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I want to drive from Los Angeles to Costa Rica at the end of May, beginning of June 2013. I want to bring my vehicle and my dogs to Costa Rica. A friend of mine who is Spanish speaking will do the trip with me, along with a caravan of people traveling from Los Angeles to the various countries located between the USA and Costa Rica. Central-American families (now living in California) going back “home” to visit their families during summer vacations. Has anyone done that in the past? If so, can you comment on this plan? Maxine de Villefranche
[quote=”maxdevil”]I want to drive from Los Angeles to Costa Rica at the end of May, beginning of June 2013. I want to bring my vehicle and my dogs to Costa Rica. A friend of mine who is Spanish speaking will do the trip with me, along with a caravan of people traveling from Los Angeles to the various countries located between the USA and Costa Rica. Central-American families (now living in California) going back “home” to visit their families during summer vacations. Has anyone done that in the past? If so, can you comment on this plan? Maxine de Villefranche[/quote]
I knew someone that drove all over Central America. They loved the trip. After they told me of the fun I bought a jeep about five years ago for just that purpose. With all the trouble in Mexico I think you would be crazy to attempt the trip today. These cartel people are true predators and you would have a huge target on your back. I have friends that went to Mexico to visit family and had their children stolen never to return. That should be enough warning.
Max, your point is well taken. However, the caravan described, provided it stays together and on the American Highway, sounds safe enough. Just heed the warnings – don’t stop in areas that aren’t secure, carry extra gas/food, etc.
Is this a ‘moving to CR trip’ or only a vacation?
Personally, I wouldn’t recommend this car trip, for either reasons.I know someone who just made the trip, alone, from North Dakota and had no problems save for bureaucratic delays in Honduras. That said, I wouldn’t do it for reasons of security, time and cost.
[quote=”maxdevil”]I want to drive from Los Angeles to Costa Rica at the end of May, beginning of June 2013. I want to bring my vehicle and my dogs to Costa Rica. A friend of mine who is Spanish speaking will do the trip with me, along with a caravan of people traveling from Los Angeles to the various countries located between the USA and Costa Rica. Central-American families (now living in California) going back “home” to visit their families during summer vacations. Has anyone done that in the past? If so, can you comment on this plan? Maxine de Villefranche[/quote]
We met a group of guys a couple of years back that drove from the states and they made it ‘all right’, however, Mexico was difficult. They wouldn’t let them drive through Mexico without an ‘escort’. Basically, they gave them $1000+ to be allowed to drive through.
You are taking a huge chance. You have no idea what it’s going to cost you in the end should you meet people like this at the borders…not to mention your safety.
[quote=”loraine”][quote=”maxdevil”]I want to drive from Los Angeles to Costa Rica at the end of May, beginning of June 2013. I want to bring my vehicle and my dogs to Costa Rica. A friend of mine who is Spanish speaking will do the trip with me, along with a caravan of people traveling from Los Angeles to the various countries located between the USA and Costa Rica. Central-American families (now living in California) going back “home” to visit their families during summer vacations. Has anyone done that in the past? If so, can you comment on this plan? Maxine de Villefranche[/quote]
We met a group of guys a couple of years back that drove from the states and they made it ‘all right’, however, Mexico was difficult. They wouldn’t let them drive through Mexico without an ‘escort’. Basically, they gave them $1000+ to be allowed to drive through.
You are taking a huge chance. You have no idea what it’s going to cost you in the end should you meet people like this at the borders…not to mention your safety.[/quote]
** Wow, What are the alternatives then to get your vehicles down from Cali to CR..? I have some restored vehicles but after reading this I don’t want to chance it driving through Mexico. They could confiscate them and that’s the last thing I need..
You can ship vehicles in a shipping container (20- or 40-feet long) or use a “roll on/ roll off” service.
The two critical questions you must resolve, regardless how your vehicles get here, are whether Costa Rica will permit their importation and nationalization and what the costs of Customs duty and other governmental fees will be.
A couple of years ago, Costa Rica was talking about not permitting the importation of older vehicles. I don’t know how that may have been resolved, but you would do well to find out. And the import duties may be a serious obstacle.
You’ll face both those issues regardless how the vehicle arrives in Costa Rica.
people HAVE done this trip without incident, but you had better make sure you are NOT traveling through narco territory — kidnappings, murders, rape abound. my friends in mexico travel with armed bodyguards is that is any indication of the risk level.
[quote=”VictoriaLST”]Max, your point is well taken. However, the caravan described, provided it stays together and on the American Highway, sounds safe enough. Just heed the warnings – don’t stop in areas that aren’t secure, carry extra gas/food, etc.[/quote]
VLST –
sometimes you have no choice “where you stop” or “where you are stopped”!
a 14-year old with an M-16 or AK-47 is a scary sight, but a 30ish cartel member with the same weapon is even worse!
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