My S.O. and I drove down the west coast of Mexico, thru Guatemala and into Honduras 2 years ago with 2 Belgian Malinois (Shepards) in a blazer. We stayed in motels the entire time although we had a tent. We only encountered one problem with one motel owner/manager in Mexico somewhere around Acapulco. This ocurred because I had told the night clerk and got permission from him but the owner/manager was a little upset when he showed up the next morning.

When we checked in I always right upfront told the staff/manager that we had two dogs, they are clean and you won't have any trouble. So that was one time out of I think 14 nights. We stayed in some fairly pricey places and one or two pretty dismal places. Once or twice we were turned down but it was amicable. Chiquimula, Guatemala was the only place where they kind of turned up their noses but allowed us to stay anyway.

It is true in general that latin america has no respect or liking for dogs, viewing them purely in a utilitarian sense and not anything else. Most of them also understand cultures are different. They do understand the protection aspect very well however.

You need to get an international health certificate for your dog. Start the process with a U.S. vet.

Mexican customs/ immigration was completely uninterested in our dogs at the border (Lukeville, Az.). Customs did go thru our vehicle a little bit though.

I showed the Guatemalans the certificate at that border and it was no problem. The immigration official barely registered it. Don't fall for the tramadores at the borders. Or if you do, go everywhere with them and hang onto your own documents.

Some very good info is available at brindle press.

One smallish dog won't be any trouble to speak of IMO. Especially if there are two of you.

I reread your post and will add a couple of things.

We did stay in one of those "discreet motels" for one night in Mexico. They are recognizable because they are always on the outskirts and have covered, concealed parking. You won't have trouble recognizing them.

When you cross into Guatemala you get a 90 day visa, this is good for Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua. In order to renew this you have to go to Costa Rica, Belize or Mexico. There are no problems now that I'm aware of with renewals. Belize takes advantage of this and so they charge 50 usd.

I am pretty sure you can sell your vehicle in Paraguay if you get that far.

The Darien Gap never has had a road. I walked thru it 25 years ago but don't know the conditions now. They were saying the same things then about bandits etc that they say now. However Colombia didn't have the FARC then far as I know.

As far as renting, it shouldn't be alot of trouble if your Spanish is reasonable. Find a place you like and start asking around. Someone will step up most likely. Patience is a key element.