Belize 12/08 ~ 01/09

[eurorom]

It was nice meeting Cruiserguy and family while in El Paso, I got lot's of information on Belize/Guatemala and it seems like I will finally make this trip in January 2009.

I wish I could have spend more time with them but with work you guys know how it is. Untill next time!:ok-kewl::supercool:

[JackSilb]

Jose,

What do you have in mind?
Dates, countries, how many miles, estimate expenses...

-JACK

[eurorom]

Well my plans are to spend up to 6 weeks in Central America, Belize. Guatemala and Nicaragua, however if I do less time then I will try to concentrate on Belize ( jungles, pyramids, and the blue hole )

My worst case scenario costs for 21 days would be if I go in December2008/ January 2009:
1500 fuel
420 food(2 people)
1050 lodging ($50 a night, but going to camp some and rooms may be less)
250 insurance
100 hwy tolls

3320 plus the little things aprox.

If I do the 6 weeks then my budget opens up accordingly!

[JackSilb]

Got it.

It turns out air tickets anywhere are too expensive for our family this year.
I am looking for ideas for Dec 2008 - Jan 2009.
We may have some visitors from Brazil. They will confirm in November.

I need to coordinate school with work vacation.

If you don't mind sharing your plans as you have them, I will follow your progress and who knows ...

Thanks,
-JACK

[eurorom]

Got it.

It turns out air tickets anywhere are too expensive for our family this year.
I am looking for ideas for Dec 2008 - Jan 2009.
We may have some visitors from Brazil. They will confirm in November.

I need to coordinate school with work vacation.

If you don't mind sharing your plans as you have them, I will follow your progress and who knows ...

Thanks,
-JACK


I think Doron was also planning on going to Central America, however we just need to set some firm dates, I am available from January 2009 on, I can get 3 months if needed; but there are not too many people interested in January, so December might work for us but on a more limited time!

December 20th-it would take us from El Paso to Belize aprox. 3 days if we do a long 12 hour day which should put us in Zacatecas- followed by 2 -8 hours days!

[JackSilb]

Yes, I had Doron in mind.

If people don't come from Brazil, for us it would need to be from ~ Dec 20 to the end of first week of Jan 09. Maybe a bit flexible but not much so the kids don't loose much of school. ~ 2.5 weeks.

Ideally we stop to spend a day in a nice place 1/2 way between.

-JACK

[eurorom]

Great link to routes in Mexico toll hwys

http://aplicaciones4.sct.gob.mx/sibuac_internet/ControllerUI?action=cmdEscogeRuta

[JackSilb]

I am sure you will find lots of report on this route. It is not that rare for what I heard.
I got some books for when I was planning my trip to South America. Old things.
Where is Doron?
-JACK

[JackSilb]

Lets put some action on this Thread.

The boss is in. That means I just increased my chances to really make to this trip a LOT.
I sent a PM to Doron, and I spoke with Uwe and Colorado Ron. They are a kind of busy these days, but will participate on the Thread later.

I need to start to pull maps and work on a plan with you.

Jose, may I suggest you update the first post to have the latest information on what, who, where, how much, and when?

I asking for a SPOT (http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/showthread.php?t=4723) for birthday. My CFO kind like the idea. We will see in November how the finance is doing. That will be great way to tell people back home that we are OK and our location.

Let me start with the same questions people always have on the cross countries trips:


- Visa (Mexico and Belize)
- Passport requirement
- Car permission. Any import cost? for Mexico and Belize?
- Health insurance
- Car Insurance (Mexico and Belize)
- Rescue insurance

Others:
- Lock on dates
- Tune-up your rig before the trip
- Buddy rule. Two trucks always together in case the group needs to break for different interests
- Rent a Sat phone

Once we discuss these we can move the consensus reliable information to the first Thread.

-JACK

[JackSilb]

Jose,

What is the route that you have in mind?
I see there are two routes for us:

- One on the west coast of Mexico
- The other more central Mexico

So you really think you can make down there in 3 days huh. I am about 10 hours from your starting point if we start from El Paso.
I am taking a look at the map. It is a lot of driving.

I am planning about 3 weeks to spend on this trip. 12/20 to 1/3
There are too many nice places just to drive by without spending a day there.

If ~ 8 days are for driving the other ~13 are to explore.

-JACK

[eurorom]

Jose,

What is the route that you have in mind?
I see there are two routes for us:

- One on the west coast of Mexico
- The other more central Mexico

So you really think you can make down there in 3 days huh. I am about 10 hours from your starting point if we start from El Paso.
I am taking a look at the map. It is a lot of driving.

I am planning about 3 weeks to spend on this trip. 12/20 to 1/3
There are too many nice places just to drive by without spending a day there.

If ~ 8 days are for driving the other ~13 are to explore.

-JACK

Well you bring some good points, there are alot of places to explore in Mexico example San Miguel Allende which we could easilly spend a day, the route I was planning could be central or eastern, I could make a run to the border of Belize and have more time to explore the jungles, however my wife seems to agree with you as too much driving time, so we may have to take a day or two to explore in Mexico and rest!

Open for some ideas! Places of interest!

I will post more information ( research ) next month, as I am busy at work!

Oh and the tolls will increase if you take the western area route!

Reynosa to Belize 22 hours aprox. 1130 miles eastern zone
3 days to cross from North Mexico

Cd. Juarez to Belize 31 hours aprox. 1743 miles central zone
4 days to cross from North Mexico

Nogales to Belize 35 hours aprox. 1996 miles western zone
4 days to cross from North Mexico

Any places of interest in Mexico, Belize?

[eurorom]

I copy all this information from another forum, I know it is not cool, however I am very busy at work at this time!:blush:

Also I just order again the Mexico Topo for my gps, the last sofware sd card was freezing and this one should be an upgrade!:supercool:






Mexico Entry/Exit Requirements:


For the latest entry requirements, contact the Embassy of Mexico web site at http://portal.sre.gob.mx/usa/ (http://portal.sre.gob.mx/usa/) or contact the Embassy of Mexico at 1911 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006, telephone (202) 736-1000 or any Mexican consulate in the United States for the most current information.
All Americans traveling by air outside the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States . This requirement will be extended to sea travel (except closed loop cruises), including ferry service, by the summer of 2009. Until then, U.S. citizens traveling by sea must have government-issued photo identification and a document showing their U.S. citizenship (for example, a birth certificate or certificate of nationalization), or other WHTI compliant document such as a passport card for entry or re-entry to the U.S. Sea travelers should also check with their cruise line and countries of destination for any foreign entry requirements.



Mexico- Temporary Vehicle Importation:
ENTRY (http://www.nmborder.com/travel_mexico.html#link4) AND REQUIREMENTS

How do I obtain a Vehicle Importation Permit?
1. To acquire a permit, the owner's original Vehicle Title or Registration Receipt is needed.
2. If the vehicle is financed, is a rental car, is leased, and/or a company car, a notarized letter of permission is required from the lienholder or lending institution.
3. Valid Driver's License (with photo and same name of title).
4. Payment of guarantee for the return of the vehicle (approx. $30.00 USD) by international credit or debit card (AMEX, DC, MC, VISA) forwarded abroad under the importer's name, or by making a guarantee deposit. The amount for this will be determined by the vehicle's model and will be refunded upon reentry to the USA. (1999-2002 models, USD$400.00; 1994-1998 models, USD$300.00; models previous to 1994, USD$200.00). * In order to recover this bond or avoid credit card charges, travelers must return to the same Mexican Customs office immediately prior to departing Mexico.
5. The permit is valid for up to six months. The vehicle may be driven across the border multiple times during the authorized period of the permit. You MUST return the vehicle back to the United States before the 6 months expiration, or high fines may be imposed on you. A receipt will be issued when the permit is cancelled. Failure to turn in your vehicle's permit before the expiration date may result in denial of entry into Mexico on your next trip or fines.
6. No borrowed cars or borrowed credit cards are accepted. Other persons may drive the car as long as the owner is in the vehicle. Other foreigners with the same “tourist” status as the vehicle owner may drive the vehicle without the owner present in the car.
You can now fill out your vehicle permit online at the following web page: http://www.banjercito.com.mx/site/imagenes/iitv/instruccionesIITV.html (http://www.banjercito.com.mx/site/imagenes/iitv/instruccionesIITV.html)
Once you fill out the form, print it and present it to the Banjercito official when you get to the Banjercito office at the border.
*This is subject to change without notice by the Mexican Government.





Belize Entry/ Exit Requirements:
US STATE DEPARTMENT INFORMATION (http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1055.html)
All U.S. citizens must have a U.S. passport valid for the duration of their visit to Belize. U.S. citizens do not need visas for tourist visits of up to thirty days, but they must have onward or return air tickets and proof of sufficient funds to maintain themselves while in Belize. Visitors for purposes other than tourism, or who wish to stay longer than 30 days, must obtain visas from the government of Belize. All tourists and non-Belizean nationalities are required to pay an exit fee of U.S. $35 when leaving Belize. Additional information on entry and customs requirements may be obtained from the Embassy of Belize at 2535 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, Tel. (202) 332-9636 or at their web site http://www.embassyofbelize.org (http://www.embassyofbelize.org/). Information is also available at the Belizean Consular offices in Miami and Los Angeles, or at the Belizean Mission to the UN in New York.


Belize- Temporary Vehicle Importation:


Driving to Belize can be a challenge. Depending on the route taken, the trip to Belize through Mexico can be anywhere from 1,350-2,000 miles. A sturdy car, protective insurance, and positive determination will huge assets in assuring one’s arrival. In order for visitors to drive into Belize from Guatemala or Mexico, a temporary importation permit must be secured at the point of entry. Permits are valid for one month but can be extended by applying to the Customs Department. To get a permit, present the following at the point of entry:

Travel documents and identification
Proof of ownership (vehicle registration)
Proof of insurance--available from any of the companies at the borders
Rental documents (for vehicles rented in Mexico or Guatemala)





LINKS OF INTEREST




Belize Tourism Board Website (http://www.travelbelize.org/welcome.html)


Sanborn's Insurance for Mexico - Buy your Mexico Auto Insurance Including Car and Travel Insurance today. (http://www.sanbornsinsurance.com/)
State Department Road Safety Overseas (http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1179.html)
AAA Inter-Americas Driving Permit Application (http://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpapplc.html?association=AAA&clb_id=212&secure=N)
State Department Websites of U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions (http://www.usembassy.gov/)

State Department Background on Belize (http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/1955.htm)

State Department Background on Guatemala (http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2045.htm)
State Department Background on Mexico (http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/35749.htm)

[JackSilb]

Reynosa to Belize 22 hours aprox. 1130 miles eastern zone
3 days to cross from North Mexico
This seems a nice way. We still can pick things to do in the way in and out.
At least one maybe two stops to explore and recharge the wife dissatisfaction factor.
People would meet you in TX before crossing the boarder then?
I understand being busy at work. Take your time.
-JACK

[JackSilb]

Also I just order again the Mexico Topo for my gps, the last sofware sd card was freezing and this one should be an upgrade!
What is that?
Hand held or computer based? What resolution do you see on it?
Will it have all the major roads on it?

-JACK

[eurorom]

What is that?
Hand held or computer based? What resolution do you see on it?
Will it have all the major roads on it?

-JACK

Here is a link to my gps http://www.magellangps.com/products/product.asp?segID=391


I have been using the Magellan Crossover GPS for street and outdoors topo it works great, and when I had the Mexico topo it was great when I used it in Mexico, it has all the major intersections and hotels, restaurants, service stations. banks!

Here is a link
http://www.magellangps.com/products/map.asp?tab=0&PRODID=1233


The old SD card used to freeze my gps, and I returned it got my money back and now they have a new upgraded SD card that i will try next week!

[eurorom]

Nice link http://www.belize.com/articles/drivers-guide-to-beautiful-belize.html


Gas is $5.47/gal and diesel is $5.52/gal.in Belize

[JackSilb]

Gas in Belize, ouch, expensive huh. If it is any comfort, in Europe is much more expensive.

I have not seen Doron post here yet, but I spoke with him on the phone he is interested in this trips.

Will the dates I proposed work for you? I made a mistake. 12/12~1/10 are 3 weeks, NOT to 1/3.

Should we meet in Tx to cross the boarder there?

-JACK

[dstrass]

While going for a short camping trip to the Chiricahua Mountains Friday night, we had a little mishap that may limit our participation in near term trips. Trying to avoid hitting a snake that was warming up on the road, I ziged instead of zaged, which made the trailer throw the truck off balance and point the whole rig off the road. Not wanting the risk a roll over, I just went with the physics so we basically flew of the road at around 65 mph. How the whole thing held together, I don’t know, but the good news is that we manage to make it back home with relatively minor equipment and bodily damage. The point is that I need to go over the truck thoroughly before we take it on the next trip and given the life/work balance (more like: lack-there-of), who knows how long it will take me.

[WhiteThaiGer]

While going for a short camping trip to the Chiricahua Mountains Friday night, we had a little mishap that may limit our participation in near term trips. Trying to avoid hitting a snake that was warming up on the road, I ziged instead of zaged, which made the trailer throw the truck off balance and point the whole rig off the road. Not wanting the risk a roll over, I just went with the physics so we basically flew of the road at around 65 mph. How the whole thing held together, I don’t know, but the good news is that we manage to make it back home with relatively minor equipment and bodily damage. The point is that I need to go over the truck thoroughly before we take it on the next trip and given the life/work balance (more like: lack-there-of), who knows how long it will take me.

Wow, that is scary stuff! Glad you all are ok!

Otherwise I'm watching this thread. It sounds like a great opportunity, I wish time and money were easier to come by. We'll see.

[eurorom]

While going for a short camping trip to the Chiricahua Mountains Friday night, we had a little mishap that may limit our participation in near term trips. Trying to avoid hitting a snake that was warming up on the road, I ziged instead of zaged, which made the trailer throw the truck off balance and point the whole rig off the road. Not wanting the risk a roll over, I just went with the physics so we basically flew of the road at around 65 mph. How the whole thing held together, I don’t know, but the good news is that we manage to make it back home with relatively minor equipment and bodily damage. The point is that I need to go over the truck thoroughly before we take it on the next trip and given the life/work balance (more like: lack-there-of), who knows how long it will take me.


Woe! I am glad everybody is ok. Maybe next time!

[JackSilb]

Doron,

You did you good! Trying to fight mother nature could have been much worst.
Glad you were able to think that quick.
I am happy that your family is safe.

I just hope you can make back to action soon. Are there friends close by that can help you on the inspection? Fresh eyes always help.

I believe you truck held together because it is a TLC and your mods are really high quality and reliable.

-JACK

[JackSilb]

Found some postings on the net for Garmin's Mexico maps. Street level, not TOPOS.

-JACK

[eurorom]

Found some postings on the net for Garmin's Mexico maps. Street level, not TOPOS.

-JACK


I do not think we need topos in Mexico, but maybe in Yucatan ( Jungles )

I am working in my SD Card again as we speak on my gps, it is still freezing up sjdhgfgfhrdkekele;ed;dkdks;lwjspoe-o-fon.:chairfall:

[JackSilb]

Jose,

Have you updated the firmware of your GPS? Try that. It is usually the problem.
I kind of agree on the TOPO for Mexico. May not need. But, if I am going to invest money on maps...

Check these out (http://www.ezemaps.com/mapsearch.php?maps_of=Mexico). These are probably what we need for street level.

-JACK

[JackSilb]

Garmin maps - Mexico street level maps too. (http://www.gpsinformation.org/jack/cruise/cruise-a.html)
Garmin City Navigator Mexico 2008 (http://www8.garmin.com/cartography/mapSource/citynavntmexico.jsp)

Navigate the streets in Mexico with confidence using City Navigator Mexico NT. With this detailed data, you can literally travel to a new city, look up hotels, restaurants, and other services, and use your compatible Garmin GPS to guide you there — without stopping for directions! This data includes fully routable maps and comes preprogrammed on CD and microSD card with SD adapter. See the product compatibility table (right) for a list of products that Garmin recommends with this software.
City Navigator Mexico NT features include:


New detailed coverage for Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey
Postal code coverage for major urban areas
Additional 250,000 km of road coverage, including new link roads like MEX-57 from MEX-40 to Eagle Pass, Texas, USA
Includes detailed maps containing highways, interstates, residential roads and other navigation features
Displays points of interest such as:

food and drink
lodging
attractions
entertainment
shopping
emergency services and more


Will automatically create point-to-point routes on compatible Garmin GPS units
Contains turn restrictions and speed categories



One more (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=369685)

-JACK

[JackSilb]

Guess what. Microsoft included Mexico street maps on their Street and Trips 2009 software (http://www.laptopgpsworld.com/microsoft-streets-trips/854-review-microsoft-streets-trips-2009-a.html). That is nice for < $69 with GPS, ~ $35 software only. Go buy Garmin's Mexico maps to see the price.
Now the cool and VERY surprising part , it seems it runs on MacOS X too (http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-B17-00438-Streets-Trips-2009/dp/B001EHXOFG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=software&qid=1223003246&sr=1-1).
-JACK

[JackSilb]

I am playing with the MS Streets and Trips 2009. It seems to have all the main roads and lots of other info there. Yes, this is relative. I will compare it with Garmin' Mexico City NT 2008 maps when I have a chance.

-JACK

[JackSilb]

Jose,

I am having 2nd thoughts about this trip. I missed to compute the total driving until now.

1) I just came back from a 12~14 hours drive trip p/ day in a one way double lane USA good road. I don't think the family can take that during 2+ consecutive days in a road that requires more attention
2) Just the drive to Texas will be a good driving push
3) Less than 3 weeks for this trip will be hard to justify all the driving. The kids will have to miss class the first week of January. At this point, I am having some resistance to that.

I did some more research on the driving.

According to Google maps, driving directions to McAllen, TX1,514 mi – about 21 hours 57 mins
2 days drivingone way, ~ 4 days driving just to get to Texas and back to San Diego.

According to Jose,
Reynosa to Belize 22 hours aprox. 1130 miles eastern zone
3 days to cross from North Mexico. 3 days back.
~ 6 days driving in Mexico.

Total driving to and from Belize without exploring around ~ 10 days

Driving without a day break, would take us 5 days to get to Belize. I don't believe we can't take a straight drive that long.

I have to find something closer to home.

Thanks,
-JACK

[eurorom]

...and I agree with you even 2 /12 hour days are hard!

[eurorom]

I guess we will move this to



did not happen trips?:blush:

[cruiser guy]

I guess we will move this to



did not happen trips?:blush:

I resent that!! This trip is ON!! Life is too short!!

I've made my reservations in Belize (a week on Caye Caulker, New Years at Corozal) and Tulum, Mexico (we'll wing it after that since most folks head to the beach anyways).

Watch for pictures in January for what could have been!!

[JackSilb]

Charles,

If you don't mind me asking, how much are you paying for the rooms?
Any problem finding space this time of the year?

If I could take 3 weeks off, it would be worthy the trip.

-JACK

[cruiser guy]

If you don't mind me asking, how much are you paying for the rooms?
Any problem finding space this time of the year?

If I could take 3 weeks off, it would be worthy the trip.

-JACK

We looked around for a while till we found somewhere reasonable (about $45/night on Caye Caulker and less anywhere else). Yes, Christmas and New Years IS tough to find a place. We booked probably a month ago or more. Everyone heads for the coast at this time of year so the other areas should be OK for walkup rooms. If not the truck will be a little crowded!!

A trip to Belize or Southern Mexico needs at least 3 weeks, any less and it's a very rushed trip. We did a trip to Chiapas from Vancouver, B.C. about 6-7 years ago over 4 weeks and it seems a little fast though OK.

[eurorom]

:supercool:I wish I could quit my job and do next year in January 6 weeks and then come back and re-apply, however I am very happy with this company and I am rolling!:chairfall:

[JackSilb]

Maybe in a couple of years I manage to take a 3 weeks vacation to make this trip happen.

This year, besides the time, money is short too.

-JACK