Expert: Edison - 12/23/2007

Question
Hello everyone!
I am feeling extremely adventurous and my friends and I have decided to travel by car starting in Brazil and ending in Mexico. We are all mid-20 year old men that speak spanish fluently and are probably going to get a van.  Any advice would be highly appreciated, whether it is where to go, what type of vehicle to purchase, or possible problems and solutions that may arise.
Thanks in advance to all the help and if you live along our route maybe we'll come visit!

Answer
Addison,

Pan-American Highway it the probably the best route for this trip. I have some friends that went from Brazil to Paraguay, Bolivia and then reaching the Pan-American in Chile. Another option is to go from Brazil to Chile via Argentina.

According to my short research on the web: "the one sticking point on the Pan-American is along the border between Colombia and Panama where the Darien Gap forms a natural, virtually impassable border", but can be transpose by boat - see Lonely Planet link below.

Jeep and Volkswagen beetle (fusca) and van (Kombi) are probably the best cars for this trip. They are reliable and easy to find mechanic and parts.

Some helpful links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pan-American_Highway
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pan-American_Highway_(South_America)
http://www.frugalfun.com/panamerica.html
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/theme/roadtrips/road_panamerican.htm

Have fun and keep me informed!!

Edison