hey travellers!
my friend and i are hoping to head south from BC (Canada) through the US, Mexico, and Central America. We are seeking advice on the cheapest and safest way to do this- especially throughout the mexico and central america portion. As well, which countries are worth spending more time in for two girls who are into culture and the outdoors (as well as staying safe)? We are also wondering about:
-WWOOFing- anyone done this and would you recommend it?
-biking and camping- safe?
-troubles crossing borders- VISAs needed? (we are canadian)
-approximately how long could we travel for on $3000 Canadian each? (on a tight budget)
-is it possible/safe to travel to south america from panama by public transportation? or would flying be better

Any help is much appreciated! We are starting from scratch in terms of our research so any advice you have is welcome. Thanks!

In the US, you will be stuck with Greyhound buses. Yuk.

In Mexico, check www.ticketbus.com.mx for schedules. This site only lists first class or better buses, but taking less on a long haul is false economy. You won't save all that much in mnoney, but you will have lots more time reconsider second class buses in the future.

There are other options than Greyhound but you have to seek them out. If you can get to Seattle, there are at least a couple of companies that specialize in transporting Mexicans who are working in the pacific northwest. These buses are generally cheaper, more comfortable, and faster than Greyhound. I would imagine that they would all route through LA, with you changing buses to go on to either Tiajuana or Juarez.
Check with the small stores that serve the Mexican immigrant population in Vancouver or Seattle for information. There are often ads in the Spanish language newspapers (distributed in these same shops.)