www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I'm headed down to Fort Bliss, TX on the bike to visit a buddy before he leaves for Iraq. Thinking of leaving Bliss and driving through Mexico to Costa Rica. I know its about 2,000 miles but I figure it'll be an adventure.

Any advice? Anybody driven down to Costa Rica before?

_________________
"You can't polish a turd" - Jim Witkowski

There was a thread about this a while back... do a search ... not good with links.. sorry
Last month ran in to a couple of guys at Del Rey they had just driven down in in an RV
They said the worst part of the trip was Nicaland
The poster said he is leaving from TX ..... Do not think he will cross in TJ
A trip on a bike??? That is a long ride on good roads
Thats all I know

I recommend you don't drive through Northern Mexico, especially through the border (Juarez), south of Bliss. I used to live and work in Northern Mexico...drove all around the place..but that was 20 yrs ago. I won't do it today.
CH

Two good websites for you:

www.horizonsunlimited.com

www.advrider.com

Both have tons of information on motorcycle road trips.

Check out trekamericas.net. It's not much of a website but I met the guy that runs it. He does RV tours from Texas to the tip of Argentina and can also provide info to people who want to make the trip on their own. This guy knows all the ins and outs of every aspect of the trip.

I have considered the same thing. I know it would have a certain element of danger, but life is full of danger, we just accept most of them that we have to live with everyday. I would not get out of the car until I was well within the country though; the border area is a little more danger than I want. But once I was well inside, I think as long as I didn't travel at night, stayed in good hotels with decent security, it would be a great adventure.

_________________
Man I'm living life like a great white shark swimming with minnows! It's all about panocha, great scotch, fine cigars, loud-ass rock music and speed, speed, speed - plus spending as much time as possible in paradise on earth, Costa Rica!

I met a guy in SJO that did the trip in a Chevy Impala. He had routine spare parts, belts, and hoses, in the trunk for repairs.

Also have all your paper work with you. Do not take a vehicle that has a note on it. You must have clear and legal title.

His bad experiences were at each boarder crossing (leaving and entering). He typically got hit for $100 USD in la multa to cross. He refused in Nicaragua and was jailed for 2 days until he came to his senses and paid the multa.

Right now is not the best time to go through Mexico. Juarez Mexico is the most dangerous city in the world not including Baghdad.

_________________
I believe in moderation in everything except excess.
I phuck 'em just to see the look on their face.
Klatu, berata, nicto.

Mexico's new theme song


Welcome to the jungle
It gets worse here everyday
Ya learn ta live like an animal
In the jungle where we play
If you got a hunger for what you see
You'll take it eventually
You can have anything you want
But you better not take it from me

Bagdad is a cake walk for travelers compared to Juarez.

Now, for our soldiers, Bagdad is hell.

It only takes about 30-40 minutes to drive completely through Juarez, leaving from El Paso. The next major town is Chihuahua which is quite a drive (600 km). I think you will be OK once you are away from the border. Mexicans are generally good people.

Durango is also hot right now. There are towns you CAN'T go into. Not even police.

_________________
El Tigre a Mi Me Acompaña

Thanks for all the advice. I'm at Bliss now. Leaving in the AM for my trek through Mexico. I'll post updates as I can!

_________________
"You can't polish a turd" - Jim Witkowski

Good luck dude. Haywood Jablommi is right Juarez (adjacent to El Paso) has the highest murder rate in the world. It is a war zone but not an officially declared war zone.

My nephew did it 12 years ago. He is a Tico and speaks both English and Spanish fluently. He said he would never do it again and he was in a pick-up truck.

Diego, with all due respect, I believe the guy can safely pass through Juarez without incident. I know it is the murder capital of the world but it is mostly gang-on-gang with some civilian collateral. Coming over the Cordova Bridge you make your way to Mexico 45 and drive south straight through town. Besides the aggressive street vendors at stop lights I can't imagine having a problem just driving through town. After 30 minutes or so you are in wide open spaces. Just keep driving and you will be good to go.

I grew up in El Paso and we went to Juarez thousands of times. That was in the old days and it was very safe. I know times have changed and I would not go over there for dinner or drinking now.