Jason,

The Darian is where the Panama Canal was built.  It is now mostly
flooded by dams built for the canal, and what isn't under water is marsh
or hilly jungle.  Get yourself a copy of David McCollough's "The Path
Between the Seas: The Creation of the Panama Canal, 1870 to 1914."  It
is an easy and entertaining read, and will give you a good perspective
of the area and its history.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0671244094/qid=951414026/sr=1-18/104-3476572-5369219

Also check Amazon.com or other sources for travel guides that will
answer your questions.  There are definitely places to avoid (Columbia
in its entirety), so plan on shipping the van to Venezuela. You might
find it easier and safer just to leave the van and dog at home for four
months and be a carless tourist, you may not want to make the trip back
in your Westy!

Jason Willenbrock wrote:
>
> hey all,
> i want to thank everyone who had responded to my last post about driving to
> rio de janiero. i definitely need to do my homework on this if i am truly
> serious about embarking on this journey. outside of the darian gap situation
> (could someone pleas elaborate on this),

--
Stuart MacMillan
Manager, Case Program
800-909-8244 ext. 8208

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