Traveling from Canada or the USA to South America by taking the overland route through Central America is one of life's great adventures. Some people even take a year or two off to travel all the way between Alaska and Patagonia and encounter everything from high mountain ranges, deep jungle, desolate deserts and bustling cities along the way. For many travelers the trip also involves sailing from Panama to Colombia.
It may sound silly to want to sail between two countries that are neighbors. However, this is the option that most travelers choose when they make the trip south. The reason is that they can then avoid having to cross the Darien Gap.
The Darien Gap is a break in the Pan American Highway between the Panamanian town of Yaviza and the Colombian town of Turbo. The inhospitable terrain makes it difficult and very expensive to build a road here and many people are opposed to the idea because of the environmental damage it will cause. There are rough dirt tracks through the jungle and it's entirely possible to cross the Darien Gap by off-road vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle or even on foot.
The reason why it's better to avoid the Darien Gap altogether, however, is that crossing it can be very dangerous. It's easy to get lost in the dense jungle and illnesses like malaria and dengue fever are a real risk. The danger is increased by the Colombian guerrillas and drug traffickers that operate in the area, with armed robberies and kidnappings frighteningly common.
A great and much less risky way to get from North to South America is to travel by boat. You can charter a yacht in Panama and sail at your own pace. Many travelers join sailing trips organized by tour companies, however. These cater for different budgets, from luxury voyages to ones that cater for backpackers and where you work for your passage.
Most yachts sail via the San Blas Archipelago. Only 49 of the nearly 380 islands of San Blas are inhabited, mostly by Kuna people. There are no hurricanes here, making these waters perfect for sailing. In addition, you get to experience the unspoiled beauty of the islands with their pristine beaches and clear waters where you can go snorkeling. At the same time you can also learn more about traditional Kuna culture and admire the women's gorgeous appliqued outfits.
Before you book your trip, it's wise to do lots of research and compare the services the different companies offer. You want to be as comfortable as possible during the voyage, especially since sailing the open sea can be rough. Check especially what the sleeping arrangements on board are, how many people there will be on board, the measures that are taken to ensure the passengers' safety and the captain's credentials.
You can increase your comfort by taking a few basic items with you. Extra water for drinking, a roll or two of toilet paper and snacks to break the monotony of the on-board fare will prove very handy. If you're properly prepared for the voyage, it's very likely that sailing from Panama to Colombia will be one of the most unforgettable parts of your trip.
It may sound silly to want to sail between two countries that are neighbors. However, this is the option that most travelers choose when they make the trip south. The reason is that they can then avoid having to cross the Darien Gap.
The Darien Gap is a break in the Pan American Highway between the Panamanian town of Yaviza and the Colombian town of Turbo. The inhospitable terrain makes it difficult and very expensive to build a road here and many people are opposed to the idea because of the environmental damage it will cause. There are rough dirt tracks through the jungle and it's entirely possible to cross the Darien Gap by off-road vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle or even on foot.
The reason why it's better to avoid the Darien Gap altogether, however, is that crossing it can be very dangerous. It's easy to get lost in the dense jungle and illnesses like malaria and dengue fever are a real risk. The danger is increased by the Colombian guerrillas and drug traffickers that operate in the area, with armed robberies and kidnappings frighteningly common.
A great and much less risky way to get from North to South America is to travel by boat. You can charter a yacht in Panama and sail at your own pace. Many travelers join sailing trips organized by tour companies, however. These cater for different budgets, from luxury voyages to ones that cater for backpackers and where you work for your passage.
Most yachts sail via the San Blas Archipelago. Only 49 of the nearly 380 islands of San Blas are inhabited, mostly by Kuna people. There are no hurricanes here, making these waters perfect for sailing. In addition, you get to experience the unspoiled beauty of the islands with their pristine beaches and clear waters where you can go snorkeling. At the same time you can also learn more about traditional Kuna culture and admire the women's gorgeous appliqued outfits.
Before you book your trip, it's wise to do lots of research and compare the services the different companies offer. You want to be as comfortable as possible during the voyage, especially since sailing the open sea can be rough. Check especially what the sleeping arrangements on board are, how many people there will be on board, the measures that are taken to ensure the passengers' safety and the captain's credentials.
You can increase your comfort by taking a few basic items with you. Extra water for drinking, a roll or two of toilet paper and snacks to break the monotony of the on-board fare will prove very handy. If you're properly prepared for the voyage, it's very likely that sailing from Panama to Colombia will be one of the most unforgettable parts of your trip.
About the Author:
Read more about The Basics About Sailing From Panama To Colombia visiting our website.
No comments:
Post a Comment