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.
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 wonderful way to minimize the risk and have an extra adventure is to make the journey between North and South America by boat. One option is to charter a yacht. More economical and less risky for people with no yachting experience is to book passage on a boat that's already going to make the crossing. Several companies offer this service and their packages range from the luxurious to the type of shoestring package that's perfect for the budget traveler.
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.
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.
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 wonderful way to minimize the risk and have an extra adventure is to make the journey between North and South America by boat. One option is to charter a yacht. More economical and less risky for people with no yachting experience is to book passage on a boat that's already going to make the crossing. Several companies offer this service and their packages range from the luxurious to the type of shoestring package that's perfect for the budget traveler.
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.
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.
About the Author:
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