Argentina, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Columbia etc

[cas]

We are off to South America at the end of October 2008 and will arrive in Buenos Aires where we collect our bikes before heading all the way South to Tierra del Fuego and then across to Chile and up the other side, hopefully to the USA, final destination depends on time, money etc.
We will no doubt have to spend a few days waiting / clearing the bikes and wondered if anyone could recommend some good reasonable accomodation in Buenos Aires and any 'must stay' places further down the trip.
Thanks. Clive n Nina

 

[Budweiser]

No but have a safe enjoyable trip you lucky git

 

[cas]

Cheers, if you get bored and want to follow our trip it will be on:

www.getjealous.com/ninaplumbe

Same bike.... here we go...

 

[Budweiser]

I'll do that

 

[karlp]

This is one place you must visit in Valpariso - just north of Santiago - Chile

Bar Cinzano

1182 Plaza Aníbal Pinto
Valparaiso
www.barcinzano.cl
56-32/221-3043

I will post a few more places that are must visit in Chile.

What are you looking for - scenery or good roads.

I am over in Chile - Peru from 7 November - 21 November but unfortunately not on a bike.

karl

 

[the celt]

Hi Clive and Nina,
Have you been incontact with Javier & Sandra at www.dakarmotos.com
They are a great couple, and provide accomodation for overlanders.
I camped the whole way except for BA, when you arrive get the local
AAA maps they have details of campsites.
enjoy
joe

 

[cas]

Thanks Carl, Will look it up probably mid December.

Scenery or roads?, both I suppose as long as the roads are not too "off-road", we did the sand in Sudan and a 1200GSA fully loaded is not my ideal bike for that.!

 

[cas]

Yes contacted Dakarmotos, will probably start with them as long as they have accomodation, we only camp if we have to....... getting soft in me old age.! Cheers.

 

[karlp]

Another good place is Lake Villarica - or if you have a little more money then the hotels in Pucon (these are approx 700 km south of Santiago).

A good place in Villarica is Hostel de Colina. The guy who owns it is american and he has all these maps of the local area (hand drawn). Most routes go into the woods / lakes and are very, very beautiful. In some areas there is absolute silence.

Near here is the Volcano that is a bit of a treck on foot but an airport is nearby that will provide flights (cheaply) to view the volcano.

There is a road from Villarica to Argentina that is really 'offroad' and this was the main road.

The road from Villarica to Conception (backroad to the west) is good and fairly quick.

Look out for lorries carrying wood - it is sometimes not secured that well.

Santiago is not good and the air is full of sulphur - beware.

karl

 

[karlp]

tramonto di sole - La Serena

on the coast road

A complete cabin - can sleep approx six for 48 USD per night.

I am in one now - very pleasant with lots of resuarants nearby

 

[Lamble]

I may pass you heading the other way and will be happy to swop info.
Currently, in Panama waiting for the bikes to fly to Bogota.

www.unchainedworld.com for any place recommendations that are unique, and they will be mapped too for others to share.

 

[karlp]

Update - going North.

La Serena to Antofagasta.

Decent accomodation is very sparce - and this is a long way - 900kms.

Petrol stations are on the Route 5 but there are not many - keep the tank full as in some parts they are spaced about 200 kms apart.

The road off the Route 5 to Antofagasta is very . very dirty but accomodation is good - a welcombe break after 900 kms.

Roads are good but watch for fog just north of La Serena.

Be very careful on the long straight roads - the lorries are nutters and many accidents occur

I can post fuel stops if you require them.