Fishing Frenzy

If adventure is your middle name, your bucket list probably includes traveling from North America and Central America to South America, maybe even all the way from Alaska to Patagonia. It's an epic journey that provides a range of unforgettable experiences and it's not that difficult to accomplish. Some people even do it by cycling, biking or driving down. When planning for your trip, however, you may have to consider the option of getting from Panama to Colombia by boat.

A network of highways makes up what is known as the Pan American Highway. It stretches all the way from Alaska into Patagonia. Between Yaviza in Panama and Turbo, a little less than 100 miles further in Colombia, the highway stops due to factors such as the inhospitable terrain. Because this is in the Darien province, it's known as the Darien Gap.

Travelers are advised not to attempt the crossing of the Darien Gap over land. It is extremely dangerous. The road hasn't been completed here because the terrain is so inhospitable, with thick jungle and real risk of deadly tropical diseases, not to mention attacks by local wildlife. Because the area is so remote and few people set foot here, it has become a refuge for armed guerrillas from Colombia and for criminals, especially those working in the drug trade. Robberies, kidnappings and killings are very common here and travelers are often targets.

The easiest way to cross the Darien Gap is to fly. This is also the quickest mode of transport. However, flying can be very expensive and it may not be your best option if you're traveling on a tight budget. You also miss out on what this part of the world has to offer.

A great alternative is to take the boat instead. If you're on a very tight budget, you may even be able to find opportunities where you can work on board in exchange for your voyage. More common is to book a passage on a yacht that specializes in taking travelers across. There are several companies that offer this service and the fare is usually more or less the same as what a plane ticket would have cost you.

The companies that offer trips from Panama to Colombia usually take passengers across via the San Blas Archipelago. Some of these Panamanian islands are inhabited by an indigenous tribe known as the Kuna, who have a fascinating culture. Most of the islands are uninhabited though and you'll likely get to swim, snorkel or walk on the beach without bumping into another soul except your fellow passengers.

If you're making use of your own transport, you may wonder what to do with your car, bicycle or motorcycle since the yachts used for the crossing cannot take these vehicles too. This is no problem. Motorbikes and bicycles can be flown over by cargo plane or you can have them taken over by container ship. Larger vehicles are sailed over in cargo vessels.

Finding an operator that will take you from Panama to Colombia by boat is very easy. Many advertise in Panamanian hostels but you can also look online. The crossing is usually quite safe and while it might be rough during the windy dry season, there is almost no risk of hurricanes.