I’m looking for any information from anyone that has drove a motorhome to Panama.?
Posted: November 16th, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Common Questions | Tags: anyone, drove, from, Information, Looking, Motorhome, Panama. | 2 Comments »Would it be considered foolhardy/suicidal to consider driving my motorhome from Saskatchewan Canada to Panama?
I haven’t driven a motor home through Panama, but I have done quite a bit of travelling in that country, and depending where you’re going in the country, it could get a bit dicey. If you’re travelling along the PanAmerican highway, you should be good, but keep in mind that many of the back roads are not paved, or “paved”. Also, *some* areas of Panama (the side closest to Columbia) are not all together friendly. That said, the Panamanian people are awesome, and you’ll meet some great people along the way. Be prepared for roadside stops- always have your passport handy. I suggest staying in the Western side of the country to avoid any problems. May I suggest David and Bocha Chica.
Have fun! I can’t wait to go back!
I have been on the Pan American highway from El Salvador to Panama City and up to the Darien, where it ends. And I have spoken with people who have driven through Mexico. The trip will be challenging, a great adventure and fun.
The road goes from real good to spotty. A lot of Pot holes, along the route, but not all of the route. Costa Rica is probably the worst.
You will need to take your “Patience pills” every day because the travel will get tedious, you’re not going to find 80 mph like you do in the North.
And, crossing international borders will slow you down. The bureaucracy will drive you nuts, figure two hours minimum for each crossing, plus dutie$ will have to be paid and you will have to show insurance papers valid for that country and proof of ownership, and these documents will have to be in Spanish.
I’ve heard from friends who traveled in Mexico that they always drove in a “convoy”, safety in numbers. And they never had problems that way. The roads in Mexico, the biggest part of your journey can be good and bad. They vary.
Question: What are you going to do after you arrive in Panama? You can’t get through the Darien it would be suicide to try. What do you do? Turn around and head back north? Sell the MH here? Something to consider.
If you speak some Spanish, (but understanding what is spoken to you is more important), you will have an easier time. Though a buddy of mine drove here from California and didn’t know any Spanish. He said he had a great time.