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Last Updated on March 30, 2025 by Jeremy
From Mexico to Costa Rica with a 32′ trailer and a whole lot of trial and error.
There’s No Guidebook for a Trip Like This
When you haul a 32-foot trailer across borders, through mountain passes, and into backroad towns where chickens roam freely and GPS becomes a suggestion, you need more than a map. You need instincts, patience—and the right digital co-pilot.
For us, that co-pilot was the iOverlander app.
We began our journey in Canada and wound our way south through Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and finally, Costa Rica. Along the way, we stayed at a mix of campgrounds, gas stations, restaurant lots, and the occasional hotel parking area. Most were one-nighters. A few became much-needed respites. And all of them were found—or confirmed—using iOverlander.
What is iOverlander?
iOverlander is a free app built by and for overlanders—travelers who go beyond traditional tourism and dive into remote areas, lesser-known routes, and off-grid experiences. It’s community-driven, meaning locations, reviews, and GPS data are all submitted by fellow travelers.
Unlike commercial campground directories, iOverlander includes:
- Established campgrounds
- Gas stations that allow overnight parking
- Free dump and water stations
- Border crossing info
- Mechanics, repair shops, and even police or bribery alerts
If you’re traveling through Central or South America, iOverlander is your best chance at finding reliable, current information—especially when you’re towing something large, like we were.
Our Travel Setup
- Rig: 2020 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab
- Trailer: 32-foot travel trailer
- Connectivity: Roamless eSIM, which gave us surprisingly reliable coverage in even some remote zones
- Camping Style: Mostly boondocking, occasional plug-ins, always fan-powered (no AC used once)
Our route spanned thousands of kilometers and included nearly a dozen or more overnight stops—each with its own charm, challenge, or unexpected lesson.
Watch the full video here:
The Route: Where iOverlander Took Us
1. Rancho Viejo Hotel, Mexico
Our first night in Mexico was an accident. We took a wrong turn down a narrow street and somehow ended up passing the back entrance of a hotel.
A helpful local assisted in getting us turned around and into the hotel’s large parking area. We slept in our RV that night and were thankful for the security, access to a shower, and the ability to rest after a long day on the road.
2. Hotel Delicias, Mexico
Located kitty-corner from an OXXO gas station, Hotel Delicias offered simple rooms (required for access) and a pub-style atmosphere. We didn’t sleep inside but used the room for showers.
Basic, but functional—exactly what we needed after a long haul.
3. Pemex 12841, Boca de Monte, Mexico
Truck stops like this one became regular overnighters.
With clean restrooms and big rig access, it was a convenient, free place to crash for the night. A little noisy, but secure.
4. Pemex, Southern Mexico (Chiapas region)
Another truck stop with 24-hour access and basic amenities.
We paid a small tip to the night guard, used the facilities, and rested up before crossing into Guatemala.
5. La Combi, Guatemala – A Hidden Gem
Without question, one of our favorite stays. We limped in with a bent hitch and were met by Javier and his family, who not only made us feel welcome, but helped repair the hitch right on-site.
We stayed for three nights, did laundry, and enjoyed a quiet environment surrounded by kindness and comfort.
Places like La Combi aren’t just campgrounds—they’re proof of the overlanding community spirit. Donation-based, peaceful, and full of life.
6. Rancho Tadajas RV Park, El Salvador – A Challenge Worth the Reward
Getting to Rancho Tadajas was no easy task. The roads were tight, GPS was unreliable, and we had to ask a few locals to move parked cars just to squeeze through. But once we made it?
Absolutely worth it.
Run by Rene and Ely, this spot offered stunning views, water access, and good company. It was quiet, safe, and well-maintained. We stayed longer than expected—and would return in a heartbeat. Like La Combi, this stop reminded us why we travel.
7. Gas Station Parking Lot, Nicaragua (Parqueo DIXAS)
After a long border crossing, we needed something quick and easy. A fenced gravel lot with cold showers, basic facilities, and a restaurant/bar fit the bill. We parked at the back and slept surprisingly well, even though it was the hottest night of them all.
8. Second Truck Stop, Nicaragua
This one was near the Costa Rican border. Another basic overnight with a small fee and very few amenities. But it got the job done. Safe, quiet, and good for a night’s rest before the final push.
This was also the site of one of the most emotional parts of our trip—when eight hungry dogs came to check us out. We had frozen burger patties from Guatemala that we didn’t love, so we fed them to the dogs. One pregnant pup carried hers away—likely back to her litter. It was a reminder of the harsh realities for strays in Central America… and of how small acts of kindness matter.
9. La Danta Restaurant, Costa Rica
Once we crossed into Costa Rica, we were feeling road-weary. We stopped at La Danta—a restaurant with a huge lot that allows overnight camping if you eat there. And let me tell you, the burgers were fantastic. Their ceviche? Easily top two of our trip.
A perfect combo of great food, safe parking, and hospitality.
10. The Glampground (near Tenorio’s Treasures), Costa Rica
Our final destination: a private glamping property owned by Dale, located just 1km from the well-reviewed Tenorio’s Treasures campground. Dale’s spot isn’t fully developed yet, but it already feels like paradise.
We’re talking access to Rio Celeste, jungle trails, toucans overhead, and views of the Arenal volcano in the distance.
It’s peaceful, authentic, and the exact kind of landing spot we needed after such a long journey.
We’ll be back. And next time, we’ll tell the full story of Tenorio’s Treasures.
Why iOverlander is Essential—But Not Perfect
Let’s be honest: iOverlander isn’t flawless. We ran into some incorrect pins, questionable descriptions, and rough turn-ins that didn’t match the app’s “big rig friendly” claims. But…
- It helped us find La Combi and Rancho Tadajas
- It got us through Honduras and Nicaragua safely
- It kept us moving when traditional options weren’t available
It also helped us plan just enough to feel prepared—but left room for spontaneous discovery, which is where the magic happens.
For full-time RVers, overlanders, and digital nomads exploring Central America, iOverlander is a non-negotiable tool. Use it, update it, and respect the community that helps maintain it.
Bonus Tip: Use Roamless to Stay Connected on the Road
One key to making iOverlander work in remote zones is staying connected—and that’s where Roamless saved our bacon. Their eSIM let us access GPS, reviews, and even post updates along the way.
If you’re traveling internationally, it’s worth every penny. You can grab a data plan for Central America and avoid the hassle of buying local SIMs at every border.
Learn More about Roamless eSIM here
Tying It All Together
This iOverlander journey was part of a much bigger adventure—one we’ve documented across a few key articles. If you’re planning something similar, check these out:
- Camping in Costa Rica – Your ultimate guide to campgrounds, seasons, and experiences.
- The Best Camping Apps for RV Travelers – Explore the apps we relied on the most.
- Canadian Travel to Costa Rica: Our Full Story – Read our personal account from departure to arrival.
Final Thoughts: Plan Less, Trust the Ride
Crossing countries in a travel trailer isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s hot, unpredictable, sometimes noisy, and often beautiful in the most unexpected ways.
Apps like iOverlander are tools, not solutions. They’ll guide you, but they won’t always hold your hand. That’s where experience, common sense, and a healthy sense of humor come in.
If you’re planning your own Pan-American journey—or even just a few weeks through Central America—get the app, trust your gut, and leave room for the unexpected.
You might just find yourself surrounded by toucans, showering in the rain, eating a delicious fish meal nowhere’s near a restaurant, or feeding a stray dog a not-so-tasty burger that changes everything.
Pura Vida!
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