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.
If you look at the world map, you'll see that Panama and Colombia are right next to each other. You may ask why anyone would want to sail if they can travel overland. The answer is simply that it's a way to avoid crossing the Darien Gap.
The Pan American Highway covers the entire length of North and South America. The only exception is a stretch between Yaviza in Panama and Turbo in Colombia, less than 100 miles further. Because it's so difficult and expensive to build a road through the dense jungle, there are only small dirt tracks here instead of highway. This gap lies in the Panamanian province of Darien, hence the name. If you're really adventurous, you can traverse this stretch by land. Some intrepid travelers have even walked across.
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.
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.
Before going on board, stock up on extra water and toilet paper. These items can quickly run out in the middle of the ocean. It's also a good idea to take some snacks for a little variety in your diet. If you've done proper research, know what you're in for and come prepared, sailing from Panama to Colombia may be a highlight of your journey.
If you look at the world map, you'll see that Panama and Colombia are right next to each other. You may ask why anyone would want to sail if they can travel overland. The answer is simply that it's a way to avoid crossing the Darien Gap.
The Pan American Highway covers the entire length of North and South America. The only exception is a stretch between Yaviza in Panama and Turbo in Colombia, less than 100 miles further. Because it's so difficult and expensive to build a road through the dense jungle, there are only small dirt tracks here instead of highway. This gap lies in the Panamanian province of Darien, hence the name. If you're really adventurous, you can traverse this stretch by land. Some intrepid travelers have even walked across.
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.
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.
Before going on board, stock up on extra water and toilet paper. These items can quickly run out in the middle of the ocean. It's also a good idea to take some snacks for a little variety in your diet. If you've done proper research, know what you're in for and come prepared, sailing from Panama to Colombia may be a highlight of your journey.
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