Canada to Argentina with a car - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!



Go Back   TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards! > Backpacker College Student Travel Message Boards > Travel Transportation

Travel Transportation Airs, Trains, Buses, and Boats, what should I do ? What´s a Eurail Pass? How to rent a car abroad ? Is it safe to take the bus?

Raileurope.com: See Europe by train
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 04-27-2006, 05:07 PM   #1
Members
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: St-Grégoire, Québec, Canada
Posts: 14
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

Hi everybody!

Me and my friend planing a trip to south america. We will leave Qc, Canada in august and drive to south america. We will have a old, ugly pontiac firefly with a 3 cylinder engine, so it's should be pretty cheap on gaz. I want to know if somes of you have ever done this before or if you know people or story about this kind of road trip. Every kind of advice is welcome! ( custom, gaz, roads, people, etc. )

Thank you

Dan Blanchette
dan_blanch is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-27-2006, 05:09 PM   #2
I'll rock your socks off
 
bellelass's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Transplanted to East Coast of Oz, from Texas
Posts: 1,775
Thanks: 0
Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
Default

Wow. Mad mad mad props, are you going to write a book afterwards?
Sorry, I dont have much to tell you other than make sure you dont go through war zones, keep your passport close, and I hear gas in venezuela is like .14 a gallon. Sweet. Do yall speak any spanish at all?
__________________
"All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible. This I did."
-T.E. Lawrence, Seven Pillars of Wisdom

bellelass is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-27-2006, 05:51 PM   #3
TPunk Emeritus
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: From Aussie, but living in Canada for now
Posts: 1,789
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Send a message via MSN to LostFarmboy
Default

Awsome trip dude!!

First thing, learn some Spanish if you don't already know some because english speakers are few and far between in central and south america.

The main roads through central and south america are quite good, they are comparable to any decent roads of the world. Some of the roads can get a little interesting, but mostly they are fine. Central and South have extremely good bus services, so if the buses can get around those places then you should be able to as well.

The people are very friendly for the most part. However, some areas could be a little dangerous, particularly in Columbia and Venezuela, just avoid the known bad areas and you'll be fine.

Exchange rates are extremely favourable over there.

Fire away with any other questions. I can't wait to hear about this trip.
__________________
My adventures: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nickt0909/
LostFarmboy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-27-2006, 06:27 PM   #4
To Smart For Mensa
 
TheJake's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Salt Lake City
Posts: 5,585
Thanks: 3
Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
Send a message via AIM to TheJake Send a message via MSN to TheJake Send a message via Yahoo to TheJake Send a message via Skype™ to TheJake
Default

I know there are several books about driving HWY 1 from alaska to tierra del feugo so you might some good info there. I met several people in SA that had rode through central america either on a motorcycle or a bicycle and all of them had ferried around the darien gap in columbia.

Have fun and let us know what you find out!
__________________
Adventure needs to be as much about discovering yourself as it is about discovering the world.
TheJake is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-27-2006, 06:40 PM   #5
TPunk Recognized
 
Tadpole's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: South Carolina, USA
Posts: 1,007
Thanks: 0
Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
Send a message via AIM to Tadpole
Default



Its always cool to get on and see new and interesting traveling plans.

All i know is your going to have one hell of a trip!

I would read up on gas saving tips. That could save you alot of money.
__________________
"Sundace, I can't help you now."
~Butch Casady
Tadpole is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-27-2006, 06:41 PM   #6
TPunk Emeritus
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Indefinite.
Posts: 2,857
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Send a message via AIM to bluepea
Default

Wow!!!! Sounds amazing!!! You definitely have to stick around to keep us updated. That's going to be one amazing drive. All I've read is on Mexico driving and suggestions were: don't drive at night or on Sundays as they have a lot of drunk driving incidences there. And be careful in some towns. You can google safety info on Mexico and probably anywhere else.
__________________
~~ Jamie ~~
You give me the most gorgeous sleep That I've ever had And when it's really bad I guess it's not that bad




Have some general questions such as whether or not to get a rail pass or how much money you'll need? Visit here!

First time travelers/travelers with a lot of questions - this forum is for you![b]
bluepea is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-27-2006, 06:49 PM   #7
The " ... " queen of TP!
 
simply_angelic's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Ontario
Posts: 2,946
Thanks: 0
Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Default

Ugh sounds like fun!!!! I hope to do something similar when I graduate, go around canada US, and all the way through to the tip on South america. (That's my goal anyways). If I didn't have school, I'd ask you to take me with you! Good luck!!!!
__________________
~Laura
GO CANADA!!!!

If you walk backwards, you'll find out that you can go forward and people won't know if you're coming or going.

Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today.
-James Dean

Countries I've Visited: Austria, Botswana, Canada, Costa Rica, Democratic Republic of the Congo, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Italy. Malawi, Mexico, Portugal, Rwanda, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, Tanzania, Uganda, USA, UK, Vatican City, Zambia
simply_angelic is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-27-2006, 07:22 PM   #8
You want fries with that?
 
Joker's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Maryland... yeah, i know it sucks.
Posts: 2,230
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

I'd suggest backing up parts that wear out, having a good tool kit, and a pretty open-ended credit card! Otherwise, an awesome idea.

The Pan-American HWY will lead you all the way down, but in some areas its less a highway and more a dirt road. I've often thought about refurbing the 4Runner and turning it into an Expedition vehicle... :D
__________________
Misadventures of a Crazed Kitchen Pirate

"Steve is the prototypical cool American male. Y'know, I'm talking about Steve McGarrett, alright? Steve Austin, Steve McQueen. Y'know, he's the guy on his horse, the guy alone. He has his own code of honor, his own code of ethics, his own rules of living, man. He never, ever tries to impress the women but he always gets the girl."


Joker is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-27-2006, 07:35 PM   #9
T-PUNK VICE ADMIRAL
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Atlanta, GA USA
Posts: 1,313
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Send a message via AIM to foofiter Send a message via MSN to foofiter Send a message via Yahoo to foofiter Send a message via Skype™ to foofiter
Default

Holy Roadtrips, Batman!

I would love to do this. I have pondered it a couple times but damn the money involved would be insane. You will definately have to take spare parts and mechanical skills. I would also dump the car down there and fly back. I have also been to south america so ask away.

Foo

__________________
"To Alcohol! The cause of--and solution to--all life's problems." -- Homer J. Simpson
"I didn't get to where I am today worrying about how I am going to feel in the morning." -- Ron White (Blue Collar Comedy Tour)
"I was born to lose and destined to fail." -- Mike Ness, Social Distortion
"Eat healthy, exercise daily, die anyway" -- My motto
"Everyone I know, goes away, in the end...I will let you down, I will make you hurt..." -- Johnny Cash (NIN Cover of "Hurt")

I am traveling around the world until I find something that makes me want to stop. I am an aspiring photographer and hope to find whatever it is I am looking for...
foofiter is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-27-2006, 10:18 PM   #10
TPunk Emeritus
 
florencia9699's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Buenos Aires
Posts: 1,773
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

Hey!! cool. That is going to be a really crazy trip!!

Actually there is an Argentine couple that did this trip (Hernán and Candela Zapp), they wrote a lovely, really inspiring book. On someparts, I think Panamá or Colombia they actually had to take their car on a raft!! It took them 2 years I think to make the whole trip, and they even had a baby on the road!! Their book is full of little details of their trip and it's just great! I bought my sister a copy for her b-day (she hates reading, but it's the only book that actually caught her eye).
I really hope you speak Spanish.. or at least the basics and make it better though your trip.

Argentina-Alaska is the site of Hernán and Candela's journey. It's not in English (they are translating it and it says that it'll be up soon), but give it a try anyway, at least to see some pictures and maps. This is the cover of their book: Atrapa tu sueño (Catch your dream). And yes, that IS the car they travelled with!!!



I met them once at the beach in Cariló, Argentina. They are really nice, down-to-Earth people. They've been all over the news and TV here, but they just go from place to place, still traveling with that car (I also saw them on the high way!!) and they promote their book.

I hope this helps to make u guys catch your dreams!!!
__________________
Been to: Argentina, Chile, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt. Greece, Turkey, England, France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Belgium, USA, Mexico, Spain, Monaco, Czech Republic, Ireland and Uruguay.

Next trip: Still pondering the possibilities for January 2009... * OH THE MYSTERY!! *

The travel bug is insatiable
florencia9699 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-27-2006, 10:36 PM   #11
I'll rock your socks off
 
bellelass's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Transplanted to East Coast of Oz, from Texas
Posts: 1,775
Thanks: 0
Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
Default

Wow! They had a baby on the trip? I need to check that book out. Sounds amazing.

Open ended credit card? pfft. That takes out all the fun of it. You run out of money? great. stop and get a shit job. or sell the car and then hitchhike. thats all a part of the adventure. Adventures are not supposed to be safe.
__________________
"All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible. This I did."
-T.E. Lawrence, Seven Pillars of Wisdom

bellelass is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-30-2006, 02:27 AM   #12
TPunk Emeritus
 
worldwidemike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Columbus, Ohio USA
Posts: 3,390
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

Sounds great, but take a long look (via internet, books like florencia suggests, AAA, etc.) on the part through Panama. I think the "highway" pretty much peters out and you're left with a dirt track. Not sure if your old "beater" will be do as well as the jeep the Argentinian couple took...

Good luck, and keep us posted!

worldwidemike

__________________
Check out my travel web page at:
Worldwidemike.com
"Life is not measured in the number of breaths we take, but by the places that take our breath away..."
worldwidemike is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-30-2006, 10:59 AM   #13
***** gear guru
 
kingcrazylegs's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 6,299
Thanks: 0
Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
Send a message via ICQ to kingcrazylegs Send a message via AIM to kingcrazylegs Send a message via MSN to kingcrazylegs Send a message via Yahoo to kingcrazylegs
Default

NICE! While I was living in Belize me and a couple buddies were looking into taking a road trip from there down to South America, but never did it. Would be an awesome experience no doubt!
__________________

all that is not given is lost
kingcrazylegs is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-05-2006, 04:02 PM   #14
Members
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: St-Grégoire, Québec, Canada
Posts: 14
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

Thank to all of you, no doubts, this will be a nice trips for sure. I found so far very goods informations. I think the biggest problem is the ferry that we will have to take in Panama / Columbia.

I found this story of some guys who did it in 1996, take a look if you went

http://www.ebroadcast.com.au/ecars/Places/...erica/Hal1.html

thank you!

Dan Blanch
dan_blanch is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-09-2006, 11:15 AM   #15
TPunk Emeritus
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Indefinite.
Posts: 2,857
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Send a message via AIM to bluepea
Default

Thanks for the link! What a great story
__________________
~~ Jamie ~~
You give me the most gorgeous sleep That I've ever had And when it's really bad I guess it's not that bad




Have some general questions such as whether or not to get a rail pass or how much money you'll need? Visit here!

First time travelers/travelers with a lot of questions - this forum is for you![b]
bluepea is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply






Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
San Juan, Argentina florencia9699 South America 3 08-16-2006 10:20 AM
Imagining Argentina kingcrazylegs Arts, Entertainment, Books 4 03-02-2006 10:10 PM
Argentina expatben Eurail Passes 1 04-19-2005 11:00 AM
Argentina expatben General Travel Tips and Advice 0 04-19-2005 01:16 AM
Going To Argentina jayjay1384 Companions Wanted 2 04-18-2005 09:47 PM


All times are GMT -7. The time now is 08:15 AM.



 

Search Engine Friendly URLs by vBSEO 3.2.0 (Unregistered)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121