 |
|
14 May 2011
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: UK but currently on the road RTW
Posts: 206
|
|
|
Crossing the Darien - How much is too much?
Back in 2008 when I first started researching crossing the Darien Gap I was told the going rate was U$250 each (bike $ rider) = U$500. Heading north through Bolivia in 2009 I met two Englishmen heading south who recommended 'Fritz the Kat' - they'd just paid US$320ea )U$640).
After getting sidetracked with a broken motorcycle I didn't get to cross the Gap until February this year by which time the price on the Stahlratte was U$780inc, those who sailed on 'Wild Card Jack' at the same time paid U$850 (and weren't very happy, but that's their story).
Last weekend I was in Casa Blanca Hostel, Cali when three Canadian guys arrived on KLR's. They were planning on air-freighting to Panama and had to wait until Monday to get their quote - U$1500! (from Bogota. +U$300 from Cali) Yep, even hostel owner Mike (HUBB - Kaiserkyll) was shocked, it was U$950 two weeks ago!
I suggested a few boats and they got lucky. Fritz was leaving four days later - his price now U$950 (over U$1000 for a big bike. GS etc)
How long before this route becomes the sole domain of the 'new' breed of motorcycle traveller (post Ewan & Charlie) who are short on time, not money; or will the 'old school' (short on money, not time) probe the Pacific coastt for a reliable, cheaper but ultimately more time consuming crossing?
Either way, given the rate of 'Gap Inflation' we won't have to wait long for an answer.
|
14 May 2011
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: OK
Posts: 133
|
|
|
Hola Senor Adam
I just saw that the rate on the SteelRat was up to $820 for the ride across the gap now! Its all about money and how much the boats can push for until the pack backers and motorbikers can't pay any more. Its getting to the point where its just best to ship straight from home to SA or vice versa instead of crossing the gap on a standard ship or plane.
That leaves the cargo boats and working on the Pacific side as the cheapest options for going by sea. These both take time and lots of effort to get it all right but will be the cheapest way to cross. I will attempt the Pacific side on my way back North but may have to become a crew member again on the ole Rat once more if I don't have good luck.
It's going to be a lot more adventure to cross in the sub $500 range but I'm sure it can be done for that and even less with some effort. I'll see for myself when my time comes...
Hope your back enjoying the lands in the South, I can't wait to get going again myself and will be looking around for you down there.
Adios Amigo!
John
|
15 May 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Australia
Posts: 166
|
|
|
Hi lads. I'm catching fritz the cat tomorrow with those 3 Canadians you mentioned. The price for it is 448 for you and 428 for the bike. More if it's over 250 kg. Total price of 876. It works out more if you pay in pesos as his exchange is bad.
Seems like these guys are certainly taking advantage of the needy bikers. Maybe sometime the price will cone down with competition. Ha! And maybe they'll build a road too huh. Who wants to don fatigues and grab a machete and cut up some Darien for a ride! Looks like it's boats or planes! Good luck to you all!
|
16 May 2011
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Panama City, Panama
Posts: 28
|
|
|
It is getting mighty expensive.
The larger vehicles that we help cross the gap (Defenders, Land Cruisers, pickups with popup campers) and all looking at about $2,000 - $2,500 to ship their babies - not including passenger air freight.
I think the most economical option right now would be to share a 20' container - but the logistics involved are a nightmare. Easy for a group of 20 riders but hard to setup with individuals doing their own trip.
A container would run about $1,500 and take a few days... You can fit a lot of bikes in a 20'...
|
16 May 2011
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 78
|
|
|
Someone with a little more ethics and not out just to rip folk of, living in Colombia or somewhere close, needs to set up a bi-monthly container for riders, maybe it happens whenever they have bookings a month out. They'd make a killing without needing to rip people off.
|
19 May 2011
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: melbourne
Posts: 21
|
|
|
I came over from Panama to Bogota in january with 4 other riders, and cos of this Air Girag gave us a discount so to fly the bikes then cost $750 US then we managed to get flights for ourselves for about $400. I recommend Air Girag, it was very easy, quick and painless... and our bikes also didn't have to suffer the rusty ride over the sea, I have heard of some riders who had to replace chains etc cos of rust right after the boat or had worse problems down the line...
|
19 May 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Black Forest
Posts: 171
|
|
Hi Y`ll
I remember times when the transfer was $ 250 for the bike and $ 250 for yourself ....
OK, price for oil is nowadays more .... but 3 - 4 times 
In my opinion, just a further ripoff from Girag and boats .... like so many other places 
Thanks Adam for the information and thoughts 
Hope you doing well and have fun     
See you Thomas
PS: a monthly container with a fixed date .... could be working 
|
3 Jun 2011
|
|
Moderated Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 15
|
|
|
RoRo is the way to go without crating, safe and sound, for less money from/to Panama and Catagena as flying your bike from Bogota.
The same RoRo service goes all the way up to Tacoma crossing the Panama canal and also down to Brazil and Argentina. Cartagena is one of the ports of load.
Bikes had been shipped before with a good end result.
There is a similar thread about this on ADV regional forum(Latin America)
|
3 Jun 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: On the road, Homeward bound :-(
Posts: 127
|
|
|
Crossing the Darien
Hi
We shipped from Cartagena to Carti with Fritz end of April this year, cost for the two of us and the GS (we are not Ewan wannabes) was over US$1300, the price to fly wasn't much different. We opted for the sailing as it was inclusive of 5 nights accom and food for the duration making it a slightly cheaper option and we thought it would be a bit of a holiday. However, the proof that it is just about the money was the boat being overcrowded, 4 bikes with riders and 15 backpackers, a very cramped 5 days. Some people didn't even get a bunk!
There are other boats that do the crossing but all around the same price and maybe not all of them are high on the safety list, you pays your money you takes your chance!
Anyone thinking of doing the gap in the future might well be a good idea contacting Shaun at
When we stayed there he was looking at trying to set something up.
|
3 Jun 2011
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Australia
Posts: 25
|
|
|
Gap crossing reservations?
Okay. We're in. People are talking about trying to set something up, a container or maybe dealing with another private boat, if we can sort out a group far enough in advance.
This might be too far in advance for now, but my fiance and I will be crossing the Gap in about 3ish months. We're on a Ural. Very flexible with dates, of course.
Any chance?
Tyler
|
4 Jun 2011
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Panama City, Panama
Posts: 28
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by panhandle1300
Hi
Anyone thinking of doing the gap in the future might well be a good idea contacting Shaun at www.panamapassage.com
When we stayed there he was looking at trying to set something up. |
Hey Kev -
We have a british couple here riding 2 up on an R80 that took you and Lorraine's place on the porch. Almost a direct replacement!
Give us a call or email - we are indeed trying to figure out how to get prices down to cross the gap. We're getting some lines on decent boats that don't overcrowd. For now - you get what you pay for.
Hopefully soon you'll pay less and get more.
|
5 Jun 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: On the road, Homeward bound :-(
Posts: 127
|
|
|
Darien crossing
Don't know what the logistics or cost would be for someone to set it up, but when we crossed from Cape Town, South Africa to Buenos Aires, Argentina it was in a "Groupage Container". A 40 foot container booked onto a regular sailing which went whether it was full or not. Cost for us was very reasonable and I know the container we shipped in was less than half full as ours was the last crate loaded. I guess the shipping agent in SA just pays a set price for the container and 9 times out of 10 makes a good killing from the smaller goods that are transported... win, win situation maybe!!
|
11 Jun 2011
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: May 2009
Location: melbourne
Posts: 24
|
|
|
panama to colombia(same old story!!)
I am in panama city now heading to colombia!!! anyone near by want to search for a cheaper alternative together, safety in number i guess!!! Keep hearing stories of people doing it cheaper but i am yet to meet anyone or get any concrete evidence!!!!!
dean_202@hotmail.com
|
28 Sep 2011
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 66
|
|
|
Setting up a container?
Guys
this is Christian here, from Panama Passage.
I just came back from the San Blas islands and I agree, there has to be a cheaper way to do that. Shaun (who ran the place for the last 6 months) just took a sailboat across with his KMT SM690 and said it was a great trip, but I believe around $850.
I can ship a 20' container for about $1050 for one vehicle. it would be a bit more if we had motorcycles but it can't be more than $1500.
How many motorcycle can you fit in a 20'? I am game to try to arrange a monthly shipping if there are enough party interested.
Christian
Panama Passage | Overlander Resource Center in Panama City
|
29 Sep 2011
|
 |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: St Helens
Posts: 763
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by zundapp
I came over from Panama to Bogota in january with 4 other riders, and cos of this Air Girag gave us a discount so to fly the bikes then cost $750 US then we managed to get flights for ourselves for about $400. I recommend Air Girag, it was very easy, quick and painless... and our bikes also didn't have to suffer the rusty ride over the sea, I have heard of some riders who had to replace chains etc cos of rust right after the boat or had worse problems down the line...
|
I don't recommend them, but as there is no other choice (currently) to fly then gap, then no choice.
Calls not returned, cut off, emails ignored.
Poor handling of bikes, 2 hours to do paper work and then the bikes didn't fly on time.
But, what should I have expected for 900USD/bike :-)
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
2025 Confirmed Events:
- Virginia: April 24-27 2025
- Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
- Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
- CanWest: July 10-13 2025
- Switzerland: Date TBC
- Ecuador: Date TBC
- Romania: Date TBC
- Austria: Sept. 11-15
- California: September 18-21
- France: September 19-21 2025
- Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
See all event details
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
