AP - Solo Overland

CENTRAL+SOUTH AMERICA (Private Plan)

“When I was very young and the urge to be someplace else was on me, I was assured by mature people that maturity would cure this itch. When years described me as mature, the remedy prescribed was middle age… perhaps senility will do the job. Nothing has worked. Four hoarse blasts of a ships’s whistle still raise the hair on my neck and set my feet to tapping… I fear this disease incurable.” – John Steinbeck, Travels with Charley

"You're going to die. You're going to be dead. It could be 20 years, it could be tomorrow, anytime, So am I. We're just going to be gone. The world's going to go on without us. All right now. You do your job in the face of that, and how seriously you take yourself you decide for yourself." - Bob Dylan

DISTANCES

Chicago to Panama City (through St. Louis, MO, Tulsa, OK, and Laredo, TX): 4,000mi/6,500km
Cartagena (CO) to Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego (RA): 15,000km/9,320mi
Ushuaia to Iguazu Falls and then to Buenos Aires (RA): 5,000km; ship car back to the US
TRIP TOTAL: ~26,500 km/16,500 mi (20-25k miles with branching out )
Countries (13): Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay. Countries not visited: Belize, El Salvador, Venezuela, Suriname, Guyana, French Guyana, Brazil, Paraguay

SCHEDULE

leave Chicago to Austin, TX (18hrs, 1125mi over night and one day)
Before leaving the US: oil change, tires, belts, hoses, fluids, filters, brakes, cooling, electric, AC) 8400 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78758 Service (512) 645-2165
Austin to Laredo, TX (4hrs, 240mi); final check docs, gear, nav/comms systems; email/text notifications
BEFORE border crossing: fill up, get water, buy food; enter Mexico; check safety & road conditions w officials
MEXICO: (3 days) Sun 5/30 Laredo, TX to Tue 6/1 to El Ceibo, Guatemala (25hrs, 1200mi)
GUATEMALA: Wed 6/2 El Ceibo, Guatemala to San Pedro Sula (9hrs, 350mi)
HONDURAS: Thu 6/3 San Pedro Sula to Ocotal, Nicaragua (8.5hrs, 280mi)
NICARAGUA: Fri 6/4 Ocotal, Nicaragua to La Cruz, Costa Rica (6hrs, 225mi)
COSTA RICA: Sat 6/5 La Cruz, Costa Rica to David, Panama (8hrs, 345mi)
PANAMA: Sun 6/6 David, Panama to Panama City (6hrs, 280mi)
TOTAL Central America (Chicago to Panama City): 80hrs, 4000mi

SOUTH AMERICA

Wk ~3-4: COLOMBIA (Cartagena - pick up car -- 1wk, then Medellin, Bogota, Cali)
Wk ~5: ECUADOR (Galapagos, Quito, Guayaquil)
Wk ~6-7: PERU (Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lk Titicaca)
Wk ~8-9: BOLIVIA (Altiplano, Salar de Uyuni, Death Road, La Paz)
Wk ~10-12: CHILE (Santiago, Carretera Austral, Ruta 5/7 to Puerto Montt and O’Higgins)
Wk ~13-15: ARGENTINA (Patagonia, Lk District, Iguazu Falls); Buenos Aires (ship car back)

Ushuaia to Buenos Aires: 13hrs, 1925mi
Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls: 16hrs, 800mi

COUNTRY INFORMATION
Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay

IMMUNIZATIONS (Hep A/B, yellow fever, malaria, rabies, dengue, typhoid; boosts: MMR,); CDC recommendations
TRAVEL INSURANCE (https://sanborns.com, SquareMouth)
TRAVEL ADVISORIES: US State Dept., Canada Travel Advisories
DOCS: Copies of passport, car docs (registration, insurance, international driving permit), health insurance and info, US embassies/consulates; Toyota service info; itinerary, POI; email copies to self and save to iCloud; laminates
GAS: https://www.globalpetrolprices.com/gasoline_prices/ See bottom of this page for details
CURRENCY: https://www.xe.com See bottom of this page for details
WEATHER: https://weather-and-climate.com See bottom of this page for details

RESEARCH PLACES/DESTINATIONS/ATTRACTIONS:

Other:

Garmin Open Street Map (www.garmin.openstreetmap.nl)
CIA Maps https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/resources/cia-maps-publications/
Checklist (www.statravel.com.au/checklist.htm)
GPS coordinates for Google Maps (www.heywhatsthat.com/profiler.html)
http://www.proyectomapear.com.ar
YouTube: XOverland Central America, XOverland South America

PACKING LIST

CLOTHES: shirts, pants, socks, T-shirts, tops, socks, underwear; sweatshirt, sweat pants, shorts,
OUTERWEAR: wool top/sweater, fleece, jacket, rain/wind jacket, poncho, sneakers, hiking boots, boots, wet shoes, wellies ✔︎
ACCESSORIES: gloves, hats, belt, scarf, head bands, thick socks, thermal...,
SLEEP: sleeping bag+pad, blanket, sheets, pillows; night wear
KITCHEN: fridge ✔︎, cooking utensils, mess kit, silverware, paper plates/cups/bowls, grill, can/bottle opener, sieve, bowl, ziplock bags, spare plastic bags
HEALTH: first aid kit ✔︎, LifeStraw ✔︎, water container, neosporin, AlkaSeltzer ✔︎, cold meds ✔︎, cough drops, headache & stomachache meds, lip balm ✔︎, hand cream, nails+hair trimers ✔︎, knee wrap ✔︎, ankle wrap ✔︎, wrist brace ✔︎, arm swing ✔︎
CLEANING: toiletries; microfiber towels, wet wipes, paper towels, TP, kleenex, clorox wipes, detergent, garbage bags, rags
GEAR: knife ✔︎, flashlights ✔︎, camp lights ✔︎, bug gear, saw ✔︎, machete ✔︎, hatchet ✔︎, shovel ✔︎, car fan, camping chair, zip ties ✔︎, hand warmers, HeatBuddy ✔︎, chainsaw, para cord ✔︎
TOOLS: first aid kit, car tools, tire fix kit, electrical kit, multitools, duck tape, WD40, grease; LifeSaver jerry can ✔︎
CAR: metric tools, Fix-a-Flat ✔︎, tire fix kit, bulbs, belt, (starter, alternator, water pump?), wiper blades, oil, coolant, washer liquid, air filters, night goggles, NOCO starter, triangle, high-visibility vest, flares, fire extinguisher, OBD reader ✔︎, ice scraper, blind spot mirrors, tarp; belt/hoses; fuses, bulbs,
POWER: aux battery ✔︎, inverter, power banks ✔︎, chargers, socket/plug adapters, extension cord ✔︎
ELECTRONICS: iPhone ✔︎, camera, action cams, memory cards ✔︎, selfie stick, laptop, thumb & external drives, drone?
NAV: online travel advisories, NG maps ✔︎ + offline, iPad apps, DK books PDFs, compass ✔︎, binoculars ✔︎, dashcam
COMMS: InReach+ ✔︎, iPhone ✔︎, SIM cards, cell booster✔︎; CB radio?; ham radio?; walkie-talkies ✔︎
RECOVERY: safety kit, ARB TRED Pros ✔︎, shackles ✔︎, straps ✔︎, chainsaw, utility gloves, chocks ✔︎, ratchet tie-downs ✔︎, winch ✔︎, bottle jack+plate ✔︎, shovel ✔︎
SAFETY: pocket knife, pepper spray, document holder, money belt ✔︎, window shades, smoke grenades
FOOD: Kind/granola/nrg bars, MREs, MountainHouse dry meals, canned soup/veggies/beans/fish, cookies/crackers, nuts/cranberries, tea, hot chocolate, instant coffee/juice, jerky, biscuits
MISC: pens, sharpie, highlighters, car/country info binder; swag gear (stickers, t-shirts, hats), spare glasses, spare watch, lock

CAR mods/gear: tires ✔︎, suspension, pro brakes, roof rack ✔︎, TRED Pros ✔︎, extra gas tank ✔︎ (+chain, lock) ✔︎, power inverter, front bumper ✔︎, winch ✔︎, rock sliders ✔︎, snorkel ✔︎, aux battery ✔︎, cell booster, LED lights ✔︎, bug deflector ✔︎, window visors ✔︎, rain guards ✔︎, bug screens ✔︎, stealth camping shades, sleeping platform, tie downs ✔︎, bungee cords ✔︎, CB, ham radio?, radio antenna, car vacuum ✔︎, Pedal Commander PC27, front camera, cell booster ✔︎, dashcam, chainsaw, light bar + spotlights, radio antenna

BUDGET for 15wks (105 days): ~$20,000

GAS: 1250 gallons for 20,000mi/32,100km (at 16mpg)= $4,700 at $3.75/gal average
FOOD/LIQUIDS: $20/day x 100 days = $2000
LODGING: 100 days x $50= $5000 (AirBnB, iOverlander, HostelWorld, CouchSurfing)
CAR SHIPPING (Panama City to Cartagena & Buenos Aires to Miami): $4000
TOLLS/FERRIES/BUSES/TRAINS/BORDER FEES: $1000
——— $16,750 ——--
TRAVEL INSURANCE (SquareMouth): $500
CAR INSURANCE ABROAD: $250
CAR MAINTENANCE: $450 (oil x4, fluids, washes; get filters/wipers)
SOUVENIRS/ENTRANCE FEES to attractions: $800
MISC (laundry, car wash/vacuum, incidentals): $250
——— $2,250 ——--
FLIGHTS: Buenos Aires-Chicago: $1000; Panama City - Cartagena $250
TOTAL: $20,000

PREPARATION
ONGOING

research route (TripAdvisor, TripSavvy, WikiTravel, WikiOverland, iOverlander)
monitor travel advisories
watch videos, IG
update packing list/site/maps
read relevant travel/overland books
build/review Amazon store
sponsorship/endorsements?
read up on car care/maintenance
Spanish language app and PDF

9 MONTHS BEFORE

1/2-finalize car mods/updates
update sponsorship/endorsements
review vital systems and equipment (car, nav/comms, power, water, health/emergency kits, food, gear, clothes)
start making trip info binder
car decals?

6 MONTHS BEFORE

FINALIZE car mods/updates
update immunization info, car docs
review all car systems, get spares/tools
contact shipping Panama-Cartagena and BA-Miami
arrange friends for access to condo, mail
contact South American overlanders on IG for travel/safety updates/recommendations, contacts, lodging info

2-3 MONTHS BEFORE

review ALL car systems, get spares/tools, filters, wipers, bulbs, fuses, hoses, belts
check nav/comms, InReach, Gaia, iOverlander, etc
get spare glasses, shades
review/adjust all ongoing accounts and expenses
review all apps, storage, backups
contact shipping Panama-Cartagena and BA-Miami
check w friends for access to condo, mail
order swag (stickers, shirts, hats)?
start saving plastic bags, bottles/jars/containers

1 MONTH BEFORE

take car in for FINAL INSPECTION (check all systems, tires, belts, hoses, fluids, filters, fuses; power train, steering, suspension, brakes, cooling, electric, AC)
review ALL systems, gear, routes, advisories, backups, downloaded maps, nav/comms
copy/print all docs, update maps, apps, binder
make trip log: date, start location, odometer out, arrival location, gal/lit, $, mpg, POI, notes
notify banks, accounts;
call cards to raise credit limits and notify of travel
USPS mail hold and/or forwarding to good friend
contact shipping Panama-Cartagena
start pre-packing systems in crates, bags

1 WEEK BEFORE

get dry foods, provisions, paper products
check/update financials
final check downloaded maps, nav/comms, all backups, trip binder
detail clean, in and out
start packing the car (tools, gear, bedding, winter clothes, kitchen, non-perishables)
3 days before: unplug/clean fridge
check w friends for access, mail
NO shipping physical goods from websites
make appointment at Maund Toyota (512) 645-2165 in Austin, TX

1-2 DAY BEFORE

check car: tires, fluids, belts, hoses, power, spares, tools, nav/comms
charge all electronics, batteries, and appliances, ready for EDC
pack car 95% (clothes, shoes, kitchen, dry food, tools, gear, non-perishables)
freeze icepacks, cool the car fridge
send text/email updates
update websites
laundry; hair cut; vacuum; fill up; set alarms
notify close friends of departure details

1 HOUR BEFORE DEPARTURE

empty garbage, recycling, pull shades, load liquids/food for trip
vital electronics/chargers in EDC
CHECK ALL docs/copies, money, passport/GC, drivers license, car docs, trip binder
position Last Will/keys in hallway
check lights, stove, fridge, windows; turn off WiFi, AC

Austin Maund Toyota (oil change, check tires, belts, hoses, fluids, filters, brakes, cooling, electric, AC) 8400 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78758 Service (512) 645-2165

DAILY ON THE ROAD

charge electronics/backups
plan 1 day, 12 hrs, 6 hrs, 3hrs ahead: route, fuel, security/borders, lodging, water, food, check/maintenance, (laundry)
SCHEDULE: breakfast, hygiene, break camp, check fluids/tires, etc.; program logistics (route, gas, safety, lodging, water/food), save video from action cameras
check email, IG, Container Buddies

TOYOTA in Latin America
MEXICO: https://www.toyota.mx/servicio
GUATEMALA: https://www.toyota.com.gt/talleres-de-toyota-guatemala
HONDURAS: https://toyotahonduras.com/talleres-de-servicios/
NICARAGUA: https://casapellas.com/sucursales
COSTA RICA: https://www.toyotacr.com/mantenimiento/contacto
PANAMA: https://toyotarp.com/sucursales/
COLOMBIA: https://www.toyota.com.co/campana-cambioaceite/ https://www.toyota.juanautos.com.co/form/cita-taller
ECUADOR: https://www.toyota.com.ec/concesionarios
PERU: https://www.toyotaperu.com.pe/concesionarios-toyota/
BOLIVIA: https://www.toyota.bo/sucursales
CHILE: https://www.toyota.cl/guia-de-compra/concesionarios/
ARGENTINA: https://www.toyota.com.ar/usuarios/mant_express/_Listado/

TEMPS (June, July, August; in F):
MEX Mexico City (78, 75, 75)
GCA Guatemala City (78, 75, 75)
(ES San Salvador (El Salvador) (82, 88)
NIC Managua (Nicaragua) (88, 88)
CR San José (Costa Rica) (80, 80)
CO Cartagena (88, 88, 88)
Medellin (82, 82, 82)
Bogotá (65, 65, 65)
Cali (75, 75, 75)
EC Quito (67, 67, 67)
Guayaquil (88, 85, 86)
PE Cusco (66, 66, 67)
Lima (69, 67, 66)
BOL La Paz (55, 55, 56)
RCH Santiago (58, 57, 61)
RA Ushuaia (40, 39, 42)
Buenos Aires (59, 59, 62)
Lowest: upper 30s
Highest: upper 80s
https://weather-and-climate.com

US $1 =
20 MXN (Mexico pesos)
7.75 GTQ (Guatemala quetzals)
8.75 SVC (El Salvador colon)
24 HNL (Honduras lempira)
33 NOI (Nicaragua cordoba)
600 CRC (Costa Rica colon)
1 PAB (Panama balboa)
3100 COP (Colombia peso)
1 US$ (Ecuador)
3.33 PEN (Peru sol)
7 BOB (Bolivia boliviano)
670 CLP (Chile peso)
38 ARS (Argentina peso)
33 UYU (Uruguay peso)
https://www.xe.com

GAS (7/15/19; US$/US gallon)
Mexico $4.14
Guatemala $3.57
Honduras $3.89
Nicaragua $3.88
Costa Rica $4.30
Panama $3.02
—— shipping car to Cartagena, CO
Columbia $2.86
Ecuador $1.85
Peru $4.41
Bolivia $2.05
Chile $4.63
Argentina $4.15
Uruguay $5.93

Cheapest: $1.85 (Ecuador)
Most Expensive: $5.93 (Uruguay)
https://www.globalpetrolprices.com/gasoline_prices/

4Runner wiper blades: driver 24", pass 20", back 12"