For anyone interested here are some details I got from one enquiry. This one sticks to the west coast and has a bit too much main road stuff for me, so I dont thin k I will be doing it. Waiting on more info to come in. Will post up as I get it, just is case there is someone that would like to come along.
Dakar 2012 Spectator Tour
through
Northwestern Argentina and the Atacama Desert
Total distance about 2500 km, approx 30 % gravel roads. The trip can be done in the 4 x 4 off road support vehicle, too!
Day 1 You will be picked up at the airport in Salta and brought in the Hotel from where the tour starts next day. After an introduction to the bikes and the tour and some general information about Salta, you have the rest of the day at your free disposal.
Day 2 Salta – Quebrada del Rio de las Conchas – Cafayate – Amaicha – Belen
We leave Salta southwards through the fertile Lerma Valley, which narrows into the canyon of the Quebrada de Cafayate. This beautiful canyon is striking for its red sandstone formations, weathered by wind and water to bizarre shapes.
Through the sandy planes of the Calchaqui Valley we ride into the town of Cafayate, the wine capital of Salta, and now on the legendary Ruta 40 we keep heading south on tarmac and gravel roads through the sparsely populated planes of Catamarca to get to the town of Belen.
Approx. 400 km on tar.
Day 3 Salta – Fiambala. We ride deeper into the Andes, crossing a small adventurous pass to get to Tinogasta and Fiambala.
Approx. 200 km, 100 km on gravel.
If the pass is closed because of road conditions, we ride along the Ruta 40 and then on the Ruta 60 to Fiambala.
Approx. 300 km on Tar.
Day 4 Fiambala – Paso San Francisco – Copiapo (Chile)
It will take usa ll day to cross and enjoy the ride over the stunning pass “Paso de San Franzisco”. With over 4600 m altitude it is one of the highest passes in the world!
Approx. 400 km tar and gravel.
Day 5 Copiapo – Dakar Race Stage 6 – Copiapo
We will go to the location where todays stage endsto see the arrival of the competitors after this challenging stage.
Day 6 Copiapo – Dakar Race Stage 7 – Copiapo
We will go to one or two locations to watch the race through the deserts around Copiapo from close up. After this whole day being with the race, we go back to relax in our Hotel in Copiapo.
Day 7 Copiapo – Antofagasta
Today we will ride to Antofagasta, enjoying the Atacama Landscapes on the way. This is the rest day of the race, so we have the entire day to enjoy our ride.
Approx. 600 km.
Day 8 Antofagasta – Dakar Race Stage 8 – Antofagasta
We’ll go towards the last part of todays Dakar Special to watch the race.
Day 9 Antofagasta – Dakar Race Stage 9 – San Pedro de Atacama
We’ll go to the starting point of today’s Special to see the racers set of for their 9th racing day towards Iquique. We then get off the race and ride to San Pedro de Atacama to see the Sunset in the Valley of the Moon before going to the charming little village of San Pedro.
Day 10 San Pedro de Atacama – Toconao – San Antonio de los Cobres (Argentina).
On our way back to Argentina we visit the Xaxa Lagoon with it’s Flamingos and then ride up into the high plains of the Andes, passing stunning scenery and the railroad bridge of the famous “Train to the Clouds”.
Overnight stay in the Hosteria de las Nubes.
Approx. 350 km, 300 on gravel.
Day 11 San Antonio de los Cobres – Quebrada del Rio Toro – Salta
Alternative ride if the pass is closed will lead us along the tracks of the legendary “Train to the Clouds” through the colourful valley Quebrada del Toro. After arriving in Salta you have some time to enjoy the city before we meet for the good bye dinner on invitation of Horizonte Tours Total 300 km, 250 on gravel.
Day 12 We will bring you to the airport to catch your flight. You will take awesome impressions, great memories and a Horizonte present with you on your way back home.
The Tour Operator reserves himself the right to change the itinerary. As the Organization of the Dakar comes out with some late changes, the itinerary is due to changes at any time.
TOUR: Dakar 2012 Spectator Tour Duration of the tour: 12 days / 11 nights Total distance: about 2500km, ca. 30 % gravel roads. Participants (drivers): minimum: 4, maximum: 10 Level of experience: The trip is suitable for any motor-biker with some off-road experience. Prices: With support vehicle: Riding a BMW F 650 GS: 5400 US$ Riding a BMW F 800 GS: 5800 US$ Riding a BMW R1200 GS: 6400 US$ Riding a BMW R 1200 Adv.: 6800 US$ Single room surcharge: 700 US$ Included: – Motorbike rental – Third party insurance and fully comprehensive insurance (excess of 3000 US$) – Trilingual guide (English, Spanish, German) – 4×4 support vehicle – Petrol for the whole trip – Additional Transport (taxi etc.) – Maps – Accommodation (double rooms) in high quality hotels – 8 high end dinners – Lunch – Entry fees – Water and soft drinks – Airport transfer in Salta and Ushuaia exlcuded: – Flights – Travel insurances – Health insurances – Accident insurances Climate and season: The Atacama Desert is known as the driest place on earth. The climate of the Bolivian Altiplano is also characterized by a pronounced dry season. We try to undertake our trips in the dry season, but rainfall is always possible. The dry season of this region falls during the southern winter, so cold temperatures – especially at night – are possible
