I want to drive down to Central America in December this year. What documenation do I need before leaving. I'm a canadian citizien with a canadian passport. I understand that the visas are given right away at the borders, and of course for a certain fee . .. .. . But what about the vehicule ? There are certainly a vehicule importation document and money to be paid ? I probably won't be bringing back the vehicule . .. .. .

Basically my plan is to drive down my vehicule to Costa Rica first and spend 3 weeks visiting/driving. Then I will park the vehicule and fly back home until my next urge to continue the trip (which would be approx. 6 months later maximum). . The goal is to drive my vehicule all the way down to Tierra Del Fuego in South America !! It will of course take a few years to complete but time isn't a problem !!

What I need to know is what documents are needed for me and the vehicule ? How about insurance for the vehicule ?

Has anyone sold there vehicule somewhere in Central America recently and can give me some info . .. .. .?

I can be emailed directly : dfw@inforap. com

Hasta Luego !

You cannot leave your vehicle in Costa Rica for more than 3 months as a Tourist (90 days) or it will be impounded and late fines will have to be paid when recovering the vehicle. As for driving in South America view our South American Travel Forum on about.com (it is now impossible to drive from Panama to Colombia via the Darien or "Daring" Gap): To a client of ours: . .. .. . "and Guatemala and El Salvador with all their problems, are still safe compared with Colombia (specially south of Cali), Ecuador (if you go along the coast, the Andes are not quite so dangerous) and Perú (specially the area surrounding Lima. I have been through those areas about fifteen years ago (now it might be worse) and know what I am talking about.

Unless if you are willing to take all those risks, go through areas controlled by the guerrila (specially in Colombia), I strongly recommend you to travel by plane.. ..Regards from Mar del Plata, Argentina."

With a Canadian Passport you need no visas however the paperwork on the car at each border will cost you appox. 2 hours and about $20-$30US each time in Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua for 30 day permit. Bring the Title, Registration, your Drivers licence, you best have Title and Registration translated into Spanish. (where you will be uninsured so drive carefully) at the Costa Rican Border the car must be Bonded and Insured, bring a valid Credit Card. You cannot leave the country without the vehicle unless you store it in Customs.
If you need any more info. (I have resided 19 years in Central America and have driven over 800,000 km. in the region) contact me via E mail donaldlee@thepolyglots.com We do interpreting, guiding, relocation and evaluation, translations etc. for visitors to Latin America www.thepolyglots.com