Leaving the US for SA in April, how bad of an idea is it?
 

I was all set to do my US to Ushuaia trip with a late October departure date when a family medical emergency came up. So I thought I would postpone the trip for one year and depart 10/2011. What I would like to know is could I just depart in April of 2011 or would the rains or heat or infrastructure slow down make the trip unbearable. I have seen numerous climate charts and it seems when it's dry in one location it rains in another. This is a 6-8 month trip from Minnesota thru Mx-Central America-South America and back. What are the pros and cons of this off season departure date, are there any pros?

Pack your rain gear and ventilated jacket/pants. It should be a cooler winter this year in Mexico but that doesn't necessarily mean that Spring wont be any different. April and May can get plenty hot in southern Mexico and some torrential downpours. On your return leg you will be dealing with hurricane season. Once past the equator you'll be into fall and cooler temps the farther south you go, I believe BA had a cold snap in Argentina during their last winter. You'll be looking at near seasonal extremes both north and south.

Hy,

Your planis not bad at all. The worst that can happen to your trip is whenyo dont start.. I am currently in colombia, (started in Alaska in May)... BTW. I think 6 to 8 month is way to short for your trip, fly back and ship the bike... twice the fun. The good things on my trip happen always when i take time.. spendsome extra days in a city and make friends. One important thing: learn spanish (in case you dont speak it) This sipmple thing makes the difference between amigo and gringo

Look foward, it might be one of the best things yo ve ever done