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Surf trip from cancun...through central America....to South America

Surf trip from cancun...through central America....to South America

Old Mar 26th, 2011, 11:35 PM
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Surf trip from cancun...through central America....to South America

Was thinkin about traveling to cancun, but was wondering how safe it was to get down to guatemala without taking a plane. Been hearing about all of this cartell violence. Trying to find the cheapest/safest way to eventually get to south america, but want to go through central america first. Is there a legit buss system there? I heard Mexican borders arent very safe. and whats your thoughts on missioning it from cancun to south america? ...on a budget.

and also, do they let u bring surfboards on the busses there? trying to plan the ultimate surf adventure.
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Old Mar 27th, 2011, 04:21 AM
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travel.state.gov check advisories

have done it personally cheaply in the past

ok if careful but many scammers watch out for locals

including cute little old ladies befriending you/sharing cabs

they are usually in league with the thieves

just back pack bring nothing of value

stay in top hostelbookers.com hostels

thebusschedule.com pretty nice bus all the way down

Fly into Cancun spirit.com from FLL usually cheapests

bus to Tulum Cabinas Zazilkin cheap palapas on a GREAT beach

bus to Chetumal cross to Belize Linea Dorada to Guatemala City

hedmanalas.com Hondurs then ticabus.com goes all the way

down to Panama City mamallena.com best hostel there

to hop to Colombia aires.aero from $99 or thedariengapster.com

Careful many scammers particuarly the $500 "pukeboats"

that make the open water crossing avoid those poor value.

go in winter for best weather.

insuremytrip.com always wise...

Grupo Ormeno bus can take you all the way to Buenos Aires

if you like but make plenty of time.

Have fun do lots of research saexplorers.org
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Old Mar 27th, 2011, 04:23 AM
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board RENTALS tonnes cheaper than flying/busing down

very expensive pacific coast CA best www.papagsurf.com

guanguiltagua.com Shit(yes that is its name) best in Ecuador

vivamancora.com Peru

nexussurf.com Florianopolis 42 perfect beaches simply awesome

Have fun,
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Old Mar 27th, 2011, 04:25 AM
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http://www.wannasurf.com/spot/South_...uador/shit_bay

pretty funny really...
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Old Mar 27th, 2011, 04:36 AM
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Stuart the Tasmanian Devil aka "El Jefe"

A great honest frequent poster on the boards

PM at mamallena.com

will have your best current info on crossings

forgot Santa Clara bet surf in Panama
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Old Mar 27th, 2011, 05:29 AM
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There are "legit" international buses that go through Central America. Check TicaBus and King Quality. TicaBus goes from soutwestern Mexico to Panama City. There would be room in the compartment underneath for your surfboard. The TicaBus and King Quality are air conditioned and with a toilet on board and make very few stops.

The real issue is this: what do you do with your surfboard when you get off the bus? If you are backpacking, no problem. You just hump your pack to a hotel or wherever. But with a surfboard, you will need to find a taxi with a roof rack, etc. Not as simple as it seems.

Plus - to get to South America from Central America, you will need to make transportation arrangements because the Pan American Highway does not go from Panama to South America because of the Darien Gap.

I would recommend just planning your surfing trip and renting surfboards wherever you end up. All serious surfing areas will have boards for rent.

I would do some serious reading and research before you start this trip. One book I recommend is the Lonely Planet Central America on a Shoestring. It's excellent.

It sounds like you are going to have a great time and a real adventure -- I'm a little jealous!
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