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.
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 stretches for less than 100 miles between Yaviza and Turbo. It's the only place where there is a break in the Pan American Highway between Alaska and Patagonia. The road here was never built because of the expense, difficulty and environmental costs involved. Instead, dirt tracks and waterways through the jungle are the only ways to get around in this part of Panama's Darien province and across the border.
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.
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.
The most common route will take you to the San Blas Islands first. The San Blas Archipelago is a remote group of Panamanian islands mainly inhabited by the indigenous Kuna people. A visit here will let you experience Kuna culture first hand and will also give you the opportunity to enjoy the region's pristine white beaches.
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.
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 stretches for less than 100 miles between Yaviza and Turbo. It's the only place where there is a break in the Pan American Highway between Alaska and Patagonia. The road here was never built because of the expense, difficulty and environmental costs involved. Instead, dirt tracks and waterways through the jungle are the only ways to get around in this part of Panama's Darien province and across the border.
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.
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.
The most common route will take you to the San Blas Islands first. The San Blas Archipelago is a remote group of Panamanian islands mainly inhabited by the indigenous Kuna people. A visit here will let you experience Kuna culture first hand and will also give you the opportunity to enjoy the region's pristine white beaches.
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.
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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