Alitalia777 From United States of America, joined Nov 2001, 477 posts, RR: 0 Posted (9 years 11 months 2 weeks 6 days ago) and read 1752 times:
Hello,
I thought that sometime for my friends and I to travel from our home in New York to Brazil (via a car). If it ever happened, it would be over college break over the summer. Can anyone tell me if it possible to do this? Are there ways to get accross the Panama Canal, and are there enough highways to do it? I understand that it is an extremely dangerous while traveling through Colombia, and Nicaragua. Any tips or advice? Any general comments (not telling me that i'm a fool)? Thanks so much, and looking foward to your responses.
Alitalia777
P.S.- Does it look that in the near future that the Colombian government will have successfully cracked down on the drug trade? Would it be smart to rent the car in Mexico and go on from there? Also, do you know how long of a trip it would be?
Mls515 From United States of America, joined Jun 2000, 3067 posts, RR: 10 Reply 1, posted (9 years 11 months 2 weeks 6 days ago) and read 1753 times:
I know it is possible, I saw a show on TV where these two ladies drove from Alaska to the tip of South America in a VW van. There's some poor quality roads to deal with, I would take a vehicle with good ground clearance and 4WD and a winch. In actuality, It would be cheaper to fly to Brazil but the adventure of getting there may make driving worth it. You've got to deal with insurance issues and all that. I would pay a guide in some areas and probably protection money in others.
FlyVirgin744 From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 1313 posts, RR: 1 Reply 2, posted (9 years 11 months 2 weeks 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 1739 times:
Great question! I was quite interested in this undertaking a few months ago. I talked to people some from these countries and got their opinions. After my research I decided it was way to dangerous. What happens is, gangs hide out near the road and set boobie traps for your car. Such as pushing a tree down right in front of you, placing nails on the road to slash your tires, and other various obstructions. Then when you get out of your car, they attack and kill you, steal your money and belongings, then wait for the next victim. So I would advise bringing some type of weapon and a big car with run flat if you decide to do it. However, for me, too dangerous.
Regards
Sometimes I go about in pity for myself and all the while a great wind carries me across the sky.
Artsyman From United States of America, joined Feb 2001, 4740 posts, RR: 53 Reply 3, posted (9 years 11 months 2 weeks 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 1740 times:
While this journey is theoretically possible, it is so difficult, that it isnt really worth undertaking unless you specifically want the challenge. The area between Columbia and Panama is called the Darien Gap, at this point there are no proper roads through this area. The Columbian and Panamanian government wanted to build the pan american highway through here, bu the US government blocked all attempts to do so due to the increased risk of increased drug traffic.
You can do this trip by putting your car on a boat from Panama, and coming out the other side in Columbia.
PLEASE NOTE...
They are extremely sticky about paperwork through here, and you will need to purchase a carnet du passage for your vehicle and when I last checked these were quite expensive. This is essentially a paid gaurantee that you will not leave or sell your vehicle in the countries passed through.
I don't mean to be offensive to any South American people here, but the borders here are really into their bribes, and you will find your hand in your pocket every 5 seconds for this 'special fee' and that 'special fee' etc.
I can tell you lots more if you need it privately, but my honest advice is that it isnt worth the greif that you get. That said, when you eventually fall out of your car at home feeling like warmed up jellied death, you will look back on the adventure of a lifetime
Alitalia777 From United States of America, joined Nov 2001, 477 posts, RR: 0 Reply 4, posted (9 years 11 months 2 weeks 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 1744 times:
FlyVirgin744,
Do you know what countries where that is a specific problem? Any other recommendations? Maybe if I go, in 3-4 years, things will be better. Maybe...
USAFHummer From United States of America, joined May 2000, 10685 posts, RR: 57 Reply 5, posted (9 years 11 months 2 weeks 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 1738 times:
The Darien Gap is a huge problem, this is not a safe area of Panama to be in and as pointed out there are no roads either. I recommend going to http://www.state.gov and looking at their travel advisories, I found them very useful when I went to Colombia, Panama, and Costa Rica...
Greg
Chief A.net college football stadium self-pic guru
FlyVirgin744 From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 1313 posts, RR: 1 Reply 6, posted (9 years 11 months 2 weeks 5 days ago) and read 1718 times:
It's really the whole region. Checkout this State Dept site about Honduras:
Alitalia777 From United States of America, joined Nov 2001, 477 posts, RR: 0 Reply 7, posted (9 years 11 months 2 weeks 5 days ago) and read 1714 times:
Would it be smart to fly from Panama City to Bogota, or would it be better to take a ferry that could take the car. If flying, we could pickup a different car at the airport. Due to safety reasons of Americans, would it be smart to fly from Panama City to a place such as Quito, or Lima? What about La Paz, or Aunsicion (not sure on my spelling)? Thanks so much again for your time. Although dangerous, I think it would be very fun and exciting. I'm just a little unsure about the safety of driving in Nicaragua and Colombia, although it would be fun to say that I have been there.
Ghost77 From Mexico, joined Mar 2000, 5074 posts, RR: 54 Reply 8, posted (9 years 11 months 2 weeks 4 days 23 hours ago) and read 1701 times:
Hello Alitalia777,
From your question about Mexico, I know if you cross Mexican south border, with any company that you rented your car, if something happens to you, the insurance won´t cover anything.. it´s only for Mexico, Canada and the US, all this as far as I know.
I also talked to my dad about driving from here (Mexico City) all the way to Panamá Canal, will be nice to do that trip by land...
We´ve been searching for information about how Central America countries are.. and were to drive by car to safety cities and by safety roads.
We also thought that driving from Tapachula to Guatemala and crossing Nicaragua might be dangerous.. but the rest Costa Rica and Guatemala I think they´re better roads and countries... that´s all I could tell you...
Wish you luck if you decide to do this trip!
ghost77
Ricardo Morales - flyAPM - ¡No es que maneje rapido, solo estoy volando lento!
Alitalia777 From United States of America, joined Nov 2001, 477 posts, RR: 0 Reply 9, posted (9 years 11 months 2 weeks 4 days 23 hours ago) and read 1709 times:
Ghost77,
What if I were to rent the car south of the Mexican border? Would I get insurance then? Also, is it ok to rent a car in the US and drop it off in Brazil? Or Panama in your case.
Ghost77 From Mexico, joined Mar 2000, 5074 posts, RR: 54 Reply 10, posted (9 years 11 months 2 weeks 3 days 22 hours ago) and read 1693 times:
Hello Alitalia777,
If you rent a car in the south of the Mexican border.. (i.e. Tapachula, Chetumal, Villahermosa, Tuxtla Gtez,) innsurance will cover you in all Mexico, but if you drive into another country, innsurance I think won´t cover you.
I don´t know if you rent a Car in the US you can return in at Brazil... I know if you rent a car in Canada you can return it either US or Mexico, same apply´s if you rent a car in the US, Canada or Mexico or if here in Mexico renting a car and returning it on the US or Canada.
You should visit some car rental webistes and search for any email for you to put in contact and for them to answear all your questions!
Regards,
ghost77
Ricardo Morales - flyAPM - ¡No es que maneje rapido, solo estoy volando lento!
Artsyman From United States of America, joined Feb 2001, 4740 posts, RR: 53 Reply 11, posted (9 years 11 months 2 weeks 3 days 21 hours ago) and read 1699 times:
You cannot rent a car in the US or Mexico and drop it to Brazil. This goes back to the carnet du passage I mentioned earlier,they more or less stamp your passport with the fact that you have the car, and if it doesnt leave the country with you, then you don't leave either. The South American continent as a whole is fraught with red tape, legal nonsense and then some.
Forget driving to Brazil, it isnt worth it at all I assure you. As far as places to lfy into from Panama, you can go to many places and almost all will be fine being American, but remember you are still gringo and represent a lot more money than a lot of these people will ever know of. While many of the people you will meet will be the nicest people you could ever meet, you need to be on guard.
If you are going to fly in SA and want to go to Brazil, then why not fly into Rio or Sao Paulo ?
Alitalia777 From United States of America, joined Nov 2001, 477 posts, RR: 0 Reply 12, posted (9 years 11 months 2 weeks 3 days ago) and read 1690 times:
Artysman,
Could I fly to Bogota, and drive from there? or any other place in SA?
Latinplane From United States of America, joined Dec 1999, 2572 posts, RR: 17 Reply 13, posted (9 years 11 months 2 weeks 2 days 23 hours ago) and read 1708 times:
As far as Mexico is concerened. I believe that you can only rent your car in Mexico, and return it within Mexico. I really doubt that you can return an American rental in Mexico. Mexico has great toll roads that are very smooth and pleasant, up to first world standards. You also need to purchase Mexican insurance, which is very easily available in border town.
You might also want to just use the bus lines operating in these countries. In most of the Latin American countries they have 3 levels of bus service. First class (Mercedes buses with open bar and snacks with American movies maybe even on-board attendant) 2nd class service(clean maybe with TVs), and 3rd class service (don't need to describe what that's like).
You might want to rent a car in Mexico (rather safe, but take precaution) go by bus from Guatemala through Costa Rica. Rent a car in Costa Rica till you reach Panama City. Take a plane from Panama to Colombia (Do not use Colombia's roads by all means). Take a plane from Colombia to Ecuadorian Border, Take a bus down to Peru, ride the first class bus service in Peru down to Chile. Rent a car in Chile and then ride a bus into Argentina. Rent a car in Argentina. Then take a bus into Brazil, fly within Brazil (it's too big of country.) Then fly back to Venezuela. Take a cheap flight from Caracas to Miami and then make your way back home.
My best advise is to mix your use transportation depending on what country you travel. Also take into account that it's no easy task to travel in some countries. Allow yourself some time. Remember that you will be traveling thru harsh climates and these will all be 3rd world developing countries until you get to Chile and Argentina.
Also, you might choose to avoid some countries all together and stick to the routes that provide you with the best of each particular country. You just don't want to see the bad side of each country without seeing the beautiful places each country has to offer. There is no point in doing that.
Check with your travel agent. Sometimes it is just wise to stick to certain region.
SEVEN_FIFTY7 From United States of America, joined Sep 2000, 957 posts, RR: 5 Reply 14, posted (9 years 11 months 2 weeks 2 days 22 hours ago) and read 1694 times:
No offense, but you'd be a fool to just take off and drive through parts of Central America and South America. It's not like driving from San Bernadino to Flagstaff, you know. --Haven't you heard about kidnapping problems and bribes from corrupt police officers?
If you've forgotten, here's what FlyVirgin744 told you (very good advice):
I talked to people some from these countries and got their opinions. After my research I decided it was way to dangerous. What happens is, gangs hide out near the road and set boobie traps for your car. Such as pushing a tree down right in front of you, placing nails on the road to slash your tires, and other various obstructions. Then when you get out of your car, they attack and kill you, steal your money and belongings, then wait for the next victim. So I would advise bringing some type of weapon and a big car with run flat if you decide to do it. However, for me, too dangerous.
Does any of that sound unbelievable to you?
It sounds like something some of those poor, desperate, jobless, people wouldn't hesitate to do. Most average people merely worry about getting pickpocketed, mugged or scammed in crowded streets of such cities as Bogota, Caracas, Lima, Sao Paulo, or Rio. And yet, you wanna *DRIVE* through sparsely-populated, mysterious, poorly-paved roads in RURAL areas far away from these cities??? Sorry, but better you than me.
I don't mean to sound so harsh & parental in writing this, but I really, really DO NOT think you should be so overly adventurous. Please resist the urge this time. We don't wanna end up hearing about you and your "adventurous" buddies on CNN.
Again, please don't do it. Drive across northern Canada instead if you want some "adventure."
SEVEN_FIFTY7 From United States of America, joined Sep 2000, 957 posts, RR: 5 Reply 15, posted (9 years 11 months 2 weeks 2 days 22 hours ago) and read 1692 times:
NOOOOO WAY JOSE!!!!!
I just looked at the State Department's advisories for travel through Honduras, for example, and, again, you'd be a fool to it. Why not be a regular tourist and just fly to these places, and then hire a reputable tour guide? I wanna travel to the different countries of Central and South Amer., but would NEVER drive through there on my own!
Artsyman From United States of America, joined Feb 2001, 4740 posts, RR: 53 Reply 16, posted (9 years 11 months 2 weeks 2 days 19 hours ago) and read 1672 times:
While I share the advice of many of this board, I feel that I need to say that almost everyone I met in South and Central America, were the nicest people you could ever meet. Many of these people live in total poverty, but bring you into their house, feed you, and wont let you pay, wont accept thanks. Lovely lovely people.
Like the Muslim conficts, isnt it sad how a select few tarnish so many others
Derico From Argentina, joined Dec 1999, 4144 posts, RR: 15 Reply 17, posted (9 years 11 months 2 weeks 2 days 7 hours ago) and read 1677 times:
Roads in Mexico as far as I have heard are actually pretty good. I don't know how safe they are for travellers though. I would guess the northern part of Mexico which is better off and is used to Americans is much safe than the rural and isolated parts south of Mexico City, like Chiapas and the like. Mexico City surely has very modern sophisticated freeways but the traffic everyday must be a nightmare being such a large city. There are also freeways being built between major cities, but they are toll roads.
Roads in Central America are dubious at best for even 4 wheel drives. Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua probably however do have one major road, but they are not connected to each other so travel through tough roads is probably unavoidable. Costa Rican roads may be better if you follow the logic of richer country=better roads, but I don't know. I don't know much about Panama except that there is no road crossing the infamous Darien Gap into South America (Colombia).
I can tell you that it is foolish to drive in Colombia because you will be ransom bait. It's a shame because the scenery must be very beautiful. Venezuela has great roads in around Caracas, I have been told the roads beyond that are subpar and there are almost none going south into the Amazon.
Roads in Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia are few, but at least the few real paved roads they have in these countries can be used to drive most of the year, unless there are landslides or something that block them up.
Chile is an oddity because it is so thin you only really need to use the north-south route 5 most of the time. I don't know how good it is in the north (I would assume they keep it in good condition) but in the central areas the roads are very good and new multi lane highways are being built going out of Santiago. I think you can go south all the way to Puerto Monnt, beyond that the roads in southern Chile are way to broken and are not connected to one another so you can't head all the way down to Punta Arenas.
Argentina has plenty of paved well marked highways from border to border which are safe from crime. You can actually drive from Iguazu falls in the tropics to Ushuaia near the polar circle on paved highways. There are modern freeways in the major cities like Buenos Aires, Cordoba, Rosario, Mendoza, Mar del Plata, etc. Families hit the road to vacation all the time so you will see plenty of traffic during holidays and long weekends so expect heavy delays in our summer (january-march). A big negative is that driving rules exist only in the rule books, so be careful.
Brazil I would assume has good roads in the southern parts and less good roads north of Rio de Janeiro. Many friends of mine have driven to Brazil for their summer vacations, mostly in the south and as far as I know have had little problems and I would recommended just based on that. However travelling on car in Brazil has gotten a bad reputation of late because of several cases of ambushes of Argentine families where they are robbed and threatened, and a couple of cases of rape of girls and young women who travelled there in groups, these seem to happened in very rural areas that are very far from population centers. I would think travelling in the more populated areas is much safer.
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