Girl alone traveling over Central America??

[Majo Gularte]

Hello everybody! I am new in the forum and I need some advice, sorry if my english is not perfect . I learned to ride when I was about 15 years old, I am 30 now, but it´s been years since I dont ride that much, lately I meet this guy who is traveling from Canada to Argentina and really inspired me, so now I want to start my own adventure traveling from Guatemala to Costa Rica by the end of the year. So I was wondering if you can help me to contact somebody, (better if is a girl, so I have the point of view of a women traveling alone) who had made this same trip to ask for tips and advice?

[Peter Bodtke]

Hi Majo!

Welcome to the Central American forum. Just in case you missed it, there is a forum dedicated to women riders:
Women's Topics http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/womens-topics/

There is another forum you might want to read as your dates firm up:
Travellers Seeking Travellers http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...ng-travellers/

I usually ride alone and prefer solo travel in general. More opportunities are offered to a person alone, than with a couple or a group. Next to no conflicting opinions, unless you are a conflicted person by nature. =) You eat and stay where you want for as long as you want. Friends are going to say you are nuts for riding CA alone, but friends will say you are nuts to ride CA no matter.

On the other hand, riding with a partner provides companionship, added security and assistance in the event of mechanical problems. It also doubles your chances of delays while waiting for a fix. Riding with a group increases border crossing time. Sharing a room reduces expenses...

I'm 6'3" but not very intimidating by nature. More likely to smile than scare someone one off with a stern look. That said, I rode most of CA in 2008-09, and never once had a problem. In 2012 I rode south thru CA on route to SA. A guy at the border of Costa Rica/Panama tried to steal my travel documents by putting his on top of mine while yelling to the customs official behind the glass partition...I caught the attempt and chewed him out. That was the extent of my people issues.

Wanted to share a few thoughts and wish you the best.

[duibhceK]

have a read through this report from Pumpy: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...ave-live-54616

and maybe get in contact with her, I'm pretty sure she'll be glad to answer your questions.

[SalCar]

Here are a couple of website of two girls/ladies that I met and that have done all of latin america by motorcycle:

Anna: America

Henrietta: Delphin Data

If you read their stories you'll get a good feeling of what to expect.

If you follow the basic rules of adventure riding (e.g. avoid riding at night) then you should be fine.

Good luck!
S

[Majo Gularte]

Thank you so much everybody!!!

[katui]

Out of curiosity... who was this Guy and where did you meet him?

[Majo Gularte]

His name is Blake, I met him in Guatemala

[katui]

Originally Posted by Majo Gularte

His name is Blake, I met him in Guatemala

Ahh! Never mind. My self being a guy, from Canada, riding to Argentina, currently in Gautemala(and have been for about a month) I thought you may have met me :P

[markharf]

Blake posts on this site (and on ADVrider.com) from time to time. When last heard from he was looking into Darien transport options and contemplating major engine repairs.

[canoejim]

Look up Carla King. I think she goes by misadventures on forums. She is bound to set you up with information and contacts. She seems to really know her stuff and is an experienced motorcycle traveler. Good luck!

[Majo Gularte]

Originally Posted by katui

Ahh! Never mind. My self being a guy, from Canada, riding to Argentina, currently in Gautemala(and have been for about a month) I thought you may have met me :P

Ha ha ha! That's funny! What are you doing in Guatemala for a month? Have you meet any local riders here yet?

[Majo Gularte]

Originally Posted by markharf

Blake posts on this site (and on ADVrider.com) from time to time. When last heard from he was looking into Darien transport options and contemplating major engine repairs.

Yeah!!! He is the guy.

[Majo Gularte]

Originally Posted by canoejim

Look up Carla King. I think she goes by misadventures on forums. She is bound to set you up with information and contacts. She seems to really know her stuff and is an experienced motorcycle traveler. Good luck!

Thank you!!! I will look up for her.

[panavalk]

Hi, I have contacts in clubs from Guatemala to Panama & female rider friends in Costa Rica. If you have facebook pm me & I will put you in touch. If you make it to Panama come & see me, I live near to Pasa Canoas. Hablo espanol si prefieres