Darien

Has anybody been to el Darien (Panama)? I would love to go in December so I would appreciate some advice. I am a solo, female traveler and Spanish is my mother tongue.

Thanks!

There are not a lot of posters on here that have been, but its limited as to where you can go. I would check this Hostel in Panama City, they are up to date on what, how, where and when, and security issues.

http://www.mamallena.com/tours.html

Read theFAQ at top, though the trip reports from there are a few years ago, it gives you an idea of the issues/logistics etc...

Hi mrmoto!

I don't see any reference to el Darien in that link...

Thanks so much!

Then they may have stopped the tours due to a host of issues...

There is also the Darien Gapster. Just Google.

Things in Darien can change quickly, and the government and army will close the area to tourism with no notice. Even when it's open to travelers, there are military checkpoints, and it is certainly not a solo travel destination. And there is zero tourism infrastructure. It's not a place to visit on a whim for many reasons. I'd check out Ancon Expeditions, if they aren't offering anything then it's probably not an option.

I would love to go in December

Why would you "love" to do that? Surely there must be a reason.

The issues with the Darien are numerous but bottom line is both the Panamanian and Colombian military are determined to keep tourists out. The reasons have less to do with safeguarding wandering adventurers and more to do with the costs of looking for lost souls. Just look at the resources Costa Rica has had to throw at one North American who has supposedly came up missing in the Osa recently and to my knowledge was not found . Bottom line is they don't have the money nor want to search endlessly for idiots lost in the jungle.

He entered Corcovado via an area closed to tourist. He also did not have a guide, which is now required. He also was in area that the trail is not maintained. It is also rainy season in the jungle. He was from Alaska and though he was able to conquer a tropical jungle. Obviously, he guessed wrong, and sadly, he may never be found. The last American to go missing on a hike was a few years ago in Rincon in a very wet rainy season, the trails are not marked well, and in thick fog and high winds, you can end up lost 15ft from the person behind you.

The Darien has even more risk, least of which is the natural enemies...