Looks like first couple days are going to be a real bitch!
Cycle-Tourist on
If I was you, I’d start at 4,000m, that’s a brutal climb to start…
Also, near La Paz there are lots of agencies that let you rent a mountain bike and drive you high into the mountains so you can descent 3,500m when riding the death road (Camino a Los Yungas) and then drive you back into town afterwards. Its a phenomenal diversion for the day, and a road well worth riding (probably as part of a tour rather than cycle touring).
Ok_Historian_8262 on
Doing this in just one month, and on a road bike where you’ll have to stick to asphalt the whole way, means that you’ll miss out on the wild routes that make the region so great.
Even if you don’t want to tackle bikepacking routes, it’s still too rushed. When I was still new to bike travel, with fairly thin tires and remaining just on asphalt, it took me two weeks just to get from Buenos Aires to Córdoba. Anything faster would have meant missing out: most travelers might want to see some the cities they are passing through, have some rest days and hang out with the friendly local people who invite one in, etc.
shlem on
good luck dude! the only thing that freaked me out about the start is the high altitude thunder storms. keep an eye on the weather!
jonythecool on
You’re insane…. In the most epic way possible.
Take care and have fun!!
Dry-Scratch3295 on
I am going to be honest man. A lot of the Altiplano is not very nice
Asleep-Sense-7747 on
Be prepared for cold and windy conditions up high. It’s spectacular and harsh. Be sure to plan your water supply carefully. Have a great adventure!
NicePlanetWeHad on
The wind in the Quebrada de Humahuaca can be atrocious sometimes, but is likely to be from your back.
MossyCrate on
Now that’s gonna be a tough week!
ProduceMindless1585 on
I’ve just finished riding the first two third-ish of this route by the looks. I’ve got to be honest, it was to the north of Cuzco that was phenomenal. South of Cuzco around Ausangate is unbelievably beautiful – not sure how the paved route compares but I’m sure it’ll still be great.
I found that route through Bolivia fairly dull after passing Lake Titikaka (personally I enjoyed the north shore but plenty seem to enjoy the south). Expect flying through on completely flat roads with little to see and few people to talk to, and into a constant headwind, unless that was a seasonal thing. La Paz was very missable too. Also disappointed by the salt lakes, which surprised me as I was looking forward to it.
Looks like you’re descending off the altiplano through Jujuy – this is stunning. I imagine it’ll be a highlight of the trip scenery-wise. Make sure you get cash in La Quiaca (the border town) from a Western Union, there’s very little chance for a while after that and this seems to be the only area of the country where paying by card is rare. You’ll need cash for Peru and Bolivia too, I’d get a bunch of Peruvian in Cuzco from an ATM and then convert it at the border with Bolivia – you’ll get a great rate. ATMs in Bolivia and Argentina will be unbelievably expensive. Also US dollars will be easy to change.
Looks like you’ll go through Salta too which I liked. Nothing much to see exactly but nice for eating all the food, drinking all the beer and a nice space to be in. Not sure how much further south you’ll go (perhaps on the Ruta 40?) before turning off towards Cordoba but from memory the further south from Salta the stronger the headwind gets and the less interesting the scenery.
Whether you listen to my opinions or not – enjoy!
cheradine_zakalwe on
Mostly down hill, make sure your brakes are tuned.
Flaky_Budget_1711 on
it would add about 150km but if you have the time you should consider going to Sajama a bit further west, it is stunning
Btw you really got me intrigued – does this route have a name or you can link a .gpx?
Thanks
NorrinXD on
Dude stay safe. I’d be scared in a car between Córdoba and Buenos Aires. Looks like with the new highways you can stick to the old ones and be safer.
The North will be cool af though. Enjoy it!
ThatNVguy on
Cool, I’m starting in Bogota in a few days and finishing up near that route. Be sure that some border crossing points will allow tourists and not just commercial crossings.
17 Comments
Looks epic. Take photos.
Godspeed
Looks like first couple days are going to be a real bitch!
If I was you, I’d start at 4,000m, that’s a brutal climb to start…
Also, near La Paz there are lots of agencies that let you rent a mountain bike and drive you high into the mountains so you can descent 3,500m when riding the death road (Camino a Los Yungas) and then drive you back into town afterwards. Its a phenomenal diversion for the day, and a road well worth riding (probably as part of a tour rather than cycle touring).
Doing this in just one month, and on a road bike where you’ll have to stick to asphalt the whole way, means that you’ll miss out on the wild routes that make the region so great.
Even if you don’t want to tackle bikepacking routes, it’s still too rushed. When I was still new to bike travel, with fairly thin tires and remaining just on asphalt, it took me two weeks just to get from Buenos Aires to Córdoba. Anything faster would have meant missing out: most travelers might want to see some the cities they are passing through, have some rest days and hang out with the friendly local people who invite one in, etc.
good luck dude! the only thing that freaked me out about the start is the high altitude thunder storms. keep an eye on the weather!
You’re insane…. In the most epic way possible.
Take care and have fun!!
I am going to be honest man. A lot of the Altiplano is not very nice
Be prepared for cold and windy conditions up high. It’s spectacular and harsh. Be sure to plan your water supply carefully. Have a great adventure!
The wind in the Quebrada de Humahuaca can be atrocious sometimes, but is likely to be from your back.
Now that’s gonna be a tough week!
I’ve just finished riding the first two third-ish of this route by the looks. I’ve got to be honest, it was to the north of Cuzco that was phenomenal. South of Cuzco around Ausangate is unbelievably beautiful – not sure how the paved route compares but I’m sure it’ll still be great.
I found that route through Bolivia fairly dull after passing Lake Titikaka (personally I enjoyed the north shore but plenty seem to enjoy the south). Expect flying through on completely flat roads with little to see and few people to talk to, and into a constant headwind, unless that was a seasonal thing. La Paz was very missable too. Also disappointed by the salt lakes, which surprised me as I was looking forward to it.
Looks like you’re descending off the altiplano through Jujuy – this is stunning. I imagine it’ll be a highlight of the trip scenery-wise. Make sure you get cash in La Quiaca (the border town) from a Western Union, there’s very little chance for a while after that and this seems to be the only area of the country where paying by card is rare. You’ll need cash for Peru and Bolivia too, I’d get a bunch of Peruvian in Cuzco from an ATM and then convert it at the border with Bolivia – you’ll get a great rate. ATMs in Bolivia and Argentina will be unbelievably expensive. Also US dollars will be easy to change.
Looks like you’ll go through Salta too which I liked. Nothing much to see exactly but nice for eating all the food, drinking all the beer and a nice space to be in. Not sure how much further south you’ll go (perhaps on the Ruta 40?) before turning off towards Cordoba but from memory the further south from Salta the stronger the headwind gets and the less interesting the scenery.
Whether you listen to my opinions or not – enjoy!
Mostly down hill, make sure your brakes are tuned.
it would add about 150km but if you have the time you should consider going to Sajama a bit further west, it is stunning
https://preview.redd.it/9hf0kfxmxrxg1.jpeg?width=360&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=505fb2955a6e20a6dc5c2f8301d3244763859532
Which app for elevation map ?
That’s just marvelous! Best of luck out there!
Btw you really got me intrigued – does this route have a name or you can link a .gpx?
Thanks
Dude stay safe. I’d be scared in a car between Córdoba and Buenos Aires. Looks like with the new highways you can stick to the old ones and be safer.
The North will be cool af though. Enjoy it!
Cool, I’m starting in Bogota in a few days and finishing up near that route. Be sure that some border crossing points will allow tourists and not just commercial crossings.