Hi Everyone!!
We were wondering does anybody know if it is possible to get a boat from Panama to Venezuela??..... as we have heard it is a death sentence to try and cross overland through Columbia!! dont really want to get a flight as we are trying to keep expences down 😉
Any ideas welcome!
Thanks
Reply to this Hi there,
We recently travelled through Colombia and it is a very safe country for tourists. There are no boats from Panama to Venezuela. You can get a boat to Cartagena, Colombia and then travel overland from there. The Colombian Caribbean coast is very nice (and no guerilla activity) and Cartagena is said to be one of the most attractive cities of South America. You can also drop into the small town of Taganga, visit Tayrona National Park and trek to the "Lost City". Please reconsider your plans as this was one of the best parts of our trip to South America!! Unfortunately though the boat trip to Cartagena is quite pricy. We flew with Aires who have pretty good prices. Or you could obviously fly direct to Venezuela, but then you miss out on one of the best South American countries!
As you correctly state, it is not generally thought to be a good idea to cross by land from Panama to Colombia as the Darien Gap is still considered dangerous (although I have heard a few tales of VERY adventurous travellers who have made it through!).
Good luck,
Ruth
Reply to this you can try a catch a ride on a cargo ship leaving from Colon, Panama or try and stop by the so-called Panama Boatsman Club, it is possible to go from Panama City and a flight to Puerto Obaldia and canoe it to Capurguna and again to Turbo, Colombia and a bus ride to Cartegena. from there either a bus ride into Venezuela or a boat from the marinas there. As far as the Darien Gap......yes you can travel with any of the canoes going into Choco, Colombia or by foot......I have done it about four years ago at the age of 51-
Reply to this Regardless of news hype, one can travel rather freely from Darien Province, Panama into Colombia. All that's needed is a compass, GPS, supplies and time to travel. I recently made the trip about four weeks ago, it was very safe! Another nice trip is from Magdalena, Colombia in Amazonas Province into Manaus, Brazil by boat. The trip takes 9 days; and you need to bring food, and water with you. For those interested in a trip thru the Darien, I offer you my services. Contact me via martinez@safe-mail.net
Reply to this Really love to do boating but there are no boats from Panama to Venezuela,is it right?
Reply to this not true go to Colon, Panama and walk to dock 4 or 5, there are boats which leave from Panama to Colombia and/Venezuela. The other option is from Allbrook Airport catch a flight to Puerto Obaldia/$80.00? and from there get a panga to Caparguna/$10.00 there you register with DAS-Colombian Immigration and then another panga to Turbo, Colombia/20,000 Colombian Pesos about $10.usd travel by bus to Cartagena and from the docks catch a boat to Maracaibo, Venezuela
Reply to this do the panama-categena boat trip taking in the san blas islands and the as mentioned the amaxing coast line in colombia.
prior to our trip we had planned to miss colombia altogether due to perception of danger but when we met people on the road we were persuaded it was safwe and loved every minute - certainly the best country in south america. if anything i have heard more negative stories from venezuela!
Reply to this Thanks a lot Saladin,sharing such valuable information.
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In response to: Msg #41874 from Salvor Sage. I spend a lot of time in Colombia I have found the people and the police to be very friendly to non Spanish speaking Gringos. the only dangerous port I encountered was Beaunoveturia on the pacific side. I had to defend myself with nuchockas being mugged at the vessel I was installing desalination plant. we had to hire two armed marines that guard the port. Mendaline colombia is very dangerous. many murders. there where three murders in one day while staying in the hotel. all is cia and drug trade. the people at large are kind and helpful. stay away from these areas, and your trip to colombia will be pleasant, Ive friends in Bogota and Calli if you need to hire help to traverse this landscape, colombia as a hole is safer to travel than America. it is nearly impossible to get any traffic voliations except seat belt in the front seat . they catch you at tool booths. drop me me a line for information on Panama and Colombia.
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