This past winter spent about 3 months doing trips down to Yaviza,Panama and all over Mexico , good times all over
Ditto to all of Michelle's suggested places,
... just to add a few more In Panama do not miss the area around Volcan Baru , either do one side or both , i.e. the country around Volcan and around Boquete will be a total surprise and a treat to visit very populated and temperate ,explore all the small roads to their ends. El Valle)In Guatemala Coban area is neat, coolish moutain climate , coffee growing

In Mexico the list is enormous but to pick a few additional areas try to do some exploring in the Sierra Gorda when you are near Xilitla, try to get to Cuetzalan de Progreso,PUE the paved road to there from Zacatlan and Xalapa is very nice in all respects Xalapa city and surrounding upslope country both very scenic and a Mexican surprise
As for security . not a worry anywhere if you stay alert to any signals of potential problems ,mind your manners and stay off the streets late after store closing hours , avoid booze joints and druggies .
Central America per se is no more dangerous than Mexico . The hazards are more related to urban areas where the slackers and ne'er do wells cluster and try to get their daily money needs ( usually for booze and drugs) by resorting to muggings or rip and run tactics- just as in USA and Canada. For this reason stay especially vigilant if walking in some of the bigger cities or taking a break at uncrowded city vista points where these cretins often wait their chance and then dash off into their known slums or trails.

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http://advrider.com/index.php?thread....207964/page-5 then scroll down to post #93

I want to do the same trip thanks for all the great info !!! Would be nice you posted some picture as well

Great information, thx. We're crossing into Mexico this week and this is very useful information.

My wife and I left Vancouver last August and rode all the way down to Argentina and as far as Kenya from South Africa and just returned 2 weeks ago. Don't listen to what the media or arm-chair travelers have to say about safety and security. Mexico is still one of our favorite places. The locals are extremely friendly and helpful. Use common sense and you will be safe. It's a blast and savor every moment of it.
Daryll

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Central America, South America & Africa on DR650's - BLOG

Hi

When you get to Quito Ecuador - stop by for some advice and some routes at our shop in the Mariscal section of town. FreedomBikeRental.com

We also have a bedroom with a hot tub available for riders coming this way.

Hope to see you in the middle of the world!

-Court

Hey Michelle!

Will you be in Nakusp next week? If so I'll buy you and lets have a chat.

Last year Tracey and I sat with you for dinner one night. We are leaving Sept 17 for Argentina.

Hey Jordan, Great to hear you guys are getting into Mexico. Hopefully we will join up somewhere.

Cheers
Miles

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www.smilesandmiles.com

Thanks for the great information, what are the maps (map company) you used and trust for Mexico, Central America, and South America. I am actually setting up a RTW trip to be leaving from CO in November. Thanks Fletch

My father and I are working on plans for central america trip this winter. Thanks Scrabblebiker for the great info- those are going into our route planning!

I have spent some time in Nicaragua and never had any issues- everyone we met was great. I would also recommend Ometepe Island. On the south west side of the island there is a cool water fall up in the forest. Ask around for details, but it's a nice hike up to it and good way to get off the bike for a bit with a beautiful waterfall reward at the end.

A lot of people will steer you toward San Juan Del Sur. It's OK. Very touristy but if you're looking for a break in a beach town it could be a good stop.

You can't go wrong with these.
Maps for travel, City Maps, Road Maps, Guides, Globes, Topographic Maps
Daryll

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Central America, South America & Africa on DR650's - BLOG

Thanks will pick up a few of these..
Fletch