The Basics About Sailing From Panama To Colombia

The Basics About Sailing From Panama To Colombia

by Marissa Velazquez

Adventurous travelers love taking some time off and going on long journeys. Some travel across Asia; others do a road trip through Australia. A popular journey is to travel through the Americas, starting in Alaska and ending in Patagonia. It's an epic trip that more often than not also includes sailing from Panama to Colombia.

Even through Panama and Colombia share a border, it's one that's not easy to cross. In fact, most travelers try to avoid having to make the crossing over land. The reason for this is a notorious area called 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.

While it's not impossible to cross the Darien Gap and you can even walk across, it's not advisable. There are the usual risks involved in trekking through the jungle, such as contracting malaria or other diseases, getting lost or being attacked by wild animals. Even more dangerous in this part of the world is the fact that the remote jungle teems with guerrillas, bandits and drug traffickers who won't hesitate to attack, rob, kidnap or even kill you.

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.

The most common route will take you to the San Blas Islands first. The San Blas Archipelago is a remote group of Panamanian islands mainly inhabited by the indigenous Kuna people. A visit here will let you experience Kuna culture first hand and will also give you the opportunity to enjoy the region's pristine white beaches.

Different companies offer different trips, so don't book before you've done proper research and compared the packages. The crossing can at times be uncomfortable, so be sure that you know what you're in for. Ask about the number of people that will make the trip so you can avoid crowded conditions and find out what type of sleeping arrangements you can expect on board. Most importantly, check that the captain has the proper credentials and that the boat is safe.

It's always a good idea to take some extra toilet paper and drinking water just in case. Extra snacks will also be a welcome treat if the fare on board consists mainly of rice and beans. Make sure that you go on board with enough supplies and a positive attitude and you'll find that <A href="http://www.bluesailing.net">sailing from Panama to Colombia</A> can be one of the best parts of your adventure.



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