One of the greatest adventures you can have in your life is to undertake an epic journey. A popular one is to travel southwards from North America to South America through the countries of Central America. A trip like this takes some planning and one option to consider is sailing from Panama to Colombia instead of traveling overland.
It may sound silly to want to sail between two countries that are neighbors. However, this is the option that most travelers choose when they make the trip south. The reason is that they can then avoid having to cross the Darien Gap.
The Darien Gap is a break in the Pan American Highway between the Panamanian town of Yaviza and the Colombian town of Turbo. The inhospitable terrain makes it difficult and very expensive to build a road here and many people are opposed to the idea because of the environmental damage it will cause. There are rough dirt tracks through the jungle and it's entirely possible to cross the Darien Gap by off-road vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle or even on foot.
While it's not impossible to cross the Darien Gap and you can even walk across, it's not advisable. There are the usual risks involved in trekking through the jungle, such as contracting malaria or other diseases, getting lost or being attacked by wild animals. Even more dangerous in this part of the world is the fact that the remote jungle teems with guerrillas, bandits and drug traffickers who won't hesitate to attack, rob, kidnap or even kill you.
Flying instead is a good but expensive alternative. If you don't want to feel completely as if you're taking the easy way out, another option is to make the crossing by boat. If you have yachting experience, you can charter a yacht and sail across. If not, book your passage with one of the many companies that make regular crossings. Some offer luxury packages but many are geared towards budget travelers, providing only the most basic conveniences and offering cheap passage if you're prepared to help out on board during the voyage.
Most yachts sail via the San Blas Archipelago. Only 49 of the nearly 380 islands of San Blas are inhabited, mostly by Kuna people. There are no hurricanes here, making these waters perfect for sailing. In addition, you get to experience the unspoiled beauty of the islands with their pristine beaches and clear waters where you can go snorkeling. At the same time you can also learn more about traditional Kuna culture and admire the women's gorgeous appliqued outfits.
Not all companies offer the same quality of package. Before booking, it's wise to check what each package involves. Safety should be your first concern, so check that the captain is qualified, that the boat and its radio are in good working order and that there are enough life jackets on board. Find out where you will be sleeping too, since comfort should be your second concern.
You can increase your comfort by taking a few basic items with you. Extra water for drinking, a roll or two of toilet paper and snacks to break the monotony of the on-board fare will prove very handy. If you're properly prepared for the voyage, it's very likely that sailing from Panama to Colombia will be one of the most unforgettable parts of your trip.
It may sound silly to want to sail between two countries that are neighbors. However, this is the option that most travelers choose when they make the trip south. The reason is that they can then avoid having to cross the Darien Gap.
The Darien Gap is a break in the Pan American Highway between the Panamanian town of Yaviza and the Colombian town of Turbo. The inhospitable terrain makes it difficult and very expensive to build a road here and many people are opposed to the idea because of the environmental damage it will cause. There are rough dirt tracks through the jungle and it's entirely possible to cross the Darien Gap by off-road vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle or even on foot.
While it's not impossible to cross the Darien Gap and you can even walk across, it's not advisable. There are the usual risks involved in trekking through the jungle, such as contracting malaria or other diseases, getting lost or being attacked by wild animals. Even more dangerous in this part of the world is the fact that the remote jungle teems with guerrillas, bandits and drug traffickers who won't hesitate to attack, rob, kidnap or even kill you.
Flying instead is a good but expensive alternative. If you don't want to feel completely as if you're taking the easy way out, another option is to make the crossing by boat. If you have yachting experience, you can charter a yacht and sail across. If not, book your passage with one of the many companies that make regular crossings. Some offer luxury packages but many are geared towards budget travelers, providing only the most basic conveniences and offering cheap passage if you're prepared to help out on board during the voyage.
Most yachts sail via the San Blas Archipelago. Only 49 of the nearly 380 islands of San Blas are inhabited, mostly by Kuna people. There are no hurricanes here, making these waters perfect for sailing. In addition, you get to experience the unspoiled beauty of the islands with their pristine beaches and clear waters where you can go snorkeling. At the same time you can also learn more about traditional Kuna culture and admire the women's gorgeous appliqued outfits.
Not all companies offer the same quality of package. Before booking, it's wise to check what each package involves. Safety should be your first concern, so check that the captain is qualified, that the boat and its radio are in good working order and that there are enough life jackets on board. Find out where you will be sleeping too, since comfort should be your second concern.
You can increase your comfort by taking a few basic items with you. Extra water for drinking, a roll or two of toilet paper and snacks to break the monotony of the on-board fare will prove very handy. If you're properly prepared for the voyage, it's very likely that sailing from Panama to Colombia will be one of the most unforgettable parts of your trip.
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