Driving to Latin america from the US - ???

Well, I don't think it's soo easy!
I wish you are kidding: the first thing, for a United States citizen is that
someone will take your car!And second, you'll luky if you still alive!
Good luck!
P.s you should think that not all the world has food and everything like
U.S.A.!

Eva




"Naresh" <naresh.TakeThisOut@palnyc.com> ha scritto nel messaggio
news:2fabf2f5.0308161305.3fda53f8@posting.google.com...
 > Has anyone here, driven down to South america from the US.
 > What should one know , before trying something like this.
 > I have wanted to go to mexico, peru and Chile,
 > Is driving an option ??
 >
 > Any information ,advised tips - would be appreciated<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Driving to Latin america from the US - ??? 

I am not saying I would not be interested in the other countries,in between
I am just trying to understand what it entails
Does any one here know of anyone who has done it ?
I am not an american citizen, I am from India, but i live in the US now.
Any other advice folks ?

Naresh
 >> Stay informed about: Driving to Latin america from the US - ??? 

Naresh wrote:

 > Has anyone here, driven down to South america from the US.
 > What should one know , before trying something like this.
 > I have wanted to go to mexico, peru and Chile,
 > Is driving an option ??
 >
 > Any information ,advised tips - would be appreciated

I don't think you're very serious about this. But first of all there's no
road between Panama and Columbia (Darian Gap) so you will have to take a
boat there.

Secondly this is a thing that will take months and years of planning. People
have done it by car, motor, and even walking with a heavy cross on their
neck.

Thirdly, have you looked on a map? There are at least seven countries
between Mexico and Peru, so if you're not interested in Guatemala,
Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Columbia, Equador why would you
want to cross them all?

Fourth, the official language in all these countries is Spanish, so if
you're serious about this: learn the language.

Fifth. if you are into this kind of stuff: why not start in Alaska at the
Bering street and go all the way to Tierra del Fuego. Alternatively
consider going from Norway's North Cape to South Africa or from Amsterdam
to Vladivostok.

Good luck!

Bas vd Meer
basm DeleteThis @xs4all.nl<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Driving to Latin america from the US - ??? 

Hi Bas,
I am at an early stage - I am thinking about this and I am trying to
see if this is feasible. You can share any knowledge you may have, or
recommend things to do.
Let me scale back the scope of the question:
Do you think it a reasonable thing to drive to Puebla, Mexico . Do you
run the chance of getting killed as Eva says ?
Thanks
Naresh
 >> Stay informed about: Driving to Latin america from the US - ??? 

"Eva" <evakadar DeleteThis @inwind.it> wrote in message news:<0By%a.246136$Ny5.7510101@twister2.libero.it>...
 > Well, I don't think it's soo easy!
 > I wish you are kidding: the first thing, for a United States citizen is that
 > someone will take your car!And second, you'll luky if you still alive!
 > Good luck!
 > P.s you should think that not all the world has food and everything like
 > U.S.A.!
 >
 > Eva
 >
 >
 >
 >
 > "Naresh" <naresh DeleteThis @palnyc.com> ha scritto nel messaggio
 > news:2fabf2f5.0308161305.3fda53f8@posting.google.com...
  > > Has anyone here, driven down to South america from the US.
  > > What should one know , before trying something like this.
  > > I have wanted to go to mexico, peru and Chile,
  > > Is driving an option ??
  > >
  > > Any information ,advised tips - would be appreciated

Naresh,
This is the best idea I have heard in a long time. Bravo to you for
your spirit of adventure. No doubt you would be taking many risks and
facing certain obstacles but it sure beats sitting on some US airline
with sad-sack flight attendants, crying babies, overweight Americans,
and pimple faced church group kids.
Perhaps you could put together a small caravan of like-minded
adventurors who would go along, then there would be added security and
more fun! You would no doubt have a story to tell!
Roy<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Driving to Latin america from the US - ??? 

The Terran carbon-based unit designating itself asnaresh.RemoveThis@palnyc.com
(Naresh) shared its ideas in rec.travel.latin-america on Sun, 17 Aug 2003
04:50:58 GMT:

 > Hi Bas,
 > I am at an early stage - I am thinking about this and I am trying to
 > see if this is feasible. You can share any knowledge you may have, or
 > recommend things to do.
 > Let me scale back the scope of the question:
 > Do you think it a reasonable thing to drive to Puebla, Mexico . Do you
 > run the chance of getting killed as Eva says ?

  Driving to Puebla should be no problem. You don't say where you are
coming from, but from the Texas Border it should take about two days of
normal driving, through fairly decent and safe roads. I'd recommend buying
a "Guia Roji" as soon as you cross the border if you can't get one
beforehand. It's an excellent map, and also provides substantial
additional information including cost of tolls.

  You might want to do a search for "Pan-American Highway" for info on
the more distant trip details.

--Douglas<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Driving to Latin america from the US - ??? 

The Terran carbon-based unit designating itself asnaresh.TakeThisOut@palnyc.com
(Naresh) shared its ideas in rec.travel.latin-america on Sun, 17 Aug
2003 04:28:33 GMT:

 > I am not saying I would not be interested in the other countries,in
 > between I am just trying to understand what it entails
 > Does any one here know of anyone who has done it ?
 > I am not an american citizen, I am from India, but i live in the US
 > now. Any other advice folks ?
 >
  You will have to check on the visa requirements for every country you
wish to enter or transit through. Some of these visas cost money, and some
take a significant amount of time to process. It may require that you
personally go to each country's consulate. If one of the countries in the
middle chooses not to give you a visa, you're stuck. If you decide to do
it, I wish you the best of luck!

--Douglas<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Driving to Latin america from the US - ??? 

"Naresh" <naresh DeleteThis @palnyc.com> wrote in message
news:2fabf2f5.0308162028.724e2147@posting.google.com...
 > I am not saying I would not be interested in the other countries,in between
 > I am just trying to understand what it entails
 > Does any one here know of anyone who has done it ?
 > I am not an american citizen, I am from India, but i live in the US now.
 > Any other advice folks ?

It is physically doable with the exception of crossing from Panama to Colombia -
you'll need to ferry the car. There are no passable roads in Darien Gap even though
some people (in organized outings) did manage to drive esp. equipped 4x4 vehicles
through it.
You don't have to be afraid driving a car on American tags, but be aware that:
- Speaking good Spanish is mandatory for such a trip. You'd probably survive without
it, but you'd be cheated left and right
- You'll need to pay extra, above the usual border fee and the cost of visa, if you
need one, for bringing a car into each and every country. The fees range from 0 to a
hundred or so US $. Add bribes and it quickly adds up... And you'll need your car
ownership papers translated into Spanish (and Portuguese, if Brazil is on the menu)
and notarized.
- Some countries require that you purchase extra insurance
- Repairs are sometimes difficult or impossible - drive a common (over there) car
(say, a Mitsubishi Montero Turbo Diesel with stick shift.)
- Yes, you can be robbed (big news, eh?) but it is less likely than in the US
- Some countries are more problematic than others (Guatemala and El Salvador have
safety issues and so do Venezuela and Brazil...)
- If you get into an accident - sometimes regardless of your insurance - you'll end
up paying ("deep Yankee pockets.")
- etc.

For more information search the web (google) - there is plenty of info from many
folks who have actually done it.

--
 ><emeL><
....nothin' ain't worth nothin', but it's free...<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Driving to Latin america from the US - ??? 

I've been living in those countryes, Mexic, Guatemala, and it's better for
you to take buses, there are soo many and at many times!
A car with an american tag it's not well see there.Another thing is not
drive at night, very unsafe. And another thing is that the most of mexican
people don't have a car licence, so everybody goes very fast and crazy!

"Naresh" <naresh.DeleteThis@palnyc.com> ha scritto nel messaggio
news:2fabf2f5.0308162028.724e2147@posting.google.com...
 > I am not saying I would not be interested in the other countries,in
between
 > I am just trying to understand what it entails
 > Does any one here know of anyone who has done it ?
 > I am not an american citizen, I am from India, but i live in the US now.
 > Any other advice folks ?
 >
 > Naresh<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Driving to Latin america from the US - ??? 

Hi Naresh,

"Getting killed" is a bit of a paranoid reaction IMHO. Of course you should
be careful and good prepared.

I've only traveled a few times to South America, and not with a car. But
take a look at a few websites of people who have by car or motorbike:

<a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://www.well.com/~dreyer/" target="_blank">http://www.well.com/~dreyer/</a>

<a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/forwood/mytrip.shtml" target="_blank">http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/forwood/mytrip.shtml</a>


Naresh wrote:

 > Hi Bas,
 > I am at an early stage - I am thinking about this and I am trying to
 > see if this is feasible. You can share any knowledge you may have, or
 > recommend things to do.
 > Let me scale back the scope of the question:
 > Do you think it a reasonable thing to drive to Puebla, Mexico . Do you
 > run the chance of getting killed as Eva says ?
 > Thanks
 > Naresh

--
Bas vd Meer
basm RemoveThis @xs4all.nl

It now costs more to amuse a child than it once did to educate his father.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Driving to Latin america from the US - ??? 

In article <Xns93D9E93F3642Adivine1Ladden2law3 RemoveThis @204.127.199.17>, Douglas
S. Ladden wrote:
 > The Terran carbon-based unit designating itself asnaresh RemoveThis @palnyc.com
 > (Naresh) shared its ideas in rec.travel.latin-america on Sun, 17 Aug 2003
 > 04:50:58 GMT:
 >
  >> Hi Bas,
  >> I am at an early stage - I am thinking about this and I am trying to
  >> see if this is feasible. You can share any knowledge you may have, or
  >> recommend things to do.
  >> Let me scale back the scope of the question:
  >> Do you think it a reasonable thing to drive to Puebla, Mexico . Do you
  >> run the chance of getting killed as Eva says ?
 >
  > Driving to Puebla should be no problem. You don't say where you are
 > coming from, but from the Texas Border it should take about two days of
 > normal driving, through fairly decent and safe roads. I'd recommend buying
 > a "Guia Roji" as soon as you cross the border if you can't get one
 > beforehand. It's an excellent map, and also provides substantial
 > additional information including cost of tolls.
 >
  > You might want to do a search for "Pan-American Highway" for info on
 > the more distant trip details.
 >
 > --Douglas

Common knowledge (whether it's accurate or not), is that there is no
really useful way to get to south america from north america by car. IT
seems that between Panamá and Colombia there's a really swampy region
called "El Tapón del Darién", which seems to disallow construction of
roads. This seems to be in the process of changing, since one of the
biggest arguments (Colombia having hoof and mouth disease) are long
obsolete.

--
Eduardo Alvarez http://www.great-atuin.net/~punga
    (offline, at the moment)
"Stercus, stercus stercus, moriturus sum"
    -- Rincewind the Wizard, "Interesting Times"<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Driving to Latin america from the US - ??? 

I drove from central CA to mid Honduras about 12 years ago with one
other person. We had a great adventure and even drove all the way back!
11,000 miles to be exact.
I strongly advise knowing basic Spanish at least....however, beyond that
you just need to pay attention and trust your instincts. Hide your money
well in the car, it will get searched by someone with guns sooner or
later. The only thing we ever had taken from the car was a swiss army
knife (by military with rifles) and a pair of men's shoes by a
hitchiker...We later saw him again and took the shoes back! If you keep
your cool and smile and are reasonable it can be done. But plan to take
as much time as possible to do this.

Yes, you should not drive at night in any of these countries. Roads can
be bad or non-existant. Holes big enough for a car. One road in Honduras
was so bad we probably would have wrecked the car beyond belief.
However, at the border, the guards asked us to transport some of them
along the way. It's best to say Yes, with a smile. Anyway, one of them
knew this spot in the road and forewarned us!

The borders are interesting and sometimes difficult. Often kids hang
around and will help you get through for a little money. They know the
ins and outs. I think going into Guatemala...we were given a visa, but
could't get the car approved....finally, we had to go into town to some
government office and pay some money before they would release this car
permit. It was a hassle, but where else are y ou going to meet and deal
with these types of adventures. This is where Spanish helps!!!

Also, we had an accident with the car during the time we were without
papers. Luckily, we followed the guy we hit to a repair person right
away and he said it would cost _____
It turned out to be about 45 bucks which we were happy to hand over and
get away before police became involved! We didn't have the papers at
that time....still at the offices waiting to be "approved" or whatever.

Also, learn some simple tricks. I folded a dollar bill into a ring with
the $1 on the face. For some reason everyone loved this. I would give
these freely at the borders to the guards that had to check me out. Even
folding them on the spot. They loved it. Also, it's a great tip plus
being only a buck. I brought about 50 with me for just this purpose.
In general, I found everyone to be really pretty decent and fascinated
that you'd driven that far, esp. in the rural areas.

If you have a diesel vehicle it should be easier to always get gas. We
drove a Ford Econoline 1984 the last trip and that seemed to work out
well. I don't know if I'd take a new car that far. A van is great is you
have to sleep in it in emergency. Also, you can give locals a lift which
they appreciate. You'll see everyone walks everywhere.

Good luck, don't be afraid to do it....just don't act and look like a
wealthy gringo.
faye

Naresh wrote:

 >Has anyone here, driven down to South america from the US.
 >What should one know , before trying something like this.
 >I have wanted to go to mexico, peru and Chile,
 >Is driving an option ??
 >
 >Any information ,advised tips - would be appreciated
 >
 ><!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Driving to Latin america from the US - ??? 

Hi Naresh,

I'm planning a similar trip... just a little longer.
I'm from Brazil, and have been studying in the US. Once I graduate, I plan
on driving back home. The route is to go all the way to Ushuaia, in Tierra
del Fuego, and then back North, through Argentina, Uruguai and Paraguay.
When you first decide to do this, most people make you nervous, but most of
them have no idea what they are talking about. Most are simply afraid, and
not adventurous enough...
After some research and reading, you'll become more familiar with the "real
deal" and then you'll be able to determine if that's for you or not.
I got the route ready on a paper map, and on the GPS (it may help).
Being a citizen of Brazil, I only need a visa for a couple of countries...
Driving your own vehicle through Latin America requires a "Carnet de
passage" or the payment of a bond. This could be as high as the vehicle's
price.
If you send the car from Panama City to Guayaquil, in Ecuador (like I plan),
it will cost you around $1500 and take about 4 days.
There are several other things involved... like immunizations, etc...

I'd suggest <a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com." target="_blank">www.lonelyplanet.com.</a> You can also find some of their guides in
a bookstore. I think it's essential to read at least two of these books:

"Read This First: Central & South America" found at
<a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://shop.lonelyplanet.com/product_detail.cfm?productID=382&rgnID=2&rgn=So" target="_blank">http://shop.lonelyplanet.com/product_detail.cfm?productID=382&rgnID=2&rgn=So</a>
uth%20America&. (& is part of the link).
"Healthy Travel Central & South America" found at
<a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://shop.lonelyplanet.com/product_detail.cfm?productID=377&rgnID=2&rgn=So" target="_blank">http://shop.lonelyplanet.com/product_detail.cfm?productID=377&rgnID=2&rgn=So</a>
uth%20America&. (& is part of the link).

Choosing the right car is also very important. You probably don't want to
drive a fancy car. You may want to blend with the people the best you can.
Older Toyotas Land Cruiser appear to be the best choice (in my opinion).
Prior to 88, these were carbureted, easy maintenance and they simply go
forever.

I'm sure there are plenty of web sites with people's experiences out
there... these are some I found very helpful.

<a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://www.earthjourney.com/southamerica/" target="_blank">http://www.earthjourney.com/southamerica/</a>
<a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://www.balum.com/" target="_blank">http://www.balum.com/</a>
<a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://www.ihana.com/big_trip/route/big_trip_route.htm" target="_blank">http://www.ihana.com/big_trip/route/big_trip_route.htm</a>
<a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://travel.state.gov/" target="_blank">http://travel.state.gov/</a>

Have a good trip, and be sure to post the progress...

Eric



"Naresh" <naresh DeleteThis @palnyc.com> wrote in message
news:2fabf2f5.0308161305.3fda53f8@posting.google.com...
 > Has anyone here, driven down to South america from the US.
 > What should one know , before trying something like this.
 > I have wanted to go to mexico, peru and Chile,
 > Is driving an option ??
 >
 > Any information ,advised tips - would be appreciated<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
 >> Stay informed about: Driving to Latin america from the US - ???