But for a while now I’ve harbored a fantasy of taking six months off work, and driving from our home here in Northern Virginia south, through Mexico and Central America, into Colombia, and on south through South America, all the way to Tierra de Fuego.
I wouldn’t do this trip with a two-year-old. This is a fantasy that will be unrealized for several years yet, I know.
And it’s the kind of thing that takes planning over several years in advance anyway.
So - what do you think? Is this madness? My wife speaks fluent Spanish, so we’d not have too much of a language barrier, except perhaps in Brazil. We’d probably invest in a diesel four-wheel drive, and plan five months for the trip itself, which I figure would be over 30,000 miles.
No, you’re not crazy. I also want to make this trip.
It’s been done by others, and from what I recall it can get pretty rough in some places. I remember reading about one bit where the 4WDs could barely get through. There was some danger from bandits as well.
I don’t think you can drive much past the Panama Canal. IIRC the Pan American highway does not exist in the eastern portion of Panama that borders Colombia. You can ship the vehicle from Colon to Cartagena, though.
I had two friends drive from Panama back to the US, so I know that it is possible to do. They were heavily stocked with cigarettes and other goodies to help, ahem, “expedite” border crossings. They had a blast and made up a map that traced their journey along with money from every country, then framed it.
Bricker, I found this discussion on another message board. It seems it is possible, although there are place you will not be able to drive, such as from southern Panama to Columbia. You put your car on a boat to get through these areas.
From what I’ve read, Mexico is extremely harsh on people caught with guns; or even in possession of a single round of ammunition. Not a good idea to get caught with one. Don’t try crossing the border with one. If you get caught, there might be an “informal” way of resolving the situation; but it’s likely to be expensive.
[sub]Disclaimer: I have not been to Mexico since I was six years old – and then, a woman tried to kidnap me. I have never been to any other South or Central American country. The information on guns was gleaned from news articles I read three or four years ago. YMMV.[/sub]
I admit to being more concerned about areas of central and South America than Mexico but it’s still a concern. There are simply areas south of the border it’s not safe to be a LOCAL in much less an American travelling alone.
I will personally give you a $50 to fund postcards and stamps to send back to me, and, to show what a gal I am, include address labels to save your poor little hands. You could even send the post cards back like what Shawshank Redemption.
Yes, do read the Cahill book. Even if it doesn’t give you some perspective on the relative merits of your proposed trip, it’s a heck of a good read. Amusing, occasionally touching, informative.
Boy, there is more fear-mongering in this thread than I’ve read on the SDMB in a long time. Driving to South America is not akin to a space mission or even parachuting from a commercial airliner. It’s mostly like driving across country 4 times, albeit with some Spanish, and better roadside food. If you don’t want to, you won’t even have to drive on gravel until you reach Ecuador. The biggest risks you face are lack of sufficient CD’s, and sunburn on your left arm.
Here are some tips:
Per the previous posters, you will not be able to cross the Darien Gap. You can catch a ship from Panama to Colombia, however. This will be cheaper if you’re on a motorcycle. For a car with passengers, count on about $700-1000 us.
Make sure you have about $30/day you plan to travel.
Speak som Spanish. Tire is “llanta,” tube is “camara,” unless you’re using tubeless tires. Well, it’s still “camara” but you won’t need to know that. Unless you want to go tubing, I suppose.
Know how to diagnose & work on a car, and get a car that you might have a hope of getting parts for. Any recent Chevy truck will be good, as will most Japanese midsize cars. Toyota truck is a good gig, too. If you insist on taking a Saab Sonett III, at least bring a spare fuel pump and serpentine belt. Installing an in-line fuel filter might not be a terrible idea, as some countries will have dodgy fuel. I don’t think it’s totally necessary, but prevention and cure and what not.
You won’t need a Carnet for South America. Venezuela issues a “Libreta” that has roughly the same purpose, but they seem only marginally enforced. You will want to investigate further whether you actually need one.
With the decline of the Argentinian peso, you might fly to Buenos Aires, buy a cheapish car there (using greenbacks), have it registered in your name, drive to Ushuaia, and then drive it home. The primary benefit being, you have a bit of an adventure, maybe save some money, and ta-dah, end your trip at home, rather than in Ushuaia (from where flights etc. are expensive)!
Should you get invited to a party, dress nicely. People in South America tend to dress up for social functions, so a pair of black trousers and a neat button-up shirt will serve you well.
