Travelling for a long period on a budget...

[jwhedon]

RVGringo & Sparks...

Thanks for the posts.

We talked to a few people and I'm not sure, but they were saying we may have to have Hendrix (our dog) put in quarantine prior to taking him into other countries?? Anyone know?

All the other info is greatly appreciated.

Anyone know anything about satellite internet... I was thinking of trying to get something like that set up for the whole trip?

Also was maybe thinking of buying a small RV instead of bringing the Cherokee... then we'd ALWAYS have someplace to stay...

~ Justin

[synthia]

It depends on the country. Countries, and states, that don't have rabies usually require pet quarantines. Hawaii, for instance, used to require one. I'm not sure they still do. The UK, also, had a long quarantine.

[jwhedon]

Thanks Synthia.

Originally Posted by synthia

It depends on the country. Countries, and states, that don't have rabies usually require pet quarantines. Hawaii, for instance, used to require one. I'm not sure they still do. The UK, also, had a long quarantine.

[synthia]

How are you planning to get the car to South America? The PanAmerican Highway has not been open through the Darien Gap area in Panama for close to twenty years. There are trails, but walking it is not possible because you have to contend with local tribes, drug traffickers from Colombia hiding out, gang members from Colombia hiding out, and, oh yes, there is no government presence at all. No towns, no mayors, no police no army.

So if you are going to South America, you will have to ship the car, leave it, or sell it. You can't sell it, because what you guarantee when you enter a country with a car is just that, that you will not sell it and you will remove it. You won't be able to leave it there after your visa expires either. And if you planned a one-way trip, with a car sale and a flight at the end, that won't be allowed either.

And be sure you have your paperwork in order, make sure you have all the numbers from all the documents recorded somewhere, and you should probably scan them and store them on the internet somewhere (I use a notes section that comes with my e-mail). Because you have to have them with the car, and if you car is stolen, and the papers are inside, you will be in for a lot of hassle even with copies. And if you store them on your computer and that is stolen...

Also, check into safety as far as driving through Guatemala is concerned.

[jwhedon]

Synthia ~

South America is somewhere we'd like to go, but probably on another excursion.

~ J.

[RVGRINGO]

If your dog has an international health certificate showing recent shots, you will be OK entering Mexico; however, other countries may have different requirements and you should investigate each one for what they are for you, your vehicle, your possessions and your pet.
The RV idea will help with the 'dog problem' but you should know that campgrounds are not what you might expect in the US or Europe. Often, you will be staying at a Pemex gas station, in front of the local police station or wherever you can ask and gain permission. Some hotels & motels have parking lots with electric hook-up and will allow you to use a shower. Look for a camping guide to Mexico online but don't expect it to be up to date. You will seldom have electricity sufficient to operate an RV air conditioner and that can be onerous.

[jamie]

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.

[jwhedon]

Jamie ~

Thanks so much for all the helpful info. That is all great to hear. I figured there had to be a way to take our boy (the dog) with us.

~ Justin

[synthia]

I stand corrected. Although I need to re-read Tim Cahill's "Road Fever". I'd swear they drove through, but it's been a while.

[EEK!]

Do you speak Spanish? Most areas of Mexico that have tourist, it is not necessary. But, for your adventure ... it is really a plus. Some of the bad things (and areas) of certain countries you really need to take note. To me, Mexico is safer than the US. But, there are areas I would not set foot in. Have a great adventure. EEK!