End of season could also be the end of the Latin travel/summer season. In Argentina summer is the reverse of North America. Given that Central America and South America has little change in temperature year round, does travel generally slow down in May, just when it is picking up in northern climates?

Indeed time will tell and someone planning the cross the gap, to whom the topic is of greatest interest, will eventually contact the offices and share an update.

In recent years, three boats have transported bike from Panama to Colombia. Last year there was a report or two of riders having problems getting out of Cartagena on a smaller boat. The Stalhratte is the largest and has not been subject to the whims of customs officials. Ask around and see if there are current reports of problems.

The Stalhratte can transport 26 motorcycles. I believe they run out of bunk space due to back packers before deck space. In the past you could reserve a space simply by sending an email and waiting for a confirmation. Captain Ludwig posts here from time to time, correct me if wrong or policies have changed.

Taking a sail boat is expensive, cheaper that air lifting and way more fun, in my opinion. Airlifting motorcycles across the gap is for riders with more money than time. The Stalhratte was one of the highlights of my trip. I haven't taken the ferry, which is/was cheaper, but a bit institutional/commercial by the reports.

Ultimately a voyage schedule needs to match your adventure schedule. I rode a bit faster through Central America in order to sail on a certain date. Having already ridden sections of CA and with plans to ride more on the way back, I made a one month dash from North Carolina (the HU east coast rider meeting) to Panama. By most accounts that was a rushed schedule... Check their website for dates and availability:

panama_cartagena_en

__________________
Peter B
2008/09 - NJ to Costa Rica and back to NJ
2012/13 - NJ to Northern Argentina, Jamaica, Cuba and back to NJ
2023 - Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia...back to Peru.

Blogs: Peter's Ride