Insane Idea but would love your input!

Mr. Hollywood says on Feb 23, 2007, 12:28:

Go for it. Lots of others have. Good luck, though, when you run out of road in Panama.

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JMCana says on Feb 23, 2007, 12:32:

take a film crew No one would believe it if you make it, so take a film crew with you.

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PaisaAmericano says on Feb 23, 2007, 12:59:

Dangerous Hey Brad, not only will you be in bad situations driving through Mexico in the H2 but if you do find a way to Colombia the FARC or any other Guerilla group will have a field day with you man. I would not do it. May get kidnapped, robbed or killed.

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Precortesiana says on Feb 23, 2007, 13:13:

I wouldn't you probably would be ok until you hit Colombia if you change from the H2. after you enter Colombia, all bets are off, regardless of vehicle. Not advised.

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FreakyG says on Feb 23, 2007, 13:15:

The Darien Gap might be a stopping point though. I remember hearing about a bit of land that is almost impassable. It was done in the 50's I think by a group who used land rovers. The H2 would die down there somewhere and is way too nice of a vehicle to abuse like that (it has a GM Tahoe frame and you would want locking diffs to do this). I did a little googling and found this area is somewhat occupied by FARC, AUC, and others as well as being marshland or swampland. Do a search on the Darien Gap and I am sure you will find loads of info about previous attempts and maybe some success stories. JMCana is right on, bring a film crew and do a documentary of the attempt.

good luck

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goin_south says on Feb 23, 2007, 13:45:

Beware the Clown Killers... !

Where do we go from here?

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goin_south says on Feb 23, 2007, 13:46:

Beware the Clown Killers... jejee!

Yeah, go for it, Payaso!

Where do we go from here?

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Lostgringo says on Feb 23, 2007, 13:51:

Give it more thought Hey I never wear an expensive watch here in Colombia why would you think that you could drive through FARC controlled country with an H2? Not only will they relieve you of the H2 they will happy to kidnap you. Anyone who drives a Hummer must have money.... !!!

You have to have some strong contacts here in Colombia to drive around in a Hummer....for most of us Gringos it is an immediate "death sentence." Leave the expensive toy at home and come and enjoy Colombia without all the flash.

All of the advice given above is right on the money. And in my opinion if you take cameras etc. to document the event, you will have them stolen too. Do a little more research before you commit to this venture.



welovebogota.com "Luxury Apartment and rooms at reasonable prices"

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goin_south says on Feb 23, 2007, 13:57:

Mario, maybe we can hitch a ride with him, and jump off with a couple kayaks, just past Panama City.

disculpa,...mi manglish imperfecto!

Where do we go from here?

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Mr. Hollywood says on Feb 23, 2007, 13:58:

The dude is already here! Look here's his H2 in Cargtagena, already...

http://web.mac.com/raciec/iWeb/Site/Caribe_files/slideshow.html?slideIndex=18

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Man Tequila says on Feb 23, 2007, 14:11:

Why would you go to Medellin to "monger"? Why would you want to load up on hydrogen?

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

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Mr. Hollywood says on Feb 23, 2007, 14:42:

Bad wikipedia entry That wikipedia entry is really bad. The bit about the last known crossing being in 2005 is just ridiculous. I have a friend who studies the migration patterns of indigenous people in that region and people cross back and forth through the Darien all the time. There are a number of tribe that don't particularly recognize the political boundaries and spend time on both sides, not to mention the various smugglers, guerillas and others that go through there all the time, too.

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Man Tequila says on Feb 23, 2007, 14:46:

I understand that lots of "mongers" go to Colombia to get hummers that they didn't have when they entered Colombia. It seems only fair and sporting to bring one with you, so that you can leave it behind for the benefit of Colombians.

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

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bradenmiami says on Feb 23, 2007, 14:53:

Hahaha.... Thanks for all the input! Keep in mind, for those of you thinking I'm crazy, I was simply looking for input and in now way have I planned anything like this (yet!) I just always thought it would be fun to travel by ground, transcontinental, and since I now frequent Colombia...why not? Obviously many of you have good reasons "why not!"

I know the Darien Gap is probably the biggest factor that would keep a trek like this from happening. So take out the H2, replace it with a CJ or 80's Landrover, and what in your opinion would (MINUS Darien Gap) be the biggest obstacle on the Pan-American Highway?

By the way, Man Tequila, not going to Monger really but just looking for input on the potential. I actually have a thriving business in Miami and am thinking of relocating to Medellin after finishing an intensive spanish program in BAQ then getting my TEFL in Medellin, both later this year.

Also, started reading that Goliath expedition...amazing!

The "lovemedellin website" is a piece of crap made by some moron who has only been to Medellin once...you'd be better off reading the Lonely Planet advice from a guy who never even came here!

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Mr. Hollywood says on Feb 23, 2007, 15:03:

This thread inspired me It's really worth going on Google Earth and taking a bird's eye view of the Darien Gap. Really, wild looking landscape. The most disheartening bit is the incredible deforestation where the two roads enter the wilderness. That's reason enough never to close the gap.

What's funny, is people often talk about it like it's a 60 mile gap between otherwise civilized parts of the world. Hell, driving through most of Choco would be like entering the land of the lost, roads or not.

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aztec says on Feb 23, 2007, 16:48:

Why don't you first go to Colombia.... ...look around for a few weeks and decide how you are going to park that thing. Can't believe you spent much time in Colombia or you would realize the futility of such an idea.

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Portena says on Feb 23, 2007, 18:57:

Auto Insurance may be a Problem I had a friend who was going to drive from the US to Panama and, after he looked into the insurance issues, decided it wasn't a smart idea. He told me that as a "gringo" with a nice car (not a luxury car just a nice middle class car) he would be a target in that people might try to get into an accident with him. He was informed that as the "rich" gringo (which he is not) he would probably be held liable.

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billyb says on Feb 23, 2007, 19:38:

I don't know, maybe in a Hummer.. they'll think you are a 'Pesado' and nobody will fuck with you.

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goin_south says on Feb 23, 2007, 20:11:

"And then backing it in??? " maybe he should ask his gf to do it ;)

Where do we go from here?

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Miguel_Clavo says on Feb 23, 2007, 22:01:

I say take the trip, but make all of us on PBH the beneficiaries first!

Just my opinion...and brought to you by a kinder and gentler

Miguel_Clavo =).....Colombia es pasión!

"F.A.R.C..S.U.C.K.S"

"I would rather die living life, than to live a dying life."........ Oh, and my PM is always ON. Great Bumper Sticker: "Home of the Free, Because of the Brave"

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bradenmiami says on Feb 23, 2007, 22:02:

Aztec....uhhh...yeah, been to Colombia MANY a time! Owning it Barranquilla or Cartagena (where I have spent most of my time) is not really the issue. I have seen several H2, H23, and new Land Rovers, etc all over the roads - usually with blacked out windows. Sorry you cant believe I have been there, and you think it is futile...

Parking...yeah...that COULD be an issue! LOL However she wouldnt dare back it in..heck, I wouldnt dare let her! She is in Miami with me now and "learning" to drive, which is quite a nightmare! We already got kicked out of a church parking lot the other night!

Understand about the insurance for sure - and the extra attention! That would be the last thing I am looking for! As for Mexico, I think I would be more concerned about the Darien Gap and some of the Central American countries more than Mexico. IO know it has its rough areas, but I have done pretty well even in my many mixups with police, federales, etc...

So...the more people post the more I'm seeing it might be just an all around bad idea...hahahah So much for the fantasy!

The "lovemedellin website" is a piece of crap made by some moron who has only been to Medellin once...you'd be better off reading the Lonely Planet advice from a guy who never even came here!

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goin_south says on Feb 23, 2007, 22:45:

billy, I don't think he understood about his gf 'backing it in'....jeje,... or, 'up'.... or, whichever way she pleases!

Where do we go from here?

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billyb says on Feb 23, 2007, 22:52:

Brady, the thing you have to do is..... get a convoy of about 3 hummers and all your problems would disappear, as long as you have some extra cash for la mordida!!!

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billyb says on Feb 23, 2007, 22:54:

El Fel.. You can't..... ever fault a lady for liking it in reverse. LOL

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goin_south says on Feb 23, 2007, 23:05:

acuerdo mucho! _ _ _

Where do we go from here?

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bufalo says on Mar 4, 2007, 10:42:

I saw one of those campers, RV? in Santa Marta years ago, and it had Florida plates. Not just one taken and put above the colombian plate, but actually Florida plates.

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor

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Tinto (Moderator) says on Mar 4, 2007, 11:06:

FWIW, Jimmy Rogers, the retired, middle-aged investor and occasional CNBC talking head took a BMW motorcycle and trailer around the world and wrote a book. Then he took a BRIGHT yellow two-door Mercedes around the world, pulling a trailer, and wrote another book. Driving around the world or though Mexico and Central America is hardly considered an extreme adventure anymore. BTW, Rogers pretty much avoided Colombia, he said there was too much paperwork hassle.

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