If adventure is your middle name, your bucket list probably includes traveling from North America and Central America to South America, maybe even all the way from Alaska to Patagonia. It's an epic journey that provides a range of unforgettable experiences and it's not that difficult to accomplish. Some people even do it by cycling, biking or driving down. When planning for your trip, however, you may have to consider the option of getting from Panama to Colombia by boat.
A network of highways makes up what is known as the Pan American Highway. It stretches all the way from Alaska into Patagonia. Between Yaviza in Panama and Turbo, a little less than 100 miles further in Colombia, the highway stops due to factors such as the inhospitable terrain. Because this is in the Darien province, it's known as the Darien Gap.
The Darien Gap is one of the most difficult overland crossings in the world. The jungle here is dense and there is a high risk of contracting diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. Roads are very bad, often not much more than a dirt track. Moreover, the region is teeming with drug traffickers and Colombian guerrillas who have been known to rob, kidnap and even murder travelers setting foot in their territory.
There are alternative ways to cross the Darien Gap. The easiest and most convenient is to fly. If you're very adventurous, which you probably are if you're undertaking this journey in the first place, flying may feel like a cop-out though.
Often a more economical option is to make the crossing by boat. This also gives you the opportunity to experience an extra adventure. Some people simply charter a yacht for the journey. However, many companies offer package deals to travelers and some of these deals are specifically geared toward budget travelers. You may even find a deal where you can work on the boat in exchange for a discount on your passage.
The companies that offer trips from Panama to Colombia usually take passengers across via the San Blas Archipelago. Some of these Panamanian islands are inhabited by an indigenous tribe known as the Kuna, who have a fascinating culture. Most of the islands are uninhabited though and you'll likely get to swim, snorkel or walk on the beach without bumping into another soul except your fellow passengers.
You may think that the crossing sounds easy enough except for the question of what to do with your bike or your car. This doesn't have to be a complication, though. Several companies offer a service that transports your mode of transport across on a cargo ship. You'll even be able to have a bicycle or a motorcycle flown across.
In the dry months the crossing can be a little rough because it's also windy season. Luckily the region doesn't experience hurricanes. During rainy season you usually have sunshine in the mornings and heavy showers in the late afternoon. To find operators that will take you from Panama to Colombia by boat, do an online search or inquire at backpacker hostels in the region.
A network of highways makes up what is known as the Pan American Highway. It stretches all the way from Alaska into Patagonia. Between Yaviza in Panama and Turbo, a little less than 100 miles further in Colombia, the highway stops due to factors such as the inhospitable terrain. Because this is in the Darien province, it's known as the Darien Gap.
The Darien Gap is one of the most difficult overland crossings in the world. The jungle here is dense and there is a high risk of contracting diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. Roads are very bad, often not much more than a dirt track. Moreover, the region is teeming with drug traffickers and Colombian guerrillas who have been known to rob, kidnap and even murder travelers setting foot in their territory.
There are alternative ways to cross the Darien Gap. The easiest and most convenient is to fly. If you're very adventurous, which you probably are if you're undertaking this journey in the first place, flying may feel like a cop-out though.
Often a more economical option is to make the crossing by boat. This also gives you the opportunity to experience an extra adventure. Some people simply charter a yacht for the journey. However, many companies offer package deals to travelers and some of these deals are specifically geared toward budget travelers. You may even find a deal where you can work on the boat in exchange for a discount on your passage.
The companies that offer trips from Panama to Colombia usually take passengers across via the San Blas Archipelago. Some of these Panamanian islands are inhabited by an indigenous tribe known as the Kuna, who have a fascinating culture. Most of the islands are uninhabited though and you'll likely get to swim, snorkel or walk on the beach without bumping into another soul except your fellow passengers.
You may think that the crossing sounds easy enough except for the question of what to do with your bike or your car. This doesn't have to be a complication, though. Several companies offer a service that transports your mode of transport across on a cargo ship. You'll even be able to have a bicycle or a motorcycle flown across.
In the dry months the crossing can be a little rough because it's also windy season. Luckily the region doesn't experience hurricanes. During rainy season you usually have sunshine in the mornings and heavy showers in the late afternoon. To find operators that will take you from Panama to Colombia by boat, do an online search or inquire at backpacker hostels in the region.
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