Well, i got an offer that i am having a hard time turning down. A good friend owns about 20 acres with riverfront, and a spring in costa rica. He has asked me to come help him build a house, and in return, i can stay on his property free of charge, to live, hunt, etc.

I am intrested in driving my jeep down from washington state. I know i will have to drive through nicaragua, and i can drive around el salvador, but thats about it so far:laughing: Has anyone done a trip like this? I am considering staying down there after we get him a place made. There is already a 15x20 house/shack on his property. He sleeps in a tent inside the house :laughing:

Anyone have experience on driving an american liscensed vehicle through this area?? I will have an American passport.


Thanks in advance.

Marcus

You mention hunting in CR, to begin with no firearms would be allowed for Gringo from Mexico on down to CR. Mexico is noted for putting Gringo in some remote jail for very long stretches for just a bullet never mind a gun. Need Mexico vehicle insurance for your gringo vehicle too, this web should have that info.

Best advise is to check with STATE DEPARTMENT for travel warnings/restrictions in all areas you will be traveling through, the travel warnings are for a reason. Many travel warnings for Mexico now.

It would be foolish to think you would have any rights like herein the states when stopped by say MILITARY POLICE in some god forsaken place. A GI jerry can could be taken from you because it is forbidden MILITARY gear, as is camo gear in some areas. Gangs roam roadways of some of these countries too, caution is important.

If you decide to do the trip after all the research enjoy the trip and the TICO way of life. I'm guessin you might just want to stay there once you have time to adjust to the slower pace of things.

Mexico's temporary permits for introduction of firearms (spanish):

http://tramilnet.sedena.gob.mx/portal/informacion/tramite0.php?idtramite=54&tramite=PERMISO%20EXTRAORDINARIO%20DE%20IMPORTACIO N%20Y%20EXPORTACION%20TEMPORAL%20DE%20ARMAS%20DE%2 0FUEGO

You mention hunting in CR, to begin with no firearms would be allowed for Gringo from Mexico on down to CR. Mexico is noted for putting Gringo in some remote jail for very long stretches for just a bullet never mind a gun. Need Mexico vehicle insurance for your gringo vehicle too, this web should have that info.



If you decide to do the trip after all the research enjoy the trip and the TICO way of life. I'm guessin you might just want to stay there once you have time to adjust to the slower pace of things.


Hunting doesnt mean guns, i plan on bringin a couple of my compound bows. :flipoff2:

That is what i am thinking as well. i visited there for a month and a half last year, and i didnt want to leave. my friends propety is a 5 minute walk to riverfront, has a filtered natural spring, lots of wildlife. All i have been reading is that costa rica is very politicaly stable.

I remember a recent presidential election in CR it was held more then a few times because the % was not there for a clear win!

Mentioned arms because the military entities of each country usually controls who has access and who can get access to arms, gringo or otherwise.

CR has no military, it was banned after the military took the liberty to grab powers reserved for civilian government.

Squatters are an issue in remote CR as well as in other central and south American countries.

Hunting? Make sure it is not on some nature or wildlife preserve with private security.

The further form the cities one goes the less one sees any government entity.

thanks man. i definitly apprichiate the input. i am considering moving there. i am planning a nother visit to there soon. im exited!!

I have done the trip twice going all the way to belize from oregon...its not a bad drive, I go down through mexico all the time..I have never had any problems going through any of the countries on the way, have a great trip, and DONT DRIVE AT NIGHT!!! cows come out on the road and lie down to stay warm on the pavement....that can do a number on the rig!!!. its a great drive I plan on going down again in november

I have done the trip twice going all the way to belize from oregon...its not a bad drive, I go down through mexico all the time..I have never had any problems going through any of the countries on the way, have a great trip, and DONT DRIVE AT NIGHT!!! cows come out on the road and lie down to stay warm on the pavement....that can do a number on the rig!!!. its a great drive I plan on going down again in november

do you stay in hotels the way down there? camp ? how long of a drive is it? :)

I have done the trip twice going all the way to belize from oregon...its not a bad drive, I go down through mexico all the time..I have never had any problems going through any of the countries on the way, have a great trip, and DONT DRIVE AT NIGHT!!! cows come out on the road and lie down to stay warm on the pavement....that can do a number on the rig!!!. its a great drive I plan on going down again in november

As luck has it most don't have problems driving through Mexico. As for Belize which borders Mexico on east coast there are no issues that the average traveler needs to be aware of and english is main language too.

However, to the west and south there are issues in the other countries that one needs to consider, start with US STATE DEPT for latest travel warnings because there are warnings. Let everyone know where you plan to be and make regular contact with them.

Good traveling is being aware............

I agree, if you drive during the day time your good to go. Use common sense.

I'd be more worried about the bandits at night than the cows.
Crossing the borders of the various countries with a vehicle may be a serious issue. I'd go to every countries embassy here in advance and research every possible scenario.

In the 70s I went from Costa Rica to Mexico City by bus (long story) and the buses never crossed the borders. We would have to unload and walk thru spooky heavily guarded and fenced border areas to a bus waiting on the other side in the next country. Can only imagine trying to get a car thru given all their issues with importing cars into these countries.

I'd ship the car and fly down, but I understand the need for adventure!

Good luck!

its not a bad drive, we camp out along the way, have drove all the way down to panama, without any issues of any kind, and i dont even speak spanish. there is one trick though to get you through most issues, carry 2 wallets. one wallet with drivers license, and around $100 put the other away with the rest of your cash.. mexican police only stop americans for " donations"!!! mexican police are the lowest paid people down there, heck they have to buy their own guns and bullets, when they stop you for some made up reason, just ask them if you can pay your fine to them, tell them you only have 100 dollars to get through the next few days, and offer up $20-40 they will take it and tell you to have a nice day. I go from oregon to belize in 8 days, If i were you i would go straight down to lapaz,baja, then take the fairy across to mainland, its a nice trip, and its faster.

Glad to hear to hear the trip is doable Chad. Love to do it one day!

but doing it in one day, means no fishing along the way:D

not to point you away fromt his website but check out www.expeditionportal.com they have a central america section and lots of people that have done the trip.

Oh and I would jump at that opportunity if you can afford it financially! CR is an amazing country!