Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > South America
South America Topics specific to South America only.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 21 Jun 2008
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Cartagena
Posts: 66
California to Cartagena!

This is my first posting here and since I am new to this, please be patient. A quick little background.

I was an avid motorcycle rider in my youth. I started with a small Honda SL 70 when I was 11 or 12, a small street bike when I was 15, a Honda 750 in the late 70’s and then a Suzuki GS 1000 the first year they came out. I even rode from Mexico to Canada back in 1978, on a whim with some buddies. My last real motorcycle was a Yamaha 1100 which I stopped riding when my first daughter was born in 86.

January of last year, I went to the Philippians and spent a month riding around the northern island of Luzon with several friends. I used a Honda 200 for this. It was the perfect bike. We had a great time, for the most part. Wine, women and song!!!

Now I have an apartment in Cartagena, Colombia. I was thinking of purchasing a bike in the states and riding it to Cartagena. Once I am here in Cartagena, I can take a break. Then when I am ready, continue south. I am in no hurry. I was even thinking I could take several trips using Cartagena as my base.

The First series of question I have is in regards to Border crossings. I have a visa to be in Colombia as long as I want to. I was wondering if any one knows how long my bike can stay for. Additionally I am interested in the best way to get from Panama to Cartagena.

I also have a lot of other advice I need, but I will post that as I come up with things.

On another note, I have a large apartment here in Cartagena, on the beach. I would be happy to host some motorcycle travelers who are traveling from North America and swap stories. Could be fun!!
Thanks, Martin
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 21 Jun 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Shropshire, Blighty
Posts: 346
Well Martin, welcome to the HUBB. It sounds like you have experience of how things work in Colombia. What the law says or one person's advice dictates is very often different to how things actually work out. What kind of visa do you have?

My first bike was imported numerous times with temporary permission on the back of 60/90 day tourist stamps. The period of entry dictates the period of entry for the bike too. With other visas eg; investment and rentista visas, I am led to believe, (we shall soon find out for sure), that an initial period of 6 months is given on importation and that you will then be able extend that by a further 3 months at DIAN. After the 9 months is up, you then have to at least nominally leave the country with the bike.

This is the experience of one person leaving at the Cucuta border control. I intend leaving and re-entering at the Ipiales border control early July. This bike currently has importation permission in some else's name, so we shall see.

You cannot import "permanently" to Colombia

Hope that helps on the importation issue.
__________________
How much does a man live, after all?
Does he live a thousand days, or one only?
For a week, or several centuries?
How long does a man spend dying?
What does it mean to say “forever”? - Pablo Neruda
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 21 Jun 2008
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Cartagena
Posts: 66
Six Months

Hello Strecher Monkey:

Yes, I am very experienced with “Life in Colombia”

I have a visa valid until the end of 2009. It sounds like I can get 6 months and perhaps 3 months more. That would be great for my plans. I was thinking on a Vstrom. The Vstrom is sold both in the USA, Colombia and throughout SA. I am assuming that it is easy to get parts and service this way.

Thanks for your advise!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 22 Jun 2008
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Cartagena
Posts: 66
Maimi to Colombia

I will keep my eye out for you. I would think that your best bet would be Avianca as they do a lot of cargo in and out. When are you planning on your trip? What kind of bike do you want to take?
Martin
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 22 Jun 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Shropshire, Blighty
Posts: 346
@Martin - Not sure if I made myself clear, but I did not mean you should have to leave with the bike permanently. After one day, you can enter again and renew the paperwork. Vstroms, as you probably know, are very popular here with whole moto clubes being dedicated to them. I don't know about Cartagena, but if it's anything like the rest of the Costa Caribe, you'll have no problems getting parts as long they are for a jetski!!! Plentiful Suzuki parts available in the other big cities.

@Patrick - try one of the cargo-carriers like Tampa Air, Girag or Centurian. Costs are apparently $500 - $600, but a mate of mine recently paid substantially more to do the trip in reverse.
__________________
How much does a man live, after all?
Does he live a thousand days, or one only?
For a week, or several centuries?
How long does a man spend dying?
What does it mean to say “forever”? - Pablo Neruda
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 22 Jun 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 137
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stretcher Monkey View Post
You cannot import "permanently" to Colombia
100% on that statement.

I have however imported my bike for a 7 month term. The only limitation was MY visa. If you have a visa until 2009, you should be able to get a temp permit for your bike for this long as well.

See here:

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...=colombia+visa


And Martin, careful what you wish for, I might show up at your doorstep. (Isn't there a concurso in Cartegena in February?)

Jeff
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 22 Jun 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Shropshire, Blighty
Posts: 346
Quote:
Originally Posted by dirtydeeds View Post
100% on that statement.

I have however imported my bike for a 7 month term. The only limitation was MY visa. If you have a visa until 2009, you should be able to get a temp permit for your bike for this long as well.

Jeff
Jeff, that's what I meant about how people have very different experiences with authorities here. Often it seems to depend on the individual, what you are prepared/able to ask for, and to top it all it seems rules and regulations are in constant flux. I was told some time ago about the visa=importation permission rule, and if that still holds true, it's very good news indeed!

Suerte

PS: Jeff, what happened to the Colombiana?
__________________
How much does a man live, after all?
Does he live a thousand days, or one only?
For a week, or several centuries?
How long does a man spend dying?
What does it mean to say “forever”? - Pablo Neruda
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 22 Jun 2008
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Cartagena
Posts: 66
That is very good news and very helpful. It seems like I can have my bike here forever as long as I keep leaving and coming back. The Venezuelan border is only a one or 2 day ride from here.

One thing I was thinking about. Why is there not more buying and selling of bikes from one foreigner to another. The price of bikes here is so outrageous; this would make a lot of sense. I am looking at a Vstrom 1000. In the U.S. a nice used one can be had for 5 or 6 thousand. Here new is 18,000 and used is not so much less.

Jeff, you are welcome any time. I am not sure about the concurso in February, But I will look into it.
Martin
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 22 Jun 2008
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Cartagena
Posts: 66
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
Martin,
In your travels if you happen to come upon any info on shipping by air a motor cycle from Miami to Colombia, I would be very grateful. If you find out about a particular company that is good with bikes for reasonable cost, that would help. Seems very logical since Miami is SOOOO close to Colombia, no?

I do not want to ride through Central America (been there, done that! ) so a more direct path into S. America would be best, and I can't think of a better place to arrive in than Colombia.

Any help appreciated and your generous offer if much appreciated.

Cheers,

Patrick
San Rafael, CA
Hello Patrick:
Sounds like you have done the CA to Panama trip. Several questions. How long is the trip? Was it mostly paved roads?
I am into adventure; however the kind that ends up in a hotel at night. My days of sleeping out side are long gone.
Thanks
Martin
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 23 Jun 2008
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Cartagena
Posts: 66
Hey Patric, that is great stuff. I am printing it out as I write this. Thanks!
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 25 Jun 2008
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Cartagena
Posts: 66
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
Jeff,
Thanks for the referral! Will look into both companies. I've checked out the Girag site and I know they fly alot from Panama to Colombia.

Martin,
I lived in Guate. and Salvador back in the 70's, (2 years) passed through all of Cent. America as well (not on a bike). Rode a bike into Guate in the 80's, haven't been back since.

The Panamericana is all paved and if you've got good border skills and some luck, you can go from the Mexican border to Panama in a week or less if you want.

As far as these borders go, the best and most recent thread I've found is on ADV rider by Jeff Munnn. He does a fantastic job laying it all out. Only a couple years old and covers everything! A great read and ride report all in one with a TON of good info.

Central America Ride Planning and Road Wisdom - ADVrider


Patrick
Patrick:

I read it all from beginning to end. This is almost everything I will need to know. I feel like I am ready to go!! Thanks a bunch. Any time in Cartagena, look me up.

Martin
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 25 Jun 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 137
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stretcher Monkey View Post

PS: Jeff, what happened to the Colombiana?
She is in Colombia, in Med school. We still catch each other on MSN frequently. She is a wonderful woman, but really far away and dedicated to her studies.

Mollydog: There is a thread going over on ADVrider about Girag mishandling bikes, go for a search...
I have flown with Avianca a couple times. They treat customers really well, I would think they would treat freight customers well too.

Cartegenabound: Thanks.

Jeff
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 25 Jun 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Norwich,Ontario,Canada
Posts: 1,058
Hi Cartagenabound,
Yes you can do the entire trip to Panama on excellent pavement. I would however suggest that Pat's time estimate of " a week or less " is very optimistic and would mean that you ride very fast for many hours a day and not take the time to enjoy the countries you are travelling through.
A more relaxed pace is recommended. Figure on a minimum of five days to traverse Mexico ( and even that is pushing it in my thinking) and then at least another five to cross CA to Panama. You do not want to be trying to do two border crossings in one day , you will drive yourself nuts trying to beat some of their closing deadline hours and dealing with the bureaucracy at several of them can be very trying. Just relax, go with the flow and you will be able to enjoy the trip. Give each of the countries you need to cross at least a full day. They have plenty of road and scenery to keep you occupied, believe me.
__________________
http://advrider.com/index.php?thread....207964/page-5 then scroll down to post #93
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 25 Jun 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Shropshire, Blighty
Posts: 346
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sjoerd Bakker View Post
Hi Cartagenabound,
Yes you can do the entire trip to Panama on excellent pavement. I would however suggest that Pat's time estimate of " a week or less " is very optimistic and would mean that you ride very fast for many hours a day and not take the time to enjoy the countries you are travelling through.
A more relaxed pace is recommended. Figure on a minimum of five days to traverse Mexico ( and even that is pushing it in my thinking) and then at least another five to cross CA to Panama. You do not want to be trying to do two border crossings in one day , you will drive yourself nuts trying to beat some of their closing deadline hours and dealing with the bureaucracy at several of them can be very trying. Just relax, go with the flow and you will be able to enjoy the trip. Give each of the countries you need to cross at least a full day. They have plenty of road and scenery to keep you occupied, believe me.
Sjoerd, couldn't agree more. And for me 5 days from Guatemala to Panama would be way too fast. Waking up to a border crossing each day? - no way!!

If Martin is going to do the trip he might aswell enjoy it. I would say at least a couple of months. If not, why not just ship the bike down? It would save on money, time and risk.
__________________
How much does a man live, after all?
Does he live a thousand days, or one only?
For a week, or several centuries?
How long does a man spend dying?
What does it mean to say “forever”? - Pablo Neruda
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 26 Jun 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Caracas (VZ) - Santa Marta (Colombia) - Palmones (Spain))
Posts: 78
Hi martin
I am living in Venezuela. let me know when you are in Cartagena and we can meet. I'd love to go back to Cartagena. Although I have no bike at the moment, they stole my Dakar about 1 month ago here in Caracas.
I brought it through Central America last year. If you want you can check it here From USA to Venezuela , solo motorcycle trip
claude
Reply With Quote
Reply


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

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Cartagena to Panama on the 'Sy Zao' ? Smellybiker Trip Transport 12 5 May 2011 17:45
Cartagena To Panama - Beware! simongandolfi Trip Transport 0 5 Jan 2008 15:23
Sea transportation, Cartagena - Colon Stretcher Monkey Trip Transport 6 11 Jan 2007 03:51
Looking For Passengers--Cartagena to Panama MotoDiver Trip Transport 0 26 Mar 2005 23:52
Boat from Cartagena to Panama: 9 dec mmaarten Travellers Seeking Travellers 11 19 Dec 2004 07:28

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

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.

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!



Five books by Graham Field!

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.

Susan and Grant Johnson 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.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 06:08.