Product Description

The purpose of this guidebook is to assist those wishing to drive through Mexico and into Central America. The United States was a sleeping giant in the 19th century. The railroads that were built across the country were instrumental in its development. Mexico and Central America are being awakened from their slumber by the building of the Pan American Highway.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #486769 in Books
• Published on: 1997-06
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 162 pages

Review
"A 'must' guide for anyone thinking of driving through Mexico to Central America." -- Costa Rica Today Newspaper

From the Author
In the future travel, ecotourism and trade agreements will stride hand in hand with industry to create exciting and explosive new growth in this part of the world. This will lead to the development of new tourist meccas for vacationing North Americans and others Furthermore, the present economy is forcing many retirees and senior citizens, who live on fixed incomes, to seek more affordable housing and life-styles south of the border. Just like the birds facing the coming winter, they will turn to the South in ever greater numbers.

The massive numbers of automobiles in Mexico and the Central American countries assures proper road maintenance and an abundance of modern service stations. Many of these new stations are being equipped with stateside Circle K-type mini-marts and provide complete car care.

The past history of the ancient Aztec and Mayan civilizations are here for us to rediscover. However, the greatest discovery we have in store, are the lovely and fascinating peoples of these countries.

With these things in mind, we have created this annual guidebook as an aid, so you can step out without fear, and enjoy the beauty of this historical part of our hemisphere.

From the Back Cover
When the author decided to drive to Costa Rica, he went to the Automobile Club, the library and several bookstores for information on driving the Pan-American Highway to Central America. As far as he could discover there were no books available on this subject. So, he gathered as much word-of-mouth information as possible to make the trip.

As he and his wife drove through Mexico and Central America, he used a mini-cassette recorder to help make a graphic documentary of the trip. The result is the first one-of-a-kind annual guidebook to come on the market. Now, when someone else wants to drive through Mexico and Central America, there is a book.

Takes You Step-by-Step Through Practical Spanish phrases for all situations you will encounter What papers you need Best routes to take - including maps En route sightseeing Border crossings - what to expect Servicing your car en route How to figure your costs in advance Hotels - Motels - where to stay Details of actual trips and much more useful information

Customer Reviews

better, more accurate info available on the Internet
I did a lot of research on our trip. We live in Honduras and are driving to the US over a three week period as we leave the area for good, so ordered the book. I was already very versed in the trip from countless stories on the Internet, and from exploring Central America over the last three years, so found the book simple, badly written, and not very helpful at all. I suggest that instead of spending your money on this book, you do research on the Internet and you will get much better information for free.

This book sucks!
I couldn't understand this authors directions nor his information - while on the net i did find some great info on driving the pan-american highway - some funny stories along the way too. Go to www.drivemeloco.com for some great info.

I Really Enjoyed This Guide
I've made the trip from the U.S. to Panama by car four times. Each trip has been different and a real adventure. Although this guide should be updated it contains some good tips and many anecdotes. One of the best parts is where others share their experiences while making the journey. I also liked all of the essential Spanish vocabulary the book contains to help non-Spanish speakers in case they get in a jam. The part about border crossings is also helpful. They can be a real drag and very frustrating. This book helps prepare people for them.
I really wish the publisher would come out with a newer edition. I'plan to contact them and see if they'll let me share my experieces in the next edition. In short, if you plan to make the trip to any Central American country this book can help you.