Pan-American Highway

HOMERFROMLAWTON · 2025-08-22T03:03:26+02:00

Explore firsthand advice for driving the Pan-American Highway to Costa Rica, including safety tips, gas availability, and overnight stops.

HOMERFROMLAWTON New member

Member since 20 August 2025

HOMERFROMLAWTONNew member22 August 2025 01:03:26

Has anyone ever driven it from America to Costa Rica.聽 If so what do i need to watch out for.聽 I will be driving a motor home.聽 I do know it is safer to stay on the toll roads coming thru Mexico.聽 Cartels love motor homes because there are a lot place to stash dope when moving it.聽 and I know there is a portion that is not paved.聽 is gas readily available or do i need to carry extra.聽 what about where do i stay a night.聽 from where i am it is a 50 hour drive.聽 for me that is a 8 day drive.聽 about 6 hours and i am ready for a long rest.聽 i have done some 14 hour days back to back and no way again. it is too dangerous for an inexperience person to sit behind a steering wheel that long.聽 i thank every one for their experiences and advise.

daveandmarcia Serial expat

Member since 03 February 2023

daveandmarciaSerial expatYesterday 16:46:55

324

I've known a couple of parties who did, or tried to do, what you have in mind. One turned back after having suffered crossing through Mexico City. For them, currency was a huge headache since there was so much counterfeit U.S. currency in circulation that no one would accept theirs. And because they were withdrawing currency from their American bank, via ATMs, all they would dispense was dollars.

Another person hired a driver to drive her motorhome to Costa Rica. It turned out to be so unfit for our roads that she never drove it again.

Were it mine to do, I'd rethink bringing a motorhome to Costa Rica. Crossing five international borders, dealing with five different countries' tax and insurance requirements (and maybe searches) is all more than I'd undertake.*

*But that's just me.