Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Transport
Shipping bike from Costa Rica to Colombia across Gap? Shipping bike from Costa Rica to Colombia across Gap?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Trip Transport Shipping the vehicle and yourself.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Hill Shipping - Motorcycle and car Shipping Experts!

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 24 Mar 2008
Jammin's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Riding Southern Africa
Posts: 128
Shipping bike from Costa Rica to Colombia across Gap?
I'm in planning mode for an upcoming South America trip from Chicago and am trying to see what all my options are regarding which countries to visit and how to get across from Central America to South America.

I know the usual thing to do is air-freight the bikes from Panama City to either Bogota or Quito, but me being an Indian citizen (working here in the US), I need a tourist visa for most every country I visit and a usual visa costs around $30 - $40. Costa Rica is free for me, but a visa for Panama costs $85! And can you believe a tourist visa to Ecuador costs $230! Sounds like an awesome country to ride through and visit, but that's too high a price.

I'm trying to see if there's a way to get the bikes from Costa Rica to Colombia somewhere. Is flying an option or are there some cargo boats that go that way. I wouldn't mind spending a few days on a boat, if it's much cheaper.

Seeing that it costs around $600 to air-freight from Panama to Colombia, if the Costa Rica to Colombia option isn't much cheaper, I'll probably just do Panama then.

Any insights would be much appreciated.
__________________
J A Y | Riding a 98 Suzuki DR650
Current ride thru Latin Am and Africa > Jammin thru the Global South
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 25 Mar 2008
Jammin's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Riding Southern Africa
Posts: 128
I found out how to ship from Costa Rica to Colombia, just in case someone else is looking for this info:

Travelling by motorcycles –How to go from Colombia/Cartagena to Centroamerica or viceversa
It's a hostel in Cartagena, Colombia with details on boats, cargo vessels or sailing boats that will take bikers with them. Awesome!

Also, this a great thread for shipping from Panama to Colombia:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...perience-26597
__________________
J A Y | Riding a 98 Suzuki DR650
Current ride thru Latin Am and Africa > Jammin thru the Global South
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 26 Mar 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Lima, Peru
Posts: 6
Thanks for the info
I'm looking for that option too, Im planning to leave US from Ohio to Peru (Im a peruvian citizen) and also have the same issue with the visas.

ps, this site is awesome, lots of info
__________________
MADE IN PERU
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 27 Mar 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Lima, Peru
Posts: 6
Thanks for the info
I'm looking for that option too, Im planning to leave US from Ohio to Peru (Im a peruvian citizen) and also have the same issue with the visas.

ps, this site is awesome, lots of info
__________________
MADE IN PERU
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 3 Apr 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 30
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jammin View Post
And can you believe a tourist visa to Ecuador costs $230! Sounds like an awesome country to ride through and visit, but that's too high a price.



Seeing that it costs around $600 to air-freight from Panama to Colombia, if the Costa Rica to Colombia option isn't much cheaper, I'll probably just do Panama then.

Any insights would be much appreciated.
Hy jay

Last week, I got Ecuador visa in New Delhi. I paid US$ 60. I got it on the same day. If you want list of requirements I can send you. Panama visa from India will cost you INR 1490 ( apprx US$ 37).

I got air shipping quote from Copa cargo for Quito - Panama City US$ 700 and Bogota - Panama city for US$ 580. If I talk to some air shipping agents I may get some better rate.

Nelson
Last edited by nsk11; 3 Apr 2008 at 13:12.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 3 Apr 2008
farqhuar's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Oztralia
Posts: 646
Guys, I did this trip back in '84 on a CX500.

At that time I tried to ship from Panama to COlombia but could only get a boat (literally a banana boat) to take myself and my pillion form Colon to the San Blas Islands. We spent a week in San Blas trying to get a boat down to Colombia but nothing was happening so I ended up shipping back to Panama.

Back in Panama City I went to the local airport to crate up the CX to airfreight and managed to find an airline that was prepared to lease me the tail section in the back of their cargo 707 (i.e. the v-section at the back of the cabin where it tapers and pallets canot be loaded).

I ended up "riding" the bike on the scissor lift (scary as all hell when the scissor lift is all rollers with nothing to stop you rolling over the edge) and into the cabin then down the the end of the fuselage.

Upon talking to the pilot he offered us jump seats behind the cockpit for $50 which went directly into his pocket. So our total outlay was only $250 for a bike and 2 passengers, and no need for a crate either, and the only complaint was from my pillion regarding the lack of meals on the flight.

Garry from Oz.
__________________
Garry from Oz - powered by Burgman
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 19 Jul 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Vancouver, BC - now at large in the world
Posts: 411
An old thread... but we're looking at that option right now. Anyone done this, from Costa Rica to Columbia? Any info appreciated.
__________________
http://www.nohorizons.net
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 15 Aug 2012
Contributing Member
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Mexico
Posts: 14
CR to Colombia
If I remember correctly Vagamoto shipped from CR to Colombia 2 years ago air freight and it was expensive
much cheaper, if you call it cheap, from Panama
I can recommend Stahlratte i took them 2 years ago now about 900 smackers
for bike and rider but great food, huge ship, good fun
all other accounts seem to lead to copa or girag outa Panama for about 800+ for bike and 300 for airfare
theres some new postings for banana boats from Panama to Colombia over on advrider for about $450 all in
J now demoted to CGL125 putt putt ,gack, muerto...........
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 21 Aug 2012
Contributing Member
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Colorado
Posts: 4
First of all, you don't want to miss Panama.

Second this is an old thread as there is now a ferry running from Panama to Columbia which makes the crossing a snap.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 21 Aug 2012
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,957
Ferry does not exist.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 21 Aug 2012
Contributing Member
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Mexico
Posts: 14
Fairy may exist...
...but where is it, not in Panama or Columbia it seems !!!

I'm waiting to see if it happens tho, down here in so mexico - and I hope so cuz I can't afford the other 2 of 3 options...may have to take a smugglers ride down if the ferry never shows.
J demoted to cgl125
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Seeking riding partner in Nicaragua or Costa Rica to Colombia and maybe further. peter-denmark Travellers Seeking Travellers 2 18 Feb 2008 03:30
From Costa Rica to Cartagena (Colombia) jallen Central America and Mexico 9 3 Jan 2008 16:11
Shipping to Costa Rica - don't! Beasts Trip Transport 11 23 Aug 2007 02:25
shipping bike from morocco to costa rica kelley Trip Transport 0 29 Dec 2004 23:30
shipping to costa rica jack buehler Trip Transport 0 12 Mar 2002 20:12

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 19:14.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top