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Names

Jesse and Brie

Hometown

Seattle, WA

Why did you decide to drive

We love the independence that driving allows you. You can go where ever you want when ever you want. You aren't stuck on the heavy tourist trail that often happens when you take a bus or public transport.

Pets

We have two dogs along with us, they are really cool cocka-poos. Their names are Shooter and Jazz.

Children

Nope

Type of car

We are driving a 1986 Toyota Van

Modifications made to the car

We did a few things to the van, tinted the driver and passenger windows (which was money well spent), I built a bed/ storage system in the backend put curtains up. We also bought some fake alarm blinking red lights.

How did we save to finance the trip

Brie and I busted our asses bar-tending and saved up.

How long do you plan on traveling

6 months to a year.

Reactions of family and friends

Half the family was supportive, and half was totally freaked out. Most people couldn't beleive we were going to do it. They thought it was too risky and dangerous. Most of these people have never traveled in Mexico or abroad.

Did you speak Spanish before you left

Brie speaks Spanish very well, I do not. We took a week long language school in La Paz.

Favorite place or country we have visited so far

San Miguel De Allende, and Puerto Escondito

What is the weirdest thing you have experienced?

Being asked for fish as a bribe by a Mexican police officer, instead of money. We didn't have any fish so he got a little money.

What was the worst border crossing?

Well its not a border crossing, but Mexico City was the worst so far. We were stopped by corrupt "police" groping their large automatic weapons and forced to pay a large bribe or go to prison. Something to do with our license plates and the fact that we are gringos.

Advice for others traveling this trip

Bring an I pod, lantern, oil filters, your doggies, and enjoy!

Would you do it again?

Yes, but there are so many other great places out there to see.

Do you have a website?

Yes, SpiritVanimal

Learn more about other people driving the Pan American Highway.

Considered the longest navigable network of roads in the world, it's no wonder many people dream of driving from the Arctic Circle in Alaska to the tip of South America (or at least part of it). Before you set off on the road however, you may want to do a few things to get started. Read more about planning your trip, selecting your vehicle, and roads and driving conditions in Latin America. Get yourself in the mood for your trip by reading some travel books or watching some movies about the places you might visit. Check out roadtripper reviewed gear to see what equipment people have used on their drive on the Pan-American highway.

Or, click on any of the countries below to get specific information about border crossings, gas prices, road conditions, camping, and hotels with secure parking.

Argentina	Belize	Bolivia
Brazil	Canada	Chile
Colombia	Costa Rica	Ecuador
El Salvador	French Guiana	Guatemala
Guyana	Honduras	Mexico
Nicaragua	Panama	Paraguay
Peru	United States
Uruguay	Venezuela

Avoiding the Shakedown: Any traveler driving through Latin America is bound to hear frightening stories about getting pulled over by the police and being forced to hand over hundreds of dollars over a trumped up charge. It is true that bribes are a way of life in many countries, but you can avoid most problems with a few handy tips. read more...