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Central America

Discussion in 'Travel' started by TheCreekRat, Sep 21, 2017.

  1. Sep 21, 2017 at 7:20 AM
    #1
    TheCreekRat

    TheCreekRat [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Wanted to see if anyone has treveled to Central America recently (especially by truck/car) and has any advice at all. Planning on driving down to Costa Rica here soon.

    Places to avoid, places you have to see, etc.
     
  2. Sep 21, 2017 at 7:31 AM
    #2
    Clearwater Bill

    Clearwater Bill Never answer an anonymous letter

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    You may have issues in Mexico.

    Earthquakes and the resulting disaster relief efforts in 3rd world countries can create great supply shortages on top of basic travel issues.

    Areas that tend to be lawless or corrupt in normal times will be more so in difficult times. Just like in our big cities. The difference is they have less backup resources to support them than we do.
     
    theredofshaw likes this.
  3. Sep 21, 2017 at 7:35 AM
    #3
    TheCreekRat

    TheCreekRat [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yeah gonna gauge how recovery is going before venturing into those areas. The girlfriend has a friend outside of Mexico City we reached out to after he quake to make sure she was alright. Things seems pretty hectic down there right now.

    There are definitely precautions to be taken when traveling through a lot of areas, regardless of natural disasters. I am pretty much all in on the trip at this point though.
     
  4. Sep 21, 2017 at 7:29 PM
    #4
    Hardscrabble

    Hardscrabble Well-Known Member

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    A little of this and a little of that.
    I've traveled to Mexico, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and El Salvador multiple times over the past several years. Flying, not driving. My biggest recommendation is that you are a Spanish speaker.

    Mexico City is a mess right now, and throughout Mexico is hit and miss with how Americans are treated.

    El Salvador is always a mess, but my only experience is with San Salvador, the capital city.

    Managua, Nicaragua can be pretty sketchy as well.

    Costa Rica is actually pretty decent, and very American friendly.

    Please keep in mind, I'm an Anglo-Caucasian looking guy. One look at me and it's immediately apparent that I'm NOT a local. I only travel to these places for work, and the only place I'd go to for pleasure is Costa Rica.

    BE SAFE!
     
  5. Sep 21, 2017 at 7:38 PM
    #5
    theredofshaw

    theredofshaw Well-Known Member

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    As @Hardscrabble said, managua is sketchy, even at the airport. We spent a week in Leon, Nicaragua (wife grew up there) and had a pretty good time. It's pretty far removed from some of the real touristy areas which wasn't necessarily a bad thing.
     
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  6. Sep 21, 2017 at 7:41 PM
    #6
    TheCreekRat

    TheCreekRat [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Appreciate the response. I speak good but not fluent Spanish and don't look super gringo haha. I lived in Madrid for a few months for an internship and minored in Spanish during college. I have traveled a few time to the Yucatán and driven most of the pacific side of Costa Rica.

    Going to avoid the large cities as much as possible, but will be teaching English in Costa Rica so will likely be around San José which is my main worry right now. Need a place with secure parking me thinks.
     
    Hardscrabble[QUOTED] likes this.
  7. Sep 21, 2017 at 8:02 PM
    #7
    msegal55

    msegal55 Insta: babe.the.blue.ox

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    Avoid Southern Mexico. Fly. I have heard some first hand horror stories making that trip.

    My father lives in Costa Rica, so I am down in Central America often. I have always wanted to drive it, but I don't think it's worth it.

    If you do end up driving, don't drive at night.
     
    TheCreekRat[OP] likes this.
  8. Oct 4, 2017 at 9:34 PM
    #8
    cmack

    cmack Well-Known Member

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    late to the party as usual, but Mexico can get sketchy as shit. and I'm down there regularly.....

    just did Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia back in April....
     
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