[lazarus102]

Ok, for starters a bit about myself. I'm 36 and haven't been across the boarder since I was 15. So this summer I am planning a trip down south along the coast on my dual-sport motorbike. Yes, I have my passport.

I would like to go as far as I can but upon looking at google maps it appears that I cannot make it past Panama on land(at least there's no roads listed). I would like to go down into Columbia and explore the Brazilian rain forest.

I would also like any suggestions on must see attractions and events that I may visit along the way. I will likely be leaving in August.

[stratos]

Highway 1 runs to Argentina I think. It does not end in Panama but probably turns into a dirt road in many areas.

[Hyack]

There is a gap of about 100km between Panama and Colombia, the Darien Gap can be bypassed by air or by sea, but I would choose very carefully if trying to go by ferry or boat. Good luck....

http://www.go-panamerican.com/pan-american-highway-map.php

[BartSimpson]

lazarus102 lazarus102:

Ok, for starters a bit about myself. I'm 36 and haven't been across the boarder since I was 15. So this summer I am planning a trip down south along the coast on my dual-sport motorbike. Yes, I have my passport.

I would like to go as far as I can but upon looking at google maps it appears that I cannot make it past Panama on land(at least there's no roads listed). I would like to go down into Columbia and explore the Brazilian rain forest.

I would also like any suggestions on must see attractions and events that I may visit along the way. I will likely be leaving in August.

Sweet trip!

In Costa Rica along the road to the Poas Volcano (well worth seeing!) is a wonderful local place called Freddo Fresas.

The local cuisine is done well and the remarkable thing is their strawberry juice. I know that sounds simple, right? But it's this amazing, frothy drink made of fresh and crazy sweet strawberries. You've never had one this good, trust me.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_ ... juela.html

In Panama one of the unique things to do is to hang out with the crowd at the Miraflores Visitor Center on the Panama Canal. It's crazy with people eating and drinking and cheering on the ships that pass through the locks. It's a pretty safe way to meet a wide mix of people because the crowd cuts across all social strata and in the parking lot it's not unusual to see a Ferrari parked next to a big flatbed packed with goats. It's a fun party and there's always lots of really good vendors on the street for cheap eats.

In Colombia the Old Town of Cartegena is fun to see, along with the fortress, but brace yourself for the vendors. They're the most aggressive vendors I've ever seen outside of Afghanistan.

Now for the travel safety advice:

In Mexico avoid the Guatemalans.

In Costa Rica avoid the Nicaraguans.

In Colombia avoid the Venezuelans.

In Argentina and Peru avoid the Bolivians.

I give the above advice for two reasons:

1. The locals in the aforementioned countries don't like the people I mentioned and you will attract unwanted attention from the local and Federal police if you go against the local grain.

2. These people are often illegal immigrants and they're poor and desperate and you're putting yourself at risk if you decide you want to prove some point by hanging out with them. Also, you'll get zero sympathy from the local cops if these people do something to you.

Miscellaneous advice:

Street food in the cities is generally safe especially if you see a crowd. These people tend to be territorial about their 'spot' and they often have an established customer base. Along the highway you take your chances but stick to places that are crowded for safety reasons.

OXXO stores are a good place to go for safe food if you don't trust the local fare. They're also geared to travelers and they can often be counted on to help you out in a pinch. Remember to be generous if someone takes you in for the night. Most people get offended by money but no one is offended by a guest who buys 'too much' food or beer and leaves the balance behind.

Nicaragua is dicey. If you camp out get away from the highway. If the robbers don't rob you the police will...that's not a joke. Away from the highway people are generally nicer. Go to a church to ask for a place to stay or eat. Follow the rule for guests if the priest takes you in.

In Argentina just remember that Margaret Thatcher was wrong, the Malvinas belong to Argentina, and be sure to eat the meat! The alfajores are awesome, too, if you can get them.

[lazarus102]

That looks like a lot of people to avoid.. How do I know who's who? "the Malvinas belong to Argentina" not really sure what you mean by that..

I looked up the volcano that you mentioned and the wiki states that it is currently closed indefinitely due to an eruption in April of this year with a 2.5k safety perimeter established around the erupting crater. If I'm being honest I still wouldn't mind checking it out if there was a way past the barriers and not a high likelihood of being caught or of severe punishment.

Also while you're giving safety advice, the bike I'm bringing down is a 2016 Honda. It costed me 8000$. Honestly I'm a bit paranoid about it getting stolen. What are the safest places that I could park it at night? I imagine in crowded areas during the day would be fine but at night those places will not be crowded.

As stated above, bringing my bike, this isn't one of those trips in which I simply fly to one place and explore a small perimeter. So with that said, will the ferry between Panama and Columbia accept vehicles?

"Highway 1 runs to Argentina I think. It does not end in Panama but probably turns into a dirt road in many areas."
Can this be confirmed? My bike is dual-sport, dirt roads would be no problem.

One more thing I would like to know. I have never made a trip like this and I will be on my own. I will be bringing a large hiking backpack but many times it would be a hindrance to take with me literally everywhere. So with that said, where could I safely/temporarily store my backpack at stops? Some may say "at your hotel" but this is going to be a month-long trip and I'd run myself into a hell of a debt staying at hotels all the time.

Thank you for any advice given and thank you to BartSimpson for the wealth of info above.

[martin14]

lazarus102 lazarus102:

That looks like a lot of people to avoid.. How do I know who's who? "the Malvinas belong to Argentina" not really sure what you mean by that..

Read a history book. around 1982.
As far as who is who, stay away from the poor people. Middle class or better only.

$1:

Also while you're giving safety advice, the bike I'm bringing down is a 2016 Honda. It costed me 8000$. Honestly I'm a bit paranoid about it getting stolen. What are the safest places that I could park it at night?

At home in your garage ?

$1:

As stated above, bringing my bike, this isn't one of those trips in which I simply fly to one place and explore a small perimeter. So with that said, will the ferry between Panama and Columbia accept vehicles?

$1:

$1:

Yes but you need to research that a lot before you go.
Darian Gap is a major issue to get around.

$1:

"Highway 1 runs to Argentina I think. It does not end in Panama but probably turns into a dirt road in many areas."
Can this be confirmed? My bike is dual-sport, dirt roads would be no problem.

It doesn't have a dirt road, and the area is full of rebels anyway who will
cut you into pieces just for fun.

You can ferry, or ship your bike by air. Air more expensive, ferry
is a large PIA.

$1:

One more thing I would like to know. I have never made a trip like this and I will be on my own. I will be bringing a large hiking backpack but many times it would be a hindrance to take with me literally everywhere. So with that said, where could I safely/temporarily store my backpack at stops? Some may say "at your hotel" but this is going to be a month-long trip and I'd run myself into a hell of a debt staying at hotels all the time.
Thank you for any advice given and thank you to BartSimpson for the wealth of info above.

You should ask yourself some other questions first.

Speak Spanish ?
Are you able to fix absolutely everything on your bike ?
Life insurance ?
Funeral plans ?
How much money do you have to throw at this ? You will need double whatever number
you think it is.


Here, my good deed for the week.

First PD, then this guy. I'm getting old and soft.


http://advrider.com/index.php?search/39 ... =relevance

9 pages of forum threads only about the Gap.


After, go here, register, spend a month reading before you even think
about this trip.

http://advrider.com/index.php



Good luck !

[Hyack]

lazarus102 lazarus102:

"Highway 1 runs to Argentina I think. It does not end in Panama but probably turns into a dirt road in many areas."
Can this be confirmed? My bike is dual-sport, dirt roads would be no problem.

Once again, read up on the Darien Gap.....

Silent Darien: The gap in the world's longest road

$1:

The gap stretches from the north to the south coast of Panama - from the Atlantic to the Pacific. It's between 100km and 160km (60-100 miles) long, and there is no way round, except by sea.

$1:

Jungles, swamps, guerillas and corrupt military - all in the most intense 90km on Earth
You might have wondered if it's possible to drive between North and South America - for surely there must be a road between these two continents! Well, as it turns out, there is absolutely NO ROAD connecting them, and all travel advisories clearly say "Don't Go", even if you feel somewhat suicidal. I am talking about the wild and wildly dangerous Darien Gap.

http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2008/09/darien-gap-most-dangerous-absence-of.html

[lazarus102]

Ok, so what I'm gathering is that even if there was a road that goes all the way down, I wouldn't want to be on it. So... take the ferry I guess(more cost effective).

As for "At home in your garage ?"; obvious troll answer as my bike is my only vehicle and even if it wasn't, I wouldn't make this kinda trip in a car. I'd be spending a thousand dollars on gas alone.

I know a little Spanish and plan to learn a bit more before the trip. At least enough to passively communicate.

"The gap stretches from the north to the south coast of Panama" So is this to say that I should skip the Panama all-together?

Could still use some good places to store my backpack along the way and I'd like to know if there will be any big events in August that would be worth visiting in the US or Mexico.

[bootlegga]

martin14 martin14:

Yes but you need to research that a lot before you go.
Darian Gap is a major issue to get around.

Hyack Hyack:

lazarus102 lazarus102:

"Highway 1 runs to Argentina I think. It does not end in Panama but probably turns into a dirt road in many areas."
Can this be confirmed? My bike is dual-sport, dirt roads would be no problem.

Once again, read up on the Darien Gap.....

Silent Darien: The gap in the world's longest road

$1:

The gap stretches from the north to the south coast of Panama - from the Atlantic to the Pacific. It's between 100km and 160km (60-100 miles) long, and there is no way round, except by sea.

$1:

Jungles, swamps, guerillas and corrupt military - all in the most intense 90km on Earth
You might have wondered if it's possible to drive between North and South America - for surely there must be a road between these two continents! Well, as it turns out, there is absolutely NO ROAD connecting them, and all travel advisories clearly say "Don't Go", even if you feel somewhat suicidal. I am talking about the wild and wildly dangerous Darien Gap.

http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2008/09/darien-gap-most-dangerous-absence-of.html

I tried planning a similar trip about 15 years ago with some friends but we never went because I couldn't raise enough funds - but the Darian Gap was the one place that had us very worried.

Back then, there was a ferry that would take you from Panama to Columbia/Ecuador that we had planned on taking, due to the sheer insanity that is the Gap, but I'm not sure it's still in service.

[xerxes]

Also, when possible be sure to check in with the Canadian embassy or consulate just in case of the off chance you run into some banditos.

Plus what Martin said. Be sure you know some passable Spanish. The bigger cities will have more people who can speak English but not the rural areas.

[lazarus102]

After what I've taken in, I'm thinking about ending my trip a bit short. The Corcovado Jungle looks like an awesome place to explore so I will likely go there for a few days before doubling back.

About Corcovado Jungle, is it worth it to pay for the tours or would I be better off just entering on my own. I hear there's jaguars there, is it safe to explore? I wouldn't worry so much about the crocs as they have a rather short 'sprint' distance but them jags could get ya pretty easy.

[housewife]

Really do we look like Google. Jungles by definition are dangerous and you want to wonder around alone. Next you will be wondering about feeding wild animals...

[lazarus102]

housewife housewife:

Really do we look like Google. Jungles by definition are dangerous and you want to wonder around alone. Next you will be wondering about feeding wild animals...

If you got nothing nice to say then piss off.

[raydan]

She was pretty polite.

You, on the other hand, just broke your own rule...

[Freakinoldguy]

lazarus102 lazarus102:

housewife housewife:

Really do we look like Google. Jungles by definition are dangerous and you want to wonder around alone. Next you will be wondering about feeding wild animals...

If you got nothing nice to say then piss off.

You come on here, contribute nothing and only show up when you want to pick peoples brains for information that is readily available to anyone willing to get off your ass and looks for it. Then, when someone who actually participates on this forum gets tired of your incessant questions and makes a comment, you have the unmitigated gall to tell them to piss off.

Here's a suggestion. Why don't you shelve the non stop questions and contribute to the discussions being held here because. in case you hadn't noticed this forum isn't your own personal "ask Jeeves" page and your sense of self entitlement is getting more than a little tiring.