Ecuador - Road trip from USA to South America?

Question

Darién Gap - How do you cross it doing a road trip? You would have to ship the auto, right? Are there ferrys?

Answer 1

As much as road trips are awesomely fun, I would not recommend driving through multiple countries all the way just to get to Ecuador--especially through Mexico. I promise you going by plane and renting a vehicle is a good choice.

Answer 2

Driving through the darien gap is very dangerous and not recommended by anyone.

Answer 3

I was in Central America last year for a few months.  And met a number of people with cars or trucks heading for South America.  I think you have two choices, ship the car in a container or take a ferry boat.  I believe there is a ferry once a month to Ecuador.  And the container is expensive unless you find people to share it.

I am sorry that I do not know the details.  post your question On the Lonely Planets web site forums and you will find out.

Answer 4

Yes, to the crossing by air the Darien Gap!!!

Not, to the ferry. The last one to Colombia, went bankrupt few years ago!

You will have to find a cargo vessel that will take your car either to Colombia (most likely Barranquilla) or Ecuador.

There is NO advertising of such services.

Most people go the the Port of Departure, you may want to try Puerto Limon in Costa Rica. Not to drive all the way to Manzanillo or Balboa, in Panama. Then find suitable transport arrangements.

A container will cost you, by the time all is said and done about USD2000!