Driving Central America & South America.
Motorhome to South America
January 18, 2009 - 6:52pm
Hi all! I'm brand new and I found this site while researching my trip. I'm planning on driving a 25 foot motorhome from Canada to South America but I'm wondering how much trouble I'm going to have crossing the "Gap". I know it's been done. One story I read was the motorhome was put on a boat and the family flew to Columbia to pick it up. One problem is I have a dog. Can she fly with me? Is this a little sketchy? Am I crazy??
Any help greatly appreciated.
Brian
January 20, 2009 - 3:55pm
#2
Motorhome cause I'm bringing a friend with her three year old, myself and my 11 yr old and we want to be able to cook for ourselves and stay wherever. Oh and dog too. Been reading some online journals of people who have done it that way and it looks to be the best given our circumstances. When you say driving can be done does that mean you can actually drive from Panama to Columbia now?? I was pretty sure it was unpassable by vehicle.
January 20, 2009 - 7:11pm
#3
You can't drive from Panama to Colombia, but you can ship it.
A big motorhome wouldn't be very much fun off of the Panamerican highway. It would be a nightmare in places like Antigua, Panajachel, Panama City, Leon, etc. I wouldn't want to do the trip in anything bigger than a truck camper personally, but it can certainly be done.
January 22, 2009 - 3:23pm
#4
re: driving can be done - Sorry i meant that you can take your dog, and much easier, when driving.
I agree with ATG about the size issue. But, 25 feet isn't the biggest in the world, so it's do-able, just keep your cool when trying to negotiate traffic and small streets when in-town. It's a tradeoff no doubt.
May 12, 2009 - 10:21am
#5
So you've got all the
So you've got all the information about the Darian Gap and that you need shipping around it (~$2700-3000).
But don't worry: a 25-foot-RV should be o.k.! The narrowest roads are through small towns in Guatemala - once you have mastered these the rest is easier. Don't overload it, otherwise you won't get up the steep passes in the Andes (altitude will reduce engine power!!). You can even sell such an RV second hand in Chile or Paraguay (only countries where it is legal).
Yes, you're crazy!
Or, at least you'll hear that a lot! No, anything is do-able.
Dog can come, but flying will be a pain in the ass. Driving can be done. There are a few current topics started about it and you can get some ideas from them.
Question: why a motor home vs a car and staying in hotels?