[GMINI]

Mega Run to Tierra del Fuego in the works (like in my head).

Thanks for Any Info

I'm about to call AAA and get a triptik together.

Panamerican. I like it.

[MINI Cuda]

Hello GMINI,

I was interested to hear about your proposed trip. I have recently come down to Panama City from Canada. I am stationed at our BMW Regional office here. I handle any and all MINI business in Latin America. Unfortunately we currently only have a dealer in Chile but I'm working on that.
The trip you are thinking about is my dream trip. I had been planning it for years with a friend of mine. Now that I am down here I am trying to figure out how to do it with a MINI. I love this region and I always find great roads to drive. I would love to get in touch with you to learn more about your plans and maybe help you find some info. It's easier from down here.

Later, MINI Cuda

[GMINI]

MINIcuda - i got your PM. Thanks.

I am seriously dreaming about this run as well. Dream dream dream. It's been on my mind for quite some time. I called triple A and you'd never guess at the depth of help they offered.0.

You've got a dream job it seems. I love that area of the world.

The run's one more step toward reality. I imagine multiple MINIs, Corporate and Aftermarket sponsorship, a serious safety net, a lot of fun.

There's MINIs on Top up here climbing Mt. Washington every year. I'm looking for something that incontravertedly testifies to the hardiness of the MINI make.

Is there a paved connection between Mexico and Tierra del Fuego? I find it hard to believe not.

Premium gasoline is a must, apparently.

Could we coordinate?.

[GMINI]

ARE there even ROADS that go along the Panama Isthmus?

Maps I've seen say nuh-uh.

[NEMINI]

who needs roads? the MINI has rally heritage

[GMINI]

No WAY in it's handsome dandy current form, bro. Remember all the beechin from the Litchfield Run when we went over a coupla rustics???

[NEMINI]

lol yeah and surer the ***** you'd get a rock in one headlight. lol

[MINI Cuda]

The Panamerican highway runs all the way down from Mexico to the very bottom of Chile. The only place it doesn't exist is at the border of Panama and Colombia, maybe that's why you don't see the roads on any maps. You have to use a ferry to cross this section. The roads are very suitable for driving. They have more turns than you Americans are used to but it will give you a chance to use your steering wheel for once. Remember to keep a couple bills on hand to pay off the police. But you didn't hear that from me.

[slegorreta]

Your drive sounds great!! Should you decide to drive down here, please let the Mexico MINI Club know. We are at http://www.mundomini.com or at meet@mundomini.com. We are friendly and helpful, and quite knowledgeable of the Mexican roads

Cheers!!!

[AprilWhine]

Interesting idea, GMINI. Mark me as a maybe on the participant list, depending on time off from work.

[edlfrey]

Quote: Originally Posted by GMINI

Mega Run to Tierra del Fuego in the works (like in my head).

Panamerican. I like it.

Add me to your list; I would love to do the run: time and money allowing!

The Panamerican Highway is not all that bad, actually very good by S.A. standards, and with a ferry transport from Panama to Columbia the idea has promise. If people can bicycle it I see no reason in the world why my Cousin MINI can't do it.

[GMINI]

Oh boy. Interest on your parts help bring this voyage to reality. Bring it on. This time next year we could southbound.

[erazo]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINI Cuda

The Panamerican highway runs all the way down from Mexico to the very bottom of Chile. The only place it doesn't exist is at the border of Panama and Colombia, maybe that's why you don't see the roads on any maps. You have to use a ferry to cross this section. The roads are very suitable for driving. They have more turns than you Americans are used to but it will give you a chance to use your steering wheel for once. Remember to keep a couple bills on hand to pay off the police. But you didn't hear that from me.

I know it's late to jump in now, but FYI the Panamerican highway does not go all the way through Chile (fiords and mountains in the way) but cuts into Argentina in Patagonia and re-enters Chile in Tierra del Fuego. The roads are in fairly good shape but there may be some sections of all-weather gravel and others subject to slides. Not to mention the wind and the rain. (I did the trip in a Range Rover.)

Don't even think about showing any money to the Chilean Carabineros. You'll end up in the slammer, and your MINI will be impounded.

Also, the paperwork required to enter Argentina with a vehicle is a pain. Rather than go through the hassle with the low-IQ customs agents at the Chile-Argentina border, check into the Argentine consulate in Chile (or USA) with all your vehicle documents and get a vehicle entry permit. You'll still have to wait in line and argue with the customs agent at the border, but you'll have your ducks in a row. And don't try to bribe him, either.

You should check with the consulates for ALL the countries you'll transit to get the required docs ahead of time. Don't listen to those who advise paying bribes. Not every country is the same (why do I even have to say this?).

[GMINI]

viva this thread! It seems to be more alive than my faith in my MINI. Unless there are dealerships throughout - I'd sooner take a yugo.

Thank you for your testimony, erazo!