Adventurous travelers love taking some time off and going on long journeys. Some travel across Asia; others do a road trip through Australia. A popular journey is to travel through the Americas, starting in Alaska and ending in Patagonia. It's an epic trip that more often than not also includes sailing from Panama to Colombia.
Even through Panama and Colombia share a border, it's one that's not easy to cross. In fact, most travelers try to avoid having to make the crossing over land. The reason for this is a notorious area called 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.
The reason why it's better to avoid the Darien Gap altogether, however, is that crossing it can be very dangerous. It's easy to get lost in the dense jungle and illnesses like malaria and dengue fever are a real risk. The danger is increased by the Colombian guerrillas and drug traffickers that operate in the area, with armed robberies and kidnappings frighteningly common.
A great and much less risky way to get from North to South America is to travel by boat. You can charter a yacht in Panama and sail at your own pace. Many travelers join sailing trips organized by tour companies, however. These cater for different budgets, from luxury voyages to ones that cater for backpackers and where you work for your passage.
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.
Different companies offer different trips, so don't book before you've done proper research and compared the packages. The crossing can at times be uncomfortable, so be sure that you know what you're in for. Ask about the number of people that will make the trip so you can avoid crowded conditions and find out what type of sleeping arrangements you can expect on board. Most importantly, check that the captain has the proper credentials and that the boat is safe.
It's always a good idea to take some extra toilet paper and drinking water just in case. Extra snacks will also be a welcome treat if the fare on board consists mainly of rice and beans. Make sure that you go on board with enough supplies and a positive attitude and you'll find that sailing from Panama to Colombia can be one of the best parts of your adventure.
Even through Panama and Colombia share a border, it's one that's not easy to cross. In fact, most travelers try to avoid having to make the crossing over land. The reason for this is a notorious area called 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.
The reason why it's better to avoid the Darien Gap altogether, however, is that crossing it can be very dangerous. It's easy to get lost in the dense jungle and illnesses like malaria and dengue fever are a real risk. The danger is increased by the Colombian guerrillas and drug traffickers that operate in the area, with armed robberies and kidnappings frighteningly common.
A great and much less risky way to get from North to South America is to travel by boat. You can charter a yacht in Panama and sail at your own pace. Many travelers join sailing trips organized by tour companies, however. These cater for different budgets, from luxury voyages to ones that cater for backpackers and where you work for your passage.
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.
Different companies offer different trips, so don't book before you've done proper research and compared the packages. The crossing can at times be uncomfortable, so be sure that you know what you're in for. Ask about the number of people that will make the trip so you can avoid crowded conditions and find out what type of sleeping arrangements you can expect on board. Most importantly, check that the captain has the proper credentials and that the boat is safe.
It's always a good idea to take some extra toilet paper and drinking water just in case. Extra snacks will also be a welcome treat if the fare on board consists mainly of rice and beans. Make sure that you go on board with enough supplies and a positive attitude and you'll find that sailing from Panama to Colombia can be one of the best parts of your adventure.
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