I went and talked with the people from Girag and Copa yesterday about shipping by air from Panama to Bogota. Girag's rate has gone up SUBSTANTIALLY! It is now $900 ! However, they fly every day. Copa Airlines rate is $625 total. They will only fly the bike on Friday, which means that you can't get it out of customs until Monday.

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Steve Barnett
Panama City, Panama

Wow thats quite a hike in price!
thanks for the update. Would you have a phone number for Girag and Copa? I want to see if they fly to the US from Panama.

That is steep, but corresponds to recent rate for going from Colombia to Panama ($800.00) as of June '08.

In regards to the question about Girag flying from Panama to US, I don't know but in casual conversation they did mention that they do not have any US destinations from Colombia. Doubtful from Panama. They might be able to suggest a different airline to try.

The number for Copa cargo is 238-4290. Talk to Mr. Lara... very knowledgeable.

Girag's number is 266-0297

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Steve Barnett
Panama City, Panama

Girags sister company ,Centurion, recently lost an aircraft and I am sure the price jump reflects this as well as fuel costs.
still not a bad price for good service.
We flew our bikes from Bogota to Miami ($1000) a few months ago on Centurion, but not sure if they are still flying there after the accident.(there was a bike lost on the flight that crashed)
Phone numbers for these companies are useless, you must show up with your bike to get any "reliable" answers about shipping.
good luck

Do these companies still fly to Quito?

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» “What do you expect to find there? Well, if I knew, I wouldn’t go there!” — Jacques Cousteau

"Girags sister company ,Centurion, recently lost an aircraft and I am sure the price jump reflects this as well as fuel costs."

Ah, so that's the airline that had the crash. Friends of friends told the story of how he managed to get close enoug to get pictures through the hole in the fuselage and then when he returned the next day the bike had been stripped. Last I heard he was still arguing with the insurance company.

$900 is a lot for getting around 50 miles of swamp. I'm heading south from USA to Ushuaia in a couple of months. Plan to ship me and bike from Panama to Colombia. Is there a safe and secure alternative to flying it at $900?

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"A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving." Lao Tzu

is to take a boat form Puerto Lindo (1 hour east of colon)

for 700 you and bike total

dont expect too much but food is great

5 day trip

I think it is hostel wunderbar in Puerto Lindo , they book boats, I just took one and am in Cartagena now

google it for www

cheers

Hi, the hole ride is from Argentina to Alaska and back
From April 20th to Oct 20 2009
One of my questions is how to get from Colombia to Panama?
By water or by air, nowing that Copa Air cargo is charging around US$ 650 and Boat US$ 700 I prefer air, fast and cheaper. This information is correct?
Thank you for help.
See you on the road !!!http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...helpsmilie.gif

We took the plane from Panama to Colombia a few months back (Nov 2008) and it was under $700.

The plane is much faster, if that's what you are looking for. One of the benefits of taking the sail boat is that you get to sail for 4 or 5 days. The boats stop at sandbars and you get to swim and play for those days. It's a good break. Plus I hear Cartagena is not to be missed. I remember boat prices being cheaper than $700.

I'm presently in Salto, Uruguay. In a couple of days I'll be heading up to Iguazu Falls and then head east towards Bolivia. I should be in Colombia in a few weeks. I want to see more of Colombia. We flew into Cali and went south and have always wanted to see more of Colombia. The people are wonderful and it's a beautiful country. We were told over and over that one of the highlights of the country is Cartagena.

To get back to North America, I'm going to explore shipping the moto from Colombia to Mexico or Miami. I don't think COPA Air does it, but I hear there's another airline that does (don't know which).

Also, don't forget to figure in your ticket to fly into Sur America.

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» “What do you expect to find there? Well, if I knew, I wouldn’t go there!” — Jacques Cousteau

We shipped 2 bikes, BMW F650GS, on Jan 7, 2009. We understood that we could ship Copa to Bogata, Medellin or Cali for about $650. When we showed up on Jan 6 at Copa we were told the next date was Jan 28 or so.

We Then went down to the Girag office,. We were informed they had daily service, more or less, that it costs $900 per bike - cash USD - no credit cards, and that it might be a day or so after we delivered the machines before they actually got to Bogota.

So we dropped the bikes off on jan 7, after seeking out cash, and they shipped on Jan 8. We picked up Friday Jan 9 at the Girag airfreight depot at the Bogota airport.

As is always the case, life is easiest if one speaks Spanish. So we arrived at Girag about 9:30 am, got our paperwork, went across the street ( about a 300 meter walk) went through Aduana and customs. It was very easy and professional, but you must wait your turn in the waiting area.

Colombia is not Central America. there are no helpers or municipal tolls. It is very modern and professional.

We did purchase Colombian cycle ins. in North Bogata. Wish I could remember all the details, but were not requested to show proof of insurance. We did buy the vests and the sticky numbers for our helmets. There is an area in Bogota about 8 sq blocks with nothing but motorcycle stuff. Just get a taxi and have the driver bring you to "Lugar de las Motos". Also, check our post for Bogota at Sampson South Bound

I really recommend following all local laws concerning insurance and rider apparel. Adventure riders are notoriously cheap, except where alcohol and parties are concerned. That is an error. Colombia is safe, but you do not want or need to stand out. And you certainly do not want to give any local law enforcement a reason to detain you or the bike in the event of a mishap. Remember, you are a foreign guest on a visa. Figure it out. What would happen to a Colombian ignoring motor vehicle regulations in your home country in the event of a traffic stop? That's right- not a good deal.

Fritz

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...nce-info-41598

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