all the way, no dramas. You will have no problems.

Thanks to all.

Peter, I saw that I'm not the only one with a back pain... Feel better now after some exercises with a physio.... Plan to leave La Paz at least!

Thanks Bruce for the link, very helpful.

And Woody too.

Happy New Year to everyone!

Damien

Buen suerte!