Anyone want to ride from Cusco, Peru to the tip of Argentina together?

Hey everyone! My name is Joe! I’ve had cycling South America on my bucket list for years… but it isn’t on my wife’s bucket list, and she has some things that aren’t on mine… so we are heading to different parts of the world this November through January. The thing is, I like traveling with others. I like conversation, getting the perspectives of people from different backgrounds, or just sitting and taking in a spectacular view together with nothing said at all. I’m a social human being, and although I can and have travelled alone in the past, I just really don’t enjoy it as much. I looked at joining a tour… but this particular stretch is about $30,000 not including flights… so that’s out. Self supported is in! I’m just going to throw this out and see if anyone else on the planet wants to join up!

The map above isn’t the route, it’s just an eye-catcher. Currently on my list of things to see are Machu Picchu (before the adventure begins), Lake Titicaca, a flight over the Nazca Lines, The Hand of the Desert, and Patagonia. I’ve got 90-100 days to do the trip (which may mean a bit of public transport through boring sections.) I’m definitely more about enjoying the scenery than crushing huge miles every day without ever looking around. I would say 45-65 miles per day is my ideal pace. I’m a friendly, fun, low drama 44 year old guy. I paint murals for a living but art is definitely not my largest personality trait. I’m the type of traveler that will talk to locals, accept invites to lunch with them, and is open to flexibility if something cool comes up that wasn’t on the list. On my “why I think I can pull this off” list of qualifications… I’ve done a 40 day, self supported bikepacking trip with one other person from Seattle to Montana through Washington, Idaho and Wyoming. I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail in 2022, and 2/3 of the Continental Divide Trail in 2024 (but then I left and spent the rest of the summer hanging out on a beach in Mexico). I backpacked for a year through 8 countries including SE Asia and India with one other person in 2007. I’ve backpacked multiple times through Europe. I speak mediocre Spanish, but it’s enough to get by, and I’m practicing on Duolingo. Aaaaand I have all the gear ready to go and a new bike I just built for this ride.

So if you’ve ever wanted to do this ride, and it sounds interesting to you, let’s talk and see if we could be buds! If we can get a little group together, awesome! I’m open to cycling with all ages and genders. I’m happy to share my socials if you want to see more about me. @joepagactheperson on Instagram is my personal page @joepagac is my art page. Comment or DM if you’d like to know more!