Panama

Click on the map for a closer look.

Distance: 350+ Miles on land, another 350+ on a boat (5-day trip) Planned Stops: Colon or Portobelo

Why this route?
For social, political, and practicality reasons, there is no road between Panama and Colombia. The 'Darien Gap,' as it's called, stretches for about 60 miles between Central and South America and is inhabited by natives, guerillas, and dangerous terrain and circumstances. The best way to get between these two countries is by plane or by boat. Boating is much more of an experience, as we will get to tour the San Blas Islands - basically a paradise inhabited by natives. It usually takes about 5 days to make the trip from Colon or Portobelo, Panama to Cartagena, Colombia, plus any time we spend waiting for a boat to take us (some travelers have reported waiting weeks).

We're also considering taking a plane from Panama City to Quito, Ecuador, if the political situation in Columbia turns unfavorable.  We'll make that decision closer to our departure time.

The next stop on our route is Colombia.