travel time mexico to panama
 

how many days should we plan for riding accross the border in az to mexico and down through panama to catch the stahlratte boat? in the US can comfortably ride 275 to 300 miles a day. can we reasonably make this trip in 30 days?

Yes, it is doable. If you plan your stays (which is fairly easy), you can cover this distance in 30 days. Especially Mexico, Nicaragua, Costa Rica & Panama will surprise you from their developed network.

Gas stations are plenty as well along the Panam Route.

Recent Updates you can also get at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/panamtravelers/

That shouldn't be a problem. I did British Columbia to Yaviza, Panama and back in 3 months with a lot of detours and zigzagging along the way. 25,500Km in total. Even though I wished I had lots more time it was definitely doable. Just don't expect to do the same distances as you do in the US. The exceptions are northern Mexico and the main route through Panama which are generally quite fast. As well, Mexico has a slew of modern toll highways which will get you through even faster, while missing out on much of the experience.

Be prepared to slow down dramatically on the side roads in Mexico, most of Guatemala, Honduras and Costa Rica. Nicaragua falls somewhere in between since the traffic is relatively light and the main road is good. When I went I stayed off the toll roads and a good day was 400 - 450Km except for northern Mexico where I did much better than that.

Oh yes, and watch out for unmarked speed bumps (topes) in Mexico. My best one was taken at 120Km/h. There is a lack of speed limit signage on some side roads and you sometimes don't even realize you've entered a tiny village until it's too late :scooter:

+1 Yes... not that unusual to come around a bend and encounter some topes with little warning.

As mentioned, you won't match USA mileage. Remember there is now MORE traffic than ever in Mexico and Cent Am. Travel down Baja, take Ferry to mainland. Lovely. Relaxing. Fun.

But really depends if you want to just power straight through and not see much along the way. You could easily spend a year seeing sights along the way.
So much to see and do: Beaches, Mountains, Ruins, Cities, Deserts, Jungles.

I've lived in Mex, Guat and El Salvador. All worth your time, IMHO.

IMO, important to have a day off the bike every 3 or 4 days riding minimum.
Hundreds have done what you're doing ... racing for the Stalhratte. They end up finding a million excuses NOT to go somewhere or do that once in a lifetime thing ... all because of Stalhratte deadline. They push themselves when they fall behind to ... catch their boat ... and nearly SINK themselves in the process.

Crossing borders takes time. A full day for Honduras. Others slow too.

Many ignore Cent. America, not looking far off main route. I especially like Caribbean coast. Also, remember, big cities can slow you down ... but you may have to pass through many or may have business there.

Traffic in many is now off the charts bad. Late night or early AM is sometimes best. Good GPS skills or hire Taxi to guide your through stress free.

If you think you need a month ... best add at least TWO WEEKS to that. Plenty of things can come along to make you miss your boat. Flats, other bike problems, chain sprocket issues, no tire or tube issues, battery or other elec. issues ... these are SO COMMON!

Seems many still ignore my Mexico Basics list of Must Do's :oops2:

Good luck, safe travels.

One month no worries. But that's pretty fast moving and not slowing for many off tracks or sight seeing. We just did it the opposite way and spent 6 weeks which was pretty quick.


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When are you going, Sposifamily??
 

Hello!
I am traveling from Oakland, California down to Costa Rica starting either the last week in September or first week in October and plan to be at my volunteer site November 5th...when are you headed down? Would you want to ride together for a stint? :palm::)
I am also capable of riding 300+ miles in a day in the US and have been trained in dirt and on road.