What kind of a car do I need to travel along the Panamerica?
Today I read a nice book during work that lists some great roadtrips. Besides others, the Pan-American Highway is described there. Unfortunately it is not mentioned what kind of car you need to do this. Is it enough to have a normal car? Or do I need a Jeep? A 4-wheel car? Or something even more special?
Best Answer
I have driven portions of this through Mexico, and a normal car is perfectly fine. Most of it is 4-lane, divided highway, very similar to U.S. Interstate highways--only with more toll booths, and occasional cross-streets (mostly around major cities). Once you get south of Mexico, I cannot comment on the quality of the road.
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Can you drive across the Pan-American Highway?
While your vehicle is shipped, you can transport yourself by plane or boat. Driving the Pan-American Highway is certainly possible, and many travelers complete the overland journey from North America to South America (or vice versa) each year.Can you drive through the Darién Gap?
It doesn't run through the Darien Gap, which spans the border between Panama and Colombia. There is no way to drive from North America to South America nonstop. Building a road through the Darien Gap has been discussed for over 100 years, but there are reasons why there is no road between Panama and Colombia.How long does it take to drive across the Pan-American Highway?
A trip across the Pan-American highway can really take as long as you have time (or money) for it. Most people that we met traveling along the Pan-American highway do it anywhere from 9 months to 2 years.Can you drive from the US to Patagonia?
If you're coming the US, it's even possible to drive (most of!) the PanAmerican Highway, as it starts in Alaska and meanders its way through the Americas to finish at the very south of Patagonia.Virtual Overland Expo Summer 2020- Driving the Pan-American Highway: What do you really need?
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Images: Gustavo Fring, cottonbro, Nubia Navarro (nubikini), Elijah O'Donnell