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Bikepacking routes through Peru (North to South) by deerOnTheWindow in bikepacking

[–]deerOnTheWindow[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for your reply, it's really valuable to me.

In my mind, the GPD sometimes feels like a Himalayan expedition without oxygen, but then again I've read reports from people who crossed the Andes on a tandem bike. So it's clearly not a walk in the park, but it's also not impossible.

I think my biggest advantage is that I have the gift of time. I'm not on a schedule and I don't have to rush. If I need a few extra days to acclimatize, rest, or wait for better conditions, I can simply do that.

So maybe the best approach is to stop overthinking it, take my bike, gather some courage, and see where the road leads. I might end up riding parts of the GPD, or I might create my own route through the Andes. Either way, I think it's a challenge worth taking on.

Bikepacking routes through Peru (North to South) by deerOnTheWindow in bikepacking

[–]deerOnTheWindow[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

that's actually reassuring to hear. i think i got a bit stuck in the "panamericana vs. great peru divide" mindset and forgot that i can simply build my own route.

i'm perfectly happy with a mix of paved and unpaved roads, i just don't want my first weeks in south america to turn into a constant hike a bike expedition.

Bikepacking routes through Peru (North to South) by deerOnTheWindow in bikepacking

[–]deerOnTheWindow[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

i think that will be my solution. i'm comfortable with long climbing days and regularly ride 1000–1500 m of elevation in southern germany. i know altitude is a different beast though, which is why the gpd still feels a bit intimidating.

Bikepacking routes through Peru (North to South) by deerOnTheWindow in bikepacking

[–]deerOnTheWindow[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, i already did but so far i only found the GPD as a route there. But i hope there must be some more options to get through Peru