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Moto trip from Guajira to Machu Picchu

Hi Ive just started planning a moto trip that starts around Valledupar and ends with seeing Machu Picchu and back to Guajira. I have a full month to do it starting in mid December. I would like to spend 5-7 days up in the coffee region chilling if possible. I like to ride for 2 or 3 days straight for about 300KM each day and take a day break. I have no idea if my time line is possible but it looks close.

Is anyone familiar with the route from Cali and on down?
Any great places to stay?
Is Equador worth stopping in or should I blast through it?
How close can I ride to Machu Picchu and walk the rest? I want the easiest and fastest way up as possible.

I would love to through a few days on the beach if possible if its on the route...

Just started planning so any insight would be great....
TY
MD

By marlydog1812 on Oct 2, 2009, 07:38 in Friendly Talkzone.


Gator says on Oct 2, 2009, 08:36:

¿Porque? Some years ago we made the drive from Cali to Cuenca on the Pan American Hwy. No problems and an absolutly spectacular ride. Plan a stop in Cuenca and Quito-well worth the time. The Pan Am is also known as the Avenue of the Volcanos..

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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soylocombiano says on Oct 2, 2009, 08:41:

I can only help you with the road between Cusco and Machu Pichu. It takes longer than you might expect, but it's great. The road is in great condition for the first 2/3, and there's not much traffic. Just a few tourist vans driving like hell. You'll cross Abra Malaga which is 4,300 meters in the nevadas, but I'm sure you'll be prepared with warm weather gear. I had to drive through a landslide as well, but that's also nothing new since you're used to Colombia.

The last third is dirt track, and it reminds me of driving in the middle of nowhere around here. Plan a good portion of the day to make it. There's another tourist town along the way that's worth a stop. The end of the road is Santa Teresa where there's a good hotel cheap for a nice rest. I paid $15 for a huge room with DirecTv. Near the bottom end of train station. From here you have to ride about 20 minutes out another dirt track to the train station that takes you to Aguas Calientes. Or, as you've said walk. There's a parking lot at the train station, or I left my bike at the hotel because I didn't have money to pay the bill. There's no ATM in Santa Teresa, so take cash. There is an ATM in Agua Calientes.

I only know about Quito along this trail, which is worth a day. I'd also like to see Guayaquil, but not even sure if it's on the Highway, but it must be.

I'm envious.

Living well is the best revenge

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marlydog1812 says on Oct 2, 2009, 08:48:

Ty Gator y Soy! Now I'm looking forward to getting off from this annoying thing called work and getting my map out tonight.
I really want to stay out of big cities as Im sick of getting lost in Latin American huge cities....its hell after a full days ride...
thanks for the info...

Mali es pasion!

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LORE says on Oct 2, 2009, 09:10:

In Perú ride up to Ollantaytambo. There you can take the train; shorter and cheaper ride than from Cusco. No Motorcycles are allowed on the train.

Please keep up updated of the trip and photos s.v.p.

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C5vzla says on Oct 2, 2009, 12:09:

why don't you check motorcycle-specific websites, they have all the info you need plus recent ride reports etc... no trolls like here, etc...
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/south-and-central-america-mexico...
http://www.advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=33
claude

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marlydog1812 says on Oct 2, 2009, 13:50:

yeah I check out the HUBB alot, but thanks for the other site, its new to me.
Yeah there are quite few useless trolls here, but Ive found quite a lot of valuable info on moto trips on here.
lates

Mali es pasion!

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excavator59 says on Oct 2, 2009, 19:11:

The road from Cali to Eje Cafetero must rank as one of the best in Colombia nice & flat for the most part plus most is dual carriageway I have a Finca in Combia Pereira & rent out rooms if you wish to stop in this region it's not far from the Via Romelia -El Pollo which connects the Manizales/Medellin road to the Cali /Armenia Road plus I'm bike friendly I have 4 Vintage Lambrettas 1960 to 1976 models .
Another thing from the 9th to the 12th of October there is a big bike meeting in Pereira ok ride safe.

Life is like a Pubic Hair on a Toilet Seat (Sooner or Later you get Pissed Off)

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excavator59 says on Oct 2, 2009, 19:14:

I'm thinking of opening it as a love Motel & calling it Pichar mucho je-je.

Life is like a Pubic Hair on a Toilet Seat (Sooner or Later you get Pissed Off)

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