Ride Day 55: Puno, Peru to La Paz, Bolivia by Motorbike

After nearly 3 weeks in Peru, it was time to go from my last stop in Puno and across the border by motorbike into La Paz, Bolivia. The trip would take me following across mostly on paved roads and swept along high altitude valleys for most of the way through a variety of weather conditions.

Thankfully there was little to no traffic on this road as it is the northernmost border town from Peru to Bolivia.

There were also only a smattering of towns along the way, Chucuito, Acora, Ilave District, Juli, Pomata, Zepita, Desaguadero (Border Town) and onto my final destination in La Paz, Bolivia. I enjoyed my time immensely in Peru, the diversifying cultures, the food, the people were all fantastic and the riding, spectacular. Sad to leave such a wonderful country, but happy to go onward to another country. Bolivia!

Although the trip total was only 160 miles (260 kilometers), it still took me over 6 hours including border time. It was a little exhausting, and I was looking forward to a nice ride into La Paz, Bolivia. I would also first encounter issues in Bolivia with fuel. Basically, any tourist is charged up to double the normal fuel rate. There were no gas stations on my way to the border, which caused concerns and then in Bolivia many gas stations were empty.

Oberland Hotel, La Paz, Bolivia

Oberland Hotel was where I would stay for two nights in La Paz. Check in was a little rough as no one spoke English and they only wanted cash in USD, even though I could clearly see a credit card machine. You need to fill in a guest form (always annoying) and then are taken to your room.

The rooms are spacious and pretty cool actually. The bedding is nice and with views of the courtyard and restaurant. I was able to park my motorbike securely around the back and through remote controlled gates that they operate from inside (if someone was at desk)

The manager was nice, but their processes for checkout were painful. There were some other people there, but the hotel was mostly empty.

Facilities were ok, BBQ area, and they have a restaurant and bar with food reasonably priced.

Rooms are good and quite spacious. With Air-conditioning.  Wi-Fi was poor with 1.8 Mbps download and 0.5 Mbps upload. Shop at the complex on the ground floor had basic groceries and staff very nice.

I was able to park my bike securely. I was tired and so did all of my chores and fell asleep around 11 pm.

Motorcycle Tours, La Paz, Bolivia

Whilst I was staying at the Oberland Hotel in La Paz, I noticed below there was a Motorbike Tour Company. I went downstairs and talked to the manager about getting a personal tour guide to take us to Death Road by Motorbike.

We had our own bikes and the manager got on the phone and spoke to a few people. The total cost was $120 plus a tip ($50) for the rider whose name was Tito (a legend)

The tour started at 8 am and went all the way through to 6 pm at night. It was absolutely sensational. Tito took us on roads that you would never know about and we went up some crazy mountains. In fact, some of the roads getting to Death Road were scarier than death road, but it was amazing. I have written about the experience on my blog at www.soloworldtraveler.com and I want to thank all of the people, particularly Tito on what was a memorable experience and one I will never forget.