I'm looking for suggestions on the best way to travel from Panama to Cartagena, Colombia. My dates are flexible, but I want to be in Cartagena for New Years Eve.
I'm going to be spending some time travelling around Panama at Christmas, and want to go to Cartagena for New Years. I heard there is a way to sail from San Blas to Cartagena. Has anyone ever done that? Any other ideas for getting from Panama to Cartagena? The airfare is incredibly expensive! I could depart from anywhere...Panama City, San Blas or maybe there is somewhere else I haven't thought of. Thank you for any ideas or suggestions!
Reply to this I have written of this trip a few times so you may already have read about it but I will repeat.
You can get a yacht for 5 or so days from Colon to Cartagena.This is what most people do but I didn't want to be stuck in 3days of open water with a bunch of bakpakers and a coke addicted ,alcholic captain n crew.
You can fly from Panama cities national airport ,next to the bus terminal, to Puerto Abaldia around US$63.They have been doing up the airstrip at Puerto Abaldia so you may have to fly to Tubuala and get speed boat ,"Lancha" to Puerto Abaldia $25.Here you get exit stamp in passport and get Lancha to Capurgana ,paridise, $12.In Capurgana you should stay at Cabanas Darius.This is a budget hotel run by Joey ,a native Hawiian, and his Colombianb wife ,Nery.The hotel is just out of the village ,in the jungle, and is incredible.Joey will take you to get your entry stamp and get your $ changed to Pesos ,there are no banks.He will also take you on walks to Panama border ,waterfalls ,Aguacate and ,if you want, horse treks deep into the Darien.He will also get you onto the Lancha to Turbo and from here you can bus ,along the Carrabian coast, to Cartagena.This is an incredible adventure I have done 4times now.Make sure you plan to spend some time in Capurgana as it really is paradise and you may never want to leave.
Say hello to Joey n Nery for me.
Reply to this Aires.. they have a direct flight from Panama City to Cartagena... currently its at 145000 Colombia PEsos, which equals about $75 but they have super promos, about 3 days of sales on their site, you have to catch it! I have checked this flight, and it was $25 during there sale! I flew from Cartagena to Bogota with them for $33 USD and i couldnt believe the flight was actually THAT cheap! If you into sailing thats cool, but from what ive researched its more expensive.. and im not fond of water.. but if your adventurous im sure you would love it!
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