We’ve already taken the bus to La Rioja, where our bike trip is finally set to begin. We just had to get there first. It wasn’t particularly difficult, but there were a few logistical challenges along the way.

Zurich – Buenos Aires
In the cold weather, we transported the bikes to the airport in Zurich. Fortunately, that went off without a hitch. Checking in the bikes with Iberia (75 euros each way) was also hassle-free and surprisingly affordable. I’m always glad when that happens, since there can sometimes be a surprise or two.
First we flew to Madrid and from there on to Buenos Aires. It was a long flight, but we managed to get some sleep.

Stop in Buenos Aires

After arriving in Buenos Aires, we set out to find the shuttle bus we’d already booked for our bikes. At first we were unsuccessful, but in the end we found it thanks to the internet (note to self: You should write these things down before you leave…). The driver then told us, however, that he couldn’t fit our bike boxes through the entrance of his shuttle. We managed to get them in through the rear door, though. And so we drove into the city. We didn’t stop in front of the hostel, though—we stopped on a different street. From there, another van was supposed to take us to the hostel. If I’d learned anything from my travels so far, it was to stay calm in situations like this and think positively (though I don’t always succeed…). And so we waited. First, another shuttle was supposed to come, then a car—which would make two trips—and finally a small van. Everyone was always very nice, but even after nearly three hours, the vehicles still hadn’t shown up. Finally, an employee of this shuttle service agreed to transport our bikes in his small car after his shift ended. And so we ended up transporting the bikes in his car and our luggage in a taxi to the hostel. (Note to cyclists: www.hostelshuttle.com.ar is probably not the best solution for you. They are very friendly and helpful, but there isn’t enough room for bikes.)

It’s always the same: Bikes are very practical when you can ride them. But they’re a huge hassle as luggage. We realized this once again when we had to transport the bikes in their boxes to the bus terminal. We would have loved to just take the bikes on the bus as regular luggage. Unfortunately, that wasn’t possible. Instead, we had to have them shipped… We realized this once again when we had to transport the bikes in their boxes to the bus terminal. We would have liked to just take the bikes on the bus as regular luggage. Unfortunately, that wasn’t possible. Instead, we had to have them shipped… (http://www.buspack.com.ar/), 760 Argentinian Pesos for each bike in 2016).

Streetmarket in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires

Aside from these logistical challenges, we explored Buenos Aires on two longer guided “Free” walking tours (highly recommended!) as well as a few walks on our own. We kept noticing how friendly and helpful the Argentines are! We could definitely learn a thing or two from them! But we both realized that city trips aren’t really our thing. And that wasn’t why we were in South America anyway. So we were both glad when we finally made our way to the Retiro bus terminal, where we boarded the overnight bus to La Rioja.

And now we’ve arrived in La Rioja. In the meantime, we’ve assembled our bikes, bought the essentials, and if everything goes according to plan, we should finally be in the saddle on Wednesday, and our South American adventure will truly begin. We’re so excited!

Best wishes from La Rioja,

Stefan and Susanna

P.S.: You should be able to see our current location in the top right corner of the homepage.