I would like to travel in my van through Central America. Is this a really bad idea? Is this dangerous?

Question

Also, how are the roads from Mexico through Costa Rica? I've flown over it but never driven. How do I find maps? Are there any restrictions for foreigners or foreign vehicles? How about rest stops--do they have them? And is gas pretty expensive down there now? Thanks for any help you can provide. And, please, only questions from those who have experience in this.

Answer 1

The gas is cheaper in every sense of the word. Make sure your van is running well before you go, and make sure to be familiar in how to do some things yourself - change the oil filter, etc, etc.

I had a friend who took buses and flights when needed, beginning from Los Angeles, California, down through central america and all the way to Argentina... ran out of money, taught English classes while he lived in a hostel.. to earn enough money for a flight home... he had a wonderfully adventurous time. He also had a college degree, knows some Spanish, loves people and is easy going. I think these traits are important when doing a trip like the one you are describing. Also, he didn't have to worry about transportation problems because he did not take his own vehicle. So, another thought for you to ponder.

The roads throughout central and south America vary from decent to crap. Be prepared with spare tire or two.

There are no "rest stops" in those countries. You just make sure to find areas that don't cause problems for anyone else and you should be fine. Even if you parked on a street and slept, it's no big deal.

The good thing is that they don't have as many laws about little stuff like that... the bad thing is that they don't have as many laws about little stuff like that - keep that in mind.

Try to have the same common sense you would have while living in the USA, and you should not have problems.

Make sure you are nice to people, and that will get you farther than you can imagine.

Get some maps from AAA. They have all maps and are good prices.

Highlight two or three different road driving routes.

Take them to the consulate's of every country you plan to drive through and ask them about the cities you should be mindful of - that have abnormal amounts of crime... and make note, or redraw your driving routes accordingly.

Take essential provisions such as a small propane stove, water, boil in a bag rice, prepackaged snacks/food, some canned food and the utensils to open, eat and cook them. Save those items for the stretches of highway where you will not come across food... whenever you see small eateries, use common sense. Maybe don't eat the meat if there doesn't seem like there would be meat around the area.... eat rice, beans and tortillas instead. Eat nothing that requires water. They may not have used good water. If you are by a fishing village, make sure to eat the fish you see them cook - either frying or pan cooking - make sure it's well cooked. At least you know they fished it out recently because they are by the ocean. Shop at the local supermarkets when you can. It will save you money.

Make sure to wash your clothes are local laundry matts when possible. One problem when travelling like this, is the high rate of getting scabies or something similar. And once things like that infect your clothing, they infect your entire van too! No good!

My husband and I drive from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas every few years (Entire length of Baja California). We drive, camp, surf and hang out for about two weeks. The gas and meager provisions end up costing us about $1,000.00. Gas is what we mostly spend money on. It's a 1500 mile round trip in a 2000 Ford F-150 - and it gets pretty good mileage.

That is a great trip. You can take an overnight ferry from Cabo to mainland Mexico and continue your trip from there. Many people do it that way rather than driving through the deserts of Northern Mexico. The ferry drops you in Mazatlan.

Answer 2

The Pan American Highway runs from Alaska to Southern Chile with just one holiday in Southern Panama and Northern Colombia. There had been discussions and plans for years to whole the freeway via that discipline, however no person is aware of while or if it'll ever be accomplished. That discipline, known as the Darien, is an engineering nightmare. It is a dense woodland with plenty of swamp land. The guerrilla organizations in Colombia aren't as energetic there as earlier than, however they're nonetheless round. Also, the Indian organizations within the discipline are combating the freeway, in view that they think that it'll wreck their territory as new folks transfer in. Finally there are rumors that the US executive is making an attempt to hinder the roadway in view that as soon as it's accomplished that might permit one more convenient drug course from Colombia to Mexico after which the US and it would create one more unlawful immigrant wave as South Americans might have an less complicated time attending to the US border. Once the freeway sarts up once more in northern Colombia, it runs via Ecuador, Peru, and Chile till Tierra del Fuego.

Answer 3

a few years ago i spent years driving in Mexico Belize Guatemala Honduras it isn't easy but fun get lots rest don't drive tired or at night or in the rain gas is about like the states as you go from place to place you will meet travelers that will help with gas for a ride it works good and you can go to camping areas have fun

Answer 4

Yes very dangerous. Armed bandits frequent the route. Consult your local consulate. They may have details if you are willing to risk it.

Answer 5

It is a Bad idea. Too dangerous.

Answer 6

mexico is the most dangerous part youll drive through they try to steal everything you got including your car!!!

Answer 7

YES and YES. Fly the friendly skies,it's much safer.