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Motorcycle Trip Central South America

Feb 15, 2010 – May 28, 2010

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A travel story by Christopher Smith

  1. 1 Dallas, Texas
  2. 2 Austin, Texas
  3. 3 McAllen, Texas
  4. 4 Matamoros, Mexico
  5. 5 Ciudad Victoria, Mexico
  6. 6 Tampico, Mexico
  7. 7 Papantla de Olarte, Mexico
  8. 8 Poza Rica de Hidalgo, Mexico
  9. 9 San Juan Teotihuacan, Mexico
  10. 10 Mexico City, Mexico
  11. 11 Puebla de Zaragoza, Mexico
  12. 12 Veracruz, Mexico
  13. 13 San Andres Tuxtla, Mexico
  14. 14 Coatzacoalcos, Mexico
  15. 15 Villahermosa, Mexico
  16. 16 Ciudad del Carmen, Mexico
  17. 17 Campeche, Mexico
  18. 18 Merida, Mexico
  19. 19 Cancun, Mexico
  20. 20 Playa del Carmen, Mexico
  21. 21 Another Place, Not Mexico
  22. 22 Tulum, Mexico
  23. 23 Bacalar, Mexico
  24. 24 Chetumal, Mexico
  25. 25 Corozal, Belize
  26. 26 Orange Walk, Belize
  27. 27 Belize City, Belize
  28. 28 Belmopan, Belize
  29. 29 Dangriga, Belize
  30. 30 Placencia, Belize
  31. 31 Belmopan, Belize
  32. 32 San Ignacio, Belize
  33. 33 Tikal, Guatemala
  34. 34 Flores, Guatemala
  35. 35 Coban, Guatemala
  36. 36 Jalapa, Guatemala
  37. 37 Santa Ana, El Salvador
  38. 38 La Libertad, El Salvador
  39. 39 Santiago de Maria, El Salvador
  40. 40 La Union, El Salvador
  41. 41 Choluteca, Honduras
  42. 42 Managua, Nicaragua
  43. 43 Granada, Nicaragua
  44. 44 Rivas, Nicaragua
  45. 45 San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
  46. 46 San Jorge, Nicaragua
  47. 47 Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua
  48. 48 Playa Del Coco, Costa Rica
  49. 49 Liberia, Costa Rica
  50. 50 Fortuna, Costa Rica
  51. 51 Puerto Limon, Costa Rica
  52. 52 Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
  53. 53 Guabito, Panama
  54. 54 Chiriqui, Panama
  55. 55 Las Lajas, Panama
  56. 56 Chitre, Panama
  57. 57 Santa Clara, Panama
  58. 58 Panama City, Panama
  59. 59 Playon Chico, Panama
  60. 60 Isla Tigre, Panama
  61. 61 San Ignacio de Tupile, Panama
  62. 62 Cartagena, Colombia
  63. 63 Medellin, Colombia
  64. 64 Bogota, Colombia
  65. 65 Cali, Colombia
  66. 66 Pasto, Colombia
  67. 67 Quito, Ecuador
  68. 68 misahualli, equador
  69. 69 Banos, Equador
  70. 70 Machala, Ecuador
  71. 71 Mancora, Peru
  72. 72 Huanchaco, Peru
  73. 73 Lima, Peru
  74. 74 Nazca, Peru
  75. 75 Cuzco, Peru
  76. 76 Machu Picchu, Peru
  77. 77 Copacabana, Bolivia
  78. 78 La Paz, Bolivia
  79. 79 Challapata, Bolivia
  80. 80 Isla Pescado, Bolivia
  81. 81 Uyuni, Bolivia
  82. 82 Villazon, Bolivia
  83. 83 San Salvador de Jujuy, Argentina
  84. 84 Salta, Argentina
  85. 85 Santa Maria, Argentina
  86. 86 Huaco, Argentina
  87. 87 San Juan, Argentina
  88. 88 Mendoza, Argentina
  89. 89 Chacras de Coria, Argentina
  90. 90 Junin, Argentina
  91. 91 Buenos Aires, Argentina
  92. 92 Playa del Carmen, Mexico
  93. 93 Cozumel, Mexico
  94. 94 Cancun, Mexico
  95. 95 Houston, Texas
  96. 96 Dallas, Texas

Description

To continue my motorcycle journey from Alaska and now to go south through Central and South America and sail back from Argentina. Life is a journey and as a friend wrote recently, I won't remember most of what I did 20 years from now but I will always remember this trip. So, with a fully loaded motorcycle, Lonely Planet and no agenda except to keep going south and to visit as many countries as possible (I plan to go through Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Columbia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, Paraguay, Brazil, Uraguay, Argentina and Chile) it is time again to explore and see the world up close and personal. I plan to be traveling until mid summer, so if you are in the vicinity or want to meet up with me at a location just let me know (or if you know people along the way let me know and will visit them for you!)
Wish me the best,
Pura Vida Mi
Chris

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over 1 year ago by Kelly

Hi, Hey dude! All the best and we are awaiting you back in the US!!!!! I just returned from Mexico, I spent a worth amount of time in <a href="http://www.playacar.nl">Playa Del Carmen</a> and it was really fun being there, after my short stay in Netherlands and Spain, I am going back to Mexico. Best Regards, Kelly

over 1 year ago by Juan Carlos

Hey guys, I was just part of a trip through Chile, Argentina and Boliva. It was great. Motorbiking through the desert at high altitudes its awesome. The Andes rock! I used these people: www.rent-motorcycle-chile.com . They treat me well and did everything for me. Check it out. JC.

by Sarah

This is great! I love that you can see your trail on the map along side of the blog. I am excited for you to get your first 50 miles under your belt & know that you're anxious to hit the road. Your title says "Traveling alone" Physically how this is true know there many people including myself that have you in our hearts & will be traveling with you in spirit! Remember all of life is a journey. Which paths we take, what we look back on, & what we look forward to is up to us. We determine our destination, what kind of road we take to get there, and also how happy we are when we arrive but always remember, what you get by achieving your goal is not as important as what you become while achieving them. I could not be more proud of you for doing this for yourself. I am also a little anxious (and nervous) but I know in my heart that this is what you’re meant to do. Use your trusty compass to find your direction and help map your path but more importantly find your way back home to us.

by Ed Biittner

Bon Voyage. Looking forward to following your trip. Be safe.

by Mona

Hi there... Sorry we never connected via phone before you left. I'll try to call when I get back from Punta Cana. BE SAFE!!!!!

by Sharon

Sounds amazing. I'm jeaslous. I wish I would get laid off. i would join you.

by Keith

Pura Vida!

by Don Wilcox

Chris, are you crazy? Sounds like a great trip through some of the most unsettled political enviornments in the world. Be careful. You know we love you and expect you to be around for a long time. We wish you the best and look forward to hearing from you and getting you safely back to Dallas. Love, Diane and Don

by Deren

Be safe brother!!!

Have fun and let me know if you are able to enjoy a Mexican Halloween.

by Mark Auer

Looks like you are making good progress. Be safe brother and post more pics when you can.

by Dana Wilcox

Hope you are having a great time. Be careful!

by Jonathan

Sounds like an awesome trip!My girlfriend's grandmother has a coffee plantation in Guatemala.Be safe.

Love your updates and pics (looks like Mexican version of corn on the cob)....and your hair is gelled *grin...looking good! I know your being cautious, your in our thoughts. Sending positive energy your way. XO

by Eric Colton

Glad you made it through the Border safe and are enjoying a beautiful place. Have fun and keep praying for a safe passage. We miss you...

by Demo

Wow bro...just started reading your blog. Good thing, I don't enjoy the suspense of cliff-hangers like, hey I'm doing 80 in the rain on my scooter, dodging bullets. Good to start reading when I can see you're safe and happy with a cob of corn slathered all over your face. Beach looks awesome. Let me know if the Federally get cranky & I need to go all Western Union on it. Keep us posted and stay safe brother.

by Eric Colton

Chris, Rachel was talking to a mutual friend of ours from Panama. she told him about your trip. He has many friends that would love to host you in their cities as you pass through central & south america. I hope to hear back from him soon. I will pass on the info as soon as I receive it. Have a good ride today!!! Eric

by J L Dean

I CHECK IN TWICE DAILY. TAKE CARE ON ROADS. DONT HIT ANY KIDS OR GOATS. NO WONDER IMMIGRANTS DRIVE SO WILDLY WHEN THEY COME TO TOWN. LOVE FROM ME AND JIM.

by Jackson & Angie

Chris, Looks like a great trip and the ruins are impressive. Watch out for those potholes and have a great time. We are thinking of you. Hasta luego,

by Laura Wilcox

Chris, I have loved reading about your journey! The pictures are great!!! Thanks for all the updates. The beginning of the trip sounded a little scary, but sounds like you are getting in a groove now. Be safe! Can't wait to hear the tales of Mexico City! I am sure you look like Superman to those little kids!

My words: Other than what I've shared with you, not blog worthy. My Advice: I hope is now in your wallet. My Philosophy or Wisdom: Only that, I am not repeating others wisdoms. I am glad your getting or have your own. That in itself is a RARE quality. My wishes: That at least a few of the signs you read are correct! Thanks for the link! Elizabeth

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." Saw this quote today and thought of you. I hope you are leaving a trail that not only you will remember but the people you connect with on the way will as well. Lucky Mexicans! SA hear you come....

I've been catching up on your blog every couple of days bro. Awesome fun read. Really feel like I'm getting the hang of the country side, but I get to stay clean and dry. Might I remind you that you are supposed to be making us a little jealous. At some point, you should cross paths with a one-legged pirate, or a villiage that wants to make you their gringo chief, or tell us that you are engaged to some girl that you cant communicate with. Stay safe brother.

by Deren And Laura

Sounds like it is going great. Stay safe and we are loving the updates.

by Laura

I just had to zoom out on the map to figure out your puzzle in the last post! Be careful! Loving your blog and the pictures! Did you get one of your riding buddy, Greg? Hope your bike is working better now.

by Eric Colton

Hey Chris! Sounds like you are having fun, fun, fun! I'm happy to hear that you found a riding buddy. That must make the journey a bit less lonely. I've really enjoyed reading your blogs. I laugh a lot picturing you in those scenes that you describe. Maybe, I will have to meet you during your trip in one of the cities. that would be great! Have a good evening and keep us posted... Eric

Chris do not forget my necklace...:) God Bless you love

by Bruce

Hey spud, we miss drinking wine with you. When are you back to reality.

by Gregory Haley

Howdy I have been directed to contact you by Eric Colton. I am on a central and south american tour for the entire year of 2010. we are about to head to Tikal from San cristobal,Mx http://bit.ly/GandRWorldTourFB

by Mark Auer

Great trip through Mexico Chris. I have been following you everyday. You've already had such an amazing journey and there is so much more ahead of you. The jaunt to that four letter country was amazing. This is definitely a trip of a lifetime. Thanks for all the great posts. I look forward to coming home every night and reading about your day/night in a new town. Be safe and good luck as you cross over into Belize.

Hey Chris, I was the dude beach camping in Tulum that pointed out the fire dancers burning gallon and gallons of gasoline, emitting mountains of black smoke, might NOT be "Eco Chic" -- Have an amazing ride!

by Eric Colton

Chris, I'm happy that you made it back from _ _ _ _ in one piece. Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy! We miss you buddy... Eric

by Sonia Rose

It was a pleasure to meet you. Happy travels. I can't wait to see what you get into next.

by Eric Colton

It looks like someone does not want to leave Belize...

by Rob Held

Chris, reconnected with Mark A., Doug, Zig, etc.. They clued me in to your amazing travels. Sounds like you are definitely living life to the fullest, my old friend. I wish you the best in your travels, and I look forward to reconnecting with you when you return and hearing all about the world!!

"The Right Thought in the Right Enviroment at the Right Time for the Right Reason equals the Right Result." -John Maxwell This combination is hard to beat. Like every person, every thought has the potential to become something great. When you find that place (or places) to stretch your thoughts, you will find that potential. Excited for the next chapter of your travels. Enjoy the frist day back riding solo. *Oh and looks like someones been working out on the beach :) Lookin' Good!

holy crap!!!what an amazing venture...so its march 28th, are you on way back to the great country of TX? and how in the world did you plan on this type of trip? did your boss know you were leaving?lol. good to see your ok, just curious....be safe....

ok...i'llmake this interesting yet fun for you...i know you from h.s. you mark, "half-pint" to name a few of us that hung out together. obviously my name is not "mike" but can not disclose it due to certain people and countries both of which may have bounties for me.. so you can ask me questions and i will give limited answers. this should give you something to think about while on the open road, waters,air or however you may travel...my first question to you is, how have you become so blessed to go on these ventures? i partied w/ you for years post h.s. and at that time you were a starving student....

Christopher, you are almost at my favorite spot. Got caught up on all your wild endeavors today and laughed. You would of learned more Spanish, had you payed closer attention to me and put down the Tequilla. FYI, it survived.

Chris, I'm not paying you to tan on a boat the whole trip. Get back on soil, roll around in the mud, and start writing. We miss you out here bro. Keep the stories and details comin. And its really about time you bought a colorful hat so you can fit in. Don't fight the flavor.

sorry for the lapse in time. just out of hospital, damn boats. but oh well....so i guess i havent given you much to think of yet as to who I am....here is another clue....used to mingle down in deep ellum when it was cool, primarily at The Blind Lemon......so i guess your on boat now.....take care and have a cerveza for me....

Hey there, glad to see you so happy! be safe

Happy to see you are having fun. Great Stories. Thanks, Ed

LOL! A "tampoon!" Love that story. Glad to hear you're safe.

by Joe Darlak

Chris, glad to hear your having a great time in Cartagena! I work with a guy from Colombia (he was just there a couple of weeks ago), and he gave me some recommendations to pass on to you... so here goes:

by Joe Darlak

(1) Cartegena is the nicest city in Colombia, so don't be too fooled by how safe you feel there, (2) Check out Roserio Islands off the coast of Cartegena--can get there via the Santa Clara hotel, (3) When in Bogota, stay between 70th N and 127th N after nightfall,

by Joe Darlak

(4) The best restaurant/bar/party in all of Colombia is in Chia (30km N of Bogota) and is called "Andes Carnes de Res" and it is known for its celebrities and nice ladies, (5) In Bogota, check out Zona G, Zona T, and 93 square, as well as the Gold Museum in the center of the city (daytime only), (6) Visit Monserratte by cable only--if you walk it you will get mugged. Hope this helps. Good luck! Based on your pace, am I right to expect you back in Dallas in late 2011?

I've been religiously keeping up with your travels. You have no idea how jealous I am.

hey,bud ....those are some great pics.....Columbia....say no more...mui caliente....!!!

The Beninning of a New Day - "God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste is or use it for good, but what I do today is important because I am exchanging a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes this day will be gone forever, leaving in its place something that I have traded for it. I want it to be gain not loss, good not evil, success and not failer, in order that I shall not regret the price I have paid for it." Well will be heading to your part of the world tomorrow...will be in PR by Saturday :) Ready for a little sun and a lot of FUN ummmm can feel the beach already! So close but so far away.

I think bugs get bigger the more East you go...LOL I can not remember the last time I laughed so hard from reading something. I can completely hear you telling that story too...The fact that you had that many objects hit you in less than 24 hours is unbelievable but yet extremely entertaining *grin. Note to self: Visor down next time in Machala! "People are just about as happy as they make their minds up to be" I see you smiling while writing that :) Life is good...sitting next to the ocean now and appreciating every min of it and you bet I have a big smile on my face while doing it. Thanks for the laugh! Be safe, visor down!

I am in Cordoba, Argentina. Let me know if/when you will be passing through!

I sent you an update to your facebook account. Happy to hear you are safe. We'll try to catch up with you in Brazil or Argentina...or both...what the heck!

so i guess you haven't had any of your favorite late night foods from taco cabana lately.....the american versions, im sure you have eaten at multiple "cabanas"......looks like your having a blast....really enjoying the pics and stories.....

If by chance you're still in Playa del Carmen head to the Rana Cansada for a drink and ask for @PiaEkasala --tell her you met a few of the Clevelander girls-www.ranacansada.com

Don't keep us in suspense bro - when's the arrival date?

amazing stories here salud