Colombia... do it? skip it???
 

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

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.

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!

Way to go guys
 

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

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

Good News
 

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

Well Max when you get down to Ecuador let me know as I own a brewpub here in Quito and also an orange beastie 950,come by for a pint of the finest Scottish ale in south america

Brew Pubs are always "on the way"
 

Albert how about some location info. I am flying the KLR (and me) from Panama to Bogota around the first week of Nov. Should be in Quito a few days later. Maybe you can show me how/where to get the best picture of an equator monument.
Rick

No problem me old mucker,thedetails are as follows,the turtles head,la niña y juan leon mera,sector la mariscal,quito,we,re in the north of town,just ask for the hotel marriot the pub,s one block from the hotel,there,s a roudabout on amazonas,that the main thorofare in Quito ask anyone for directions follow it to the marriot ask for the street juan leon mera then la niña is first on the right,the pubs the bright yellow house on the right hand side.Any problems phone my cell on 098 323 788 or the pub 2 56 55 44.
By the way if you can don,t fly in to Bogota get the ferry to Cartagena,it,sreally worth the trip,the old walled city with it,s bars restaurants hotels etc,oh! and the beach,try not to miss it if you,ve got the time

Ferry?
 

Thanks, I WILL be there for a brew. Now about that ferry? More details on that. I know there "used" to be one from Panama but now ......??????

What RickMcD said; if there is a ferry to Cartegena, I would be real interested. Expect to be in Panama City in 2 weeks +/-. Any other info, such as where in Panama it leaves from? I know some people have taken private boats across, but am not aware of any ferry service.

Si como no?
 

Albert,

Brewpub, Quito, finest Scottish ale in south america and a couple of orange
beasties, sounds like the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
We definatly plan on spending some time in Quito and will be happy to
"come by for a pint" and hopefully we can rage around on the 950's.

We are planning on finding a boat from Panama to Columbia, and I've read
here of taking a cargo ship to Cartagena but your info on a ferry is the first
I've heard of a ferry to Columbia,any additional info about this would be
helpful.

thanks again for the invite. :thumbup1:

GO!!!!!!! MAX

Sorry I,m talking bollocks about the ferry,two mates of mine had to pay for a 20 foot container about a month ago and it was quite costly about 2 grand for both bikes,but I,m sure if you,ve got abit of timeto ask around you,ll get a better deal,the mates of mine were in a big rush to get to the artic circle before the weather sets in you,ll find their site at 2wmc.co.uk
Once again sorry for opening my big yap about the ferry

Hi Max

Sounds awesome man. I've never heard about a ferry to Cartagena, but my friend Balam from www.motolibre.com knows a guy that runs a small private boat from cartagena to panama, i think...
Anyway, i might still be around by the end of november, send me an email before you get here so hopefully we can meet. It is a much better idea to land in cartagena instead of bogota, yeah, otherwise you would miss half the country, and by the way, be ready to spend some more time over here, you will be haunted by it.
Regards,

Pajaro:balloon:

Right On !
 

Hi Pajaro,
I'll be emailing you for more information on the boat from Panama to Columbia.
At present we are planning on taking a boat from Colon Pa. to Cartagena Co.
Someone posted on this site that you should go to the harbor master in
Colon and he would help you find a reliable boat over to Cartegena.
The thought of flying over Colombia never crossed my mind.
We hope your still in Colombia when we arrive.

GO!!!!!!! MAX :scooter:

All righty then
 

Hi Max

Hope to see you guys here then. Just remenber that Columbia is a canadian territory, this country down here is called COLOMBIA.
I am travelling on december the 9th and won´t be back before march. Hope you can make it over here before then, so we can meet.

Have a great trip,

Pajaro

GO FOR IT GO !!! the people are very frendly, there's a lot of police & military on the road for safety. The country is awsome. A friend o mine is nearly 10 month (not as hostage !!) in colombia without problems.

Cheers Heiko

I flew into Bogota, and had a great time. The ride south through the Andeas is great. Im planning to do the north of Columbia at the end of my trip. Dont skip it..

Do It !!!
 

Came into Colombia from Panama on the Stahratte into Cartagena, rode north to Santa Marta, then down to Bogota, west to Medellin and heading back towards Cartagena for the trip home next week.

Just do it, life is too short for regrets, and yes u will regret missing this one if you do

Do not miss Colombia!
 

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

Do it!
 

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

Do It!
 

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.

Well worth it...
 

Excellent country.:thumbup1:
Excellent people.:thumbup1:
Bloody awful drivers.:cursing:

Zoa
 

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.

Skip did it..so skip it :smartass: