Once capital of Guatemala, this Epic Ride focuses on the amazing trails around Antigua. Leaving the streetscapes of pastel facades, you’ll soon be riding under one of the three volcanoes nearby. This is where some amazing trails and views begin.
Costa Rica can be a mixed bag.. while it is the most lush, green and raw country in Central America. it is also the most ‘Americanized’. Expect much higher prices than other countries. That said, if you’re touring through, it will feel like the country is one big zoo. Heaps of birds and monkeys can be seen as you make your way through the jungle landscape. Pura Vida!
Bocas Del Toro (Bull’s river mouths) is a province of Panama. Its area is 4,643.9 square kilometers, comprising the mainland and nine main islands. The province consists of the Bocas del Toro Archipelago, Bahía Almirante (Almirante Bay), Chiriquí Lagoon, and adjacent mainland. Bocas del Toro borders the Caribbean Sea to the north, Limón Province of Costa Rica to the west, Chiriquí Province to the south, and Ngöbe-Buglé Comarca to the east. The Río Sixaola forms part of the border with Costa Rica. An old railroad bridge spans the river between Guabito and Sixaola, Costa Rica. The bridge is a border crossing used by tourists going between destinations in Bocas del Toro and Costa Rica.
While this island is touristy, once you head north there is some great off-road trails that lead to some remote beaches and bat caves.. You can also find an old drug residence, with an airport, used by the Colombian drug cartels.
Why not ‘Ride’ between Colombia to Panama (The Darien Gap)
Anyone that has decided to overland the Americas will know, very early on, the existence of the oddly named Darien Gap. While looking at the map, it may seems obvious that Panama and Colombia are connected by land and therefore a simple border crossing should be all that is required (just like any other in Central or South America country). Nothing could be further from the truth. This ‘gap’ has a very interesting history and its future isn’t likely to change anytime soon.
The Darien Gap is a break across the North and South American continents within Central America, consisting of a large watershed, forest, and mountains in the northern portion of Colombia‘s Chocó Department and Panama‘s Darién Province. From an overland prospective, the highway also has a corresponding gap of 106 km (66 mi), beginning at Turbo, Colombia, and ending at Yaviza, Panama. Roadbuilding through this area is expensive and detrimental to the environment. Political consensus in favour of road construction collapsed after an initial attempt failed in the early 1970s, resuming in 1992 only to be halted by serious environmental concerns, and to date has not re-emerged
Plane, shipping container or sailboat. But some notes to consider:
There are more options to transit a motorcycle from Panama to Colombia. This seems to be because more people travel top to bottom (Alaska to Patagonia). More client, more options.
Customs is more complicated from Colombia to Panama. Like it or not, Colombia has a history with skirting customs. Unfortunately, this means Panama will be more suspicious with goods coming from Colombia.
If planning to go from Colombia to Panama. and not via a plan. PLAN AHEAD.
Amazingly, there is no RORO (Roll on Roll off) ferry service.
Plane
The quickest and most expensive option is to fly yourself and the motorcycle from Bogota to Panama City (or vice versa). Quickest because the amount of flights per week is obviously more than other options. Also the customs procedure will be much more mature meaning the whole process ‘should’ be more streamlined.
Shipping Container
The slowest and cheapest option is putting the motorcycle in a shipping container. The catch is you will need to find fellow travellers to help you fill the container. This is where it gets complicated and time can be easily wasted during the process. In theory, you can get two cars/4WD and 2 motorcycles in a container. The container is shipped as one, so it is important to ensure everyone party has the correct paperwork for customs etc. If one party has issues, everyone has issues. This is really the only option for over-landers with cars/4WD, and they will be looking for motorcycle riders to help bring the costs down.
Sailboat
Since the motorcycle is much easier to transport, the option I chose was the sailboat. One of the only options from Colombia to Panama was the 1903 build, legendary Stahlratte.
The process was very easy (since the owner does everything in regards to customs are loading.
Loading….
Unloading….
Welcome to Panama
San Blas Islands
The San Blas Islands of Panama is an archipelago comprising approximately 365 islands and cays, of which 49 are inhabited. As you sail between the many islands, locals will meet you mid-sail to sell fresh seafood and coconuts.
Punta Gallinas marks the most northern part of South America, on the coast of the Caribbean Sea. The area mostly desert which has been populated by the indigenous Wayuu people. The area is very different to any other area in Colombia. The headland is also the location of the northernmost lighthouse in South America.
You will mostly likely leave from Cabo de La Vela, the hot stop for wind/kite surfing. From there there are no real roads. Just alot of tracks through the deserts landscapes.. All dirt. Bring fuel and water
One of Colombia’s most spectacular national parks, PNN El Cocuy is mostly made up of a diverse ecosystem known as the páramo. This glacially formed, neotropical system of valleys, plains and mountain lakes includes the largest glacier zone in South America north of the equator. The park has 15 peaks that are at least 5000m, the highest being Ritacuba Blanco at 5330m, and is an outdoor playground popular for trekking, mountaineering, camping and climbing, although many activities are currently restricted.
Established in 1977, the park covers 306,000 hectares. The western boundary begins at the 4000m elevation line; the eastern half of the park drops to just 600m elevation to the Colombian llanos (plains).
The park is huge and varies in altitude greatly. This is one of the most remote places in Colombia and has only been ‘open’ for tourists in the last decade.
Established in 1977, the park covers 306,000 hectares. The western boundary begins at the 4000m elevation line; the eastern half of the park drops to just 600m elevation to the Colombian llanos (plains).
Among the park’s most famous features is an unusual rock formation called the Púlpito del Diablo (5120m; Devil’s Pulpit), but it’s just one of many spectacular peaks. Sadly, the park’s glacier fields are rapidly melting due to climate change. Park officials believe that if melting continues at the present rate, the glaciers will be gone within 20 to 30 years.
Despite the harsh environment, PNN El Cocuy is home to diverse species of flora and fauna. Animals you might encounter include the spectacled bear (also called the Andean bear), deer, eagles, condors, mountain tapirs, chinchillas and the beautiful spotted ocelot. The mountaintop plains are covered in a variety of shrubbery, the best known being the yellow-flowered frailejón that’s native to the area.
El Cocuy National Park, Colombia
El Cocuy town
El Cocuy town is located at the base of the National Park. It is a beautiful town with numerous options for accommodation.
Quindío is a department of Colombia. It is in the western central region of the country, crossed by the Andes mountains. It is famous for the quality of the coffee plantations, colourful architecture and lust green rolling hills. A great area for a Ride.
Set amid gorgeous green mountains 24km northeast of Armenia, this small town survives on coffee production, trout farming and tourists, the last drawn by its quaint streets, typical paisa architecture and its proximity to the spectacular Valle de Cocora. It was founded in 1850, and is one of the oldest towns in Quindío and a great base for visiting Cocora Valley.
The ‘Willy’ Jeeps you see all around the towns are a great colourfully site… After the wars, the USA exported its huge numbers of excess jeeps to Colombia for military use. Not many were used by the army and they mostly ended up with the people and they made them their own 🙂
Salento, Colombia
Jardin
Jardín is an Andean town in northwest Colombia, known for its brightly painted houses, colorful floral displays and milk candies. The main plaza, El Libertador Park, features rose gardens, a central fountain and the twin-towered, neo-Gothic Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.
One of the best in Peru but also one of the most dangerous. The narrow high mountain dirt road, totalling a length of 45km, sits between the village of Yuracmarca and the Calipuy National Reservation. The Road is onlyt one lane wide and riders are expected to use the horn to ensure the tunnels are clear before entering. All 50 of them. These tunnels are hand-cut through solid stone.
The road is extreme, with 50 one-lane tunnels. It crosses the infamous Cañón del Pato PE-3N (Duck Canyon), on the Rio Santa (Santa River) at the north end of the Callejón de Huaylas (Corridor of Huaylas) in north-central Peru. This road is very exciting and sometimes very exposed and unsecured driveway in innumerable twists and turns. The total route involves over 50 tunnels, most of which are one lane and rough cut through the mountainside. The road rises from 500m to over 2000m. (link)
Huascarán National Park is situated in the Cordillera Blanca, the world’s highest tropical mountain range. Named after Mount Huascarán which rises to 6,768 m above sea-level, these lands boast deep ravines watered by numerous torrents, glacial lakes and a variety of vegetation. Making it a site of spectacular beauty.
I started the ride from Yungay. The road will be a straight climb until you get to the two blue lakes (near tyhe hike to Laguna 69). The the hairpins being. From there you can loop all the way back around to Yungay.
The Ride through Huascarán National Park
Huascarán National Park
Situated in the aptly named Cordillera Blanca (“White Mountains”), Huascaran National Park protects the heart of the World’s highest tropical mountain range in the central Peruvian Andes. The area of 340,000 hectares covers a diverse mountain landscape from around 2,500m and culminating in 27 snow-capped peaks above 6,000m. It includes the spectacular Nevado Huascaran (Mount Huascaran), Peru’s highest peak at 6,768m, (named after the 16th Century Inca leader Huascar). The snow-covered peaks, the numerous tropical glaciers and glacial lakes, the high plateaus intersected by deep ravines with torrential creeks and the variety of vegetation types form a spectacular landscape of rare beauty.
Huascarán National Park, Peru
Huandoy, Peru
Huascarán National Park, Peru
Huascarán National Park, Peru
Laguna 69
Lake 69 is a small lake near of the city of Huaraz, in the region of Áncash, Peru. It is one of the more than 400 lakes that form part of the Huascarán National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site.
Carr. Canete Yauyos | Huancaya District to San Vicente de Cañete
The ride, when heading to the coast, races the river from the Andes down to the low land coast of Peru. It is a great way to return to Lima from the amazing Reserve Paisajistica Nor Yauyos-Cochas.
Reserve Paisajistica Nor Yauyos-Cochas is an untouched landscape. Even though it is located within the Lima region, it is actually located around 3,000 meters above sea level. The destination itself is characterized by the stunning views that you’ll encounter while exploring the surroundings. Amid lush forest and sweeping pampas, you’ll find lots of small lakes full of diverse birds species and herds of camelids. This is a natural conservation area, and once you get here you will understand why.
Riding through the reserve is a slight challenge with all the road dirt and gravel. But take your time cause you’ll most likely have the place to yourself.
The Ride through Reserva Paisajistica Nor Yauyos-Cochas
Reserva Paisajistica Nor Yauyos-Cochas, Peru
Reserva Paisajistica Nor Yauyos-Cochas, Peru
Reserva Paisajistica Nor Yauyos-Cochas, Peru
Reserva Paisajistica Nor Yauyos-Cochas, Peru
Waterfalls Carhuayno
Between Huancaya and Vilca, the Cañete River forms a multitude of lakes and waterfalls through the forest. The Nor Yauyos-Cochas reserve, ranging from 2,500m to 5,700m in altitude, was created to preserve these magnificent landscapes and its small villages. Its most famous attraction is the Carhuayno Falls.
The Cañete River in this area forms beautiful emerald lagoons where trouts abound. Also ducks, coots and other Andean birds can be seen horses, llamas, cows and livestock. The whole area is dominated by the beauty of the Cañete River which capture the attention of the visitor.
On the ride from Cusco you’ll experience the Sacred Valley, endless mountains passes (some at 4500m) and some great examples of Inca cities from days gone by.
Dominated by two massive Inca ruins, the quaint village of Ollantaytambo, is the best surviving example of Inca city planning, with narrow cobblestone streets that have been continuously inhabited since the 13th century. Because it is half way between Cusco and Machu Picchu, you’ll see alot of buses stopping for a quick break. But with the amazing ruins around, Ollantaytambo is worth at least a night. It’s perfect for wandering the mazy, narrow byways, past stone buildings and babbling irrigation channels, pretending you’ve stepped back in time.
Ollantaytambo, Peru
Humantay Lake
After a moderate hike to a 4200m, the gorgeous colours of the lake finally presents itself. With all Inca man-made ruins in the area, it’s great to see some natural sites that are much more tranquil.
Shrouded by mist and surrounded by lush vegetation and steep escarpments, the sprawling Inca citadel of Machu Picchu lives up to every expectation. In a spectacular location, it’s the most famous archaeological site on the continent, a must for all visitors to Peru. Like the Mona Lisa or the pyramids, it has been seared into our collective consciousness, though nothing can diminish the thrill of being here. This awe-inspiring ancient city was never revealed to the conquering Spaniards and was virtually forgotten until the early part of the 20th century.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu, Peru
Best (and cheapest) way to visit Machu Picchu on a Moto
Santa Teresa is one of the closest towns to Machu Picchu. From here you can find a cheaper Hospedaje than other more tourist towns nearby
This Epic Ride takes place on newly created (2011) transcontinental highway that links Peru and Brazil. The section I travelled was from Rio Branco in Brazil to Cusco in Peru. The road provides a fast route from the low lands of the Amazon to the high mountains of the Peruvian Andes. But it is not without controversy. The road is link to many environmental and corruption concerns.
Because I toured this region during the rainy season, this trip had to be done via a boat. The boat ride starts with in Belem and slowly travels river via Santarem, Manaus and then down to Porto Velho towards the Peru Border.
This ride doesn’t have a planned route. Minas Gerais is scattered with many worthy natural sites and colonial towns. Some of the highlights are below.
Highlights
Petrópolis and Teresópolis
Situated in Parque Nacional Serra dos Órgãos, these twin towns are a great base for exploring the park and dramatic mountains, including the iconic Dedo de Deus (God’s Finger) and Agulha do Diabo (Devil’s Needle).
Serra dos Órgãos National Park, Teresópolis, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Tiradentes
Located at the foot of the Serra de São José, the city was just a mining camp in the early 18th century. In 1718, it became Vila São José, in honor of the then Portuguese Prince D. José I.
With the proclamation of the Republic, the city was renamed Tiradentes, name of the martyr of the Inconfidência Mineira (an attempt at emancipation from Minas Gerais in 1789), born nearby and who died fighting against the monarchy.
When gold became scarce in the region, the city was forgotten and fell into dispair, it was rediscovered in late 1970. Exceptionally preserved thanks to the decades of long isolation, the Baroque architectural ensemble of Tiradentes gathers jewels like the charming fountain of the São José Fountain, built in 1749 to supply the city with drinking water and which runs until today.
Also standing out in the city is the majestic Church of San Antonio, second in amount of gold in Brasil, with its front built by the artist Antonio Francisco Lisboa, better known as Aleijadinho, and an organ brought from Portugal, in 1788.
Largo das Forras, the central city square, houses the City Hall and numerous handicraft shops, restaurants and inns. It was here, in 1888, that slaves gathered to celebrate the end of slavery.
Tiradentes, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil
Tiradentes, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil
Congonhas
Located in a valley and framed by majestic mountains, Congonhas do Campo, 70 kilometers from Belo Horizonte, bewitches its visitors with the beauty of its rich Baroque heritage.
The earliest records of human occupation dating back to the late 17th century, when the entire region was in a fever of adventurers in search of gold. A large part of the flag of Bartolomeu Bueno populated Vila Real de Queluz (Conselheiro Lafaiete) in 1700, but other members of the expedition followed the trip further and founded other villages such as the Arraial de Congonhas on the banks of the Congonhas River.
The name of the village comes from the plant “congõi” that cover the region’s fields and in tupi means “what supports, what feeds”. It is said that there was much gold in Congonhas that the rocks were the size of potatoes.
So much wealth attracted to the city the great Antonio Francisco Lisboa, Aleijadinho, one of the main artists of Brasil. The passing of Aleijadinho through Congonhas gave Minas Gerais and Brasil one of the most spectacular Baroque treasures: the Basílica Santuário do Bom Jesus de Matosinhos.
The architectural and artistic set of the Basilica is simply breathtaking. This masterpiece of Aleijadinho stands out by its rich carvings and indoor decoration, of 12 large soap stone statues of the Prophets and the six Capelas dos Passos distributed on a hill outside of the temple.
In the chapels, that recreate in a theatrical and educational way the passion of Christ, there are 66 realistic statues carved in cedar and colored masterfully by Mestre Ataíde, a great Brazilian painter and decorator of sacred art.
The sanctuary was declared a world heritage site by Unesco in 1985 and made Congonhas known today as “City of Prophets”.
Congonhas, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil
Ouro Preto
The city of Ouro Preto, in Minas Gerais, is well known for its colonial architecture. It was the first Brazilian city to be considered a world heritage site by Unesco in 1980, and is home to a magnificent Baroque architectural ensemble, one of the best preserved in the world.
The history of the city begins at the end of the 17th century, when an anonymous adventurer encountered curious dark stones (dark gold with a layer of palladium) and initiated one of the biggest gold races of humanity.
The territory that today make up Minas Gerais began to be occupied quickly and various camps sprang up. In 1652, they were grouped under the name of Vila Rica – today, Ouro Preto.
Tons of gold were sent to Portugal in the 18th century, and what remained in the region produced Baroque wonders that enchant those who visit the city.
In the historic centre, alleys and streets you will find rich fountains, townhouses, chapels and churches of the 17th and 18th centuries.
Ouro Preto, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil
Sanctuary Caraça
The name of the Caraça (big face) mountains and nature reserve derives from the colonisers’ perception that the range’s profile resembled a human face. A chapel was built here around 1774, dedicated to Our Lady the Mother of Men, as well as a house to shelter missionaries, on the initiative of a certain Brother Lourenço from the Lamego bishopric. Some historians hold that he was really José Policarpo de Azevedo, one of the figures involved in the attempt to assassinate King José I (1768), who had taken refuge in Brazil to escape capital punishment. The original features of the house and chapel are known from an old drawing apparently used as a model for the Seminary of Mariana. When he died in 1819, the founder left all his property to the prince regent, requesting that a teaching institution be established at the site. The resulting college was founded in 1820 by two Lazarist priests designated by King João VI. In 1883, a building in the neo-Gothic style replaced the original chapel; elements from the latter are nevertheless still identifiable, such as the floor flagstones and some religious images, as well as the altars painted and gilded by master Ataíde, who also painted the canvases embellishing the church, among them the famous depiction of the Last Supper. One of the college’s wings was destroyed by a fire in 1968, which also affected the library. In the 1980s, the complex was subject to a thorough and ambitious restoration. (link)
Maned Wolf Experience
One of the highlights of this place happens under the night sky on the steps of the neo-Gothic monastery. If you’re lucky, you may witness the beauty of the maned wolf up close and personal. These are rare creatures to see in the wild, making for a surreal and unforgettable experience.
The unique relationship between the residents of the Santuário do Caraça monastery and the area’s native maned wolves began in the early 1980s. Monks started to notice that an apparently large and strong animal was habitually raiding the church’s trashcans by tipping them over and dragging out the contents for clandestine midnight feasts. (link)
Sanctuary Caraça, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil
Sanctuary Caraça, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil
Sanctuary Caraça, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil
Sanctuary Caraça, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil
Pedra Azul
While not located in Minas Gerais, instead located in Espírito Santo state. The ‘Blue Rock’ is a granite rock formation reaching a height of 1,822 metres (5,978 ft). Temperatures range from about 7.3 to 27.8 °C (45.1 to 82.0 °F). It is rated the 3rd best climate in the world (from the UN). Altitude ranges from 1,250 metres (4,100 ft) at the visitor center to 1,909 metres (6,263 ft) at the peak of Pedra das Flores, the highest point. The park covers parts of the municipalities of Domingos Martins and Vargem Alta. These towns are built by Pomeranian immigrants, who came from a region that is now part of Germany and Poland. This population often finds itself in difficult-to-access areas, and many still speak East Pomeranian, though today it is thought to be extinct in their homeland. Domingos Martins still has many characteristically Germanic architecture and cuisine.
The BR-101 runs along the jagged coast line of Brazil. This area is called Brazil’s Costa Verde. Characterized by the Serra do Mar escarpment reaching Atlantic Ocean. This creates a mountainous landscape very near the coast. It is considered the greatest extension of Atlantic Forest biome reaching the ocean anywhere in the world
State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Paraty
Paraty is a charming little town that was once a thriving gold port. With its Portuguese colonial architecture, Paraty is known for the cobblestone-paved streets. No cars or trucks are allowed in this part of town, only foot traffic or bicycles.
Paraty has been able to maintain many of its historic buildings. Much of the architecture of the city has not changed for 250 years or more.
Paraty, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Paraty, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Paraty, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Paraty, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Paraty, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Paraty, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Estrada Real (RJ-165) from Paraty to Stone Macela
The Estrada Real winds from the coast town of Paraty to the breathtaking sceneries of mountainous regions around Cunha. You still can see parts of the old mule pathways used to transport Gold and other heavy loads in caravans down to the harbour city.
Pedra da Macela (1840m) is one of the highest peaks on Serra da Bocaina. This mountain is localized near of the border of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo States and can be reached by a 2km steep walk.
It is a bit of a ride off the main road (BR-101), but it worth it for the stunning views.
Where this ride ends….. and the rumours are true, the powers of Rio will seduce even the most cynical of travelers with its charms. For starters, Mother Nature halts the march of the city at every turn, from the rainforest that creeps up its rolling hills to the huge lagoa (lagoon) surrounded by the continent’s most expensive real estate and, of course, the most beguiling stretches of urban beach on the planet – Ipanema, Copacabana, Arpoador and Leblon.
Whether it is the statue of Christ perched atop Corcovado mountain or the Sugarloaf cable car, the hoards kite-surfing off Barra beach or dancing to samba on the smooth slopes of Pedra do Sal rock, this is a city and landscape turned playground, where life isn’t taken too seriously and the twists and turns of the daily political and economic soap opera has ingrained a rueful cheeriness and creativity in its people.
This Epic Ride is in the Brazilian state of Paraná. The road was an old tropeiros (Drovers) route towards the state coast to the cities further inland. The road goes through the most pristine stretch of Atlantic Forest of Brazil , marked by the tropical forest and the beautiful streams that are born in the Serra do Mar . It was declared by UNESCO as an Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve in 1993.
As of 2017, mostly asphalt. Some sections are old cobble-brick.
When is the best time to Ride?
Anytime. It’s sunny Brazil 🙂
Highlights
The Road
If you avoid the weekends, you’ll mostly have the road to yourself. The road isn’t very long but there are alot of little restaurants and viewpoints to easily take up half a day.
Waterfalls
With mountains and forests this dense there are a lot of waterfalls to explore. All the waterfalls around here were amazingly peaceful. You’ll have the place to yourself.
Graciosa Road, Paraná, Brazil
Why is it an ‘Epic Ride’
Maybe not an ‘Epic’ ride, but its a quick ride of the main road, it has alot of history, great views and isn’t very busy traffic wise.
This Epic Ride takes place on the island of Santa Catarina in the Brazilian state with the same name. The island is about 54km long and is connected to the mainland via a few massive bridges.
Florianópolis city sits on the mainland side of the island which makes for a great mix of island and city life.
This Epic Ride is all dirt road and goes nowhere… well not exactly, the road is a link between the city of Poconé and the place of Porto Jofre. It’s 147 km long and crosses no less than 122 wooden bridges.
It was suppose to cut through the pantanal, but it was stopped half way because of either constant flooding or environmental reasons.
While it looks like the beginning of the Transpantaeria, this gate is actually a few kms into the 147km long dusty road. Most likely this is gate is used to close the road when it floods.
The Entrance gate is a great place to stop, get a photo and recharge before the long challenge ahead.
Whilst travelling along the transpantaneira, look over one of the many bridges your sure to find a number of caimans kicking back in the sun.
These guys are now protected and there are apparently over 10 million in the pantanal. crazy.
Transpantaneira, Pantanal, Brazil
Transpantaneira, Pantanal, Brazil
Transpantaneira, Pantanal, Brazil
Transpantaneira, Pantanal, Brazil
Transpantaneira, Pantanal, Brazil
Transpantaneira, Pantanal, Brazil
Transpantaneira, Pantanal, Brazil
Transpantaneira, Pantanal, Brazil
Why is it an ‘Epic Ride’
The transpantaneira boosts a lot of records. It has the most bridges for its length in the world. It is a dead end, so it has limited traffic. It goes through the biggest wetlands in the world.
It’s not prefect though, you will only be able to ride it in outside of the wet season… and in summer is it crazy hot.
This Epic Ride is between the High and Low lands of Bolivia. Remote dirt roads, rolling lush green valleys, soaring condors and friendly villages dominate the route.
As of 2018, loose hard packed gravel. Because it is a mountainous road, it may become impassable during heavy rain. Some river crossing.
When is the best time to Ride?
All year, though avoid after heavy rain
GPS Tracking Map
My tracking from Vallegrande to Samaipata (via La Higuera) . Tracking files can be downloaded here. (GPX/KML)
Elevation Profile
Highlights
La Higuera
La Higuera lies at an elevation of 1950m, with a population of around 100 people. The village became famous in October 8, 1967 when Che Guevara was captured by the CIA-assisted Bolivian Army in the nearby ravine Quebrada del Churo, ending his campaign to create a continental revolution in South America. Che Guevara was held in the schoolhouse, where he was killed the next day. The body was then brought to Vallegrande, where it was placed on display and afterwards secretly buried under an airstrip.
The village is tiny and consists of only a school, main square and now two hostels. The whole village has several statues and monuments to Che.
La Higuera, Bolivia
La Pajcha
La Pajcha is a lovely waterfall just off the road to Samaipata. It’s definitely worth a stop for a break after tackling the crazy roads.
Even if you’re staying in Samipata, it is only a 1hr 30min drive. Based on the time of year, you should have the place to yourself.
The highlight is a sandy beach (amazing site in land locked Bolivia)
Make sure you climb to the top of the waterfall. there is small goat track from the entrance on the left
La Pajcha, Bolivia
Here is a TimeLapse of the waterfall
Samaipata
Samaipata is place you’ll quickly fall for. It’s a small town in valley that has a great climate and a good mix or locals and expats. Check this separate post.
Why is it an ‘Epic Ride’
Let’s start with an overview. Like most places outside the cities in Bolivia, this route is remote and the roads are dirt and gravel. You won’t see many other vehicles on the road. This area was my favorite in Bolivia as the climate is mild and the rolling green valleys provide some stunning backdrops as you ride. The scenery is stunning. However, based on the weather, your visibility could be limited to white cloud meters in front of you or lust green valleys as far as you can see. This ride is also part of the “Ruta del Che” (Che Guevara Trail). check out my vBlog of the Route below.