So, I just received an answer from the tour operator and they said that they "spect" to start the service in june 10th, the cheapest acomodation is a bus style coach and costs $99 usd plus 2% of taxes and plus $95 usd for port taxes (WTF!!!) they don't have a motorcycle trip price yet. You can get a presidencial cabin for $800 pp and you have a big amount of intermediate prices too

Yep - I´ve heard 10 June too - but waiting for them to confirm. That will be too late for me.

There is another thread on this topic on the Central America page - might be worth keeping that in view too, in case they get any further updates on there.
Pat

As promised this is the latest message from the ferry company:

We were informed that for the month of June the ferry will not be able to travel. You can make reservations from now for the month of July onwards.

Ah well - back to Girag for me!

Pat

I don't know if it is real or not...... But I'd be careful with any bookings, especially if any payment, no matter how small, is requested.

Hey Pat,
Please do let us all know how you cross the gap. I'm back on the road and two or three weeks behind you, will be looking to cross myself soon.

Dunc.

Dunc
Good to hear you are on the move. You´ve got some wonderful riding ahead of you!

I just made the leap - by plane, with Girag. Picking the bike up on Monday. Will be switching to the Central America thread now! :scooter:

The blog will have all the details in about a week.
Cheers
Pat

Just a bump to keep this thread alive. It doesn't look like the ship has moved in nearly three months.

Crossing Darien Gap
 

Hello folks,
Does anyone have an update on this supposed service. Obviously, it is well past May 10...
Peace

Indefinitely postponed. Will it ever happen? No one knows.

Mark

And another bump folks, the Nisos Rodos is on the move. Wherever it's going is anyone's guess though.

Live Ships Map - AIS - Vessel Traffic and Positions

Duncan

Are you still on the move, I thought you were heading back home.

I am just outside Rio.

Cheers

Crossing the Darien Gap
 

If I had accurate data indicating the number of motorcycles, riders, and others who would need and want to pay for flights from Colombia/Ecuador to Panama and/or Panama to Colombia/Ecuador on a seasonal/monthly basis, I am willing to scout up charter flights, cost and look into the legalities regarding TVIPs, visas, insurance, etc.

I know there are charter cargo/passenger airlines operating now - but not on a scheduled monthly basis. If we needed to transport 10 properly created motorcycles and 15 passengers each month, it is my opinion that an existing airline might consider setting up a seasonal/monthly flight to meet our needs.

Ideas or suggestions welcome. Especially from those with data collecting training and experience.

I will return to South America early in November and offer to write and post initial queries to charter airlines operating proposed route.

xfiltrate,

ps: just received a note from a brother who leases yachts - another possibility maybe for the idle rich who have idle yachts.

pps: the ancient Douglas C-47 has a cargo capacity of 6000 lbs /2,700 Kg (a lot of motos) and due to legalities riders may have to fly separately, but this is doable - remember DHL now in competition with FED EX and UPS or FED UPS as I like to call them..... got started by a couple of university drop outs who began courier business by having passengers carry corporate documents in their checked luggage on normally scheduled flights to asia.

This might work
 

I will be in Buenos Aires in a couple days. I have been in good contact with a past CEO of a private charter airline who believes he can arrange a monthly flight between Colombia and Panama and return - with the capacity to carry 5 - 10 or more motorcycles and 10 - 15 or more passengers (dependent on weight) each flight each month.

The cost will be "very, very reasonable" when compared to current fares Panama to Bogota and return, and everything will be done as legally - as any other commercial carrier.

Obviously, there are many details to work out, but if those who would be interested in this monthly flight - please post comments here. Give me an idea of what you might be willing to pay for a round trip fare and how often you might travel - remember the flights going and coming will be only once each month so schedules will have to be kept and met.

Special reusable motorcycle crates will be provided and panniers etc can travel with the bike. Gear will be safe and helmets, tank bags, jackets etc will be permitted as carry on luggage. The airline will provide assistance with customs. this will be a flight exclusively for over landers....

If this dream of easy transport over the Darien is to become real - post your comments here. I will see what I can do to help.

Also, any news on the planned ferry service would be welcome... gracias

xfiltrate

Sounds brilliant! I don't need it, but thanks for your efforts in getting this new service going.

2 bikes 2 riders End of March, beginning of April if all goes to plan, heading North (Columbia - Panama)

Thanks for the efforts
Gino & Fiona