Welcome to the TravelPod forums

[starlagurl]

When do you plan on doing this sundevil? I'm very interested in doing something like this next summer, but I won't be able to stay for six months.

If I did that with you, I would buy a bike in San Diego and sell it in Rio or wherever.

[starlagurl]

Sounds good to me, are you couchsurfing?

We'll keep in touch.

[starlagurl]

OK couchsurfing would be grand. The dates sound good to me...

I'm ALREADY famous, what are you talking about?! Hahaha.

Do you have Skype or something?

[cgadoury]

I will be getting out of the Marine Corps May of 2009, one year from now. I will be going on a road trip down the Pan-American Hwy beginning in San Diego the first week of June, driving through Mexico, all of the Central America countries except Belize, and shipping my vehicle from Panama to Cartagena, Columbia. From there I plan on driving to Ecuadar, and on thru Peru, Chile, brief stop in Bolivia, Argentina, Uruguay and end in Rio de Janeiro Brazil. I plan on focusing my trip on 1 Central American country, Chile, Argentina and Brazil. In Mexico I just plan on driving through it as fast as possible, prolly 8-10 days, a couple days in each Central American country except for Panama, which will take at least a week due to shipping my vehicle. I plan on about 3 or 4 days in Columbia, 3 or 4 in Ecuador, about 6 in Peru, 6 in Chile, Argentina and Brazil, 2 or 3 days in Uruguay. The entire trip will take roughly a little over 2 months, I plan on ditching my car in Brazil and flying back. I know everyone will say this is not enough time for this kind of trip, that I'll be driving to much, I understand that it's quick, but money is the issue there. If I can get a couple more travelers to come with me I could take longer. I'm not trying to see everything in every country, just the highlights, primarily going for the accomplishment of completing the adventure. If anyone would be interested in going with me, or even a portion of the trip, let me know. I'll even front most of the cost, because right now I care more about finding at least one other person to go than I do the money. Any more questions regarding details, just ask. I've researched the trip extensively, and I've already done lots of traveling and road trips, so I know about what I'm in for.

i am planning on doing the same trip, but we want to move to brazil. could you give me some advice on planning the trip-driving straight thru and how much and what kind of documentation do you need to put your car on one of these boats? thanks.

[starlagurl]

You just need a mic

I'm starlagurl on Skype so add me whenever you get it.

[m3talpunk]

I will be getting out of the Marine Corps May of 2009, one year from now. I will be going on a road trip down the Pan-American Hwy beginning in San Diego the first week of June, driving through Mexico, all of the Central America countries except Belize, and shipping my vehicle from Panama to Cartagena, Columbia. From there I plan on driving to Ecuadar, and on thru Peru, Chile, brief stop in Bolivia, Argentina, Uruguay and end in Rio de Janeiro Brazil. I plan on focusing my trip on 1 Central American country, Chile, Argentina and Brazil. In Mexico I just plan on driving through it as fast as possible, prolly 8-10 days, a couple days in each Central American country except for Panama, which will take at least a week due to shipping my vehicle. I plan on about 3 or 4 days in Columbia, 3 or 4 in Ecuador, about 6 in Peru, 6 in Chile, Argentina and Brazil, 2 or 3 days in Uruguay. The entire trip will take roughly a little over 2 months, I plan on ditching my car in Brazil and flying back. I know everyone will say this is not enough time for this kind of trip, that I'll be driving to much, I understand that it's quick, but money is the issue there. If I can get a couple more travelers to come with me I could take longer. I'm not trying to see everything in every country, just the highlights, primarily going for the accomplishment of completing the adventure. If anyone would be interested in going with me, or even a portion of the trip, let me know. I'll even front most of the cost, because right now I care more about finding at least one other person to go than I do the money. Any more questions regarding details, just ask. I've researched the trip extensively, and I've already done lots of traveling and road trips, so I know about what I'm in for.

[marinenomad]

Just an update...I'm still planning on doing this trip next summer. But everyone that had told me they were going before seems to have backed out, so still looking for travelmates. Let me know if you're interested.

[greg-adrienne]

Hi,

In case you are interested, there are profiles/website links to people who have recently done this trip at www.roadtrippin.com. Lots of useful information re trip planning.

Best

[wantingtotravel]

marinenomad,

oh man you have no idea how long ive dreamt of planning a road trip from the U.S. to Rio de Janiero but havent been able to find anyone to go with, count me in! although i might just want to go for half the trip i think i might want to just stay and live in rio de janiero for a couple months. I'm real serious about this (so serious i'd leave tomorrow if you wanted to) i hope you are too please get at me with all the details

[leolima2303]

Hi Marinenomad!

I'm Brazilian and I find your travelling plans very interesting! I actually wanted to do the same trip as you, but going the other way round... I think I can give you some little advices in what concerns cars. If you find them useful...

The first one: don't buy cars in Brazil, they're awfully expensive here!! Brazilian car market is probably the most expensive in all of Latin America, perhaps in the whole world. High taxation makes a new Brazilian Honda Civic cost over $30000 (R$63.000). As an example of an average Brazilian car, I'll mention mine. I drive a tiny Ford Fiesta 1.6, 2005, for which I have paid the equivalent to $15000 (R$29000) - and I've bought it used! Brazilian cars of $10000 are very bad ones, the so called "popular" cars - hatchbacks with 1.0 engines and no power steering nor A/C. You can check prices of Brazilian used cars in www.webmotors.com.br

The second one: you might not be able to sell you car legally in Brazil... I said legally because you would certainly find someone willing to buy it, although importing used cars is forbidden by Brazilian law. If anyone chooses to buy it, it wouldn't be your problem though. But the person who buys it will have a hard time registering it, so you probably won't be paid as much as your car is worth. If all that gets too complicated, I'm pretty sure you can sell your car in other neighboring countries like Paraguay or Bolivia. They allow for used car imports.

In what comes to which car you should choose, I'd say that considering bad road conditions you might want to drive pick-up trucks or SUVs. I know you're concerned about gas mileage, but small SUVs don't spend all that much. Think of a Toyota Rav4, for example. Its got good mileage, but offers higher ground clearance than a sedan. Thicker tires also avoid problems with bumps and holes - last summer I had a smashed wheel due to a huge hole in a bad Brazilian road... Sure, not all roads are bad here, but if I were driving a Jeep Cherokee I wouldn't have had the same problem. Plus, some interesting tourist sites might require you 4 wheel drive... It wouldn't be a bad idea to have it, if you can.

Well, that's pretty much it. Don't hesitate getting in touch once you're in São Paulo, I wouldn't mind showing you around. Good luck!

Leonardo


[ Now I'm exploring other options, such as buying a new car and shipping it from Brazil once I get there, or doing the trip in reverse, flying to Brazil and buying a car there. Once I figure this mess out, I'll go forward with informing everyone of the updated detailed plans. It sucks, but I figure at least it broke down in the US now instead of in the middle of Colombia or El Salvador or something later.
[/quote]

[dennisb2008]

I was planning a trip down through Mexico to the tip of South America, to begin in 2009. This sounds like a viable opportunity. Contact me if you're still looking for tag alongs.

[marcelocandeo]

Hey,

I am from Brazil and living in SC. I am planning a road trip to BR, are you already back? Thanks,

Marcelo

[dennisb2008]

Hey,

I am from Brazil and living in SC. I am planning a road trip to BR, are you already back? Thanks,

Marcelo

Back? I've not even left yet. My planned departure is in the Spring or Summer.

[elzorroplatiado]

Wicked... hey, are you also averse to doing it on some moto-cyclettes??? (motorcycles for Anglos)

I'm considering making the trip from San Diego to Rio on my bike. I haven't decided yet whether I'm going to take the bike down or sell it and fly down there. But the plan is to stay down there for 6 months or more.

I'd be happy to have someone to ride with. Do you have a bike that will make it. If you don't sell it down there ( you'll get good money for it ) and fly back, are you OK coming back solo?

http://www.myspace.com/newyorkjohnny

[elzorroplatiado]

Hi,

Please keep me informed about your trip. A friend and I are planning on driving from Portland, Oregon to Tiera de Fuego sometime in the next two-three years. We are just in the planning stage but are considering driving down in a 4x4 Toyota, selling it somewhere near the end of the trip and then flying home. We are planing on at least two months for the trip. Any advice about routes, accommodations, fuel water etc would be greatly appreciated. Someone spoke of shipping their car from Panama to Ecuador and we wondered if there was a reason for not driving through Columbia.

Wayne
aka El Zorro Platiado

[jackfl777]

Hello Marine Nomad,

How are you ? I'm considering the same trip. I'm hoping that you have not left already. Are you still in the US ?

I am seriously interested in this Trip. I'm originally from Brazil. I speak Portuguese, Spanish, some French, and some Italian. I'm also very adventurous.

Hope to hear from you,
Jack


******************************************************************

I will be getting out of the Marine Corps May of 2009, one year from now. I will be going on a road trip down the Pan-American Hwy beginning in San Diego the first week of June, driving through Mexico, all of the Central America countries except Belize, and shipping my vehicle from Panama to Cartagena, Columbia. From there I plan on driving to Ecuadar, and on thru Peru, Chile, brief stop in Bolivia, Argentina, Uruguay and end in Rio de Janeiro Brazil. I plan on focusing my trip on 1 Central American country, Chile, Argentina and Brazil. In Mexico I just plan on driving through it as fast as possible, prolly 8-10 days, a couple days in each Central American country except for Panama, which will take at least a week due to shipping my vehicle. I plan on about 3 or 4 days in Columbia, 3 or 4 in Ecuador, about 6 in Peru, 6 in Chile, Argentina and Brazil, 2 or 3 days in Uruguay. The entire trip will take roughly a little over 2 months, I plan on ditching my car in Brazil and flying back. I know everyone will say this is not enough time for this kind of trip, that I'll be driving to much, I understand that it's quick, but money is the issue there. If I can get a couple more travelers to come with me I could take longer. I'm not trying to see everything in every country, just the highlights, primarily going for the accomplishment of completing the adventure. If anyone would be interested in going with me, or even a portion of the trip, let me know. I'll even front most of the cost, because right now I care more about finding at least one other person to go than I do the money. Any more questions regarding details, just ask. I've researched the trip extensively, and I've already done lots of traveling and road trips, so I know about what I'm in for.

[ricardobrazil]

anyone ,, going to brazil ??? september / oct ???? just let me know!!!!

Did this trip happen? I was thinking of doing something like that. I'm from Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, so I'd be doing the same thing. Except for the fact that I'd be coming home.... from America to Rio. For the adventure and also to buy a new car in the US, much cheaper then here! I'm studying still which model to buy and also have no clue about shipping costs. So I'm still in the preparing phase. If anyone wants to join, please reply. Don't know where to como from in the US, and maybe that will depend on who joins.

Bye for now.

[ricardobrazil]

Hi,

Please keep me informed about your trip. A friend and I are planning on driving from Portland, Oregon to Tiera de Fuego sometime in the next two-three years. We are just in the planning stage but are considering driving down in a 4x4 Toyota, selling it somewhere near the end of the trip and then flying home. We are planing on at least two months for the trip. Any advice about routes, accommodations, fuel water etc would be greatly appreciated. Someone spoke of shipping their car from Panama to Ecuador and we wondered if there was a reason for not driving through Columbia.

Wayne
aka El Zorro Platiado

I'm in... and I'll buy the car in the end.

[tierradelfuego]

I hope you made it back safely ! I ll be interested to know how was your crossing experience via the Darien. I hear that the forest between panama and columbia is very dangerous

[ricardobrazil]

I will be getting out of the Marine Corps May of 2009, one year from now. I will be going on a road trip down the Pan-American Hwy beginning in San Diego the first week of June, driving through Mexico, all of the Central America countries except Belize, and shipping my vehicle from Panama to Cartagena, Columbia. From there I plan on driving to Ecuadar, and on thru Peru, Chile, brief stop in Bolivia, Argentina, Uruguay and end in Rio de Janeiro Brazil. I plan on focusing my trip on 1 Central American country, Chile, Argentina and Brazil. In Mexico I just plan on driving through it as fast as possible, prolly 8-10 days, a couple days in each Central American country except for Panama, which will take at least a week due to shipping my vehicle. I plan on about 3 or 4 days in Columbia, 3 or 4 in Ecuador, about 6 in Peru, 6 in Chile, Argentina and Brazil, 2 or 3 days in Uruguay. The entire trip will take roughly a little over 2 months, I plan on ditching my car in Brazil and flying back. I know everyone will say this is not enough time for this kind of trip, that I'll be driving to much, I understand that it's quick, but money is the issue there. If I can get a couple more travelers to come with me I could take longer. I'm not trying to see everything in every country, just the highlights, primarily going for the accomplishment of completing the adventure. If anyone would be interested in going with me, or even a portion of the trip, let me know. I'll even front most of the cost, because right now I care more about finding at least one other person to go than I do the money. Any more questions regarding details, just ask. I've researched the trip extensively, and I've already done lots of traveling and road trips, so I know about what I'm in for.

DID U DO THE TRIP YET OR NOT?

I HAVENTO POSTED SINCE 09, AND TIMES FLYING... TRIP STILL UP?!?!?