Expeditions

Overland Expeditions

High Andes

Highlights

Buenos Aires, Salta, La Paz, Puno, Cusco, Nasca, Arequipa, Arica, Calama, Catamarca, Cordoba

This is a perfect induction to riding in South America. From the dynamic heart of Buenos Aires to the remote high altitude salt flats in the Andes, from the white washed adobe churches to the mysterious Nasca Lines, this is quintessential South America, along with some of the best riding on the planet. Watch out for llamas and vicuna on the twisty mountain roads of the Andes and spot pink flamingos in the salt lakes. You can climb the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, take a reed boat out on Lake Titicaca and visit Che Guavara’s home. And don’t forget to spend the evenings tasting incredible wines and eating the best steaks in the world!

Route Map

View High Andes in a larger map

Is it for me?

Number of Days/Duration	35 days (5 weeks)
Approx total miles	5,500
Accommodation	100% Hotel Bed & Breakfast
Meals Included	All Breakfasts and 5 Group Evening Meals
Culture Shock Rating	Moderate
Riding Difficulty	Moderate

Riding Conditions

This is an on-road ride, with no dirt roads planned (unless we encounter roadworks!) Roads generally in Latin America are good and easy to ride once outside towns and cities, although you need to be very observant for wildlife as alpaca and vicuna are quick and will dart across the road without warning!

Once in the cities, it is can be very chaotic and basic road rules are not followed. You have to be very alert and expect the unexpected.

What's Included?

Pre-expedition training included:

Advanced rider training
Preparatory briefing meeting

Detailed Itinerary

Week 1 - Northern Argentina

The cosmopolitan capital of Buenos Aires. Cross the vast grasslands of the Pampas. Ascent into the Andes. Explore the colonial city of Salta. Ride through the World Heritage Listed Quebrada de Humahuaca. Watch out for guachos on their horses in Tilcara. It’s a hectic border crossing to Bolivia. Red rocks and canyons in Tupiza - this is the last destination of the famous outlaw, Butch Cassidy!

Week 2 - Bolivia

Potosi and a visit to the silver mines in Cerro Rico and the old mint of “La Moneda”. You’re now riding at altitudes of over 4,000m! La Paz, capital city of Bolivia and stroll through the witches market or barter for textiles. Cross Lake Titicaca on an old wooden barge. Puno, where you can visit the floating reed islands of Uros.

Week 3 - Peru

Cusco & the Sacred Valley, where you can go to the Pisac market or climb the walls of the fortress at Ollantaytambo. Don’t miss the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu! Descend to the Pacific Ocean. Take a flight over the mysterious Nasca Lines or go out into the desert and see the mummies. Ride in the shadow of El Misti Volcano to the white city of Arequipa. Enjoy the tranquillity of the Santa Catalina Convent.

Week 4 - Chile

Cross to Chile and the long desert roads of the Atacama, the driest desert in the world. Stop at the iconic Hand of the Desert. Delight in the twisty and dramatic Pacific coastal roads. The tiny village of San Pedro de Atacama, with an option to visit the Tatio Geysers. Ride out into the Valley of the Moon. The remote and high altitude crossing of Paso de Jama to Argentina.

Week 5 - Argentina

Ride your bike across crystal white salt flats. Wine tasting at the vineyards of Etchart. Explore the pre-Inca ruins of Quilmes (and try the beer of the same name!) Visit Che Guevara’s home in Alta Gracia. It’s our final push east back to Buenos Aires. Celebrate our finish in the most famous tango bar in town.

Dates & Prices

	2012
Start Date	25 April 2012
End Date	29 May 2012
Rider Price	£6,995
Pillion Price	£3,995
Specific Prices	Single Supplement - £2,000
Availability	Available to book now
	Book Now

Useful Information

Weather Information

Check out the weather for the time of year you are travelling so you can pack correctly! At the time of year that this trip is run, we have the best chance of dry moutain weather. However, altitude will make it chilly in the evenings and in the early morning, so ensure you have the right warm weather gear. Out of the mountains, the weather is normally warm and pleasant.

Visas Information

UK citizens do not require any visas prior to travel. Other nationalities should check with the relevant embassies.

Travel Health Information

Please refer to your local GP or travel clinic to ascertain the correct vaccinations to have and other travel health precautions to take, in good time prior to travel. As background information, you may find the follwing websites useful.

Foreign Exchange Information

The best base currency to have on this trip is the US dollar, which can be readily exchanged into the local currencies. The local currencies are:

Argentina - Argentine Peso
Bolivia - Boliviano
Peru - Neuvo Sol
Chile - Chilean Peso

The website below can give you current exchange rates.