Panama to Columbia (overland?)

[Neil]

(I'm planning a pan-am-ish trip in the coming future and was lead along the lines of the following)

My cursory search on here reveals it's not been brought up before.

Surely not!?!

So after a rapid glance on google maps, I'm assured that there is some land mass between Panama and Columbia.

So my question (not to the naysayers): aside from people with guns, lack of road, tropical illnesses, poisonous fauna and dangerous creatures, what's stopping me from giving it a go?

It must have been done, once or twice! Anyone know who has? Any tips or suggestions (I should ignore) if that person is reading?

[realmc26]

Originally Posted by Neil

(I'm planning a pan-am-ish trip in the coming future and was lead along the lines of the following)

My cursory search on here reveals it's not been brought up before.

Surely not!?!

So after a rapid glance on google maps, I'm assured that there is some land mass between Panama and Columbia.

So my question (not to the naysayers): aside from people with guns, lack of road, tropical illnesses, poisonous fauna and dangerous creatures, what's stopping me from giving it a go?

It must have been done, once or twice! Anyone know who has? Any tips or suggestions (I should ignore) if that person is reading?

There has been a couple to my knowledge, and at least one book written on the subject.
A while ago I remember reading a similar thread (it may have been on the HUBB, Advrider or lonely planet thorn tree, cannot remember) by a person similar to yourself, surmising that surely the Darien could be traversed given it had been done before.

The response was huge and detailed in explanation as to why such an attempt by most mortals on this planet would likely result in death.

While not wanting to be a naysayer (so your question, if not to naysayers was to those believing it is possible? you might get limited responses if that is the case) everything I have read from experienced overlanders, locals, military etc was that the physical barriers presented by the darien gap in addition to the hazards faced by bandits, pirates, rebel groups, indigenous groups and the military themselves would likely result in the death of any person who attempted to cross it.
There is a reason virtually nobody attempts this and boats and planes make a killing transporting people around it.

It is indeed possible. But why?

There is a lot of info on the darien gap and the dangers if you do a decent search. Including the disappearance of more than a few foolish gringos who entered never to be seen again. So while not wanting to be a naysayer its obvious at this point you appear not have done the required research to even surmise that this would be a good idea.
Funnily enough in that thread I mentioned above the OP seemed even more encouraged to do it the more he learnt of the dangers. Perhaps the challenge attracts only a certain type of person(with a death wish?)

If thats you, just do your research. Just my 2 cents.

good luck!

[Neil]

Hey guys, cheers for your feedback, given that I didn't even know it is called the Darien gap, goes to show how little I knew on the subject. Always appreciate a little education.

I do wonder at times with certain things... I mean with overlanding in particular, tell everyday Joe you're going to ride an entire continent on a dirt bike and they'll say "you'll never make it"... tell them you'll cross the world on a dirt bike they'll raise their hands to the sky laughing and tell you "stop being stupid!"

I find in similar circumstances even among overlanders, you tell them you're going to give XYZ stretch of desert/forest/trail a go, and some will say "That's mad don't do it!" [followed by a list of their reasons why they're not going to run the risk] meanwhile they stay in their very comfortable comfort zone and stay on the tar.

It's interesting. I'm by no means even ready to leave for the Americas yet, but I would be interested in knowing about the Darien. If you say it's forbidden by the governments involved, then I'll take that on the chin and follow the band wagon. However, if it were legal and achievable, I'd look into it.

[Barcelona Pat]

Neil
I´ve just left Colombia, and now in Panama (by plane!). I was hoping that the ferry would be up and running by now - but no such luck.

As part of your research you might like to take a look at Nick´s website. He rides places others strain to reach - and he had an interesting(!) encounter in Colombia. Not the Darien, but perhaps an example of what can happen when you stray too much from the usual travellers´ routes. His stuff is well worth the read anyway, and he has nice pics!

Blog - Tales from the Saddle - Solo Motorcycle Tour Around the World on a Yamaha YBR 125 and Honda XR125

There is a thread under ride tales covering my travels (plus link below)
Hope that helps
Pat

[pecha72]

I'm no expert, but I think there could be reason(s), why the Interamericana has never been built between Panama and Colombia? But like you said, you'll probably need to do more research on the subject, before you decide. It certainly is "off the beaten track", and personally I'd skip it, as I think there are more tempting and less risky adventures to be found.

[estebangc]

Helge Pedersen crossed it (if I'm right, the 1st to do it). Google his name to find more info. So it's doable.

I'll add a short (or long) story: I know as well an Spaniard who made it in the late 70s by foot (which to me looks easier), I don't know how much it has changed. He went with a Quebecois and got a couple of indian guides in Panama. Half way, the guides desisted, they said "no way, this is mad". They kept on machete at hand. Run out of water, desperate left the backpacks, kept going and after long hours walking found their backpacks again. They had made a circle! Imagine the desperation (don't tell me about compass and navigation, I don't know how your brains works in that situation). The had to drink the water from a source (but no great katadyn as now), kept on and were found by indians (loincloths, blowguns, etc) who took them and told them the way. Arrived to the 1st village in Colombia, went to the church and met the priest, another Spaniard, who said "you don't need a bed, guy, you need a hospital, you look too bad!". He got a very bad dysenteria and almost died, spent a month in hospital and finally recovered. I asked him: "Carlos, would you repeat it?" He answered "NO WAY, almost died, such a tension the Quebecois and I never talked again, it was not really accomplishment". I can assure you he's a tough guy and he says he was still lucky not to get a mortal malaria (I heard of a fatal case when I was travelling in Panama).

If I were brave enough to try something like that (and I'm not), I'd choose to go on a monkey bike, so that you can more easily put it no a canoe and the like. No joking.

I searched a bit and there is an old thread about it and low tide and so, although the language is sometimes offensive: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...rien-gap-13294

Happy travels and please take a well pondered decision,

Esteban

[moto_girl]

How much did it cost to get you and your bike across?? Thanks!

[airdale74451]

Originally Posted by moto_girl

How much did it cost to get you and your bike across?? Thanks!

I haven't crossed but there are several who are booking passage on the Stahratte from Panama to Cartegena on December 8th.

[moto_girl]

Originally Posted by Barcelona Pat

Neil
I´ve just left Colombia, and now in Panama (by plane!). I was hoping that the ferry would be up and running by now - but no such luck.

As part of your research you might like to take a look at Nick´s website. He rides places others strain to reach - and he had an interesting(!) encounter in Colombia. Not the Darien, but perhaps an example of what can happen when you stray too much from the usual travellers´ routes. His stuff is well worth the read anyway, and he has nice pics!

Blog - Tales from the Saddle - Solo Motorcycle Tour Around the World on a Yamaha YBR 125 and Honda XR125

There is a thread under ride tales covering my travels (plus link below)
Hope that helps
Pat

How much did it cost to get you and your bike across?? Thanks!

[markharf]

Originally Posted by Neil

(not to the naysayers): aside from people with guns, lack of road, tropical illnesses, poisonous fauna and dangerous creatures, what's stopping me from giving it a go?

Since you don't want naysayers, I'll just say that yes, you should give it a try. Nothing's stopping you. As you say, a few others have made it, and there's absolutely no reason you shouldn't join their ranks....aside from those you listed (with a few insignificant additions, like the fact that it's forbidden by the governments involved, takes a significant amount of time and effort, and costs rather a lot of money).

You don't say whether you're on foot or traveling with a vehicle. That might matter.

Post here about your experiences once you're done.

Mark