Arriving Cartenga

Hey all,

Has anyone caught the bus from Panama City to Cartenga, on one persons advice I was told that is was no problem there is no dangers etc and crossing through is fine. Then I have had other advice that I would be a complete fool to head this way in to Cartenga and should think about flying. As flights arent that cheap I was considering the bus to save a few bucks, but obviously our lives are of far more value. What do you guys reck.

Cheers
Adie

Hi Adie,
Hmmm, I often wonder how people like you manage to get up in the morning without falling out of bed and accidentally setting fire to your house. You see, there is no ROAD from Panama to Cartagena,never mind a BUS. I can´t help feeling that this is a simple,elementary fact you should have known, and the fact that you didn´t makes you a danger to anyone else you may meet during your travels. May I suggest you stay at home and read an atlas instead and save us all a lot of heartache?

There is indeed no road or bus across the "Darien Gap" between North and South
America. There is an inexpensive Colombian airline, Aires, with a single daily flight, link:

Aires airline

Elliott Moore

I´D TAKE THE MONORAIL.....ENJOY!

Whoever told you to take the "bus" through the Darien Gap was clearly having a laugh at your expense.

Additionally, there are sailboats which ply the route between Colon (Panama) and Cartagena via the San Blas Islands - as far as I know (never having done it myself) the trip takes about a week and costs in the region of US$250-300 per person. It's supposed to be very picturesque, though perhaps not the best if you're prone to seasickness.

Zzzapato. what's this about a monorail? When did it open? How much does it cost? Just kidding :-)

Hi Adie,

Firstly I won't bother making comment about some of the messages that have been left regarding your question. I don't know where these people come from - really?! I think they use this forum as a little "all knowing" soap box to stand on. I'm looking forward to their comments about my advice.

As you have quite rudely and not subtly been informed by now is that it's not possible to make this trip by bus. This might seem obvious to some who have apparently been there before, but due to the often lack of and poor information in guides such as Lonely Planet and Footprint, it's worth asking.

I believe some people are keen enough to make the trip overland through the Darien Gap by foot, but I have heard varying stories of safety and comfort. I believe some people or companies even offer organised tours (this I have only heard, and regardless I imagine would cost more than a flight).

Yep, it's not cheap but you could either fly, or take a boat, but I think you'll even find a boat more expensive that a flight. Mywife and I made the trip earlier this year, and unless you are really keen on spending the extra for about 4 days out at sea, grab a flight.

Here is some accounts of crossing the darien I have come across before answering your question:

http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/daring-the-darien<BR><BR>Hope this helps,

Luke

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<hr>I can´t help feeling that this is a simple,elementary fact you should have known, and the fact that you didn´t makes you a danger to anyone else you may meet during your travels. May I suggest you stay at home and read an atlas instead and save us all a lot of heartache? <hr></blockquote>

First of all, it's apparent that NOT everybody know that there are NO roads through the Darian. Perhaps they may of learned that some time ago (like decades) in school and may of assumed that the road has completed through by now? Or they simply are UNAWARE of it and are beginning to learn read about the Central/S. American geography closely as they are planning a trip there. It's not something we read all the time on front page news across the world anyways. Therefore, let's cut some slack here and give people the benefit of a doubt. Could the OP be a troll? Perhaps so. But, judging from how and what the OP wrote the post seemed to have its merits and seem reasonable to me. That's why I chimed in.

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<hr>As flights arent that cheap I was considering the bus to save a few bucks, but obviously our lives are of far more value.<hr></blockquote>
RamblinPaul on #45 of the static FAQ thread above the C. America branch told us as to how surface travel through the Darien gap can be done. As for the safety concerns it's also true that there are areas in the Darien on both the Panamanian and Colombian side that are not safe due to the fact that there are guerrilla activities (from Colombia) as well as smuggling (of people and contraband) around/through there. People who got UNlucky had been kidnapped by these guerrillas or had gone missing. Others may also tell you it's safe too. In addition to the human elements there are also natural elements, and so unless you are up on your outdoor survival skills it would best to hire a guide who does to guide you through there. So basically the best would be to ask around the locals and the police officials in Puerto Olbaldia as well as watch/read up on the news reports (if you understand Spanish).

As for planes you can also check on AeroRepublica or Copa Airlines site in addition to the above (aires). They're now one in the same airline as Copa had bought out AeroRepublica.