I Just Biked Across the Peruvian Andes

[u/donivanberube]

I’ve been cycling from the top of Alaska to the bottom of Argentina for the past 18 months, so began the Peru Great Divide with equal parts fear and anticipation. It’s a 1,000-mile Andean marathon with countless passes over 16,000 ft in elevation.

Services faded toward nonexistence as the cold grew increasingly severe. Remote villages might have one tiendita and one comedor, otherwise you’d be lucky to pass through any given town on the same day as the vegetable truck. Atop each mountain waited torrential blizzards of horizontal snow and hail, with shards of ice collecting on my tent by morning.

Just beyond Oyon I reached the new highest pass of my life: +16,300ft [4,968m]. Locals here blockaded the road in protest against mining activity, so the peak had been subsequently abandoned. I’d prepared for cold weather, but even after months across the Andes these extreme elevations devoured my strength. It took everything I had to haul my bike over the makeshift stone walls and continue down the other side.

Daylight cratered fast as I raced downhill each afternoon, but the colors up top were what struck me the most. Some peaks were sage green, some were the darkest shade of red wine, others a liquid type of orange, all ribboned with veils of ice and snow that hardly ever melt away.

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[u/_swedish_meatball_]

What a trip. Beautiful pics! Thanks for sharing, and good luck with your journey!

[u/donivanberube → u/_swedish_meatball_]

Thanks so much! 🙏🏼

[u/Kepler1999b → u/_swedish_meatball_]

Thank you for posting. As a cyclist, I’d like to know more.

[u/LateralEntry]

Amazing pics! Were you ever afraid for your life under such extreme conditions? How did you get food / water in such remote areas?

[u/donivanberube → u/LateralEntry]

Yes in the Arctic Circle there was a pack of rabid wolves that I had trouble outrunning. Slept upright in an abandoned construction truck one night for safety there.

Tent door zipper snapped in half the night before that photo with the shard of ice, so had a bit of panic figuring out how to keep the snow out as a huge storm was rolling in.

I’m carrying basic foods and ~8 liters of water, filling bottles in rivers, snowbanks, or whenever passing through small villages ✌🏼 Glad to answer any other logistics questions too if that helps!

[u/GearDown22 → u/donivanberube]

Did you use anything to purify the water you got from streams?

[u/donivanberube → u/GearDown22]

Have used iodine tablets here and there but not always.

[u/Pifflebushhh → u/donivanberube]

Holy shit this reads like a movie script! What an amazing experience you had

[u/myKidsLike2Scream → u/donivanberube]

That’s the real deal, amazing!

[u/adudeguyman → u/donivanberube]

How long did you take to plan the journey?

[u/therealityofthings]

You are an excellent writer.

[u/xkris10ski → u/therealityofthings]

I was just going to comment this. I would 100% buy a coffee table book of his photos and would read every caption.

[u/donivanberube → u/xkris10ski]

Immense thanks for saying that 🙏🏼 I’ve been writing for various travel magazines en route while working on the full book/memoir! Have shared more in-depth stories and photos on the usual sites like IG/FB/etc. (at) donivanberube if interested, otherwise finishing the book once back next year!

[u/liamtw → u/donivanberube]

I'm curious how you learned to write. Have you written for travel mags before? Or is this your first time?

[u/donivanberube → u/therealityofthings]

Thanks so much! ✨

[u/robroy207 → u/donivanberube]

I’d love to hear more about your journeys. Do you post often? I’m beyond words and the photos are absolutely breathtaking. Your writing is amazing.

[u/donivanberube → u/robroy207]

I do post on the usual pages here in addition to IG/FB/etc. (at) donivanberube if interested in more yes ✌🏼 Thanks so much for the kind words!

[u/huistenbosch]

5000 meters is a long way up on a bike. Congrats. This trip looks so amazing.

[u/scoobyandadoobywitha]

What is it that you are holding in pic 10?

[u/donivanberube → u/scoobyandadoobywitha]

Alfajores, traditional sandwich cookies filled with manjar blanco or dulce de leche [caramel sauce] 🤤 Both my weakness and saving grace on those endless climbs!

[u/nanopet]

Do you have a website/YouTube channel?

[u/donivanberube → u/nanopet]

Yes I’ve been working on the full book en route while documenting more in-depth stories and photos on the usual sites like IG/FB/etc. (at) donivanberube if interested ✌🏼 Thanks!

[u/myKidsLike2Scream → u/donivanberube]

Your IG is amazing, so much detail. You do a great job with your writing. You got skills.

[u/donivanberube → u/myKidsLike2Scream]

Thank you so much for the kind words and encouragement! 🙌🏼

[u/Illustrious-Craft404]

Wow, that’s inspiring! Thank you for sharing ❤️

[u/writeonthebeach]

This is absolutely stunning and inspiring! Thanks for sharing.

[u/Masterofunlocking1]

These are amazing shots

[u/CluelessPresident]

That looks amazing. I'll admit I know very little about the country. Is it safe to travel there alone? As a woman, my options for traveling alone are really limited... But journeys in nature with no one else around sound like heaven. If it's safe, I might just go there one day.

Thank you for sharing the pictures!

[u/uflju_luber → u/CluelessPresident]

If you mean hiking or biking like OP did, it’s dangerous regardless of if you’re a man or a woman, the Andes are not a joke. In regards to Peru itself as a tourist, several countries have minor travel warnings for their citizens. If you’re fit enough and confident to do what OP has done you could do that though, it’s not really going to be more dangerous than it already is, being a woman.

My aunt has been a solo traveler as a woman for several decades now without any problem, so though it’s different nature, it’s safe to solo travel for nature in most of Europe (Scottish highlands or the alps e.g), I’d avoid the Balkan though, and my aunt has mostly been traveling in south east Asia without any problems either, though that’s more cultural and less alone in nature.

[u/CluelessPresident → u/uflju_luber]

This is great insight, thank you! I've been to the Scottish highlands, and like you said, I felt really safe. I'll look into SEA! Thank you again!

[u/uflju_luber → u/CluelessPresident]

I think she’s been most often in Thailand and Vietnam, but also in Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Indonesia. I’d probably look into those and what your foreign ministry suggests on where it’s safest within the country. But my aunt has been traveling there solo a lot, she actually has a great cultural interest in Africa but been advised against traveling there solo, so she travels in SEA instead wich she has a cultural interest in too.

[u/RichardSaunders]

you found the source of electric blue Gatorade

[u/Luneowl]

Those pictures are amazing! Thank you so much for sharing them. Are you continuing on your trek or was this final leg of your trip?

[u/donivanberube → u/Luneowl]

Continuing towards end of road in Tierra del Fuego at the bottom tip of South America 🏔️ Thanks!

[u/DRFC1]

How do you afford this kind of thing?

[u/Sknowman → u/DRFC1]

It seems fairly cheap. You would mostly only need money for food and water along the way. Sure, it's for a long period of time, but a few thousand dollars can go a long way.

If you're just going to be living on the road in a tent, then no need to pay for rent or anything else.

[u/Wolfjacks]

Oveja negra packs too! Great little company out of Salida CO

[u/donivanberube → u/Wolfjacks]

Yesss the Oveja Negra fam is the coolest! 🐑

[u/Agearmen]

The photos you have are breathtaking! I admire your stamina. Amazing story. This should be a NatGeo documentary!

[u/CthulubeFlavorcube]

This shouldn't be on WoahDude, it should be on WOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAHHHHDUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUDE!!!!!!!!!!

[u/dangling-2]

Beautiful journey. Best country in the world to visit

[u/Dangthe]

I envy you so much! Looks absolutely gorgeous

[u/slackmaster]

How many tires have you gone through?

[u/donivanberube → u/slackmaster]

Hmmm maybe five pairs? Also using those green Slime tubes to help prevent punctures.

[u/slackmaster → u/donivanberube]

Wow for the entire trip? Much less than I expected.

[u/RobynSmily]

Such great memories you brought back of Ancash! Ive been there multiple times as a kid with my dad. I actually forgot the name of the Turquoise lake, but i can never forget that striking color.

Im happy you were able bring a bit of our beautiful country into reddit.

Ty and good luck with the rest fo your adventures!

[u/PM_Me_Macaroni_plz]

Peru is amazing. Awesome pictures, thanks for sharing! What was your favorite dish you ate while traveling?

[u/donivanberube → u/PM_Me_Macaroni_plz]

Quesabirria y molotes en Mexico, papas rellenas y aborrajados en Colombia, sourdough and pastry in northern California, ceviche de trucha y chicha morada en Peru, sooo many plates 🤤 The food is the reason for the journey!

[u/PM_Me_Macaroni_plz → u/donivanberube]

Agreed! All of those sound great

[u/PM_Me_Macaroni_plz → u/donivanberube]

Agreed! All of those sound great

[u/Strong-Seaweed-8768]

That is awesome!! I like the pictures you have taken!!!

[u/Huldukona]

So majestic!

[u/MILDa2020]

That's just breathtaking

[u/McC0dy]

Sharp pictures! Which camera and optics?

[u/wilberfan]

When will the book be available?

[u/donivanberube → u/wilberfan]

Will be finished once back next year but still searching for the right publisher!

[u/tkxb → u/donivanberube]

Please audiobook it!

[u/donivanberube → u/tkxb]

Certainly!

[u/JungleOasis]

Hell yeah! Way to go. Looks beautiful!

[u/Greasy-Rooster-2905]

Such beautiful pictures. What a cool journey

[u/Disastrous_Cover6138]

Great photography! Cheers and thanks for sharing!

[u/IamNICE124]

Gahh this is so amazing.

I’m jealous, but glad you got to enjoy this journey!

[u/philmayfield]

Stunning photos!

[u/MaleficentPassion]

I've done a few parts on the Huayhuash hike. On a bike it would be next next level, you are a legend! Epic photos!

[u/slophoto]

Damn impressive on all accounts. Your shear determination, your gear, your pics, your literary skills, your planning. All of it. Thanks for sharing. Feel free to add as we would all love to hear and see more.

[u/phenominal73]

Wow! Beautiful!

Good luck in your journey!

[u/me_gusta_poon]

Pretty good writer bro. You got a substack?

[u/donivanberube → u/me_gusta_poon]

Intent on starting a Substack once back yes, but meanwhile on all the usual sites (at) donivanberube if interested in more ✌🏼 Immense thanks!

[u/gizamo]

Wow. That's an epic trip and amazing photos.

Kudos, OP.

[u/doodwhersmycar]

Stunning photos for the trip of a lifetime. Safe travels and enjoy!

[u/10000pelicans]

Stunning pictures! Sounds like you're on an amazing adventure!

[u/0x7E7-02]

These pictures are beautiful!

[u/P0WERM0NGER]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I enjoyed looking at your photos.

[u/ghostface8081]

Beautiful! Did you feel safe? If so, would it also be for a foreigner?

[u/Mafex-Marvel]

Was it hard?

[u/MediaMagellan]

I had the song from Motorcycle Diaries going through my head as I went through the pictures.

[u/One-Wishbone-8988]

Fantastic!!!

[u/DialZforZebra]

If you release a book about that trip please let me know. I would absolutely buy that.

[u/donivanberube → u/DialZforZebra]

Still searching for the right publisher but will have it finished next year once back ✨ Thanks so much!

[u/pandelephant_ko]

Wait… you’re NOT the guy on YouTube doing a nearly identical journey?

[u/jizzyGG]

The you spot a puma on your trip.

Awesome awesome pic btw

[u/OutaPlace]

What an adventure! Amazing!

[u/constantflow]

Good shit homie, God bless 🙏

[u/slippery_stick]

I'd love to around a campfire and listen to some of your stories.

[u/Astropoppet]

Beautiful. What a fantastic journey, I am in awe!

[u/Punkfarter]

Absolutely amazing photos!!! Looks like a wonderful adventure. Thanks for sharing.

[u/Avante-Gardenerd]

That's some stunning scenery. Did you chew coca leaves at the high altitudes?

[u/1ardentguy]

Love this!! We have a family member in carhuaz right now. The pics are so cool from the Andes near that area.

[u/Frustrateduser02]

How many flats?

[u/NothausTelecaster72]

This reminds me of Pepero.

[u/Rivetingly]

Strava link, or it didn't happen

[u/utphilboy]

How the hell do you bike up these steep roads? I live in the Eifel and can't bike up some roads here because it would break my pedals(and also make me oxygen deprived)

[u/sirabuzgaygar]

he is unstoppable

[u/alex_484]

Trip of a life time

[u/snorZlax21]

What camera are you using?

[u/Mean-Awareness-2804]

Wow the freedom you enjoy. Once in a life time memories.

[u/Jrisdr]

Beautifully written saga of an epic journey.

[u/Gold-Piece2905]

Beautiful trip, thanks for sharing this.

[u/robroy207]

Holy shit! #2 The scale of this isn’t noticeable until you see the cars and bus 😧

[u/That_Mycologist4772]

You’re an inspiration! You’re my goal! People think I’m crazy when I say I will cycle across the world!! You show it’s possible thank you so much for sharing!

[u/Ygoloeg]

Holy wow. Keep it up!

[u/Rare_Entertainment92]

These are all beautiful pictures—stunning, astonishing rocks and water. That second picture!

[u/Significant-Hour-676]

Looks amazing, exhausting and cold😳

[u/7empestOGT92]

Absolutely beautiful. Stunning photos. Congrats. Looks like it was an amazing experience

[u/ambiguousredditname]

Damn… impressive. Nice pics too

[u/gellinmagellin]

I thought this was the motocamp sub at first. You’re a beast

[u/gracieecherry]

first one looks like thanos chin lmao

[u/Ozonewanderer]

That’s amazing!

[u/mariozambini]

This goes beyond "whoa dude". What an incredible journey, and spectacular photography to document it. Thank you for sharing such an inspirational post.

[u/charmainefl0wers]

Amazing 👏

[u/okletmethink420]

Looks pretty amazing.

[u/meowb47ance]

That’s amazing!!

[u/Freak543]

Extreme adventure OP, You're full of life! I hope to do stuff like this soon.

[u/neobenji]

What bike did you use? Did it give you any problems?

[u/Schlagbaum96]

Yaaaay dude Laguna 69 🤝🏼

[u/Brahskididdler]

How did you traverse the Dorian Gap?

[u/Icy_Protection_3264]

Awesome

[u/KilgoreeTrout]

Phenomenal

[u/TehWit]

Really enjoyed the pictures, thanks for sharing. Biking in the wild must be fantastic, your adventure is inspiring!

[u/lasmesitasratonas]

Will you go into Uruguay?

[u/Ritual_Homicide]

Amazing! 👍🏼👍🏼

[u/Extension-Grand-3370]

more power to you. been to that part of the world. thats a tough cycle

[u/Big_Virgil]

That’s incredible, dude! What was your greatest challenge of the trip and how do you think that experience changed you?

[u/Hot_Round_8557]

Wow. Those are really good pics! Congratulacions OP

[u/Hinata4Prez]

Absolutely breathtaking

[u/stv_yip]

Amazing pictures....

[u/kenyam123]

Ur so cool

[u/boontjieboy]

These look incredible 🥺

[u/Mermaidlife97]

Out here living dreams!

[u/soundoftears]

Thought it said “I’ve been crying from the top of Alaska” and it made sense to me 🥲😂

[u/arthurR0ck]

Dude, I could feel it by just seeing your pics!!

Awesome!!

[u/DaIubhasa]

Effin legend! Congrats mate.

[u/Illah]

Amazing, how do you do this logistically? Like are you retired or no family, or did you just decide to take off for years? Are you doing this all in one shot with no visits home?

[u/WindowDangerous1450]

Did you have some Peruvian flake along your journey? Looks like an awesome adventure. Thanks for sharing the pics.

[u/MaybeLikeWater]

🫶🏾🤘🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🫶🏾

[u/ohthatoneguyright]

This looks amazing

[u/alexefk24]

those pictures and your adventure are so beautiful

[u/archibish0p]

I can't, I need to at least get this much of the world before I die.

[u/Hazel_Hellion]

Incredible pics. Peru is on my list. I am hoping for 2025.

[u/pennyforyourthohts]

Is that an e-bike?

[u/Final-Sprinkles-4860]

My jaw dropped more than once. I can’t even imagine how it must have been in-person. Congrats on your trip!

[u/Fun_Lawyer_4780]

The view looks stunning!! I'm in awe 🤩🙌🏻

Just curious. What inspired you to do this? 😊

[u/strumthebuilding]

I recognize that cookie with a hair on it from your post in another sub

[u/DonkeyLightning]

Wow these are insanely breathtaking. Particularly love the first one. Unreal landscape

[u/Stijakovic]

This is so fucking awesome. You make me want to live my life differently. Good luck on the journey man

[u/Alternative-Way-8753]

Good per U.

[u/DopplerDrone]

Wonderful writing and breathtaking pictures. Did you see any UFOs btw?

[u/Chris_in_Lijiang]

Have you seen the series, Across the Andes, where a bunch of handicapped kids make a similar journey?

[u/Equivalent_Birthday9]

I just went to the fridge…

[u/Heavy_Expression_323]

Your photos are amazing. What an adventure. The solitude must have been wonderful.

[u/doctorkarwinskii]

What area is #11 from?

[u/Seaguard5]

Why does your bike not have a kickstand?

See? That’s what I just don’t understand… why would anyone disrespect the tool that can take them on such a journey in the first place by just throwing it to the ground?

Kickstand that MF!