Mauro and Marina
Names and ages: Mauro and Marina, 37 and 34
Hometown: Santos, Brazil
Reason for taking this trip
We needed to take a time off work. So Mauro quit his and Marina is taking a 2 year leave. Although we don´t know if she´ll ever return. In fact we don´t know what we´ll do after this trip
Why did you decide to drive?
Driving is how we can get the most adventure of it; walking probably would take too much time. We love meeting new people and exploring different places. Only driving you can have mobility and flexibility to get off the beaten paths and programs. Besides that, we love driving
What type of car are you driving?
Toyota Hilux 2009 4x4 diesel single cab
Did you make any modifications to your car for this trip?
Not so far, but we´re working on: water tank with sink, extra battery, double bed, storage boxes. All inside a self-made camper
How did you save up or finance your trip?
We´ve spent the last 15 years working hard and saving even harder. We are also searching for sponsors
How long do you plan on traveling?
Around 12 months. Maybe more
Where do you plan on driving?
Leaving from Santos, Brazil down to Ushuaia, Argentina. From there all the way north to Alaska following the Panamerican route. And then back to Brazil by the Atlantic coast. You can check our planned route here
What were your family’s and friends’ reactions when you told them about your trip before you left? ?
Mixed, but mostly positive. Usually the first question was: what will you do when you come back? Most said that we were completely crazy to leave our jobs and spend one year traveling. We think that is a positive compliment. Mauro´s parents were basically concerned with safety
Did you speak Spanish before you left your home country? How much Spanish? Are you taking more Spanish lessons as you travel? If so, where and for how long?
We speak portuguese but have some basic knowledge of English and Spanish. Hope we can make some communication in these languages at least not to starve.
Do you have a favorite place or country that you have visited during your trip?
So far we´ve only done Brazil and Argentina. Our favorite place is Chapada Diamantina, BA, Brazil.
What was the weirdest thing you experienced on your trip?
It´s really weird how things started to happen after we´ve decided to do this trip. Sometimes life puts lots of roadblocks in your way, making your life miserable. You then question if that’s really what you should be doing. And sometimes everything happens even better than you had planned. We guess that means we should go on.
Do you have any advice for others who may be considering driving the Americas?
Just do what you love and don´t bother with anything else
Would you do it again?
We´ll find out when we´re back
Do you have a blog or a website describing your trip?
website www.projetoanima.com and blog www.projetoanima.me
