South America Itinerary
 

Hi,

I'm planning a trip to South America for later this year, sometime towards the end of August and was hoping to get some insight/comments on visiting the continent. I've only recently started doing research, but for now, what I'd like to do is spend 3-5 weeks travelling around, and my plan right now is to start with the north in Colombia (Cartagena), then Medellin. From there, down to Ecuador (Quito, and the Galapagos Islands). Then Peru (Lima), Chile (Santiago), and finally Argentina (Buenos Aires, and Calafate).

I realise that 3 weeks for all this is (probably?) next to impossible, but I was hoping to get some advice and thoughts from people who have experience travelling around South America. Could this actually be done in 3 weeks? Even if it were 4-5 weeks, is it still unrealistic, or is it doable?

It may end up being that I only have 3 weeks, so if it is, are there some places that can be cut out, or possibly more worth visiting than others?

Just MHO, but... 5 countries in 3 weeks? You could spend all 3 weeks in just one country and not see nearly all there is to see. That's a lot of distance to cover too; you'll be spending all your time on the bike, and none on sightseeing or actually enjoying the trip.

My advice would be allow a lot more time, or limit your range to a smaller distance.

South America Itinerary
 

There always a tendency to try to cram in as many countries for the feeling as you are somehow maximising your bang for buck but in reality you will just feel stressed out and rushed. I've got seven or eight months but will just stick to Bolivia, Argentina and Chile, as in my experience, I would rather really know a few places than know nothing about many places. Still, if that's what you want, you are prepared to do long days and if it's more about the ride, there is no reason one couldn't make it down to Argentina and back, assuming one had no breakdowns or mechanical problems. For some, no doubt it's all about the ride and that I can totally understand.

Ride safe!
rtw

Lima to Santiago is over 3000km alone, then another 1500km to Buenos Aries and that is just head down tail up riding without sight-seeing or socialising. Add a few days for the Galapagos Island and ....

Explains why people spend months on just Argentina and Chile and still need to go back to see/experience the rest.

3-5 months is more like it. Of the various countries you mentioned my favorites are Chile and Argentina. But your going to have a hard time getting as far South as you state. I did not check the mileage but it's about 5000 miles from Columbia, also a lovely country, to Chile. And then it's several thousand to Torres Del Paine - a don't miss place, and then a couple of thousand back to Buenos Aries. I agree that city is the best place to ship a bike back from. But your going to have to rush to get there. I don't have a solution for you. Maybe limit your tour to 3 countries of your choice. SA is really big, especially if your going from North to South. Dave

Yep, it is that sign when you enter Chile that says "Santiago 2500km" when it hits you... it is only 1/2 way down the country :-)

So when , last year, after passing through Karbarov in Russia I saw a sign saying "Chita 2000km", I though "pah, is that all ?" :-)

I am curious as to whether the OP is planning on renting a motorcycle or flying one in from overseas.

Flying your own bike in for just three weeks is going to be pricey, plus customs delays can often take days to resolve.

If you rent a bike in Colombia, will you be able to leave the country with it? How ill you return the rental at the end of the trip, etc.?

He doesn't actually say he is using a bike, does he?

True - but doing it by bicycle, foot, bus etc. is going to cover even less distance!

He hasn't responded, so perhaps we've scared him off.

We are travelling by motorbikes on a similar itinerary : we set off in November 2013 from Santiago and are only as far as Cali in Columbia seven months later. Three or even five weeks is very ambitious for the same trip if you want to see anything.