Central/South America- 2012
 

Dear All,

I am a Hong Kong Chinese with 43 years riding experience.

I am planning a trip from San Francisco to Tierra del Fuego and back up somewhere in S. America. The bike I shall be using is a 2007 KLR650. I want to start the trip in Oct. 2012 and hope that it will end in about 3 months.

I love to take photos and shall be spending some time capturing beautiful scenes along the way.

Any seasoned traveller who thinks about the same way would be welcomed to discuss the plan here.:welcome: May be we can make a team.bier

Happy New Year!

Franki

Franki,

I'm in Guatemala right now and I can tell you that you will need a lot more than 3 months. Think 6 or more to make it enjoyable.

I have already been in Mexico, Belize and Guat for over two months.

Unless you want to ride from sunrise to sunset every day and take all the toll roads there is pretty much no way. You won't enjoy it.

I hope to be crossing into Mexico middle to end of August but at your pace it shouldn't take too long for you to catch me maybe I'll see you on the road. I'll be riding a vstrom 650

Cheers Growler

Longer!
 

There,s no reason to even do it if you don't take at least 6 months! Read some of the moto travel reports for the areas you want to travel and adjust your time. 250km is a good day on gravel. 400km is a good day on pavement. If you will have to cross a border, then 1/2 the kms of the afor mentioned. Rest day every 3rd (for you as much as to fix things on the moto). At special places (Cuzco, Foz, Salta, etc) take 2 or 3 days...

Any faster than that and you will return home with regrets...

Just sayin... after my 30 years riding in South America...

Toby :mchappy::mchappy::mchappy:

Thank you Shibby for your suggestion. I know it might take a lot longer to enjoy Latin America. The length of time is not fixed, but may be my wallet size will determin how far I can go:stormy:

Hi Growler,

I'll be looking out for a DL650 on the road:thumbup1:

See ya,

Franki

Thank you Toby for your insights. I have to agree with you about the daily riding distance. I do about the same in China. I shall be studying more on other people's travel reports, its never too late to learnjeiger

Franki

Hey Growler we should keep in touch. We may be hitting Mexico around the same time. My plan is to leave Canada in June and work my way down towards Mexico around the end of August as well. I have no set timeline so am in know rush when I get to Mexico and work my way down through Central/South america. I am planning a RTW and expect to be on the road for years not months. I will be riding a Triumph Tiger 800.

We will be in Mex/CA in fall to winter. Maybe we will see you on the road if you are able to go more than 3 months! Sara & Daniel

Hi Sara & Daniel,

Even if I zoomed passed Latin America, I stiill like to stop and talk to fellow travellers. I shall be posting the development on this thread and see how many HUers I can talk to on the way.:D

Franki

Roameo: Sounds good, I might be slightly ahead but want to take spanish lessons somewhere, you'll probably catch up to me:scooter:, where are you leaving from?

Cheers Growler

Wil be leaving from Winnipeg. Funny I start spanish lessons here for starting end of Jan. Thought it would be good to get a little knowledge before I hit the border. I here Guatemala is the popular place for spanish lessons. I am sure we will meet up somewhere!

Hi Roameo,

I want to learn Spanish too. I was thinking of taking lessons before the trip but if you find good schools down south, I am also interested. Please post info here, thank a lot.

Hey B&G,

I will be starting my trip in Juli 2012 in California. I want to buy a DR over there and make my way south.

Perhaps a mini HUBB meeting somewhere along the way????

Concerning learning Spanish, I will be doing volunteering work and learn Spanish by doing. I don't know a certain school.

Grz,

Lucien

Hi Lucien,

I like your name "noplacelikehome", haha. It is true when one have travelled around and finally settled back home. I am like that.

I'd like the idea of a mini HUBB meet somewhere along the way. I was invited by Dr. G to the mini HUBB meeting in Chiangmai (starts today) but I couldn't make it due to family commitment. Cool idea to make it in Latin America. Let's press on with this and see what will come out.:funmeteryes:

Franki

Hey Franki,

Tnx, there is a little bit of irony in the name "noplacelikehome", litteraly I don't have a home (I now rent from friends who are going to sell soon) and figuratively I will be an the road from July so I figured that for the next period of time my home will be everywhere I land.

Sorry to hear that you missed the HUBB meeting in Chiang Mai due to family commitment.

Good idea to see what will happen in the next months. I wish I could make it more concrete but my planning is still in progress and depends on where it will be the easiest to buy a motorcycle (probably California), register it, buy the needed stuff and head south.

Hi Lucien,

Home is where your heart is and it takes time to build one.

We are all in the planning process right now and let's see what will come out of it. It is important that we share some common goal to start with. I have just finished my North America trip in 2011 and I bought a 07 KLR650 there, register it in my name and have it fully insured. I did a test drive of 24,000km in 2.5 months and the bike is now with a friend looking after it until my return this year. The process is quite streight forward. All you need is a contact in the US, some money and some time to get it done. If you wonder about my N. America trip. Here is a link:
America the Beautiful - ADVrider

Cheers,

Franki

Hi Franki,

Nicely said: "Home is where your heart is and it takes time to build one." I couldn't have said it better. Should have been my HUBB name, although a little bit to long.

Nice report and pics. on ADV. I enjoyed watching them and reading it. Looking forward reading your next report about the Americas.

Your right about having a contact in the USA, makes it a total different ball game when buying. Let's see what happens in the next few months....

Send my regards to miss pinky.

Worth Doing WHATEVER your time frame.
 

I agree with everything except your first comment. There are many reasons to do it whatever your time frame. :mchappy: MY primary goal is to explore Brasil for three months by motorcycle and improve my Portuguese. Riding there is a treat even if you move quickly. Unavoidable complications delayed my departure 2 weeks.

I traveled from Nogales, Arizona to San Blas Panama in under 12 days. Everyone said it would be impossible along the way and I would miss my boat the Stahlratte. On the boat they thought mine might be a record.

Yes, only one day in Mexico City (Christmas day), entered and exited Honduras in the light of a single day. Border crossings were tedious and someone lifted a stash of cash but I saw and experienced far more than if I flew over at 30,000 feet. Agave fields gave way to pineapple then banana. :palm: Views of the Pacific shifted to the Atlantic and back. I have spent 5 days in Cartagena and also Medellin and prefer this pace. I plan to climb Machu Picchu and traverse Patagonia prior to Brasil.

I know another who did round trip from the San Bernardino mountains to Tierra del Fuego in 2 months. Your Milage WILL Vary!

Suriname
 

Hoi,
Is some one coming to Suriname around oktober 2012?
Maybe then I can meet you

Hi guys, sounds like SA will be run over by Canadians in 2012! My take off date from Winnipeg is set for approx June. Going to travel the U.S.A. and work my way to mexico. Like Growler and Franki we should all keep in touch. Figure out a place for a Canadian reunion lol. Maybe we will be hitting the Mexican border at the same time.

Hi,

Is Suriname a visa free country for HK Chinese Passport holder?

Hi Djimny,

Suriname zal ik zeker aandoen maar ik ben bang dat ik Oktober niet ga redden. (Unfortunately I won't make Suriname in Oktober).

Franki, check this site if you need a visa for Suriname: http://www.consulaatsuriname.nl/cont.../lang,english/

Hey, I would not mind staying up with developments. I am on a DR650, but was thinking of doing a trip very similar to Franki. I was planning on leaving from Denver sometime after Mid Sept and heading as far south as my time allowed. My window is only about 3 months as well and I was thinking about maybe keeping a strong enough pace to make it Ushuia. But I also might only get as far as Panama and turn around.

As has been said a million times, it is better to make the trip at all rather than wait for the perfect opportunity (like when you have a six month window). I can always come back later.

?c?A lot of people believe that is too fast a pace and you won't see anything. Do what you think is appropriate, it's your journey to be traveled and enjoyed at what you know is right for you, there's is no wrong way to see the world. Have a good time and hope to see you as you pass me.

Cheers Growler

Hi Wilderrider,

Just see how far you will get in three months. Even if you don't make it all the way to Ushaia you will have a new excuus to try to make it next time! Your riding a DR650,nice! How are you preparing the bike?

I'm not limited to time. I have the luxury to ride untill I run out of money. I will have a slow pace because I would like to experience each country. I don't wanna have the feeling that when I'm back home again that I didn't see each country properly and missed out.

Thanks for the link. I am exampted from a visa:clap:

I am encouraged to visit a country which made entering easy for me:D

bier

Better to go than regret it.

That is the plan. With a wife and kids, there is only so much time I like to be gone. Luckily I have some flexibility (from a loving wife), but sometimes I just make tracks anyway. I do enjoy moving more slowly most of the time, though.

I have had my DR650 for a couple of years now and have been making mods all along with an eye towards some of these longer trips. It now has a Safari Tank, and better suspension front and back. A windshield, 60csx, wider footpegs, voltage meter, procycle jet kit, k&N filter. I am using wolfman softlugage and some tankpanniers as well. I keep trying to shave off more weight. My battery is going to need replacing before I go and I am thinking of going with a Shorai and save a few more pounds.

Nice set up for your DR, Wilderrider.

It will take your wherever you want to go.

That is what I believed in for many years:D

Just got back from a trip to China. Bump up to see any interests?c?

Going South
 

If you would like some company , I´m planing to leave San Diego beginning
of okt and try to catch the Stahlratte.de from Panama a month later for Colombia. My plan is to go al the way down. Driving GS1200 and did Alaska and much more last year /1900 km in 7 weeks/ :thumbup1:

I am still thinking about a late September start from Colorado and seeing how far south I go. I might end up spending more time in Colombia.

I can only start from SF end of Oct. Stahlratte.de looks attractive but it is also high price. Is there any other cheaper way of getting accross to Columbia?

If I can catch up, would be nice to meet up somewhere down southbier

Still planning to land in July, buy and ride south. Not found a bike yet so probably starting in California.

How long in advance do I have to make a reservation for the Stahlratte??

Sounds like a plan.beer

I love it when a plan comes together.

Muskoka On to Deadhorse Alaska
 

Hello fellow Adventurers.....I am a 65 year old riding to Deadhorse from Bracebridge On Canada end of May ....then back home and on to CA and South America 1st of Sept.....any like minded looking for company let me know...plan on using the Stahlratte to cross into Columbia....likely Nov
My email ..haysandy@gmail.com

Bob

Hi Bob,


I am starting from CA end Oct. all the way down south. If our shcedule match, we can go together part or whole. If interested, let's talk.

Franki

Ca &sa
 

Hi Franki,

Leaving Sept 1st.......tentatively booked on the Stahlratte for Nov 17th need to confirm in July when I get back from Alaska.....
I don't think you can get a better deal than the Stahlratte which is a mini holiday in itself.....to fly your bike with Girag out of Panama you are looking at around 800. plus your own passage and a lot of paper work hassle at both departure and destination. The Stahlratte is 900. which covers 4 days of accommodation and meals, as well as; a stop at the San Blas Islands.
Keep in touch.....I have started a Blog which can be googled at.....
Hickery's On The Move....my email is ....haysandy@gmail.com

Bob:scooter::palm:

Currently in Cancun... heading south
 

Hi,

I have travelled down from Vancouver late Feb, I wouldn't mind meeting up with some other riders in Antigua, Guatemala... I should be there in a few days.

Plan is that I have no real plan. I want to get to panama city, then decide to either go to Cuba, or continue to South America.

You can check out my journal/blog at Dermot Glennon

cya

Thought I'd kick this thread back up to see if everybody is still around and how plans are going. Have had all my vaccinations done and have the bike almost ready to go. After all this time planning it's amazing how disorganized I still am:biggrin3::biggrin3::biggrin3:

Cheers Philip

i am in the airport right now waiting for a flight to suriname . I hope to stay for a few months. if any one is passing through PM me and we can meet up for a few beeror ride some jungle trails so long as i am not already out there bass fishing .

I am moving along with my planning. Spanish class starts next week so at least I can have an excuse of trying to tackel that langaugedoh

Departure from SF is still end Oct. To make you more relaxed, I have not organised anything apart keeping this post floated.

One question, what are the chances if I want to sell my KLR650 in S. America when my trip is done? Any restrictions?

buying a bike in south america
 

not exactly my ideal plan, but it may come down to me flying to south and riding north. that would depend on a few things, a bike being one of them so let me know when you think you might want to rid of your trusty stead in SA and i will consider my options in the meantime....happy trails!

Ok, I will keep everybody advised on how I want to sell my bike. Timing probably will be sometime after Feb. 2013.:D

We are almost in the same situation. Though I would like to make it a 6 months trip but I have to think about the loved ones back home. So I have to miss out a few spots on the way.:Beach:

Very good time for travelling. In October the weather of San Francisco is very good and you can capture the beauty. I have also a plan to go there with my partner.

Well, I hope to see you out there on the road. beer

Hi,

If you are in SF about the same time, PM me to see if us travellers can get together over a meal or something.

Franki
:funmeterno:

Definitely, look out for a red KLR650 with ADV China stickers on it.

beer

Hi Franki,

I will be leaving Florida on Nov 1st and hope to be in Ushuaia by New Year. I know everyone, it is crazy... I won't see anything, blablabla... Maybe I will miss New Year and still be in Mexico, who knows!

Anyway, keep in touch, it would be cool to meet somewhere along the way. Really fast, haha!

Hi folks:

My name is David and I'm in Medellin Colombia now. I just recently posted as I'm looking for a travel companion myself here: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...824#post382772 ... and would love to at least meet up and potentially travel together.

Give me a shout if you're interested.

Best,
David

Hi Speed Devil,

I think we may be travelling at the same time. I am doing Baja first and across to mainland Mexico, then all the way down. I'll try to keep this thread afloat so people interested to meet can communicate.

I too are aiming for celebrating 2013 in Ushuaia.bier

Hi David,

Your posted link is not valid.:eek3:
You are 4 months ahead of me so I don't know how I can catch up with you. Anyway, wish you a good trip.

Best,

Franki

Going South
 

Planing to leave for TDF and will be crossing the Usa-Mex border beginning oct.
Got aprox 3 months and will be travelling on my GS1200.
Looking for someone to ride with someone, parts of the trip, espically through
Mex -Nicauraga
:mchappy:

South America
 

Hi Franki,

are you still on the this great adventure...Oct. would be a good timing for me.
I am 43 years young and from Germany but currently working in the States , Ohio :-(

I would have 3 month for travelling, have a BMW and ride usually 4-6 hours a day plus breaks.

Let me know ur plans...Michael.Koesling@ernst-usa.com

Cheers
Michael

I will be sure to do that. Look for the blue Dr650 with the huge safari tank.

Well, things are starting to firm up. I have a penciled-in departure date of September 18, 2012. :clap:

Hey all,

I'm planning on departing from Chicago early October, then heading to LA for a few days before beginning my TDF sojourn via the Baja. Looking forward to meeting some of you along the way.

Looking to spend a couple weeks in an immersion school in a good town (Zacatecas? Guanajuato?) Have a trip booked from Panama to Columbia early December.

Hi Michael,

My plan is pretty firm. I start from SFO late Oct. and hope to cross into Mexico by early Nov. Will be doing Baja and cross by ferry from La Paz...
If you want to see if we can team up, please reply by email as I can't check on here daily.

Cheers,

Franki

You'll be almost 1.5 months ahead of me.:scooter:

You do plan things ahead. I have not book the Panama to Columbia leg yet. Do I need advance booking or can book say 1-2 weeks before boarding date?

Hope to bump into you down south.bier

Ahead of you all
 

Hey all on here,

I left in June but am currently in Mexico (Campeche) and expect to hit Belize next week. I am moving at a much slower pace. So would like to keep in touch and maybe we can cross paths when you are all coming through.

crossing
 

Hi Franki,

How are you?

From what I understood is that you have to book the journey from Panama to Colombia with the Stahratte 2-3 months in advance. Their website states that there is only 1 crossing in december and 1 in januari.

I already booked mine on the 8 of december. Is that the same crossing as you, Cleanwatt?

I can only envy your pace. Yes, please check back to this thread so we can see if we can have a mini meeting somewhere down southbier

Hi noplacelikehome,

I just sent an email to Stahratte asking about reservation. From their website there are 2 crossings in Nov. I was thinking of taking those crossings if I can make the time. I didn't know that it is that popular. I hope I can get a booking confirmed. I'll try to find out more when I get their reply.

:oops2:

I booked about 3 weeks ago for the October crossing, am leaving Nova Scotia on 1st Aug and hope to cross into Mexico on the 6th or 7th. Anybody else crossing in that time frame?

Cheers Growler (Philip)

Hi, I am now confirmed on Nov. 17 sailing but it will be very tight for me. So my fall back plan will be Dec. 8. If that happens, we'll be on the same boat! bier

I'm moving pretty slowly myself, having been on the road for 11 months and I've been living in Colombia for the past few months. Would love to stay in touch with you folks. Are you planning on trying to head to southern Argentina early 2013? I..e if you take the Dec 8 boat; you'd have a few months before the end of summer in Southern South America.

I plan on hitting Argentina between Dec of this year and Feb of next.

Hi Arooni,

If you are moving slowly down south, for sure we are going to meet up somewhere. TDF will be my turn around point and I hope to be able to reach there sometime early 2013 within your planned window.

Cheers,

Franki

Hello,

To answer your question about how easy it will be to sell your bike. I just finished my trip in Bogota a few days ago and will be selling my bike (a KLR as well) to a foreigner. I also had a buyer from Colombia. So all in all I don t think it would be hard for you to sell, especially if you ask a fair price.

Thanks for the info. Does the country you are in demand a security of your bike so you don't sell and leave the country without paying some taxes? How does that works?

bike storage
 

Hello Im from montevideo uruguay If you want to visit there is no problem my and my father we travelled all across southamerica many times and we can help you with hints and tips for your trip. Also we have a workshop and you can leave your bike stored here uruguayan customs give you one year to leave the bike. any thing just contact at lemes54@hotmail.com
Kevin

Hi Kevin,

Thanks so much for your kind offer. It is important to know that there are friendly assistance closer than home. I have sent you an email so we can hook up.:D

Franki

A note tp bump up this thread.

Anyone knows how much it will cost to draw funds from ATM machines in S. America using the PLUS system? Is it easy to operate?

?c?

I'm in Chile and it regularly costs about $6 to take out money, and the maximum around here is $200, though I hear it's more in other places.

I also am offering a place to rest and chat next to the ocean. 178 km north of Santiago, 1km off the main highway 5. Email me at LC at LorraineChittock.com for directions/waypoint.

You have to love dogs, I have four! Two of them I brought with me from Kenya, we traveled all over Latin America in a ex-police van. ;-)

Thanks for the headsup, I shall note down your contact and let you know when I am in Chile.:scooter:

Hmmm...$6 to take $200, that is 3% handling charge, plus charges from the account opening bank (HK) I am looking at 6%! Wow, who can make more profit by giving someone their own money? I think I am in the wrong business.:nono:

Hi Franki,

I will go from SFO early Oct and team UP with Michael. We will cross the Darien Gap with Stahlratte begin of Nov. If chance given - you will met us on the road.

Cheers,
Uli

Living in San Francisco, heading to SA in November
 

Hey guys,
I have a garage in the city of San Francisco, if you'd like to park your bikes and have a chill night before heading south- let me know.
I'll be leaving San Fran November 1st approximately for my ride to South America. Would love to meet some of you guys and chat!
Cheers, Bill
beer

Hi Uli,

I am all looking forward to exchange stories with you and Michael somewhere south.

Cheers,

Franki

Hi Bill,

I am arriving SF Oct. 24 and shall be staying in SF for a few days to get my Guatemala visa. It would be nice to meet up with you in the city if you can let me have your contact.

Cheers,

Franki

Hey that sounds like fun. Well, everything sounds fun to me. Im crossing the border around October 3 or 4 (or 5, who knows) somewhere near reynosa if anyone wants to cross together. This is my first trip:mchappy:

contact me in San Francisco
 

Hey Franki (and anyone else coming through),
Shoot me an email at bbdesignbuild@gmail.com when you are here, or before and we'll make a plan to meet up!
-Bill

Hi Airdale,

Looks like you are crossing from the East and I am from the West. However, since our departure date is close, there is a chance we cross our path somewhere in C. America. Stay in touch on this thread and we'll see faith put us together or not. Its my first trip too, bier

Franki

Got it Bill:D

I will do that Franki. Do you have a map and timeline posted anywhere. Mine is at twowheelsthreeamericas right now im trying to trade bikes before the trip. What are you riding?

The general direction: USA (SFO)- Mexico - Guatemala - Honduras - Nicaragua - Costa Rica - Panama - Columbia - Ecuador - Peru - Bolivia - Chile - Argentina - Uruguay - Brazil.
http://www.advchina.com/data/attachm...iii1iz4bkw.jpg
I am riding a KLR650A.

Hey Franki, your map looks just like mine all to Lima. Ive been undecided what to do from there. Now a man on another blog (expiditionsouth) has posted a ride thru the salt flats in Bolivia and that sounds like a must see. After that i'm open for suggestions.

There are tons of things to see and experience down south. Machu Pichu, Inca ruins, Chile vineyards, Patagonia.....

Are you riding your HD for this trip?

Riding down the east coast of Mexico
 

I am leaving SoCal Monday or Tuesday and riding to Mexico through Texas. I will then head down the east coast of Mexico with my final destination being Lima, Peru. Anyone suggestions on sites/places on the east coast.
Peace

I am also heading for Lima
 

Ron, my schedule runs like this: Leave Tucson December 15th, unknown date in El Salvador with a stop at a family member of a client, Christmas with a longtime friend in Mangua Nicaragua, and will be at a home of a friend in Panama probably early January if not on New Years eve. I will then have to deal with the Gap. Plans are loose after that but hope to return from Lima early February latest. Will be leaving the bike in Lima.

What kind of schedule do you have?

Tom udulutch

Hey Franki. I dont have a Harley. It's a Honda Shadow 750. I still have about 10 days untill I leave and i'm looking into switching to a KLR or a 650GS. I just think the ride would be more interesting if a guy could take a gravel road once in a while. The prob is getting a replacement and getting it outfitted in a short time. Not to concerened about learning a new bike, I will have plenty of time with it once the trip begins.

Ron, what date do you expect to cross the border and where you crossing?

If you can locate a KLR already outfitted for a long trip, that would be best. A dual purpose bike is much better equipped for the rough roads south.:funmeteryes:

To see
 

Ron, we crossed at Eagles Pass and currently at Ceichen Itza.....we took the 180 backroad most of the way.....slow going but great scenery, wonderful people...vibrant local communities. We do not speak Spanish, so we know we are missing out on a lot but have been treated kindly. I would recommend seeing the Ruins Of Tijan......less touristy and awesome....we did the local famous site and were not as impressed.

A few pics posted at my blog on Papantla....Google....hickeryonthemove....

What is the most popular way of financing a long trip down south? i.e. ATM card draw cash, credit card draw cash, traveller's cheque, or just bring a whole bunch of cash?

Do I need inoculation papers when crossing C. & S. American borders next month?

Open a Charles Schwab account- it's free and they reimburse all atm fees...