www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Any opinions on driving a 21foot RV down to Costa Rica? Has anyone on CRT attempted this trip?

Crazy! does not avoid any of the taxes to get the vehicle registered here legally.

Costs about $700 in freight to ship a SUV from U.S. to Costa Rica via container ship, also does not avoid the taxes to legally register the vehicle.

If you are planning to keep in in CR, in my opinion $700 (maybe as much as $1,400 depending on the size and weight) is better than the wear and tear on your body and mind making that long of a drive as well as the gas money!

Has a neighbor when I lived in Playas del Coco who drove a Ford Explorer from Chicago during his annual winter get away, and only one year before he retired full time to CR. He said he would never do it again after getting her. Original plan was to make the trip because he filled the car with thing he was bringing for his condo here. They charged him taxes on the things in his car and he could have done the same thing by shipping the car. At the end he ended up purchasing a one way ticket home that offset much of the savings he thought he had.

LGBoater:

20-25 yrs ago, I would have done it without a problem. Today...I think it is absolutely insane to drive a vehicle like that, with gringa plates, through Mexico or Guatemala.
CH

Completely insane!!! Parts of the Interamerica hwy are in severe disrepair. Not to mention driving a motor home with Gringo plates through untold number of cartel regions, rebel groups, and just plain old general kidnappers and killers. A 21 ft motor home is a big ass rolling billboard that says "I HAVE MORE MONEY THAN YOU WILL EVER HAVE IN YOUR ENTIRE LIFE. FEEL FREE TO COME ROB ME AND KILL ME!!!!" If you are OK with all of that Let'er Rip and have at it. But if safety is important to you. Just book a flight.

below is just part of the State Department Warning about travel in Mexico.....and the State Department Warnings about Guatemala are even worse....seriously, I wouldn't do it....it would make for a good story if you make it thru though...keep us posted please, if you go for it.

I like the Big Ass Rolling Billboard analogy!.....hahahahahahahahaha



Since 2006, the Mexican government has engaged in an extensive effort to combat drug-trafficking organizations (DTOs). Mexican DTOs, meanwhile, have been engaged in a vicious struggle with each other for control of trafficking routes. In order to prevent and combat violence, the government of Mexico has deployed military troops and federal police throughout the country. U.S. citizens should expect to encounter military and other law enforcement checkpoints when traveling in Mexico and are urged to cooperate fully. DTOs have erected unauthorized checkpoints, and killed motorists who have not stopped at them. In confrontations with the Mexican army and police, DTOs have employed automatic weapons and grenades. In some cases, assailants have worn full or partial police or military uniforms and have used vehicles that resemble police vehicles. According to published reports, 22,700 people have been killed in narcotics-related violence since 2006. The great majority of those killed have been members of DTOs. However, innocent bystanders have been killed in shootouts between DTOs and Mexican law enforcement or between rival DTOs.

Recent violent attacks and persistent security concerns have prompted the U.S. Embassy to urge U.S. citizens to defer unnecessary travel to Michoacán and Tamaulipas, to parts of Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Durango, and Coahuila, (see details below) and to advise U.S. citizens residing or traveling in those areas to exercise extreme caution.

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The difference between a Sea Story and a Fairy Tale is that a Fairy Tale starts out 'Once Upon a Time..' and a Sea Story starts out 'This is no Shit...'

(export version only, some restrictions may apply, some assembly required, not valid where the sun don't shine...

if you live in the states of Poverty, Darkness or anywhere outside of The Blessings of Civilization Trust, Inc...other rules may apply)

to all replies: Thank You ...I think CRT has saved me time / $$ / & my life
I'M SHIPPING THE BILLBOARD

Good decision. Right now is not the time for a road trip through Mexico and Central America.
I had a friend that towed a big Airstream down about four years ago and did fine, but Mexico and even Honduras are a lot more dangerous right now than they were then.

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Don't call 'em hookers. I tell my wife I'm here dealing with holesalers.

Hello, I can just tell you this one story.
Russ, who sells cigars at the Sportsmens Lodge, was a Huey driver in Vietnam.
He told me he has driven from Chicago to an San Jose 4 times.
He carried his dog with him and didn't travel at night.
He's still there.

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"If you dont think women are explosive,....drop one."

are you suicidal? seriously.

Speakno: Unless Russ was driving a Dustoff bird, he was probably armed....and had a wingman, and CAP...not to mention grunts on the ground to lay covering fire.

If our bro's RV happens to be the EM-50 Urban Assault Vehicle from the movie "Stripes", then your analogy is valid..otherwise, apples and oranges.

Risk/Reward says ship via container.

Russ is a good guy. Although I don't partake of his wares, I point people in his direction when they ask about cigars there.
CH

Try not to get murdered in Mexico on the way down.

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The sexiest part of the human body? The brain.

I was gonna drive my lawn tractor down but Nhhank talked me out of it.

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Living well is the best revenge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwUtj_YnNoY

What's life without risk?

Where would Rocky be if he didn't fight?

Elmer Fudd always took on Bugs......

Pura Vida....

(Ok Corcova, start hurling insults )

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"If you dont think women are explosive,....drop one."

This might be more like Wiley E. Coyote's experience chasing the dam bird but would make for one great trip report.

But to bad this drive can be made safely, really would make for a make for a really great drive with lots of new sights to see.

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My best friend was the clock on the wall, and he turned out not to be much of a friend in the end

Motorhomes dont hold up well in CR. The humidity destroys the laminated fiberboard and the roads shakes them apart. looked into bringing an old fibreglass Travco and parking it on an ocean view lot but it just doesnt make financial sense. The vwhiclw will be on your passport and you will eventually have to pay taxes even if it falls apart..

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If it floats, flies or fucks, rent it, dont buy it.