Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Central America and Mexico
Central America and Mexico Topics specific to Central America and Mexico only.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 28 Mar 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Mexico City
Posts: 448
Playa del Carmen to Panama

Tuesday , April 1st, the next stage of our trip begins. We have 2 months to get to Panama. Any help on places to go and things to see will be greatly appreciated. We want to camp as much as possible. If anyone can put us up on the way that would be great. So please either post here or PM me.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 29 Mar 2014
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Sunshine Coast, Queensland Australia
Posts: 241
HU Communities

Hi Garry,

I've had a couple of great experiences with contacting HU communities and also tried couch-surfing once, which was excellent. You're not tempted to join us in Cuba for May??

PN
__________________
When you come to a fork in the road…take it!

BLOG: paulnomad.blogspot.com.au

FaceBook: www.facebook.com/PaulNomadRTW
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 29 Mar 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Mexico City
Posts: 448
Thanks for the advice.
Not realy interested in Cuba and as we live in Mexico it is easy for us to go there in the future.
Are you going South?
we are headed to Argentina.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 30 Mar 2014
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Sunshine Coast, Queensland Australia
Posts: 241
I am heading to Argentina but not as soon as you I don't think. May in Cuba then June in Guatemala, hoping to hit Panama at the beginning of September for the Stahlratte to Colombia.

PN
__________________
When you come to a fork in the road…take it!

BLOG: paulnomad.blogspot.com.au

FaceBook: www.facebook.com/PaulNomadRTW
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 30 Mar 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 25
I'm currently on this route but I haven't camped at all. Here is a smattering of information.

Guatemala -
The south side of lake atitlan is notorious for noon-time hold-ups on the rough side of the road. Most folks take the long way north to get to the west side.

Research the roads, as your map or google maps doesn't really tell you much about the quality - and it varies. I've heard stories of marked gravel highways with rivers running through them large enough to wash away a Suzuki DR650 (somewhere southeast of Antigua)

Antigua has a great bike shop - look for Taz at Motomundo. He knows just about every road, too.

Take the full day tour at Semuc Champey, don't be scared to jump off the bridge. The roads around there are phenomenal (in scenery, not quality).

Don't stay in the hostel under the bridge at Rio Dulce unless you want to party with Guatemaltecos til 3.

Honduras-

I took the northernmost border crossing (forget the name) into Honduras because it was easy and I haven't been that way. Honduras has some nice views on the main highway but I didn't spend much time there. The cities feel pretty sketchy. I left at El Paraiso, easy as pie.

I spent too a bit too much time in Mexico, and I'm saving it for SA, so I haven't spent too much time around Nicaragua and Honduras. It's a shame but it was worth it. Heading for Costa Rica tomorrow.
__________________
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eric vs. the Americas, 01/01/2014 - ?? ebdavidson.wordpress.com
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 30 Mar 2014
BruceP's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: St Helens
Posts: 763
Quote:
Originally Posted by ebdavidson View Post
I'm currently on this route but I haven't camped at all. Here is a smattering of information.

Guatemala -
The south side of lake atitlan is notorious for noon-time hold-ups on the rough side of the road. Most folks take the long way north to get to the west side.
I'm sorry, but I don't agree with the Atitlan road tale, we came across all the horror stories back in 2010, especially on USA web sites. Yet could not find anyone who had a real tale to tell.

Further research showed that the north road was shut for rebuild, so all traffic was sent down the south which had been roughly repaved. The road was patrolled by the police. They are aware of the slight issues with bandits, and the enlarged scare stories and are doing their best to ease things for tourists.

The lake is a fantastic place and well worth visiting.
__________________
--

http://www.ytc1.co.uk
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 30 Mar 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 25
I read this one from two years ago.

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntr...edro-la-laguna

I decided to check with some friends living in Antigua and was told that it's better to use the north side.
__________________
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eric vs. the Americas, 01/01/2014 - ?? ebdavidson.wordpress.com
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 31 Mar 2014
BruceP's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: St Helens
Posts: 763
Quote:
Originally Posted by ebdavidson View Post
I read this one from two years ago.

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntr...edro-la-laguna

I decided to check with some friends living in Antigua and was told that it's better to use the north side.
Great, 1 story about 1 incident. Did you know that recently the UK was placed on the USA Gov "don't go list" ?

There are many robberies in many places in many countries. And of course the Antiguans will say don't use the south road, they don't live there.

By the way, the south road offers stunning views :-)
__________________
--

http://www.ytc1.co.uk
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 31 Mar 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Mimbres, New Mexico, USA
Posts: 510
Quote:
Originally Posted by ebdavidson View Post
I read this one from two years ago.

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntr...edro-la-laguna

I decided to check with some friends living in Antigua and was told that it's better to use the north side.
This thread on Thorn Tree is about the road from the InterAmerican
down to San Pedro, not the road around the south side of the lake. The tourist police regularly patrol this road, from the highway to San Pedro, I have taken it probably 20 times on several trips dating from 2003, and never had a problem.

I spent Oct/Nov 2012 in Guatemala, 4 weeks in San Pedro taking spanish lessons. In that time, I met two people who had been robbed on the road on the south side of the lake, between San Pedro and Santiago, one on a motorcycle, the other in a micro bus. This trouble spot is well known enough that the police will provide an escort through there, if you ask for it.

As with anyplace where there are wealthy tourists, there are robbers, but the danger level isn't high enough to stop me from going back. That said, it is foolish to pretend there are no issues.

Last edited by AndyT; 1 Apr 2014 at 04:55. Reason: clarity
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 31 Mar 2014
BruceP's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: St Helens
Posts: 763
Quote:
Originally Posted by garrydymond View Post
Tuesday , April 1st, the next stage of our trip begins. We have 2 months to get to Panama. Any help on places to go and things to see will be greatly appreciated. We want to camp as much as possible. If anyone can put us up on the way that would be great. So please either post here or PM me.
Garry ,is your email address working ok
__________________
--

http://www.ytc1.co.uk
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Mexico solo rider, lake Havasu to playa del carmen. 6 weeks Danicles Travellers Seeking Travellers 0 25 Jan 2014 20:36
Planning 6 week trip. Lake Havasu to Playa Del Carmen Danicles Route Planning 2 15 Jan 2014 07:22
08 klr, playa del carmen markfnichols Central America and Mexico 2 25 Feb 2013 17:09

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 01:56.