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About Expedition Tierra del Fuego 2024
Introduction
My name is John Branco. I reside in Florida and I am trying to gather people interested in this long trip to the most Southern tip of South America. Crossing Central America, South America thru the west coast, and loop back, after destination, thru the East Coast of South America. My goal is to build a small convoy/caravan of 4x4s. People that have the will and spirit of adventure.
Still is in early stages. There is a lot of studying to be done. I will keep adding to this site information. Starting with countries to be crossed, time frame to each crossing and distance, safe places for us to camp and places for longer camp stay. Each country requirements for border entries. Weather conditions, especially because of the heat on countries surrounding the Ecuador, cold at Tierra del Fuego, as well monsoon period at Amazonian area, etc. And of course, above everything, safety.
Experience
I have made this kind of trips all my life.
I speak also fluent Portuguese and good Spanish.
My last long trip was in June/July 2019, with my wife to Alaska, Denali. Afterwards we headed back to Canada, driving the most Northern road in the US. Top of the Word Hwy. We base camped in Dawson City, Canada and headed to the most Northern place you can drive on the North America,Tuktoyaktuk, a small Esquimos Village. A three day off road drive (Dempster Hwy) thru the Northwest Territories, Canada. Amazing!!! Overall 14K miles trip.
In the late 90s, I drove from Florida to Belize border with Guatemala. I turned around because I was doing the trip on my own. Didn't felt comfortable proceeding alone. Belize was a perfect place to stay for a few days to rest.
Around 2012, I made a trip to South America. Two cars. We shipped the cars to Chile, and flew there, we crossed the Andes to Argentina, and headed to South Brazil, Parana. And then started driving North, crossing all Brazil and we ended the trip in State of Fortaleza.
My last adventure trip was the year 2022, in April. Two Jeeps. We did the Pony Express Trail, crossing the Nevada Desert. Our final destination was Lake Tahoe, California.
We came back thru highway 50, the "Loneliest Road in the US" to base camp in Fillmore, Utah.
Most of the time I did my trip by myself. Studying and planning as much as I could. Getting some ideas and inputs from people that have made these trips.
Pony Express videos that I saw from some folks, what triggered me to do this trip to Tierra del Fuego. As they mentioned on their videos, their wish to accomplish. I will seek them as well to invite.
As I mentioned, this is just an intro. I already started studying and will post soon more info so we can eventually get to know each other, plan together and exchange ideas, talk to you soon.
THE GOAL
Departure the US around July 25th, 2024 with destination Tierra del Fuego/Ushuaia.
Cross Mexico thru the East Coast. Central America into South America. Cross the Andes from Chile into Argentina and head South on the Western Country side along the Patagonia until we hit destination.
On our way back, head North thru e Eastern Argentina, until we cross into Uruguay and drive one of the longest beach coast into South Brazil, 'Rio Grande do Sul', border with the State of 'Santa Catarina'.
Make a "bee line" West to 'Foz do Iguacu', where is the 'Cataratas do Iguacu'.
From there we head North to 'Fortaleza', where again we can drive thru 3 states by the Ocean Coast along huge sand dunes. Destination will be the state of 'Maranhao'.
From there we head West/SW thru the Amazon and border with Peru, what eventually will take us back on route, where we came, and head North back home.
*Again, this is the goal. A lot of study have to be done. I will break down every detail from distance, time, cost, safe places. Places that maybe we will need to push, etc.
And I will be open for comments, opinions, inputs and ideas. After all, my purpose is to gather this caravan and we all travel as one and safety to all of us.
The goal is to explore all these beautiful places and for all of us have a good trip and an experience of a life time.
We leave as one, and come back as one. No one stay behind.
SCHEDULES: "updates will be posted as study goes on
Driving time daily 350-400 miles a day (6/8 hours). Depending on terrain or more if needed to push.
USA
Mexico
Belize
Guatemala
Honduras
El Salvador
Nicaragua
Costa Rica
Panama
Colombia
Ecuador
Peru
Bolivia
Chile
Argentina
Uruguay
Brazil - Peru (Trans Amazon)
TOTAL DRIVING DISTANCE
23.086 miles - 37.153 km (US border)
26.066 miles - 41.949 km (from Orlando,Florida)
We will be driving thru all four Seasons including snow, ice, high winds, high altitude. Rivers and beaches. Amazon Forest.
NOTE: Estimated cost.
Based on my Jeep (11 mpg) towing my off road camper. 132 tanks at $3.50/gallon. $8,000.00 in fuel.
On these long trips, I always calculated $1 per mile as total cost for a comfortable trip.
SCHEDULES
RENDEZVOUS - JULY 23, 2024
We will be leaving Florida on July 18th, 2024, heading to rendezvous at KOA Cotulla TX on July 23.
Address:
153 RV Park Road, Cotulla, TX 78014.
Reservation: 800-562-7512.
Info: 830-879-4181.
OBSERVATIONS:
This is a scheduled route that I'm making to fit safe travel and places to stay in a timely matter. I'm open for any suggestions, as places to visit, places to stay longer, etc.
Still have to be studied a schedule to meet time frame for Derien Gap at Panama. Will be updated.....
NOTE:
We have to keep in mind for a tight schedule because of vehicles shipping at Derien Gap (both ways). Tierra del Fuego because of the weather, and mostly important, monsoon season at rain forest on our way back North at Amazon. I believe last passing end of October. Again, still being studied.
GENERAL NOTES:
- Seems like best and safest shipping is thru Seaboard Marine. Usually departs once a week on Saturdays from Panama to Cartagena, Colombia, 1-2 days. Elapsed time can be up to 10 days because of paper work. Ideal time to arrive in Colon, Panama would be on a Tuesday.
- Important that everyone knows all dimensions and weight of the vehicles, in metric and kilograms.
- 40' containers dimensions (door)
H 2.58m
W 2.34m
L 12.31m
MEXICO
*Port of entry by car/camper requirements:
- Proof of vehicles ownership or permission from lien holder to travel cross borders.
- Temporary vehicles import permits
Banjercito web or at border
Consulate/Visa:
- US Passport. Whom ever have a Green Card bring along Passport from country of origin.
Distance/scale/time cities to cities and stops:
- Total driving South bound in Mexico: Total 1.480 miles aprox.
- July 25, leave Campground Cotulla, TX to border at Piedras Negras, 93 miles heading to San Rafael, MX, additional 304 miles. South on HWY 57. We will push this first day for safety reasons, avoid the State of Tamaulipas.
- July 26, leave San Rafael to Tampico Auto. 418 miles. South HWY 57 to East 70 (Tampico).
- July 27, leave Tampico Auto to Palma Sola. 228 miles.
Poza Rica, Vera Cruz Km 180 El Ensueno 31477, Palma Sola, Vera Cruz, MX. South on HWY 180.
- July 28, if campground in Palma Sola is nice we stay and rest for the day.
- July 29, leave Palma Sola to Morrita campground, Jaltipam de Morelos, Vera Cruz, 15 Septiembre. Rafael Murello Vidal, 96250, Jaltipam de Morelos, Vera Cruz, MX.
200 miles. SE on HWY 180.
- July 30, leave Jaltipam to Mi Najayita, 30115 Tzimal, Chiapas, MX, 260 miles. SE HWY 190.
- July 31, leave Tzimal to Guatemala border, about 38 miles. Head to Antigua Hotel on CA-1. About 144 miles. SE CA-1. At Antigua we will choose a Hotel to spend the night. As there are multiple choices and supposedly a safe city. (time to take a shower).
- At Mexico/Guatemala border we need to cancel the temporary import permit as well checkout passport.
BELIZE (We'll by pass going South bound)
*Port of entry by car/camper requirements:
Consulate/Visa:
Distance/scale/time cities to cities and stops:
GUATEMALA
*Port of entry by car/camper requirements:
- Proof of vehicles ownership or permission from lien holder to travel cross border.
- Temporary import permit.
Consulate/Visa:
- US Passport.
- Green Card holder must apply for tourist card ($12.00).
Distance/scale/time cities to cities and stops:
- Driving South bound in Guatemala: Total 310 miles aprox.
- Aug 01, Stay Antigua, Guatemala. Rest and regroup, plans.
- Aug 02 - Leave Antigua to El Salvador border, on CA-1. 166 miles. Head to Town of Quelepa, El Salvador. Additional 133 miles after border. ESE CI-1.
EL SALVADOR
*Port of entry by car/camper requirements:
- Proof of vehicles ownership or permission from lien holder to travel cross border.
- Temporary import permit. If possible obtain and save 2 copies of active permit.
Consulate/Visa:
- US Passport.
- Green Card holder must apply for tourist card.
Distance/scale/time cities to cities and stops:
- Driving South bound: Total 180 miles aprox.
- Aug 03, leave Quelepa to Honduras border. 46 miles. Cross Honduras, total of 82 miles to Nicaragua border. Afterwards drive extra 176 miles to Town of Granada. Find place. Total driving 304 miles on CA-1 SE.
HONDURAS
*Port of entry by car/camper requirements:
- Same as previous.
- Keep in mind, that before leaving each border we need to cancel the temporary import permit. That goes for every country.
Consulate/Visa:
- Same as previous.
Distance/scale/time cities to cities and stops:
- Driving South bound: Total 82 miles aprox.
- We will drive bypass Honduras Southbound. When we return Northbound towards Belize will be more ground to cover.
NICARAGUA
*Port of entry by car/camper requirements:
- Same as previous.
Consulate/Visa:
- Same as previous. Immigration tourist card US $10.00.
Distance/scale/time cities to cities and stops:
- Driving South bound: Total 220 miles aprox.
- Aug 04, stay Granada.
- Aug 05, leave Granada, Nicaragua to Costa Rica Border. 49 miles on CI-1 SE. From border head on CI-1 SE to HWY 23 (126 miles) E - S(17 miles). Find camping or hotel around Playa Hermosa. Total 219 miles..
COSTA RICA
*Port of entry by car/camper requirements:
- Same as previous. As always don't forget to cancel the temporary import permit from the country we are leaving.
- I believe Costa Rica will require auto-insurance ($35.00 USD).
Consulate/Visa:
- Same as previous. As well don't forget to stamp out your passport as you leave each country. Note: Make sure you save every paperwork giving to you at each Aduana.
Distance/scale/time cities to cities and stops:
- Driving South bound: Total 370 miles aprox.
- Aug 06, stay Playa Hermosa. Food and cook.
- Aug 07, stay Playa Hermosa.
- Aug 08, leave Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica to Panama border on HWY 34 SE to 18 and back to CI-2. 209 miles. Drive another 88 miles to San Felix District. Bungalo address on web. E CI-1. Total 297 miles.
PANAMA
*Port of entry by car/camper requirements:
- Same as previous. As always don't forget to cancel the temporary import permit from the country we are leaving. I believe the TIP will be canceled at port when we depart the vehicle.
Consulate/Visa:
- Same as previous. As well don't forget to stamp out your passport as you leave each country. Note: Make sure you save every paperwork giving to you at each Aduana.
NOTE: Double check all documentations from vehicles as well passports without any errors or retype corrections, as at the port they are really strict.
Distance/scale/time cities to cities and stops:
- Driving East and NE 352 miles. Aprox.
- Aug 10, leave San Felix, Panama to Port of Colon. Stay at Sand Diamond Hotel, Milleniun Plaza, Colon, Panama (507) 447-1000. E and NE on CI-1 and HWY 2 North to Colon. Total 280 miles.
- Aug 11, at San Diamond Hotel prep all docs for export at port.
- Aug 12, Hotel, elapsed time, paper work.
- Aug 13, Hotel, elapsed time, paper work.
- Aug 14, Hotel elapsed time, paper work.
- Aug 15, Hotel wait? Book flight to Cartagena?
- Aug 16, Hotel wait?
- Aug 17, shipment and flight to Cartagena, Colombia. Stay at Maos House El Bosque (booking.com). Apartment $42.00. Address: Diagonal 21A 39a-04. Calle San Pedro, Barrio El Bosque, Cartagena de Indias, Colombia (next to port).
- Elapsed time for port paper work. Start most likely on Mondays, latest Tuesday until Friday with shipment window on Saturdays.
COLOMBIA
*Port of entry by car/camper requirements:
- If our vehicles are departed from Colon Panama on Saturday Aug, 17th, as per their schedule, we should be able to pick up on Monday Aug, 19th., or Tuesday Aug 20th. And do the TIP and other legal procedures.
Consulate/Visa:
- We should be departing Panama by plane to Cartagena on Aug, 17th. as well. Arriving same day, which all our VISAS will be processed.
Distance/scale/time cities to cities and stops:
- From Cartagena to Ecuador border 840 miles aprox.
- CHANGE OIL (CARTAGENA)
- Aug 18, stay at Hotel, luckly we will be able to have updates from ship.
- Aug 19, hopefully get vehicles. Back to hotel. Supervise vehicles. Cartagena, Colombia.
- Aug 20, leave hotel Cartagena to Yarumal, Colombia, 288 miles. Route SE 90 to 25 South. Small Town before Medellin.
- Aug 21, leave Yamural to Tulua (264 miles), or Buga (274 miles) via Panam, South 25.
- Aug 22, leave Buga, Colombia to Ecuador border, 264 miles, Via Panam S 25. Push extra 99 miles to Quito, Ecuador. Stay at Hotel Quito. Total driving 363 miles.
ECUADOR
*Port of entry by car/camper requirements:
- TIP good for 90 days. Same as other countries, cancel and renew.
Consulate/Visa:
- 90 days VISA.
Distance/scale/time cities to cities and stops:
- 660 miles aprox.
- Aug 23, leave Hotel Quito to Palmira, Ecuador. Desert Camping. 210 miles, South on 35.
- Aug 24. leave Palmira Desert to Peru border, 240 miles, S on 35. After Peru border, drive another 60 miles to Sullana, Peru, on 1N SW and W.
PERU
*Port of entry by car/camper requirements:
- Border open 7-5 PM. After VISA stamped on passport go to TIP. Same as other borders.
Consulate/Visa:
- VISA for 90 days same as others.
Distance/scale/time cities to cities and stops:
- 1614 miles aprox. from border to border. Going South on 1N and 1S.
- Maybe places to visit off Panam:
- Canon del Pato, towards Caraz.
- Nasca Lines.
- Sacred Valle.
- NOTICE: It is said worse driving in South America. Be on look out.
- OBS: Heavy rain on Peruvian Amazon Forest, starting November.
- Aug 25, leave Sullana, Peru to Trujillo. 312 miles, SE on 1N. Camp or find a place.
- Aug 26, leave Trujillo, Peru to Huacho. 260 miles, SSE on 1N. Camp or find a place.
- Aug 27, leave Huacho, Peru to Pisco. 360 miles, S on 1N to 1S. Camp or find a place.
- Aug 28, leave Pisco, Peru to Punta del Lobos. 260 miles, SSE on 1S. Camp or find a place.
- Aug 29, leave Punta del Lobos, Peru to Platanal, Peru. 260 miles SE on 1S to 1N, SE, SW on 30 to 1S. Camp or find a place.
- Aug 30, leave Platanal to Chile border, 130 miles, plus 170 miles to Iq
BOLIVIA (We'll bypass going South bound)
*Port of entry by car/camper requirements:
Consulate/Visa:
Distance/scale/time cities to cities and stops:
CHILE: THE EPIC ADVENTURE STARTS
*Port of entry by car/camper requirements:
- Stamp/cancel TIP from Peru. Get TIP from Chile with vehicles original titles.
- Buy Chile obligatory S.O.A.P. insurance at border.
Consulate/Visa:
- Same. Stamp out Peru, stamp in Chile and go for TIP.
Distance/scale/time cities to cities and stops:
- 2450 miles aprox. to border with Argentina, thru Carretera Austral.
- From here on we will freely camp at each destination.
- Santiago, Chile, my wife Sandra and my daughter Vanessa, will be joining the caravan.
- Aug 31, leave Iquique to Jose Manuel Balmacena, 300 miles. South Ruta 1 to back Ruta 5.
- Sep 01, SANDRA LEAVING ORLANDO. VANESSA LEAVING SAO LUIS , BRASIL to Hotel in Santiago.
Leave Jose Manuel, Chile to Vallenar. 300 miles on Ruta 5.
- Sep 02, SANDRA AND VANESSA STAY AT HOTEL DIEGO DE ALMAGRO, SANTIAGO.
Av. Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins.
1485, 834 0518 Santiago, Region Metropolitana, Chile.
We leave Vallenar, Chile to Santiago. 324 miles South on Ruta 5. Rendezvour with Sandra and Vanessa. Stay hotel.
- Sep 03, stay hotel. Preps for epic trip.
- Sep 04, leave hotel, Santiago to Chillan, Chile. 300 miles on Ruta 5.
- Sep 05, leave Chillan, to Osorno, Chile, 300 miles on Ruta 5.
- Sep 06, leave Osorno to Puerto Montt (Carretera Austral) 48 miles. Proceed to Amarillo. 150 miles, South Ruta 5 to Ruta 7.
- Sep 07, from Amarillo head to Coihaique, 200 miles. South Ruta 7 to HWY 240 back to Ruta 7.
- Sep 08, leave Coihaique to Villa O'Hoggins (Carretera Austral) 216 miles on Ruta 7, end of Ruta 7.
- Sep 09, maybe stay for the day at Villa O'Hoggins.
- Sep 10, leave Villa O'Hoggins to Argentina border, 168 miles North on Ruta 7 to NE 265. From Argentina border we drive 100 miles on 43 E to 40 S to Rio Olnie, Argentina. Total 268 miles.
ARGENTINA
*Port of entry by car/camper requirements:
- Same as before. With VISA, get the TIP.
Consulate/Visa:
- Passport . Same as before. Stamp out , stamp in.
Distance/scale/time cities to cities and stops:
- From the border to Ushuaia, 696 miles.
- From Ushuaia to Uruguay border 2048 miles aprox.
- From here on we camp freely at each destination until reaching Ushuaia.
- Look for possibility of a day flight to Antarctica.
- CHANGE OIL (USHUAIA)
- Sep 11, leave Rio Olinie to Rio Gallegos, Argentina on Ruta 40/27/288/3 South. 297 miles.
- Sep 12, leave Rio Gallegos, Argentina on 3 South to Chile border, 24 miles. After Chile border head to Ushuaia. Total 288 miles.
Obs : Seems like there is a waterway we need to cross, by ferry on HWY 257. (Maybe 3 miles across/on scale)
Hotel Aldea Nevada- Bungalos/Cabana- Fernando Luiz Martial, 1430-Ushuaia.
- Sep 13, stay Ushuaia.
- Sep 14, stay Ushuaia, adventure Tierra del Fuego.
- Sep 15, stay Ushuaia, prep North, oil change, etc.
- Sep 16, leave Ushuaia on Ruta 3 to Chile border. 180 miles. Border same details, Ruta 257 to 253. Chile to Argentina border, 126 miles. Another 26 miles to Rio Gallego or close by on Ruta 3, we camp.
Obs: We will cross the same waterway on HWY 257.
- Sep 17, leave Rio Gallegos, Argentina on Ruta 3 North to Cabo Curioso. 200 miles.
- Set 18, leave Cabo Curioso on Ruta 3 North, to Comodoro Rivadavia. 220 miles.
- Sep 19, leave Comodoro to Puerto Madrin, Argentina on Ruta 3 NE. 253 miles.
-Sep 20, leave Puerto Madrin to Cina Cina. North on Ruta 3 to Ruta 251. 260 miles.
- Sep 21, leave Cina Cina, Argentina to Juarez. Ruta 251 N to 22 East and back to Ruta 3. 396 miles.
- Sep 22, leave Juarez, North Ruta 3, thru Buenos Aires to Ceivas. On Ruta 9 and Ruta 12/14 North. 306 miles.
- Sep 23, leave Ceivas, Argentina to Uruguai border, North on 12 to East 136. 72 miles. Into Uruguai Ruta 2 SE to 1 to 11 to 8 to 9 to Rocha. Additional 288 miles. Note that border crossing all the same as always.
URUGUAY
*Port of entry by car/camper requirements:
- Same as before, stamp/cancel TIP.
Consulate/Visa:
- Same as others.
Distance/scale/time cities to cities and stops:
- 378 miles aprox.
- Sep 24, leave Rocha, Uruguay tp Chuy, border with Brazil, Ruta 9 NE. 90 miles. From Brazilian side, Barra do Chui, BR 471, turn right on road 2 Barra do Chui. Starts Praia do Cassino ( make sure to buy food, meats) we will camp at beach. Drive another 90 miles on the beach, or until a safe place to camp for 2 days, because of the tides. (Estacao Ecologica).
BRAZIL - PERU (TRANSAMAZON)
*Port of entry by car/camper requirements:
- Same as before.
Consulate/Visa:
- Same as before.
Distance/scale/time cities to cities and stops:
- As from Praia do Cassino to Fortaleza, CE. 2599 miles aprox.
- Fortaleza/Sao Luiz 431 miles aprox.
- Sao Luiz/Peru border 1970 miles aprox.
- CHANGE OIL (FORTALEZA)
- Sep 25, stay. Camp at Praia Cassino.
- Sep 26, we head North on the beach to Rio Grande/Pelotas, BR 392, 60 miles. Keep on BR 392/BR 158 to Julio de Castilhos. 174 Miles.
- Sep 27, leave Julio de Castilhos to Foz do Iguacu, North on BR 158.290 miles. Look for hotel. "Previous"
- Sep 28, go to Foz do Iguacu waterfalls, restaurant.
- Sep 29, AFTERNOON FLIGHT VANESSA.
Restaurant and prep to head North.
- Sep 30, head North on BR 277 to BR 399 to Presidente Prudente, 300 miles.
- Oct 01, leave Presidente Prudente to Ituverava North on BR 425. 261 miles.
- Oct 02, leave Ituverava North on BR 50 to BR 365 to Canoeiras. 260 miles.
- Oct 03, leave Canoeiras to Candido Sales. North on BR 365 to BR 251. 350 miles.
- Oct 04, leave Candido Sales to Serrinha. North BR 116, 290 miles.
- Oct 05, leave Serrinha to Barro. North on BR 116, 290 miles.
- Oct 06, leave Barro to Canoa Quebrada. North BR 116 to BR 230 to BR 405. 174 miles.
- Oct 07, stay Canoa Quebrada. Plans to meet Agency for "Rota das Emocoes" (Route of Emotions). Distance to Fortaleza, 60 miles, distance to Jericoacara, 120 miles.
* Rota das Emocoes (Route of Emotions). Beaches driving.
* Fortaleza - Jericoacara.
* Jericoacara - Parnaiba.
* Parnaiba - Lencois Maranhense.
* Barrerinha - Sao Luiz.
- Tribus Ecotrip
Ave. Santos Dumont, 2789 - SL 506.
Aldeota, Fortaleza - CE 60177-415.
55-85-99917-8509.
- Oct 08, head to Fortaleza (CE 040) to Jericoacara BR 222 to BR 402.
- Oct 09, Rota Emocoes, destination Sao Luiz. Aprox. 520 miles driving in and out of deserted beaches and dunes.
- Oct 10, Rota Emocoes, destination Sao Luiz.
- Oct 11, Rota Emocoes, destination Sao Luiz.
- Oct 12, Rota Emocoes, destination Sao Luiz.
- Oct 13, Rota Emocoes, destination Sao Luiz.
- Oct 14, stay Sao Luiz. SANDRA FLIGHT BACK TO ORLANDO, FLORIDA.
- Oct 15, depart Sao Luiz, BR 135 to BR 222 SW, to Broio, North , to BR 222 W. to Va. Palestina. 290 miles.
- Oct 16, leave Va. Palestina BR 222 West to Maraba, connect to BR 230, Transamazonica (Transamazon) to Belo Monte. 300 miles.
- Oct 17, Transamazon. Leave Belo Monte on BR 230 West to Itaituba. 280 miles.
- Oct 18, Transamazon. Leave Itaituba on BR 230 SW to Vila Porto Franco. 300 miles.
- Oct 19, Transamazon. Leave Vila Porto Franco on BR 230 SW to Humaita. 260 miles.
- Oct 20 Transamazon. Leave Humaita, transition to BR
319 South to Porto Velho, BR 364 SW to Rio Branco. 380 miles.
- Oct 21, leave Rio Branco to Peru border, 160 miles. BR 317 S/SW Transoceanica. Drive another 116 miles to Puerto Maldonado, Peru. Only 1 road South.
PERU ( HEADING BACK NORTH )
* Port of entry by car/visa/requirements:
- All same as previous.
Distance/scale/time cities to cities and stops:
- From East Brazilian border to West Coast 640 miles aprox.
- North to Ecuador border, 1010 miles aprox.
- Oct 22, leave Puerto Maldonado and find a place between Quince Mill (2.000 ft) and Mazcapata (10.000 ft) to start acclimating for altitude, before we head to Cusco (14.000 ft) Andes, Machu Picchu. Start taking Diamox, coca leaves, maybe oxygen. 143 miles on 26 B.
- Oct 23, Acclimatization before crossing Andes. + 14Kft.
- Oct 24, Acclimatization before crossing Andes. + 14Kft.
- Oct 25, go to Cusco, Machu Picchu, 100 miles. West on 26B to 3S. Spend the night.
- Oct 26, start heading down from Andes. 3S to 26A. 280 miles to Nasca, 1S, Panamerican.
- Oct 27, leave Nasca, Peru on 1S (North) to Huacho, Peru. 360 miles.
- Oct 28, leave Huacho to Trujillo, Peru. 1N (North) 260 miles.
- Oct 29, leave Trujilo to Sullana, Peru. 1N (North) 312 miles.
- Oct 30, leave Sullana, Peru to Ecuador border. 78 miles on 1N (North) keep driving to Palmira on 36N (North) 240 miles.
ECUADOR (NORTH)
* Port of entry by car/visa/requirements:
- All same as previous.
Distance/scale/time cities to cities and stops:
- Ecuador to Colombia border, 550 miles aprox.
- Oct 31, leave Palmira, Ecuador, to Quito (Hotel Quito) North on 35. 210 miles.
- Nov 01, leave Quito , Ecuador to Colombia border, 99 miles on 35 North. In Colombia, go North to Buga, 264 miles, on Panam 25 North.
COLOMBIA (NORTH TO CARTAGENA - PORT)
* Port of entry by car/visa/requirements:
- All same as previous.
Distance/scale/time cities to cities and stops:
- Colombia border to Cartagena, 826 miles aprox.
- CHANGE OIL (CARTAGENA)
- Nov 02, leave Buga to Yamural, 274 miles, on Panam 25 North.
- Nov 03, leave Yamural, Colombia to Cartagena, 288 miles, thru Medellin, 25 North to NE 90.
- Nov 04, car shipment to Panama. Use same hotel. Book flight to Panama. Start paper work.
- Nov 05, hotel, elapsed time, paper work.
- Nov 06, hotel, elapsed time, paper work.
- Nov 07, hotel wait, flight?
- Nov 08, hotel wait, flight?
- Nov 09, shipment? Flight?.
PANAMA (NORTH TO COSTA RICA)
* Port of entry by car/visa/requirements:
- All same as previous.
Distance/scale/time cities to cities and stops:
- Panama to Costa Rica border (West) 368 miles aprox.
- Nov 10, Port of Colon, Sand Diamond Hotel? Paper work.
- Nov 11, hopefully get vehicles! Paper work. Hotel?
- Nov 12, leave Colon, Panama to San Felix. 280 miles to CI-1.
- Nov 13, leave San Felix, Panama to Costa Rica border, 88 miles on CI-1/2. From border go to Playa Hernosa, Costa Rica. 209 miles on CI-2.
COSTA RICA (NORTH TO NICARAGUA)
* Port of entry by car/visa/requirements:
- All same as previous.
Distance/scale/time cities to cities and stops:
- Costa Rica to Nicaragua border, 335 miles aprox.
- Nov 14, leave Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica to Nicaragua border, 126 miles. Drive another 93 miles to Granada, Nicaragua. Total 219 miles.
NICARAGUA (NORTH TO HONDURAS)
* Port of entry by car/visa/requirements:
- All same as previous.
Distance/scale/time cities to cities and stops:
- Nicaragua to Honduras border, 170 miles aprox.
- Nov 15, leave Granada, Nicaragua to Honduras border, 176 miles. Cross Honduras to El Salvador border, 82 miles. Drive to Quelepa, El Salvador, 46 miles. Total of 304 miles on CA-1 West.
HONDURAS (BORDER TO BORDER)
* Port of entry by car/visa/requirements:
- All same as previous.
Distance/scale/time cities to cities and stops:
- Honduras crossing border to border, 82 miles aprox.
EL SALVADOR (TO GUATEMALA BORDER)
* Port of entry by car/visa/requirements:
- All same as previous.
Distance/scale/time cities to cities and stops:
- El Salvador to Guatemala border 200 miles aprox.
- Nov 16, leave Quelepa, El Salvador to Santa Ana on CI-1 West to HWY 12 North towards Guatemala border, 150 miles. Drive North on 12/10 to and HWY 9, go West 20 miles to San Cristobal Acasaguastian, Guatemala. Total 220 miles.
- Nov 17, leave San Cristobal, Guatemala, West on HWY 9 to 17 West/CA14 North/ 5 North to CA13 to El Cruce, Guatemala. 260 miles.
- Nov 18,
GUATEMALA (TO BELIZE BORDER)
* Port of entry by car/visa/requirements:
- All same as previous.
Distance/scale/time cities to cities and stops:
- Guatemala to Belize border 390 miles aprox.
- Nov 17, leave San Cristobal, Guatemala, West on HWY 9 to 17 West/CA14 North/ 5 North to CA13 to El Cruce, Guatemala. 260 miles.
- Nov 18, leave El Cruce, Guatemala to Belize border, 40 miles, East on CA13. Drive additional 51 miles on Western HWY to Cheers Restaurent and Cabanas. Safe place to stay.
BELIZE (TO MEXICO BORDER)
* Port of entry by car/visa/requirements:
- All same as previous.
Distance/scale/time cities to cities and stops:
- Belize to Mexico border, 160 miles aprox.
- Nov 19, stay at Cheers. Visit Pyramids.
- Nov 20, stay at Cheers. Visit Pyramids.
Nov. 21. leave Chees. NE on Western HWY to Burrel Boom Cut to Northen HWY. to Mexican border, 108 miles. Drive extra 192 miles to Matamoros. on 186 West. Total 260 miles.
MEXICO (TO USA BORDER)
* Port of entry by car/visa/requirements:
- All same as previous.
Distance/scale/time cities to cities and stops:
- Mexico to USA border 1675 miles aprox.
- Nov 22, leave Matamoros, Mexico to Jaltipan, Mexico. On 186 West to 180 West. 320 miles.
- Nov 23, leave Jaltipan to Palma Sola, on 180 West/NW. 240 miles.
- Nov 24, leave Palma Sola, Mexico to Tampico. On 180 NW. 230 miles.
- Nov 25, LEAVE EARLY. Leave Tampico, Mexico to San Rafael, on 70 West to 57 North. Total 420 miles.
- Nov 26, LEAVE EARLY. Leave San Rafael to US border, Piedras Negras. On 57 North. 313 miles to border. Extra 120 miles to Cotulla, KOA Base Camp, Texas.
USA (TO FLORIDA)
* Port of entry by car/visa/requirements:
- All same as previous.
Distance/scale/time cities to cities and stops:
- Distance from Mexico border to Florida (home) 1490 miles aprox.
- Nov 27, End trip. Head home Florida.
- Nov 28, head Florida.
- Nov 29, head Florida.
- Nov 30, arrive home.
GEARS:
CB Radio
Off Road Camper or top rack tent
Yakima road shower
RotoPax
Winch
Recovery boards
Walkie talkies
Port o party
Extra spare tire
GPS downloaded Americas
Duplicated tags
Two registrations
Water purifying tablets
Repellants
Malaria vaccines
Emergency food for 5 days. MRE etc.
Heater 12V or propane
Flashlight.
4 motor oil filters.
VACCINES: We will be taking vaccines against Yellow Fever, Dengue and Malaria. We strongly advise everyone to do so. As well, get a Doctor's proof Certificate and if is possible an original in Spanish.
CAUTIONS AND NOTES
- Automobiles and Campers with a Lien Holder:
Because of some Border Countries demanding an original proof of ownership (title) as well, that we will need to ship our vehicles/campers in Panama to Cartagena-Colombia, to avoid the Darien Gap, whom ever have a Lien against their vehicle, will need an original notarized letter from lienholder, authorizing you to travel overseas.
- Passport valid at least until January 2025.
- No fire arms.
- Hunting knife(careful).
- No military apparels specially USA.
- No drugs.
- Small cash denomination.
- I am taking US $80.00 worth of each country currency for border transactions.
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