Trip Planning for a Chile/Argentina loop

[SpecialAgentNancy]

Originally Posted by kevinmc2000

Nancy,
Most of the replies you got in this thread assume you are traveling through southern argentina and chile (Patagonia), thus the advises on cold weather. There is another portion of Argentina an Chile to explore at the northern tip of these countries, ones you will most probably ride since you plan on shipping your bike to Lima.
Being in Peru you will most likely want to go to Machu Pichu, which is not accessible in the rainy season (November through February). Ideally you will want to ship your bike to Chile (probably Valparaiso, a central spot in the southern tip of the continent). This will be close to various amazing "pasos fronterizos" between Argentina and Chile, mostly "ripio" (gravel) with awesome sightseeing. You can then explore the northern tip of Argentina (Salta, Catamarca, La Rioja, San Juan, Mendoza) re-enter Chile, and decide if you want to go South (Patagonia: Puerto Montt, Bariloche, 7 lagos, Esquel, etc.) or North into Peru-Bolivia. Contact me if you want to see photos of these destinations, I have been to most of them! (Except Peru, for now...)
Kevin

You might have something there. I just liked the idea of seeing penguins and riding the Chilean coast but I could do Bolivia/Peru too. I've been to Machu Pichu, liked Ollantaytambo better actually.