This is the question most Alaska - TDF overland riders face, if not all.
I didn´t because this is where i come from, but for those of you who are debating on wether flying from ecuador to panama or riding through colombia here is an interesting link that might help you out.

http://www.poorbuthappy.com/colombia/node/17764

Not only because i am Colombian, but because i've seen other countries and this gives me some perspective. I really recommend it, ask those who have dared to.

Cheers

Juan

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Life is good!

Hi
I have to say that visiting Colombia was one of the high points of my travels in South America, don't listen to what the papers say go and see for yourself, its great country the people are freindly and there's lots to see and do. I would go back any time. Skip


1. Life Don't Waste It.

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Do the best you can with what you have,
A stranger in a strange land now heading North South East West to.....

I am backpacking around Peru, on the gringo trail. Everyone I have met, so far, who has gone to Colombia has said how wonderful it is. That it is not dangerous, providing you take the usual precautions.

If it is anything like Peru, you should have a fantastic time!

It's nice to hear such things. A jewel yet to be discovered. It will soon blossom, so better hurry up and come before it gets crowdy.
Juan

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Life is good!

I went from Quito to Cali,I live in Quito,this part of the route is supposedly the tricky part security wise,Ihad no problems what so ever crossing the frontier and the road is great in latin american terms,the army is visible about ever twenty clicks or so as it is amatter of national pride that the roads stay open.So don,t worry about just use you,re common sence and you,ll be fine see some amazing countryside,not to mention the ladies

Thanks Pajaro,
It's good to hear positive information about Columbia.
We are leaving Idaho (North West U.S.) riding to Argentina the first of November and are looking forward to visiting your beautiful country.
We plan to take a boat from Panama to Columbia and ride south to Equador.
We should be in Columbia the last week of November and are interested is
finding a local motorcyclest to guide us on our tour thru Columbia.
We are riding two up on a nicely prepared KTM 950 and have made several
trips to Central and South America, but have not had the chance to
visit Columbia.

GO!!!!!!! MAX

My riding partner and I recently rode from Cartagena to the border of Ecuador, crossing at the post north of Quito. I forget the name, as I lost my logbook along the road there.
We are two old Americans, riding a BMWR1150GS Adventure and a Kawasaki KLR650. We had nothing but good encounters with everyone we met, including officials, police, and ordinary people. We were objects of great curiosity wherever we went, as we were on bikes they seldom see. People approach and just want to know where you came from and where you are going. They seem to have no ulterior motives, they just are friendly. We treat everyone we meet with the respect they deserve, and that is always paramount.
Cartagena is especially charming, and not to be missed. We came by sailboat from Portobelo, Panama, with an American, Mark Matson. He knows what he is doing, and takes great care with the bikes, both loading and unloading. We had covers, but he insisted we put his tarps over them to protect them from the sea spray.
This voyage of 5 days cost $275 per person, plus @250 per bike. We spent two full days in the San Blas Islands, and I cannot say how pleased we were with the entire trip. The food was excellent, a factor that is not present on all boats, I hear.
BTW, before I forget, DO NOT BOOK A TRIP WITH A CAPTAIN OUT OF PORTOBELO OR COLON NAMED LEONARDO. I am shouting this, because he is known to be a bad guy, and I have several reports about what a shyster he is.
Do not miss this boat trip, coming or going from Cartagena. Mark only makes one trip a month, so contact him to nail down a time and a spot on the boat, as he only takes 8 people, and prefers no more than 2 bikes.
His contact is: freshaircharters@yahoo.com His phone (cell): 507 6 669-9359 (Panama) or 315 756 2818 (Cartgagena).
We were advised to fly by several people, and I am most happy that we found Mark, mostly through information on HUBB, and through a couple we met in Antigua, Guatemala riding two-up on a KTM 950; Bonnie & Mark (different Mark, of course), from Sun Valley, Idaho, just 80 miles from where I live (Buhl, Idaho).
What you have heard about Colombia is not valid at this time. Things are quiet politically, at least as foreigners are concerned, and this is good. It is a shame that they have the reputation they do not deserve. Colombians are among the most friendly and caring people we have met in CA or SA, and that is saying a lot.
We are presently in Lima, and I recommend this hostel: Hostal El Patio, located in Miraflores at Calle Diez Canseco 341. The cost here is $30/night single; $40 double, and it includes a very nice continental breakfast. It is clean, hot water, color/cable, and Free wireless should you have a laptop.
They speak English, should you Spanish be lacking, and are extremely caring and friendly. There is space for parking a few motorcycles, and they are locked in safely. Ours are currently in one of the coffee rooms!
Miraflores is quite nice, and just a few blocks from the seafront. It is quite touristy, and not the real Lima at all. As a matter of fact, one could think he is in New York when sitting at a busy streetside cafe, sipping good coffee and a delicious pastry.
I am gushing, but I cannot say enough good about our entire trip. For more info and a nearly day-to-day blog, check out my site: 2wheelstoadventure.com
Cheers and Hurrah,
Ron Weinert
72 and pushing 73, but still going strong

I´m in Cusco right now. We did a trip with the infamous Leonardo. He is to be avoided. We knew he was a wanker but had to do the trip anyway because of commitments in South America.

He didn´t mess with us money wise, so I´m sure about he Shyster part. It costs us $400 each to get from Portobello to Cartegena. Two bikes. Leonardo is not allowed into almost all of the hostels in Panama City and Cartegena. He speaks of this freely like it is not his fault. The boat is a disaster. Absolutly disgusting galley. You have to supply and cook your own food as well.

I would never recommend him or his boat. But if you need to go you need to go, he will get you there, maybe.

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Brennan Dates

www.brennandates.com

one of the best countries i visited on my way down. don't believe the hype. way, way safer than, say, um, peru or mexico. only my opinion. top notch people and police.
nick
waitgo.com

Glad I found this thread.. I'm sort of planning a route round the world at the moment and from everything else I've read Colombia is a definate no no. Thanks to you guys, I'm going to ignore all the "Official Advice" and do it, I'll be there sometime in 2009, looking forward to it.

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RTW Jan 2009 - Aug 2012. Currently in Europe waiting for the next ride
www.takingthelongwayhome.co.uk

Excellent country.
Excellent people.
Bloody awful drivers.

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Two wheels good,
Four wheels bad (unless it's two bikes).

http://www.markincyberspace.com