Asked by locals:
- What kind of bike is it?
A 2000 Kawasaki KLR650. - How big is the engine?
651 cc - How fast does it go?
I’m not sure, the fastest my GPS recorded it as going was 136 148 km/hour and that, with the Pelican luggage cases, was quite alarming. - How much do you want to sell it for?
I don’t. It’s a tourist souvenir and has kept me alive long enough that I’m very fond of it.
What an amazing trip – very Motorcycle Diaries. Based on your experience, would you say that traveling on the roads was dangerous (thieves). We are 3 girls who will be driving from Lima to Cuzco via Panamerica Sur to Ayacucho – Andahuaylas. On our way back, we’re going back another route: Ayacucho, up to Huancavelica – Huancayo – Oroya – Lima.
We’re renting a 4WD vehicle… Was finding fuel an issue? We’re a bit worried about safety. We are Peruvians who left for the US when we were teenagers – long time ago. Spanish is not a problem, but every time we go back to Peru everyone can tell we’re outsiders.
Were you able to get any maps for the Peru portion of the trip? What travel books were helpful, if any?
Any advice you could give us would be greatly appreciated!!!
I guess you’re on your way back if you’re in Bolivia according to your site… GOOD LUCK & be safe.
Thanks!
No, I don’t think it’s that dangerous, at least it didn’t feel so. I’m not sure about ’3 girls’ but most people minded their own business. That might be a reason to take extra fuel (50 L or so should do it), camping equipment, and be prepared to change your own tire if you get a flat. I can’t say that it was the most beautiful route though. I had the Lonely Planet South America but L.P. Peru would be much better. Buy your maps in the US and try to get the most detailed one showing at least those roads and hopefully others because there aren’t any (good) signs on the roads. I would also take a GPS – if you have/get a Garmin let me know and I can send you map for it.
I’m still heading south…
Hope it’s fun.
GG,
Hello, I just came across your website. Very imformative. I am actually on a crazy similar trip to start in August 2010, just a couple of weeks away and I have so much still to do.
Here is my preplan.
Would love to hear or get any advise.
The plan is to depart Colorado the first week of August and head up to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. From there the trip really begins. I will then head south through the Yukon Territory, British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and California. Where I will then enter into the Baja October 15th and go all the way down to Cabo and take a ferry over to Mazatlan. From Mazatlan I will continue through Mexico and Central America to Panama where the bike and me will either be transported to Columbia via boat or plane around December 31 and January 1st; TBD based on current options once I get there. Things change a lot in that part of the world from my past experiences. From Columbia I will continue to head south through Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. Once I am in Ushuaia, Argentina I will be taking an ice breaker over to Antarctica at the end of February.
Once back from Antarctica, March 15ish, I will either head all the way back up north through Argentina and Brazil and all the way back up to Colorado.
What do you think?
Where are you at these days?
Brian Concagh
What an adventure. Me and two of my buddies will be in Columbia in January. We are looking to make the drive from Bogota to Santa Marta. Everyone is telling us we should fly, but we would prefer to drive and see the country side (plus save a few bucks). Any comments on the drive, any safety issues?
Hi Rob,
I took the road from Santa Marta along the Magdelena River and Valley on the highway 45. Passed through San Gil (pleasant town for a few days) and Bucamaranga (drove right through). Most of the drive other than San Gil was hot, flat, dusty, and crowded with trucks (it’s the most direct route from Bogota to Santa Marta). Some friends went into the mountains more towards the Venezuelan border and I would do this if I were to do it again – that is, from Bogota taking the 55, 70, 45, 88, and then 90 to Parque Tayrona and Santa Marta.
There was much less army presence and talk of any travel restrictions due to safety in this part of Colombia. I think you will have no trouble and will certainly have a much more interesting time driving rather than flying, particularly if you go more through the mountains – call the tourist board in Colombia (or their office in the US – assuming you are there) and ask about the roads I suggested in terms of being all paved. When there you can ask any army checkpoint (there are many) if the area is safe (speaking Spanish will help) and they will be very helpful and direct about it. Have an excellent trip.