TRANS ANDES MOTOR CHALLENGE 

Visit some of the best highlights of South America on a motorcycle. The highest navigable lake in the world, the highest capital of the world, the riches silver mines and the biggest salt lake of the world.

The Pan American Highway brings us through the dessert of Chile in Bolivia where we ride a unique off road track right through the Andes Mountains in the uninhabitable border area. Only lama’s and vicuna’s watch uninterested as we ride past in clouds of dust. Much surprised by the surrealistic and moonlike landscape of the salt lake of Uyuni , we disappear underground in the once richest mines of South America in Potosi . A beautiful bitumen road leads us over the Altiplano into La Paz were we can indulge again in the pleasures of modern life, while at the witchcraft market ladies offer lama foetuses and fresh coca leaves.

For a while we can say goodbye to high altitudes when we wind hundreds of curves down to the area called Yunga’s at 1.400 meters . Beautiful views through  lush green valleys accompany while finally ending in coffee- and banana plantations. What a difference to be riding in tropical green areas after al the dry plains The mostly virgin rainforest reaches far over the border with Brazil from here.

Two days later in the colonial town of Copacabana , standing in front of a beautiful white cathedral, we start looking for the local priest. Legend has it you can get your blessings over vehicles for a save journey, something we would not want to miss for our loyal motorcycles!

In Lake Titicaca we are walking on floating islands and visiting huts created from cane of the Uros people, a group of people living here for centuries using the cane as product for their houses and boats.

Salar de Uyuni
The best kept secret of Bolivia is probably the Salar the Uyuni: the biggest salt lake of the world at 3.800 metres  The lake consists of 11 layers, all between 2- 11 meters thick. Visiting the Salar is probably visiting one of the most beautiful areas in the World. White desserts, lakes in emerald colours, an island full of cactus, geysers and stone trees make the experience unforgettable. The salt lake once was part of a prehistoric salt lake that pretty much covered the whole of southwest Bolivia .

Lake Titicaca
On the border of Bolivia and Peru you will find Lake Titicaca at 3.800 metres , the worlds highest navigable lake. From the beautiful town of Copacabana you can take a boat to Isla del Sol where, as the legend goes, the first Inca king was born. The famous French explorer Jacques Cousteau spend numerous expeditions on the lake trying to find Inca gold and the lost city Atlantis (because he did not find them they still are no more then legends). Biggest town in the area is Copacabana, with a beautiful white cathedral (were we had our motorcycles blessed by the local priest).

Colca Canyon
This is the deepest canyon in the World, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the USA . You can see the houses and farms on both sides of the canyon where people work on cultivating the land. It sometimes reminds you of the fields in Asia , the once here though date back to pre-Inca times. This is the place in the whole of South America where you can spot the almost biggest bird in the world: the mighty Condor.

Potosi
The once most wealthiest city in the whole of South America is the highest in it seize at this altitude. Potosi is most famous for it’s rich silver mines, the Cerro Rico and the story goes you could build a bridge from South America to Spain with all the silver mined (mostly by slaves in the colonial period) in previous centuries. Nowadays you can visit the mines as they are still being used. If you do, then don’t forget to bring some presents like coca leaves and alcohol for the miners.

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  Veel gestelde vragen

Riding experience?
You will ride off road for about 35% of the whole trip. It will feel like it’s a lot more though! Riding off road is time consuming, and demands a lot of concentration and stamina. It often is difficult to prepare riding these roads at your own country, so it’s best to have an open flexible mind and just go for it. It probably will be new for most of the group so everybody can and will take their time. The best thing about riding off road is that it will bring you to areas that are normally out of reach for most busses and cars (read: tourists)

I don’t have my driver’s licence?
Then you can’t drive a motorcycle, BUT you can join the tour as a pillion driver! There is also a possibility of coming along in our support vehicle. 

International Flights?
We are not able to make the international airline booking for you. Please look for a reliable travel agent in your own country. Please remember to take into account the potential for late arrival of the itinerary of the trip.

Motorcycle?
You will ride on a Honda 400 cc or 650 cc off/all road motorcycle. We also have some Kawasaki 650 cc offraod available. All are well mintained and highly reliable motorcycles that will take you through rivers, over high passes and through loose sand like it is no problem at all. 

Are the motorcycles insured for damage?
All motorcycles has comprehensive insurance and are insured against theft. The personal luggage of the participant is not insured. Paticipants are responsible for up to (Euro) €2.750,-- of motorcycle damage. You can reduce your liability from ( Euro ) € 2.750,-- to ( Euro ) €50,-- by agreeing to pay an additional ( Euro ) €120 for the trip.

Do you have rules or regulations that we should be aware of?
We only ask that you follow the laws of the country we're riding in, that you don't conduct yourself in a manner that endangers other members of the group. We also insist that you do not drink alcoholic beverages until after your motorcycle has been retired for the evening.  Riding privileges will be suspended for anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If a rider operates the bike after drinking an alcoholic beverage or using a mind-altering drug, the damage waiver signed by the rider is considered null and void and the rider incurs unlimited liability for damage to the motorcycle

Speed during the day?
You will drive at your own pace, having enough time to take in the magnificent surroundings, take photo's or stop for a tea. We are on a holiday! The one rule is that we do not overtake the road captain up front, as he knows the way to go. Apart from that we will see everybody at appointed hours, tea- or lunch breaks. Besides, once in the mountains and back roads you will see that speeding is nearly impossible and can be dangerous.

Riding clothing?
Take the protected motor clothing you normally wear at home. For the evenings and late afternoon you will need warm clothing (fleece jacket) as we are travelling in the winter of the Southern hemisphere. Temperatures can drop below zero at night and winds can make it feel cold. But also don’t forget sun cream and lip balm because we will ride in full sunshine during the day at great heights. And bathing suite for the swimming pool in the Yungas! ( advisory list will be sent after booking)


Visa, drivers licence, vaccinations?
You will need a passport which must be valid for six months after the end date of the trip.You will receive your visa for Peru , Chile and Bolivia while entering the country. Your passport however needs to be of value at least 6 months after the date of entry. You also need an international drivers licence. Vaccination requirements change regularly We would advise you to contact your doctor or specialist travel clinic and obtain the recommended vaccinations.  

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Reisfeiten

Date 2008: 08-10-2008 
Date 2009: 15-05-2009, 17-07-2009, 06-11-2009

Price:
( Euro ) €  2.995,-- per person.

Payment Method:
- Invoice and banktransfer.
-  Deposit: 15% of total tour price.
-  This deposit secures a place on the tour.

Duration:  
21 days.

Included is:
Staff:
- English/multilangual speaking guide
- Mechanic/driver

Flight:
- Domestic flight  Lima - Arequipa, economy class
- Domestic flight  Arequipa - Lima, economy class

Motorcycle:
- Honda NX4Falcon 400, Honda XR650L, Yamaha XT660R,
  Kawasaki KLR650
- Luggage carrier
- Road tax
- Boarder tax
- Toll
- Unlimited mileage 

Mechanical support:
- 4x4 Support vehicle/back up car
- Spare parts
- All equipment required to service and repair the bikes
- Oil

Administrative support:
- Permits
- Domestic airline ticketing
- Entrance fees
- Border procedures
- Hotelbooking

Excursions:
- Potosi Silver mines
- Lake Titicaca
- Colca Canyon
- Entrance fee

Accommodation: ( based on double occupancy )
- Fine middle class hotel with private shower and toilet
- Guesthouse
- Continental breakfast
- Accommodation fees

Transfers:
- Transfer Arequipa Airport - Hotel
- Transfer Hotel - Arequipa Airport 

Not included is:
- International flight to Lima, Peru.
- Fuel for motorcycle
- Travel insurance
- Medical cost
- Visa 
- Entrance fee not mentioned under included
- All meals and beverage not mentioned under included
- Personal equipment: participants have to bring all clothes themselves ( advisory list will be sent after
  booking)

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