top of page

Driving the Americas

Starting in Seattle, and ending in Argentina. Driving my car through 16 countries in Latin America had its challenges, and was worth every bit of it. 

I have separate pages for each country I visited, but I included here a step by step of crossing all the borders. Hopefully, a helpful guide for anyone who wants to try it. 

unloading in Cartagena.jpg
unloading in Cartagena.jpg

Shipping

There was one time in Latin America when the car just had to be shipped. The crossing of the unpassable Darien Gap in Panama where the car was loaded in Colon, Panama and shipped to Cartagena, Colombia.

The second was at the end, from Buenos Aires; where I shipped my car to London to continue the adventure. Finally, shipping the car back from Belgium to Baltimore.

20190615_145914.jpg

Border Crossing

More than a dozen land border crossings with more than a dozen different set of rules and processes.  Makes for some interesting times.  From sweltering at the border in the 90 degree heat in Nicaragua, to arriving in El Salvador without cash, and having to pay an entry fee, and trying to enter Paraguay without the proper Visa; it didn't always go smoothly.  But, by and large, the people I met were willing to help me out, and make things happen. 

20190615_145914.jpg

Things to Keep in Mind

How long you spend on this adventure is entirely up to you.  I met others doing this trip that were spending anywhere from a few months, to a few years driving the Americas.  Even one couple that had been doing it for 4 years, and that couple even had a child along the way. For me, I spent a brief 4 months traveling from the US to Argentina, relatively quickly by comparison to most. You will not be hindered by visa restrictions as most countries will give you at least 3 months. And, with well over a dozen countries, you can spend years on the trip. And, of course, at the end...you could also just turn around and do it all over again! 

If you do this trip, you will see every type of road condition you can imagine. Modern clean freeways to dirt tracks. traffic moving so fast it concerns you, to traffic that doesn't move for hours.  Stay patient, stay flexible. And, don't worry about every little thing. 

For me, I was pretty lucky, and the only car issue I had along the way was flat or damaged tires. It happened to me 3 times. All in South America. I managed to get through central America without a single car problem. If I ever did it again, I would probably make sure I had tougher tires.

However, I met people along the way that had much more serious issues with their vehicles. It is something to be prepared for. Keep essentials in the car at all times depending on where you are driving. 

Paying off police along the way was infuriating. I ended up paying bribes on the side of the road 4 times. (once each in Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador) However, I was driving a relatively newer car, and with American plates. So, I was probably a more obvious target than most people would have been. As I traveled, I learned some tricks. First, hide most of your cash and just keep enough in your wallet to satisfy an officer. That would likely be $20-$40 equivalent.  Second, and this was a great tip that nobody gave me. Get a dash cam! I put a Gopro on the dash half way through South America, and as soon as I did that, nobody asked for a bribe. I was still stopped on occasion. But, it went much smoother and I didn't have to pay out. 

I would say that you can avoid issues by following all road rules. But, honestly, that really isn't always an option.  For example, if you don't pass in a no passing zone, you will never get anywhere in some countries, like Colombia. But, follow them as much as you can. Keep safety gear in your car like a fire extinguisher (required in Colombia). Keep close to the speed limit. After all, if you are driving the Americas, you shouldn't be in a hurry! 

Getting fuel along the way will be normally fairly easy. But, there can be gaps in stations, so I never let the car get below 1/4 tank. And, one time, leaving Arica, Chile heading for San Pedro de Atacama, it was nearly 300 miles between stations...so fill up! Also, keep cash for fuel. Many stations will not take credit. And, you will want money for tips, especially for windshield cleaning by the attendants which is prevalent in Central America. They will not want you to clean your own screen so they can earn a tip.  

Mexico, for the most part, had pretty good roads.  Then, they get a little rougher as you get into central America, and down through Colombia. Once you get to Ecuador, it was magical. The roads were so much better! and were pretty good for the most part through the rest of South America. 

Border crossings were by far the hardest in Central America. Once arriving in South America, it was quite easy and fast by comparison!

Below, I have some details on how to navigate the border details for each passing for anyone that wants to do the trip. 

With the exception of Bolivia and Venezuela which were more hassle than I wanted with an American passport, so I have not visited them yet. 

Crossing the border from the US to Mexico 

This was my first crossing, and I didn’t know what to expect, so I left from Nogales, AZ very early in the morning to hit the border early as I know the lines can get very long. When I arrived though, I was amazed at the easy process.  I simply drove through the border without stopping, letting the cameras take pictures. There were booths there, but nobody was staffing any of them. To this day, I am not convinced that is normal, but it worked for me.

If you are just driving in the northernmost Mexican states, or Baja, you will not need any special paperwork.  (Except maybe insurance because your American insurance will not likely cover you here.)  However, if you are driving further south, you will need to get a TIP, Temporary Import Permit. You can get this at a Banjercito.  

When I drove through Mexico, I got mine at the "Sacar permisos de carro" along Highway 15 about 13 miles south of the border at Nogales.

Short term insurance for Mexico is absolutely required for driving through.  You will get asked for proof many times.  And, unfortunately, it is quite expensive. I got mine online before I crossed the border, through GNP Seguros and, in 2019, I paid $332 for 30 days of coverage. That is expensive for just a month of insurance, but the good news is that 3 months and 6 months don't cost too much more if you want to stay longer.  

If you have a loan against your car, you will need permission from the lender to take the car to Mexico.  If you own the car outright, you must bring the title.  You will need it often, along with your registration.

Now that you have your title, insurance, registration, and TIP...you are good to go.  When you are stopped at checkpoints, just show them those papers, and your driver’s license and passport.  And, of course, smile.  You are not being hassled.  Frequent checkpoints are a part of road safety in Latin America. You shouldn't have any trouble. 

Crossing the border from Mexico to Belize

I crossed at Santa Elena, near Chetumal. This is a pretty straight forward crossing.

The immigration and customs offices for Mexico are about ½ mile north of the border on the right-hand side as you approach, in a white and blue building. First stop at the Mexican officials to have your passport stamped, and the customs officials to get your car’s Temporary Import Permit cancelled.  This is important because you will have paid a deposit to Mexico, and this is how you get your refund.   

After handling those things, then go over the bridge and the Belize offices are about ½ mile south of the border in the median. Here, go to the Belize officials for your passport and to apply for a TIP for Belize.

The important step that you don’t want to miss, a couple hundred feet farther on you need to stop at the insurance office just before getting back on the highway. It is well marked, and you can park right in front.

Once you have the insurance, you can head on down the road into Belize and Belize City is only 2 hours away.  

Crossing the border from Belize to Guatemala

Heading west from San Ignacio, there is an inspection stop to exit Belize. Just park in the large lot in front of the green and yellow building and go into the “departure hall” to get stamped out.  

Then, head back to your car to cross the border.

After crossing, look for a place to park on the right because you want the blue and white building on your immediate left.  You will be able to get your immigration and TIP at one building here.

On both sides, you may or may not get your car inspected.

Crossing the border from Guatemala to El Salvador 

This was the first crossing that did not go quite as planned.

The "helpers" that are at all crossings can be very beneficial. Here... not so much.

They are much more aggressive on the Guatemala exit, and at the end, discovered that they are there to get as much money out of you as possible. And giving you the correct information is not all that important to them. They insisted that I owed the officials extra money ($60) because they worked on their lunch hour. We argued, and settled on $25, just so I could move on.

If I did this again, I would go without any helper at this border.

The key leaving Guatemala, when driving your own car, is that when you arrive at the exit lanes, just park in the spaces on the right of the building (which will be next to the far left immigration lane). You will need your car there before it is over. Immigration and customs are in the same building. And the copy shop is just up to the right.

The helpers, along with what I read online, all said that El Salvador will need nothing but the cancelled Guatemala papers for my car. This is very wrong. I must assume this changed recently.

El Salvador was the first country to do a thorough entry customs process on my car. Including opening all doors, checking the VIN in the door and windshield.

So, leaving Guatemala, go over the bridge, and you will be asked to pull over immediately on your right. You will leave your car here for the duration.

They are thorough, but very nice. Probably the friendliest immigration so far.

Get your car checked...be patient, we are working on Central American time frames.

Then, you will head to the immigration office, which is across the road, and down a slight hill.

Need copies? You can get them 30 feet to the south of where your car is parked. The "building" (more like a shack) is marked.

The folks on the Salvador side were very helpful.

Despite what you read online; you WILL get entry paperwork for your car. And you will hit 2 or checkpoints in the first couple of miles, and they will all ask for it. Again, very friendly...the 3rd checkpoint, the officer and I chatted about what it was like to drive through Central America. A smile, a handshake, and a "much gusto" later...I was on my way to San Salvador.

border entrance to El Salvador

Crossing the border from El Salvador into Honduras

Another border crossing, another little adventure. It is frustrating to have to pay people to help you through these crossings, but getting the car through can be a little complicated, so it can be well worth it.

It feels like greasing palms, and I am probably right. These helpers at the border make a living doing this, so I don't feel too bad about paying them.

They get you early leaving El Salvador because approaching the border, the one and only lane is backed up with trucks that are not moving. The border helper (mine was Rene today) will guide you around the traffic and get you to the front of the line.

Leaving El Salvador, you stop just after the speed bump, and park off to the right. At the little shack with a window, you get your car permit cancelled. Then, drive ahead 2 kilometers. At the new bridge, veer left (the new bridge is for trucks only). go one more kilometer, passing thru a little village, and park on the right side of the blue and white building for immigration. Get your passport stamped, and a little white piece of paper that you will need later to finally get out. That is all for exiting El Salvador.

Drive on for Honduras. Over bridge, and park on the right side at the blue and white building for immigration and customs.

This is where my helper really started to shine.

First, as you come over the bridge, a Honduras official will take your passport and cancelled Salvador car permit. He leaves with those, and you drive forward and park. This seems odd, but it is normal.

After parking, you need to go thru the Honduran process. This is the first time I needed a car title, instead of just registration. This is also the first time I had my photo and fingerprints taken.

My helper got my passport back, and took the rest of my papers, and handled everything while I waited by my car. 30 minutes later, I had all my docs, and was ready to go. I only had to enter the immigration building for about 5 minutes for immigration. I was not involved at all with customs.

My helper asked for 65 dollars to handle car permit, and customs. And to pay for the inspection and fumigation...that never actually happened.

Thanks to Rene, I was through both sides and on my way in less than an hour. Record time!

border entrance to Honduras

Crossing the border from Honduras to Nicaragua

As usual, getting out was the easy part, getting in is the hard part.

 

Honduras side

Approaching the border, trucks will be backed up for nearly a mile. Pass them all and go to the border.

I reached a rope crossing. Someone will move the rope for you, and let you pull through. (to show the informality of this part, I realized after that the rope mover this time was also the money changer.) Immediately, park on the left in front of the orange building with about a dozen windows. Go to immigration first, on the right side, and get stamped for exit - no fee here.

Then, move to a window farther left to customs, and get your car permit cancelled. You will need to fill out a customs form for this. There is no fee for this either.

If you need copies, as you always do; there is a shop for this down the hill to the left in the little white container.  Just 2 steps and you are out of Honduras.

copy shop at Nicaragua border
Copy shop down the hill

Nicaragua side

 

Move about 100 feet down the road from the Honduras offices and stop at the black and yellow barrier. Before crossing, show your exit papers to the Honduras official there.

At this point, I had to wait for about 10 minutes. There was an obvious staff motivation session going on in the field to the left that involved clapping (you can see all the light blue shirts in this pic). So, with no staff, the border was closed for a few minutes. No problem...except for, you know, waiting in the near 100 degree heat. 

10 minutes later...Meeting over, barrier lifted, good to go.

Nicaragua border crossing
waiting for the barrier to open

Go past the barrier, and immediately park on the left. There are several buildings here of different colors. Plus, a place to eat. The place to eat always concerns me...that tells me people spend enough time here, that they need a meal at the border.

Here is the 10 step process I went through on the Nicaragua side.

For reference, these are the little buildings you will see and visit. You can start by parking at the bottom of the steps in this pic, or a bit around in the parking area where the gray truck is.

Nicaragua border crossing

1 - go to Aduano (customs) - the pale yellow building. There is 1 window here (and 1 door). This starts your car entrance paperwork.

2 - go the police officer that is standing nearby for his sign off on the papers.

3- At this point, to my surprise, I had to take my car through a huge scanner that I had not seen before. It is directly across the road. And this is one car at a time, and it takes a few minutes, and you will wait in line, and there is only 1 scanner for north and south bound. So, be patient. The officers there will direct you. When it is your turn, they lead you in like an airplane. Stop your car...leave all bags, even backpacks, in the car and move to the waiting area in the corner. No pics, and no phone use here. I was scolded when I took this picture of it.

When done, pull out of the scanner bay, and take an immediate U turn to park right where you were before.

inspection at Nicaragua border crossing

4 - Go the immigration. This is the second white building in the group. This will take a bit of time. The employees here were VERY nice. Just working on Central American time...slow.

5 - Back to the nice policeman to sign off on the immigration docs, too.

6 - Go to customs for your car permit. This is in the first white building. The great news is that, so far, you have not bene charged a penny.

7 - Back to immigration, and the nice, slow folks. Finally, a fee...$12 US - and ONLY U.S dollars. I had to see a money changer to get US dollars. I mean, going from Honduras to Nicaragua, why would I carry US currency??? Fortunately, if you do these crossings, you know you are never far from a money changer. Back with my $12 US, up to the window and pay.

8 - Back to your car, and go directly across the street, a tiny building, for fumigation. Fee - $3 US

9 - Go down the road a bit, and be stopped informally, sort of. You almost feel like you could go right by without a problem. However, they are here to collect a $1 fee to enter.

10 - and also to let you know that car insurance is mandatory, and $12.

Got your insurance? all right, drive on finally! Enjoy Nicaragua!!

immigration office at Nicaragua border crossing
My helper, Rene

Crossing the border from Nicaragua to Costa Rica.

This is the crossing I was warned about. that it could take hours (and hours). I have heard stories about 3-5 hours at this crossing.

When I arrived, I had no doubt that could be true.

Maybe it was because it was a Sunday, maybe because it was leading up to a holiday week (Easter was the following Sunday) ...but this place looked like arrivals at an international airport...but with no order. There were literally hundreds of people milling about, and rows of buses waiting. All outside, in 90 degrees with 60% humidity.

It was clear I needed a guide to help with this one. Luckily, as usual, a half dozen helpers offered in about 5 seconds.

This is what it looked like as I arrived.

Note that virtually nothing has a sign on it...you are just expected to know where to go.

exiting at the Nicaragua border crossing
exiting at the Nicaragua border crossing

Nicaragua side

 

Approaching the border, again, the road is lined with a mile of trucks. Drive past them all...even into oncoming traffic. If you don't, you will never get there. The oncoming cars are understanding. They know what you are doing. After all, they just did it coming the other way.

At the beginning, show your passport to the attendant at the gate. Then, drive forward and park on the left, near the big new building (that is not being used yet as of April 2019).

Immigration is on the right. But, you start with an official that will be in the parking lot...that you have to find yourself... among hundreds of people.

 

Now, this is where it gets proven that this is impossible without help.

 

The person we need will have a light blue shirt for customs. He is the one in middle in this picture, with the white hat. (The one covering up his light blue shirt with a gray sweatshirt.)

 

There are 6 "helpers" surrounding him at this moment. My helper, Raul, has the red hat. We had to follow this official around for 5 to 10 minutes waiting for him to sign the customs exit paper. I should note, Raul had the exit paper for me, I didn't even know where to get one.

exiting at the Nicaragua border crossing

After he signs, we find a policeman (in black) in this same parking lot to review my papers and sign something. But this wasn't the right policeman, so yes...find a 2nd policeman to do the same...in this same lot.

Then, we can finally go into the building on the right to get immigration exit stamp. The entrance is on the north side of the building. This is $2. I have heard of a $1 fee to get in line, but I did not have to pay that. You exit to the south of the building, then turn right and right back into the same building for customs, where the line was clearly an hour long. At this point, an official approached me and said I could skip the line for $60. This is the first time an official has so brazenly asked for a bribe. I was so taken aback by the audacity, I said NO. After 3-5 minutes, the line has not moved 1 inch. My helper makes some calls...he finds an official that will let me skip the line for only $30. I agree.

This process has clearly gone off the rails. But we went to that official's office, he took all my papers, and walked away. About 10 minutes later, he returned, and I was all done with the exit process.

$30 bribe and $35 for my helper - it stinks, but that may have saved me hours. Well worth it.


 

Costa Rica side

 

I guess the $35 tip was enough to keep my helper, Raul, happy on the Nicaragua side. He called his friend Stephen to meet me on the Costa Rica side to help me.
 

So, I am done with Nicaragua, I drove forward a bit, a few hundred feet actually. and come to a gate. Cannot pass, no signs, nobody manning the gate. What the hell?

This is when Stephen shows up to help. The gate is not for entrance, you need to veer right, drive through the fumigation booth, also not manned.

Then, left and back out to the road by veering right again.

Come to the parking lot on the right and park.

The first stop is immigration on the left side of the road (across from the parking lot). Wait in line, get stamped. You will get asked about this when you are leaving and will be asked for proof. I didn't have any, and explained why (I am driving through, not flying, and not on a bus) ...and I was good to go. No fee here.

Next, go across the street again, and get copies at the blue and white "building" - really shack.

This is where Stephen really shined! The woman at the copy shop also did my car permit app for me - turns out it is Stephen girlfriend. It sped things up - however, only to find out later, there was an extra fee for that!

Next, go ahead for customs, where they will check your car. My total fees for a car permit were $55 - if you don't use a helper (and his girlfriend) to speed it up, I think it is $35.

Finally, drive ahead for insurance on the right. In this building, you get insurance, and your final car permit sign off, in the same building. Insurance for Costa Rica is $45.


 

Then, I am done, and can drive on and enjoy Costa Rica!

My bribes and helper fees took my total cost to $210 to cross this border. I believe it could have been done for less than $100 if I wanted to try to navigate it myself and spend likely 5 hours at the crossing. But I did this crossing in just over 90 minutes.

The temp was 90 degrees, and the humidity was 60% when I arrived. And nothing was in AC.

I think the extra $100 or so dollars was worth it.

Crossing the border from Costa Rica to Panama

This crossing is pretty simple compared to others throughout Central America. First thing, when approaching the border, you get used to swarms of people where you need to be. That is not the case here. I actually missed it and drove right by Customs and Immigration and had to go back.

The building is a few hundred meters north of the border, on your left as you come south. It is a blue and white building with an awning on the street side - yay! for shade while you do your business. There were no helpers running around - but a nice official outside that will point to where you need to be.

Park under the awning.

First stop is for copies. That is across the street at the little yellow building.

You can also pay the exit fee at this copy building ($7US plus $1 commission)

Once you pay the exit fee, return to the blue and white building. On the north side, go to Migracion, to the Salida line. This is on the North side of the building. Get your passport stamped.

Then, go to your left, and round the corner of the building, to Aduano for vehicle exit. Fill out the customs form, and get your car inspected.

That is it, you are all set to exit.


 

Now, drive a few hundred meters south down the road to the Panama building. Here you will find a few helpers if you want them. The building will be right in front of you at a fairly busy shopping area. Park on the right side of the building.

The first step is insurance. Go to the far end of the building and turn left. There is an insurance office on your right. (small white building - Elyan Seguro) Insurance is required, and will cost $US 30, or 17,500 Colones

Then, return to Migracion. It is next to your car inside the door for the migracion windows. Get your passport stamped.

Then, you will need to take your bags out of your car and to Aduano, same building, opposite side. They will check them like an airport, and also inspect your car. You get your car permit here.

That is it. Simple and cheap. You may drive on to Panama.

Panama border crossing
Panama border crossing

Shipping your car from Panama to Colombia

This process can create a lot of anxiety for many people driving the Americas. I have heard stories of smooth travels, and very rough travels. Expect something in between and have patience.

 

You can find a container buddy (to split a 40 foot container between 2 cars) to save money at containerbuddy.com

 

Start by contacting a freight forwarder. I used Tea Kalmbach. She was very responsive while I was in Panama to get the process started. I reached out to her on a Monday, and we started immediately, and I shipped out that very week. She emailed me the steps to take while in Panama, and I started the very next day, first thing Tuesday.

 

The first step is the car inspection on Tuesday morning. This will happen in what I will call a colorful neighborhood in Panama City. But, I never felt unsafe...so don't worry. The gates open at 5:30 AM, and Tea said be there by 7:30 because they will only inspect 25 vehicles per day. (I arrived at 5:45, and I was #13 so I would arrive very early). First thing...park on the right. back in, open your hood to let the car cool. Get in line to wait for a number at the door to the left of the gate...as I said, I got #13. Then, wait. At 7:00, the inspector came out and spent 15 minutes giving inspection requirements to all gathered. Not speaking Spanish, I was worried I was missing so much. I wasn't. No reason to worry. Tea will have told you what to bring. You need your Panama car entry papers. Passport, title...copies of all. make sure the car entry papers are correct...especially the VIN, and motor ID #. My motor ID # on my paper was incorrect. But he let me slide after a lecture. Also, make sure your car is clean, including the engine. Then, the inspection starts. I passed. I was out of there by 8:30 AM.

shipping car from Panama to Colombia
shipping car from Panama to Colombia

After spending a few days enjoying Cartagena, and the Old City, Monday morning is here...it is time to start car retrieval.

I arrived at Seaboard Marine office at 8:00. Tea's directions were close...but not precise. And since this office has absolutely no sign, it took the help of a landscaper outside to help me find it. They are supposed to open at 8:00, but in true Latin American style, they opened at about 8:20.

First step, get the Bill of Lading from Seaboard, Then, you will go to Citibank to pay 162,000 pesos (about $US50) - all payments in Colombia will be in pesos. Then, return to Seaboard for the Bill of lading release. This is where my royal check writing screw up in Panama bit me hard in the butt! Seaboard doesn't take checks as payment, and there will now be a 3 week hold for release.

I reached out to Tea for a solution. It took all day for her to suggest that I send the cash by Western Union back to her daughter in Panama...which means I am fully paying for a 2nd time. Not wanting to wait 3 weeks, and hoping I would get a refund in the future, I did this Monday night. I have lost a day.

Tuesday morning, I return to Seaboard hoping I can start now. I wait there for 3 hours...and know nothing. I leave and return to my hotel. I get word to go back to Seaboard Tuesday afternoon, so I do. Now, I am told the Western Union doesn't work...and am asked why would I do that? I need to pay AGAIN! I refuse.

It turns out that Tea's daughter never even picked up the money from Western Union. So, I was actually able to retrieve the money from Western Union Tuesday night, minus the nearly $100 in commissions I gave to Western Union, of course. I have lost another day.

 

Wednesday, unfortunately, is a holiday (May 1st is Labor Day, or May Day) in Colombia. Everybody is closed. I have lost a 3rd day.
 

Thursday, I need to go to Western Union, again, and send Tea $US150, and go to Citibank, and pay Seaboard for freight again (plus $75 in change fees because of the check). And hope I get the Bill of Lading release on Thursday so I can start retrieval. Luckily, this worked out, and I got my BL.

The next step is to go to the Aduana office at the Dian office and fill out your permit papers with Senor Han. He is very nice and helpful and speaks some English. Hop across the street to get copies of the application (and passport, license, title) and go back to Senor Han again. He will get you set up to head over to the port.

The first visit at the port (mine was Sociedad Porteria) is for more paperwork. You may or may not get to inspect your vehicle on the first visit. I did not. I had to return Friday morning at 8:00.

 

You will also need accidental death insurance that covers Colombia if you want to enter the port. I bought this in Old Town on Thursday afternoon, and it cost me about $US20
 

Friday...the final day! Back at the port at 8:00 for inspection (you must wear pants and closed toe shoes). This took about an hour to get the container found and ready. You will need to take pics, especially of the VIN and license plate. My car arrived without any issues.

After inspection, go back to Senor Han for the car permit (Temporary Import of Tourist Transportation means).

Once you have the permit, you can get the required insurance. I had read that this price was set, and all offices charge the same...not true as far as I can tell! I had friends go to Old Town for insurance, and they paid about 200K pesos, I went to SURA for my SOAT (insurance) and I only paid 116K (about $35 for 2 months) even though my car value was higher.

Now, with permit and insurance in hand, I am able to get my car. I return to port about 11:00, fill out a couple papers, and wait for about 2 hours for processing. At 1:30, I am taken to get my car. Hit the gas station across the street, and head out!
 

It actually isn't a bad process (assuming you use cash in Panama, of course). A lot of red tape and waiting. But, by now, after 7 or 8 border crossings, you should be used to red tape.
 

Not including costs for my screw ups, the total cost was $1725 to ship solo in a 20 foot container. If you share a 40 foot, you will save a few hundred dollars off that. So, this whole thing could be done for under $1500 in 2019.

Also, budget for quite a few cab rides, and a bus (or train) from Colon, Panama to Panama City...and, as always, copies.

 

Breakdown of fees;

Shipping fee, includes forwarders commission - $1155 (less than $900 if you share a 40 foot)

Port fee in Panama - $79

Port Fees in Cartagena - $436 (less than $300 if you share a 40 foot)

Health Insurance for port in Colombia- $20

Car Insurance for Colombia - $35

 

So, now I am in South America, and the process just keeps getting easier. Helpers and bribes at the border are no longer a thing because they simply are not needed. You will now be facing modern facilities with professional immigration and customs officers.

Crossing the border from Colombia to Ecuador

This was possibly the simplest crossing I have seen yet. Though, it will get even easier later on. 

This entire crossing should take 60-120 minutes, depending on the lines and speed.

You don't have to go back and forth ever. Dian and Migracion windows for Colombia, Migracion and Aduano for Ecuador. Simple!


 

Colombia side

 

As you near the border, you may face traffic as 3 lanes merge into one. You will see an orange building ahead, and you need to veer to the right of it. All cars are forced into this lane. All of the parking ahead of this is private, and not for your use.

 

As you pass the orange building (this is Dian), you will see a little "official only" parking on the right. This is the only parking I saw, and I took it. I asked a money exchanger, and he said that is the correct place to park. Don't worry...you won’t be here long.

Colombia immigration
Colombia immigration
parking at Colombia immigration
use the "official" parking

Directly across from the parking is the Dian window. Hand them your car permit, tell them you are leaving, with no return, and you are all set.

Now, you can go to immigration. This is the building directly on your right. Go to the south end of the building and enter under the white awnings. Get stamped for exit, and go back to your car to head to Ecuador...less than 15 minutes total.

Colombia immigration

Ecuador side
 

Drive through 100 to 200 meters of no man's land, and veer to the right around the white building. Ideally, you can park right behind the building, but there are few spaces, so move slightly ahead and there is more parking across the street (on the east side of the building)

Ecuador immigration
park behind the white building ahead

First stop is immigration on the North side of the building. There are now 2 lines. One for Venezuelans, and one for all others. Exit and Entry are the same line. Look for the sign separating the 2, or you could stand in the Venezuelan line for a long time before you see the spilt. Immigration was only a 20 minute wait for me on a Saturday.

Ecuador immigration

Once you are stamped, make sure they handwrite the number of allowed days on your stamp...if not, Aduano will send you back. This happened to me, and slowed me down.

Proceed to the Aduano window, this is also on the north side of the building. They wanted title, registration, passport, license. No copies of anything...can you believe it? No copies?? They asked to go out and take pics of my plate and VIN...did not look in car. If there is no line, this will take about 10-15 minutes. Unfortunately, I had bad timing, and there was a very slow line. However, when I finally reached the window, there was no line at all behind me, so wish for luck on your timing. After you get your car permit, you are free to go on to Ecuador. There was no checkpoint just down the road to check papers.

 

I was not asked to get car insurance for Ecuador. Nor was I asked for it later on at checkpoints.

 

Now, enjoy $1.85 gasoline, and the best roads you have seen in a long time!

Crossing the border from Ecuador to Peru 

Crossing from Ecuador to Peru requires stops in 2 locations when using the Hauquillas crossing.

First, as you approach the border - you will see the blue and white buildings on your left. You need to drive slightly past them, do a U-turn to approach them. And, there is plenty of parking on your left. In the 2nd building on your right, enter the door in the middle to return your TIP.

That is all at this location. You may return to crossing the border.

As you pass the border, you will come to what look like a set up for toll booths. There are empty. Pass through them. Then, curve right around the building, and an officer will check your passport, and log your plate. After that, you will move to the right for parking.

 

Go to the 2nd blue and white buildings for Migracion. Unfortunately, I caught this at a holiday, so it was quite busy and Venezuelans are not separated out here. However, Ecuador exit and Peru entrance are in the same place, so once you get through the line, it is quite fast.

Once you get your Migracion stamps, return to the first building that you drove past to park. Here, you will get your TIP for Peru. In the building, there is a long desk on the left with 3 of 4 men working. Wait in a short line, and approach. Simple process - title, registration, license, passport - and no need for copies.

Once you have your permit in hand, walk out the door, and there is a booth selling SOAT. Buy it here, it is about $10 depending on vehicle type.

It is all done. Go back to your car, and pull out of the parking lot to your right to enter Peru.

Even though I faced holiday lines, it was about 90 minutes.

border crossing from Ecuador to Peru
border crossing from Ecuador to Peru
immigration building
border crossing from Ecuador to Peru
parking for immigration
border crossing from Ecuador to Peru

Crossing the border from Peru to Chile

This crossing is pretty straight forward. Everything is in 1 location.

First, cross the border to head to the Chilean side. Keep going through curves, and weaving until you hit what looks like toll booths. Stop here, and park in the lines in front of the booths.

Chile immigration at border crossing
park here to start

First step, get the immigration form...Go to the left, and go upstairs to the casino. At a little desk on the right side of the cafeteria, they will sell you the form for 5 soles.

Go back down. each set of what looks like toll booths is migracion. Peru on the left, Chile on the right. You ,can go to any of them except the one closest to the casino...that is for buses. Wait in the line. above you will be a red sign with numbers. that is the window that is saying they are ready for you.

After you get stamped out of Peru, go to the right into the Chile line.

Once you receive the Chile stamp, you need go to Aduano. that is right behind the Migracion windows. You need another form that you can get where they X ray bags. Fill that out...twice. Then, turn in your Peru TIP, and move to the Chile Aduano for the new TIP.

After you receive that, go get your car and pull forward. They will inspect, you need to take your bags out for X ray also. Get the stamps there. And, you are set to move out.

This whole process took me 55 minutes.

immigration at Chile border crossing
immigration at Chile border crossing

Crossing the border from Chile to Argentina

Things have been so smooth to this point in South America, it is hard to imagine them getting easier…but this is the easiest crossing yet!

I crossed the border east of San Pedro at Paso Jama. The only thing you need to know here is that the crossing doesn't open until 9:00 in the morning and make sour you fill up with gas before you leave San Pedro. It can be a lonely drive. In the first 90 minutes, headed up the highway outside San Pedro up to the pass, I saw only 1 car coming down. But I left in the morning, so the pass at the top hadn't opened yet.

Part of the reason this is easy is that there is nothing else around. Cross the physical border, and about 3 or 4 miles later, you get to the official border crossing. You will reach an officer that will check your plate and passport. Then, drive to the right. Go to the building on the far right, and park to the left of it. You don't use this building for anything...just to park at.

What you need is the building on your left now.

Enter, and all the windows you need are lined up starting at your left.

Chile Migracion, Argentina Migracion, Chile Aduano, Argentina Aduano. You just work your way down the line.

Once you finish with Argentina Aduano, go back to your car, pull forward a few feet to the gate/booth for inspection. And you are on your way.

The only challenge at all is that they were so light on people needing to cross, that you would have to wait a minute for someone to come back to the window to help you. Even so, this was 28 minutes from start to finish.

Looking back, it makes me wonder why Nicaragua must be the way it is!

Argentina border crossing

Crossing the border from Argentina to Paraguay

Paraguay border crossing

First thing first - US passports need a VISA to enter Paraguay. And this is not waived for Overlanders. I made this mistake. However, the Paraguay official had mercy on me. He would give me a 5 day education Visa as a visiting professor if I could go back and get the 7000 peso fee ($160). The fun part of this is that I was now in no man's land. Not in any country (and obviously, no ATM's). So, I had to re-enter Argentina to get the cash. Then, return to the border to re-exit Argentina, and then enter Paraguay. My passport looks crazy. I exited, entered, and exited Argentina all today. But I made it to Paraguay finally. However, I must leave in less than 5 days, and head east to Brazil. BTW - Brazil has the same policy, but it changes to a no Visa policy on Monday, so I am safe for at least one more country. Travel's little adventures and mistakes continue to make life interesting!

If you have your Visa ahead of time, this is another straightforward South American crossing.

Heading North, cross the bridge. All services are on the Paraguay side. After the bridge, you will come to a building in the center island with a Welcome to Paraguay sign in front. Park in front of the building, on the side of the road, if you can. If not, there is a parking lot across the street to the right.

Go to the first windows on the left, to Argentina immigration. Then, work your way to the right to Argentina Aduano, and Paraguay immigration.

After that, Paraguay Aduano is on the right also, but they wanted me to bring my car forward first. So, I retrieved my car, which is only 100 feet away, brought it up to Aduano, and parked just to the right. Here, a Paraguay official filled out the TIP form, I signed, and I was on my way.

No inspection. No insurance. Really easy. Other than my Visa mishap, this is another 30 minute crossing.

Crossing the border from Paraguay to Brazil

Unlike the last few crossings, this one actually takes place on both sides of the border.

First, as you approach the border, go through a huge area of shopping. This is where Brazilians come to get cheap goods in Paraguay. Traffic is tough, and a bit crazy. But go through all of this until you see a large pedestrian bridge across the road. Just before that bridge is the immigration office on the right in a beige building. Park in front if you can.

Paraguay to Brazil border crossing
start the process in the building on the right

Enter this office and get stamped out. Then, about 50 feet further in is a small blue building in the center of the road. This is where you hand in your TIP. You can drive up or walk up. I chose to just walk over. Watch the traffic, though! Hand in your TIP, and you are ready to cross.

Paraguay to Brazil border crossing
Turn in your Paraguay TIP here

Get back in the car, and drive across the bridge, still dealing with crazy traffic. Across the bridge, the road immediately curves right then left. On this left curve, there is a parking lot on the left. Pull in and park. This is Brazil immigration and Customs.

The first building is directly in front of the lot, and well-marked. This is immigration.

You may think all this traffic is going to make this area have long lines. Just the opposite. This may be the most deserted crossing office yet.

Go into immigration. There was nobody waiting, and 2 windows to help me. Takes 1 minute.

I had to remind the officer that the US doesn't need a Visa anymore since this just started yesterday.

Then, go to the right into Customs. Again, nobody waiting, and, no employees for a bit.
 

In a couple minutes, someone came out, and helped me get my TIP papers started. After entering things into the computer, he walked me to the next Customs office, further to the right. They took my title, registration, and passport, and told me to sit and wait. After about 10 minutes, they called me up. My TIP was ready. All set to enter. Going in, there was no inspection of the car or papers, and no insurance check.

There are even ATM's and restrooms here at these offices.

Both sides took about 35 minutes total.

Crossing the border from Brazil to Uruguay

crossed from Jaguarao, Brazil. This crossing requires 3 stops.

In Brazil, you first need to go to the Policia Federal office in Jaguarao. Coming down Highway 116, instead of turning on the main road to Uruguay, turn left 1 block earlier, on R. Julio de Casthillos. The Police office is 1 1/2 blocks down on the right. A gray building with metal fencing and a blue sign pointing to it. This is where you get your passport stamped.

Brazil to Uruguay border crossing
Exit stamp for passport here

After getting stamped out, head towards Uruguay again. The bridge is about 1.7 KM away. The Aduana office is actually ON the bridge. So, unless you want to stop all traffic, you do not want to take the bridge quite yet. I turned right at the gas station immediately before the bridge, then immediately to the left. This allowed me to drive under and park at the base of the bridge and take the concrete steps up to Customs to turn in my TIP. This office opens at 8:30 in the morning. The officer took my paper, and asked where my car was. We went out and I showed him at the base. I guess he didn't want to go down the stairs. He just said “okay”, and I left.

Brazil to Uruguay border crossing

Now, you can cross the bridge take an immediate right, and head to Uruguay. You will drive a few kilometers through Free Zone shopping before you reach the immigration and customs office and there is no changing currency, or any services, at immigration or just after; so, if you want to change money, get gas, or buy snacks; stop along the way before immigration.

 

As you near immigration, there is a quick left, and plenty of parking next to the red and white building.

Brazil to Uruguay border crossing

This was quick and easy. Immigration inside the building just to the right. Then, Aduano just to the left. They didn't check anything. Just stamped, gave me TIP papers, and sent me on my way.

3 stops are a bit of a pain, but at every one of the stops, I was the only customer there, so it was very fast!

Crossing the border from Uruguay to Argentina

Crossing on the San Martin bridge near Fray Bentos, Uruguay.

This was a very easy crossing once you know what to do. It is a little odd, as this is the first drive through immigration I have seen yet. As I was waiting, I kept thinking I must be doing something wrong.

First, approaching the bridge; you will pass through a sea of trucks. Just pass through and keep going. The first building you will see is a little gray building. This is tourist information...keep going.

 

The next building will be a little orange building in the center. At the right of this building are immigration booths.

Uruguay to Argentina border crossing

The first step is to drive to one of the booths and wait your turn. This is where you will get stamped out of Uruguay and into Argentina and get a little white piece of paper stamped.

After getting stamped at the booth, you will pull a few feet ahead, and to the right (out of the way of traffic) to park, so you can go into the orange building for Aduano. In the door and a little to the left is Uruguay to hand in your TIP. Then, the next desk to the right of that is Argentina to get your new TIP. This is easy...passport, title, registration, and no copies needed. Also, no fees.

When you have the new TIP, head back to your car. There will be someone there to check the TIP paper. I didn't have any inspection done. Then, back in the car, ahead a little bit to final check, where they will take the little white paper. Then, you can go forward to pay the toll and cross the bridge. They take many currencies at the bridge toll, BTW.

and, onto Argentina.

This whole process may take as little as 20 minutes.

bottom of page