For many this ride is a fulfillment of a dream. Imagine riding all the way south through Mexico, crossing into the Mayan regions of Guatemala, tackling the Pan American highway through El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua and experiencing the jewel of Central America, Costa Rica.  Pura Vida!  Witnessing The Panama Canal at work will be your reward. This is a tour that blends adventure, vacation and exploration. A ride of a lifetime.

Logistics
This tour involves participants delivering their motorcycles to Houston, Texas approximately three weeks prior to the actual tour date from where they will then be ocean freighted to the Republic of Panama.  Riders will then fly into Panama, take delivery of the motorcycles and journey back to the USA. This concept allows for a more leisurely ride back to the USA and eliminates the redundant and time consuming border crossings that would be required on a “down and back” tour. MotoDiscovery organizes all the shipping logistics. The turnkey process is included in the price of the tour. Air fare to Panama is not included. Motorcycle rentals are also available.

Itinerary Highlights
The following are highlights of this remarkable motorcycling journey.

• Panama - The Canal is an attraction by itself, but there is more. The alps like riding that awaits you in the region of Chiriqui, the national parks that once served as US military training bases and the city of Panama with a vibrant nightlife, a French Quarter of its own and a melting pot of cultures. The Panama Canal is truly a remarkable engineering accomplishment and you'll learn all about it on one of our guided tours there. Panama is also rapidly becoming a very desirable retirement option with a growing “expat” community.  You may wish to even fly in early and explore the San Blas Islands.
  
  

• Costa Rica - Pura Vida. You'll be serenaded in the night by howler monkeys, see smoldering volcanoes, enjoy fine beaches and ride through lush cloud forests. This is a country that long ago learned that it is better to place books in the hands of their children than guns. No wonder so many Americans now live here. It is a bit of paradise and the gem of Central America.
  
  

• Nicaragua - When the Soviet Union slammed the door shut on Cuba and Fidel could no longer write the check for political interventions in Latin America, Nicaragua tumbled into a black hole of despair and ruin. Today, it is a shining star, by many viewed as the next Costa Rica, with eco tourism leading the way.
  
  

• Honduras - This is the banana republic. Of all of Central America, this country continues to struggle, heavily impacted by devastating hurricanes and paying the price for centuries of political instability. Hopes of new trade pacts in the Americas are beginning to bring the region alive.
  
  

• El Salvador - this county has long put behind the tensions of conflict and is a sterling example of determination and how to move forward in peace. El Salvador is the smallest of the Central America countries but its beaches, mountains, unique cuisine and affable population have always made our passage through Central America memorable.
  
  

• Guatemala - By the time you arrive to Guatemala, it becomes evident that Central American countries are not simply clones of their northern Mexico neighbor. Each country is unique. Mayan natives in Chichicastenango whose pre-Colombian ancestors constructed great pyramids and lavish cities are seen in their traditional dress, speaking their own dialects and living much as they have for centuries. The colonial gem of Antiqua in the shadow of volcanoes is a great hub for exploring the highlands of Guatemala.
  
  

• Mexico - No one knows this land better than MotoDiscovery. After all we once rode with Pancho Villa and continue to revere Mexico for its dynamic culture and history, and fun! This tour could easily be called the Best of Mexico. You'll experience the rich Old European style of San Miguel de Allende, the colorful traditions of native Indian peoples, climb the pyramids of Monte Alban near Oaxaca and be embraced by some of the kindest people you'll ever encounter.
  
  

• Returning to the USA – From Mexico you cross into the USA at McAllen, Texas. What a great way to punch a nice hole in your winter, riding the length of Central America and Mexico.

About the Itinerary
Leisure days permit MotoDiscovery to organize activities as well as address laundry needs, motorcycle maintenance and relaxation. Although daily riding distances are at times moderate, you will have more than enough riding with optional side trips and time to stop along the way to take photos and enjoy. Riding conditions such as open range, back country villages, border crossings, etc., limit the miles that can be safely covered in a day. As always, tour itineraries are subject to change. 

Includes

• 28 nights lodging
• Breakfasts & dinners on travel days with occasional lunch
• Bilingual staff
• Support vehicle
• Staff assistant
• Entrance fees and tours given by licensed guides at Monte Alban, the Panama Canal, Gatun Locks, and Panama City.
• Motorcycle shipment and all related fees Houston, Texas to Panama
• Maps, road log and tour preparation literature
• MotoDiscovery apparel gift

Mileage (approximate)
Longest day: 340
Shortest day: 120
Total miles: 4,010

Dates
Jan 19 – Feb 17, 2009
Jan 18 – Feb 16, 2010

Price
$7,949 US   On your own bike (double occupancy) 
$5,549 US   Passenger
Single occupancy supplement $1,695. US
If you desire a single room or for any reason we are unable to obtain a room mate for you, the single occupancy supplement will apply

Motorcycle Rentals
Suzuki DR 650              2,800. US
Suzuki Vstrom 650        3,220.
Suzuki Vstrom 1000      3,780.

Deposit    $400 US per person deposit.

View the Frequently Asked Questions about the Rio Grande to Panama Canal Tour

 

Cancellation & Refund Policy