Nous sommes actuellement en voyage (tour du monde pendant 1 an), apres 6 mois en Asie, nous envisageons de continuer notre periple a velos lorsque nous arriverons au Chili dans 1 semaine (actuellement nous sommes en Nouvelle Zelande). Notre itineraire sur presque 6 mois serait a priori la remontee du nord du Chili depuis Santiago jusqu'a Atacama, puis Bolivie (Uyuni, Sucre, potosi, Sud Lipez), puis Argentine (Iguacu?, Pampa?) jusqu'a Ushuaia, soit en descendant par l'Argentine, soit en repassant par le Chili (carterra austral)
Nous aimerions avoir vos avis et conseils sur plusieurs points (on est un peu a la bourre!😊):
1. Lieux / bons plans pour l'achat de 2 VTT a Santiago du Chili
2. avis/ conseils sur l'equipement: types de VTT, sacoches ou remorque ou porte-bagage avec sacs a dos (60L)?
3. Notre itineraire (vos remarques si vous avez fait certaines de ces etapes meiux que d'autres)
4. Camping sauvage: est-ce risque en Bolivie? (salar d'Uyuni notamment ou Sud lipez) ou autres lieux en Argentine et au Chili?
5. autres conseils/ risques a connaitre?
A Santiago il y a 2 boutiques de vélos pas loin du centre Plaza de Armas désolé je n'ai plus l'adresse, dans le quartier de Las Condes vers le Parc Araunco il y a des grandes zones commerciales pour acheter du matos de camping
Pour les cartes du Chili le Turistel c'est pas mal mais il faut prendre le petit bouquin MAPA RUTERO.pas les 3 livres
Pour le climat pour la zone de Santiago puis l'Atacama pas de problème mais dans le Nord du Chili l'hiver venant çà risque de cailler passage de col à 4400 m pour le Sud Lipez nuit très froides mais région magnifique, pour le Salar d'Uyuni pas de problème pour le traverser à cette période.
Iguacu je n'y suis jamais allé.
Pour la Patagonie l'itinéraire le plus extra c'est la Carratera Austral mais problème avec le climat car vous risquez d'y être à la fin de l'hiver .
Pour le camping sauvage aucun problème
Si vous avez besoin de plus d'info pas de problème.
bonjuor
pour les velos une seule marque au chili, trek 4500 27 vitesses, cest le plus vendu, 500 dollars environ. les boutiques velo sont toutes cote a cote dans la meme rue a santiago, demande a ton hotel. pour les baggages cest question de gout.
auberge de jeunesse correcte a santiago, bon patio et bonne ambiance mais pas de cuisine, repas froid
guide pour chili nord va a la station service copec et achete le guide nord du chili, tu auras les infos et les cartes, cest un resume de lenorme turistel . puis pour le sud tu pourras faire de meme plus tard.
pour le parcours chili argentine, si tu lis lespagnol va sur mon site jai a peu pres tout fait et je decris bien, pour au nord de vallenar cest le voyage en cours tag (mot cle) viaje6, pour le reste tu vas a diarios ou tag chile ou argentina et la liste saffiche.
http://mandolpierre.multiply.com
pour la bolivie, uyuni, tu peux le rejoindre depuis san pedro de atacama en bus ou camionette par le debut du paso jama, montee impossible en velo, soit par tout un tour paso sico argentina salta jujuy la quiaca villabon uyuni plus facile
les lagunas sud ouest de bolivie tu peux les faire par agence en 4*4 cest plus simple depuis san pedro ou uyuni
pour le reste de la bolivie je te recommande deviter la route potosi oruro la paz, monotone et plein de trafic, passe plutot par sucre samaipa a louest de santa cruz ou cochabamba, puis la paz par les pistes.
en fait je vais faire tout ce parcours durant les moiis de mai a debut septembre, donc tu pourras suivre mes traces sur mon site.
un detail ce sont des pays immenses, tout prend longtemps, tres longtemps.
bonne route pierre
tout le monde prétend que la Terre est ronde, mais ne le croyez pas, en fait elle est plate bien sûr!
http://mandolpierre.overblog.com
bonjuor
pour les velos une seule marque au chili, trek 4500 27 vitesses, cest le plus vendu, 500 dollars environ. les boutiques velo sont toutes cote a cote dans la meme rue a santiago, demande a ton hotel. pour les baggages cest question de gout.
auberge de jeunesse correcte a santiago, bon patio et bonne ambiance mais pas de cuisine, repas froid
guide pour chili nord va a la station service copec et achete le guide nord du chili, tu auras les infos et les cartes, cest un resume de lenorme turistel . puis pour le sud tu pourras faire de meme plus tard.
pour le parcours chili argentine, si tu lis lespagnol va sur mon site jai a peu pres tout fait et je decris bien, pour au nord de vallenar cest le voyage en cours tag (mot cle) viaje6, pour le reste tu vas a diarios ou tag chile ou argentina et la liste saffiche.
http://mandolpierre.multiply.com
pour la bolivie, uyuni, tu peux le rejoindre depuis san pedro de atacama en bus ou camionette par le debut du paso jama, montee impossible en velo, soit par tout un tour paso sico argentina salta jujuy la quiaca villabon uyuni plus facile
les lagunas sud ouest de bolivie tu peux les faire par agence en 4*4 cest plus simple depuis san pedro ou uyuni
pour le reste de la bolivie je te recommande deviter la route potosi oruro la paz, monotone et plein de trafic, passe plutot par sucre samaipa a louest de santa cruz ou cochabamba, puis la paz par les pistes.
en fait je vais faire tout ce parcours durant les moiis de mai a debut septembre, donc tu pourras suivre mes traces sur mon site.
un detail ce sont des pays immenses, tout prend longtemps, tres longtemps.
bonne route pierre Bonjour Pierre, Content de te retrouver sur FV et parfois dans ton mail, mais je ne lis malheureusement pas encore l'Espagnol. A bientôt quand même. Bon vent à toi
Cordialement, le meilleur est à venir
à voir et à entendre 🤪 janodou.com « Rencontrer l'autre c'est se découvrir soi même (JLM) »
Un grand merci LoolooNZ et Mandolpierre pour vos conseils! C'est super sympa on a hate d'arriver a Santiago! Peut-etre que l'on se croisera sur les routes la bas? (Mandolpierre)
A+
bonjour
je viens de voir la trek 4500 ici a calama, tres bonne bici, mais je corrige, 700 dollars, plus porte baggage etc la 4300 est presque egale, mais 24 vitesses et surement 150 dollars de moins
pour equipement camping un ami cicliste vient de mindiquer cette chaine de boutiques genre vieux campeur avec bici en plus, regarde sur internet
Bonjour a tous!
Merci encore pour vos conseils, juste pour completer les infos pour ceux que ca interesse.
Nous avons trouve 2 endroits interessants pour acheter des velos: la Rue San Diego qui se trouve pas tres loin du centre (station de metro "univ de chili" ou "Parque Higgins" )
et le centre Mall Sport a "las Condes" dedie au sport, velos, camping, escalade, ski...
Pour s'y rendre metro jusqu'au terminus "Escuela Militaria", puis prendre le bus C01.
On a pu acheter effectivement tente, matos de camping a Andesgear. (prix plus ou moins similaires a la France car tout est importe).
Pour les velos, c'est moins cher dans la rue San Diego: marques Trek, Giant ou encore Calendale pour les importees... (mais plus de choix a Mall Sport avec notamment un magasin complet dedie a la marque Trek). On va donc les acheter demain (trek 4300) dans le rue San Diego.
Restera plus qu'a pedaler!
A+
J'étais à Santiago y'à pas longtemps, et pareil que les autres :
1)- La rue San Diego, blindée de boutiques de vélo, vous y trouverez votre bonheur, prix similaires à la France Andesgear comme boutique, mais y'en a d'autres, demandez les adresses à Andesgear, ils ne mordent pas, ils sont même très sympas ! renseignements complémentaires : j'ai cru voir qu'il y avait une casa cyclista, un espèce de couchsurfer pour cyclotouristes renseignements bicloune en plus, regardez là : http://www.grenzenlos.ath.cx/?Casa_de_Ciclistas:Otras_Casas_de_Ciclistas_en_America_Latina
2) Remorque je déconseille, sacoches arrière plus avant si possible, sinon que arrière, le sac à dos vous le mettez à plat sur le porte bagages. Type de VTT : le moins VTT possible ! Genre, guidon confort, si possible avec cornes, fourche avant très conseillée, à l'arrière pas d'amortissement, selle confort, roues 26 pouces et pneus si possible avec une bande plus lisse au centre (pas que des énormes crampons de 10 cm de large !)
3) Rhò, c'est un peu long de répondre là, faites peut-être un chti tour sur les blogs des compères et le mien pour vous donner une idée. Mais six mois ça me semble court pour monter puis redescendre, et la remontée jusqu'à Atacama à travers le désert n'est pas forcément nécessaire, si vous n'êtes pas des ayatolahs du vélo prenez un bus, c'est chiant à partir de La Serena.
4) Camping sauvage plus que très OK en Bolivie, testé et pas de problèmes (sauf qu'on m'a acusé de lancer des pierres aux gamins à un moment mais bon...)
5) Malaria, dengue et fièvre jaune si vous passez par les zones tropicales. Les clébards sont chiants.
On s'apprête à partir à 3, dans 1 mois, pour faire une partie de la Carretera Austral à vélo entre Puerto Montt et Villa O'Higgins. Et on a décidé d'acheter un…
On part au chili tout janvier et fevrier 2014 pour decouvrir le sud du pays en vélo. On voudrais acheter les vélos sur place. Si, à tout hazard, quelqu'un…
Nous partons à deux début décembre prochain, direction la patagonie chilienne et la fameuse carretera austral. nous souhaitons partir de puerto montt direction…
Voyager à vélo › Pérou / Bolivie / Chili · 6 replies
Avec mon amie, nous avons pour projet de voyager en vélo en Amérique latine. Nous commencerions par le Pérou. Nous sommes profanes dans le domaine et plusieurs…
Yep amigos! Quelqu'un cherche à vendre son vélo de voyage à Santiago par hasard? Ou alors un bon plan pour en trouver un au Chili? Merci bcp Adios Jeremy
Hello,
We’d like to go on a 3- to 4-month bike trip starting in December, crossing from Assam (northeast India) to New Delhi via Nepal.
Are there routes with light traffic along the Brahmaputra and through Nepal?
We’re also looking for any info on accommodations, wild camping, local interactions, etc.
Thanks,
Michel
I’m planning to cycle from Morlaix to Brest (via Roscoff and the V45 coastal route). We’ll start riding on August 16th for 13 days (with stops for island visits, surfing, etc.). Is there a lot of traffic at this time of year? I’ve got two kids, 11 and 13, and we don’t like riding in the middle of cars (we’ve already done the Vélomaritime—Caen to Cherbourg—the Loire route from Orléans to Saumur, the Vélodyssée from Nantes to Royans, and the canals like the Nivernais and Bourgogne, where there were plenty of bike-only lanes, which isn’t the case on this route).
Thanks for your help if you’ve already done this route in late August!
Virginie
I’ve got my flight ticket sorted—departing in mid-November and returning in mid-March. I’ll arrive in Santiago and leave from Buenos Aires.
I’ve already been to southern Argentina, specifically Torres del Paine National Park, and I’d love to go back to do the full W trek (I only did the shorter version last time).
I also want to do some hiking and maybe even tackle a summit. I climb and occasionally do some mountaineering, so I’ll definitely be going with a guide.
I plan to start around Temuco in Chile, with the idea of heading toward the lakes, then taking the Carretera Austral.
I’m not sure if I’ll go all the way to Ushuaia—it’s supposed to not be *that* worth it, except for the bragging rights of saying you’ve been to the end of the world.
I saw there are lakes in Argentina too.
I don’t have a precise itinerary, but what I’d love is, once I reach the southernmost point of my trip, to take a mini-cruise to see some wildlife. Any tips for that?
What kind of sleeping bag did you take? Is a 0°C (32°F) one enough?
And one last question: white gas stove or can I get by with my gas stove?
Hi there,
I’ve been road cycling for several years, and I’m about to switch to gravel in the next few days—I’m waiting for my bike, which should arrive this week.
I’m planning a bikepacking trip in a few weeks along the Véloroute V81, also known as the Vélosud, from Biarritz to Le Barcarès.
Has anyone here already done this route? Any info is welcome, whether it’s about the route itself, gear, or accommodation. I’ll prioritize staying with locals as much as possible. On that note, I just signed up for the brand-new site *Guidon et Couette* ((www.guidon-et-couette.fr)), which offers free accommodation between cyclists across the country, but there’s almost no one listed along my route!
Thanks in advance.
Laurent.
I'm developing a free and open-source web app for planning walking and cycling trips (and even car trips). You can create a route by clicking directly on the map to add waypoints, and it can consist of multiple stages. The app provides tools to edit the stages and the overall route, and to display useful information (distances, altitudes, and elevation changes). A relief profile can be shown as a graph for a specific stage or the entire route.
Once the route is ready, it can be exported as a GPX file, which can then be used with a GPS or a mobile navigation app.
The app is built in JavaScript and runs entirely in the web browser. It uses the Leaflet library and several OpenStreetMap-based services. Initially developed for my personal needs (I enjoy hiking and cycle touring), I’d be happy to share it with anyone who might find it useful. It’s free to use, doesn’t require an account, and the source code is available.
After testing it for three years across various modes of transport, I’m sharing this video of a bike packing case. It’s made from recycled cardboard and shrink-wrapped, with adjustable thickness and added bubble wrap depending on the level of protection you want.
Installing spacers at the fork and chainstays makes the packaging compact. With the fifteen-odd euros for shrink-wrapping at the airport, this case travels really well.
https://youtu.be/_GDJi-GqmkM
- Low bulk (1.10m x 0.70m x 0.25m for a large frame), it fits vertically in train luggage compartments and the total dimensions (x+y+z) don’t exceed 2.40m.
- Two carrying solutions for public transport and easy handling by airport staff (no more tears in the cardboard from openings).
- Discreet packaging when dealing with bus drivers and train conductors, as it looks like an ordinary parcel.
- No need to return to the starting point to retrieve the case from your outbound trip, which you’d otherwise have to store somewhere, or deal with a bulky cover to pack in your panniers.
- You can still check tire pressure through the plastic film without damaging the packaging too much.
Drawbacks: Around 3 hours for this lengthy and meticulous process—removing the wheels, pedals, handlebars, and derailleur without misaligning them, then securing all components to the frame.
If you get a chance to test it, send me your feedback for future improvements.
Hi there, I’m planning a cross-Canada bike trip, and I’ve got a question that might seem silly, but could someone tell me how to pack a bike (in a box, with a fragile sticker... I don’t know) for a flight? Thanks in advance!
This summer, we’re planning to cycle along the EV 19 that follows the Meuse River from Langres all the way to Rotterdam.
My question is about getting back to Nantes.
Do any of you know what the best return option might be? I’d love to hear about your experiences.
I saw that FlixBus doesn’t take bikes.
By train, I think it’s possible but would involve multiple local trains.
We were also wondering if there’s a boat from Rotterdam to Saint-Nazaire that could take passengers with bikes.
Any tips or experiences you can share would be really helpful—thanks in advance!
Have a great evening
I’ve gotten used to crossing Europe by bus to return by bike.
It was really convenient to take the bike without having to disassemble it.
But FlixBus no longer accepts bikes...
What alternatives do you know about?
Thanks.
Hi there,
I’m planning to ride the Dutch section of the EuroVelo 19, from Maastricht to Rotterdam.
Since it’s too complicated to bring my bike on the train, I’m looking to rent one locally.
I’d love any tips or bike rental shop recommendations—I’m struggling to find options even in Rotterdam.
The plan is to rent in Rotterdam, take the train to Maastricht with the bike, then cycle back to Rotterdam.
Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions!
Nath
I’m planning to build a new touring bike.
I want to prioritize lightness.
That said, I’m tempted by a suspension fork that could offer some comfort on rougher roads.
The recent appearance of gravel suspension forks on the market might meet my needs—at least on paper.
I’m particularly considering the RockShox Rudy Ultimate XPLR fork.
Unlike MTB forks, its travel is short: either 30 mm or 40 mm.
It weighs 1400 g, which is 400/500 g more than a steel fork.
Any thoughts or real-world feedback on this?
I’m also wondering about the durability of magnesium (lower leg) for long-distance bike touring.
And what’s the impact of skipping the manufacturer-recommended maintenance every 50 and 200 hours? That’s bound to happen on a long trip unless you carry extra gear.
More generally, how reliable are these kinds of forks?
I’m making an exception and creating a separate post this time, since it’s all about France. In May, we spent a week in Provence, specifically in the Luberon, exploring the cycling routes *Autour du Luberon à Vélo*, the *Véloroute du Calavon* (part of EuroVelo 8), and the shorter *Les Ocres à Vélo* route. Together, they gave us an amazing journey through rolling hills, vineyards, lavender fields still green in spring, and some of the most stunning landscapes in southern France.
It was, of course, the perched villages that impressed us the most. We visited Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux, Lacoste, Lourmarin, Ménerbes, Oppède-le-Vieux, Cucuron, and Lauris. Many of them are among the most beautiful villages in Provence, and it’s hard not to agree with that reputation.
One interesting point is the route of EuroVelo 8 in this part of the region. The official path mainly follows the old railway line of the *Véloroute du Calavon*, which is very comfortable and safe. But in our opinion, cyclists traveling EuroVelo 8 around the Mediterranean would discover even more treasures if the route passed through villages like Bonnieux, Lacoste, or Oppède-le-Vieux.
We were also pleasantly surprised by how safe cycling felt. Most of the route takes small local roads, but traffic is light, drivers are respectful, and road design really takes cyclists into account. It’s one of those places where you can ride peacefully even without separated bike lanes.
Our full story:
Around Luberon by bicycle - the most beautiful villages of Provence
You can also find all our cycling travel stories on the forum:
Cycling Thread - Europe’s most beautiful bike routes
Hi there, we’re a group of 4 cyclists looking to get from Treviso in Italy to Munich with our 4 non-folding bikes. It seems complicated! Are there any solutions? Thanks so much.
hello fellow cycling enthusiasts
here’s a travel journal of the cycling tour through the Rhône-Alpes Auvergne region by Claudio
zouli
it was the plan
http://cbandiera.free.fr/parcours/auvergne-Ralpes/
the trip was completed
story being posted online soon
1100 km in 11 days
beautiful and varied regions
Hi there, we’re planning a Munich to Venice bike trip at the end of June 2026. Getting back from Venice to Toulouse by train with 4 bikes isn’t straightforward. What return options have others who’ve done this trip chosen? Any tips or great deals would be much appreciated. Thanks a bunch! !
Hi everyone,
Happy owner of a Pegasus Estremo bike with a Rohloff hub, which is giving me trouble with the SF11-NCX-FT-E-LITE 700C TS 300/0 fork (serial number TD01329060). It’s starting to show its age, and I’d like to repair it to extend the life of my beloved bike.
The suspension is gone, and there’s an oil leak from the seals.
Does anyone know how to repair it? Where can I find parts that are about fifteen years old? Or where to find an identical replacement fork? Just to clarify, the Magura HS11 brakes are mounted using Firm Tech, meaning they’re on pivots behind the fork, facing the frame.
Hi, I'd like to know if anyone has done this route recently or has reliable info.
Does the track exist, and most importantly, is there sand (for biking)?
Any info is welcome.
Cheers,
diego ambilobe: mangaoka, manondro, ramena
vohemar sambava: masondrono, tanambao
Hi there,
New to bike touring,
I’d love to start with a section of the Via Rhona to explore and share (route to be decided).
Looking forward to exchanging tips!
I’m landing in Madagascar with a buddy before the end of April 2026. We’re planning to bike around for about twenty days or so. We don’t have a specific goal other than exploring the country and meeting the locals.
Ideally, we’d prefer a loop route starting from Antananarivo with a good chunk of it along the coast. On the bike side, we’re used to riding 6 to 8 hours a day, depending on the needs, encounters, and mood 😉 Any feedback or tips from trips around this length?
A big thank you to Lazarou for all the info you share in this forum!
I'm passionate about Morocco, which I cycled through back in 2009.
Last year, my wife and I explored the High Atlas by tandem. Completely smitten, we're heading back in April (Anti Atlas) and May (High and Middle Atlas), still on our tandem.
Do you have any info on the track between Amezri and Ali Ait Nito? Are the river crossings in the Tessaout still there? It's not easy to navigate with a loaded tandem... especially if the river level is high due to this year's heavy snowmelt!
Thanks in advance for any tips you might have, and best wishes for health in this new year!
Claudio specializes in the route of the Savoie lakes
Here are his travels
Between Bornes, Chartreuse, the Savoie foothills, and Dauphiné
Five lakes: Léman, Annecy, Paladru, Aiguebelette, Bourget, not to mention a few ponds along the way
Plenty of accommodation options: camping, hotels, and more...
A lovely route not far from his place
Rural and quite peaceful
A road cycling route created by Serge B...
First of all... happy New Year! Wishing you great roads in 2017!
I’ve been traveling for a few years now with a high-quality mountain bike, but it’s equipped with hydraulic disc brakes. I live (pedal) with the constant worry of a breakdown (leak, air bubble, heat causing the fluid to...). My bike mechanic tells me it’s impossible to switch them out for V-brakes.
What do you all think? Am I taking a big risk continuing (alone) with these brakes? Thanks in advance for your great tips!
First post here to share a quick recap of our west-to-east bike trip along Algeria’s coast in January 2025.
It was just the two of us—my partner and I—with French passports and not a word of Arabic. No friends or welcoming hosts in the country.
Under those conditions, we’d strongly advise against going.
Our original plan was to follow the coast from Algiers to Tunis. We ended up cycling from Algiers to Béjaia, then took the train from Béjaia to Annaba (with a stop in Constantine), and finally biked to the border.
We were tailed by police the whole way—whether on our bikes, on the train, or even on foot while exploring towns. On top of that, we couldn’t wild camp and were limited to the few state-approved hotels that accept foreigners. Under those circumstances, connecting with locals was especially tough.
With such an omnipresent and intrusive police presence, we’d definitely recommend against this destination for bike touring. A really sad situation that completely cuts you off from the local population...
We’d been warned, we went to check it out, and we weren’t disappointed!
Hi there,
I’m planning the route to cycle from Lille to Nordkapp with my partner.
Duration: 3 months, from May 1st to July 31st, 2026.
In the attached details below, I need to add some "non-riding" days (rest days, basically).
So I’m looking to "shorten" the trip by taking ferries or trains for some stretches. Which areas could I skip?
Thanks in advance for your great tips.
Have a good evening.
https://www.komoot.com/fr-fr/collection/4023980/-lille-cap-nord-1er-mai-au-31-juillet-2026?ref=collection
I’m planning to bike back from Poland this summer. Does anyone know a way to ship it there without having to take it apart? Otherwise, it’s a real hassle to fine-tune all the settings before departure!
Thanks in advance.
Hi, has anyone recently bought Primus or Butagaz gas, possibly puncture-style, in Dubrovnik or the surrounding area? Same question for Albania... thanks. aichatou
