South America Advice Wanted

[gbags]

Thanks Mark,

I did post on UKGSers as well, as they are like minded people but HU is another option.

I’ll certainly post a ride report here when I go and probably UKGSer and HU.

RTW John is on UKGSer, lives in Santiago.
PM him any questions and he’ll reply

Yes, thanks, I’ve been chatting to him and comparing places.

[gbags]

The area around the ecuator is nice the whole year around. One example is Ecuador. Nice all year. Colombia, north of Peru into Brazil. Venezuela if political conditions permit. Just avoid the south parts of South America. Cold at that time


I would very much like to go via Venezuela to Brazil.
But options are so many. Just pick one. It will be a great trip whatever you choice

Hi Gustav,

I’m following your exploits on the other chat. I know a lot of the places you’ve been and my only question is about the weather as I’m coming again ‘out of season’.

How is Venezuela now btw? It was pretty mad when I was out that way, everyone local urged us not to go at the time but it’s definitely one of the places I’d like to visit if it calms down a bit.

Enjoy the last of your trip.

[ErikGustav2]

I do not know about Venezuela. Every country says that their neighbours are dangerous. But in reality they are nice and friendly. Is it the same with Venezuela ? That Colombians say that it is very dangerous. And they are nice and friendly ? At least some ecuadorians travelling fro Venezuela said that there were no other problem than they were without work.
Or is it so that they really are dangerous. I do not know. And I do not trust romouts. I would like to have a report from persons actually travelling in Venezuela.

.....
With your time schedule, I would spend a lot of time in Ecuador. Now when I am here again, I love it. And time of year does not matter.

[Flipflop]

If you’re in Ecuador visit a company called Freedom Ecuador bike rental https://freedombikerental.com/en/.

It’s a very professional outfit owned by a couple of Americans.
We called in and spoke to one of the owners called Court. I sent an email first asking if we could buy a GPX route off him.
Better than that, he spent about half an hour showing us things to see and roads to ride on his big map - very nice and generous guy. We then made a route to suit us and, I must say, it’s been amazing.

[gbags]

Thanks Flipflop,

We’re they based in Quito, or what? I’ll drop in and say hello to them.

Could I see your route? I’m always up for personal recommendations.

[Flipflop]

Based in Quito, yes.
We’ll be back in Blighty in the spring sometime, happy to meet up and show you our routes before you go.
BTW I saw you posted on Horizons about a Carnet - I’m sure you know but not needed in the Americas.
D

[gbags]

Thanks Flip,

Yes, I know about not needing the Carnet in the Americas - a huge plus to travelling there.

The Carnet was for travelling to Oz. I’m not sure which trip I’ll be doing as my time this year is limited to northern summer; perfect for Europe but not for winter in the Andes.

[ErikGustav2]

Some personal comments:
I was riding in Ecuador east of Los Andes (El Oriente)
I did not see a single foreign biker.
And what they miss. I such a wonderful area. With small villages, friendly people, green forests and water.
Seams as most just rush towards Ushuai.a....
But I did not turn in to Misahualli.
I have been there some time, long time ago. And did not want to spoil my memories....Jungle in those times.
But now there are roads that goes longer into Amazonas
But... Ecuador uses USD and is rather expensive

Colombia:
My plan was to tour Colombia as last country.
But due to the problems in Peru, i skipped that.
Bit it looks so interesting that I will go back next year. And do a two month tour in Colombia
And....Is was incredible cheap.
Even in Bogota. I crossed the street from the hotel and got o cup of Cafe Tinto for 0,2 €
And a lunch for € 2,3. Local places. Not tourist places.

=
If you have read my story, you can see that you can buy a bike in Colombia. And get yourself as owner.
You then have to sell it in Colombia.
Since you don't need and camping equipment for these countries, it is easier with a small bike.
There are soooo many 160-200 cc bikes there.

These guy did that. He bought and 160 cc TVS
https://www.amazon.com/TWENTY-THOUSAND- ... 162&sr=1-8

I recommend reading this book.

[gbags]

Hi Erik,

Thanks for the advice, though I have my wife on the back and we like to head up any mountains we see so I prefer a bigger bike.

I’m locked into northern hemisphere summer this year so I’ll head for Eastern Europe and check out the Carpathians, the Tatras and maybe the Caucasus.