Travelers wishing to cross between South and Central America have to find a way across the treacherous Darien Gap, a strip of dense jungle between Colombia and Panama which presents a tricky obstacle between the two continents.
There has never been a road through the Gap, and the area is currently only traversed by drug runners, FARC guerillas and a few courageous adventurers. Mere mortals luckily have a number of options which they can choose from in order to make the hop from Colombia to Panama, or vice versa.
One of the most popular is to take a sailboat from the Colombian port of Cartagena to Colon in Panama. The trip takes five days and travelers stop off in the beautiful San Blas islands en-route. Another seafaring option is the Ferry Xpress, a car and passenger ferry service introduced in November 2014, but it has suffered from problems with reliability.
A third option is to take a series of short trips by speedboat, starting in the Colombian port of Turbo. After a bumpy ride across choppy seas, travelers arrive at the picturesque village of Capurgana, which is not accessible by road, and from here can travel over the border into Panama, arriving at the tiny village of Puerto Obaldia before continuing the journey to Panama City (by plane) or Colon (by boat).
Those not interested in the romance of sea travel can, of course, take one of the numerous flights from Cartagena, Medellin or Bogota to Panama City and other destinations in Central America. Popular airlines include TACA, Copa and Avianca.
Read This Next
Indigenous Markets of Ecuador
Trends / Unique Itineraries & Tours
Dec 14, 2014#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedHotel
Mar 14, 2025Moskito Island Launches Cosmic Concierge at The Point Estate
With a clear night sky over Moskito Island, guests of The Point, one of the island’s estates, can explore the cosmos like never before with the new Cosmic Concierge experience. Guests can witness the universe using one of the most advanced personal telescopes on the market, the Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope.
Sponsored Content
AmaWaterways’ Specialty River Cruises
When you embark on a river cruise with award-winning AmaWaterways, unpack once and step aboard a world of unparalleled experiences. With enriching excursions, exquisite locally sourced food and wine, nightly entertainment and more included in the fare, you will learn why AmaWaterways has the most returning guests out of any river cruise line.
Technology
Mar 13, 2025Expedia Launches New Flight Booking Feature
Save money and hassle when you book your next flight with a new flight booking feature from Expedia.
Hotel
Mar 13, 2025Spring Travel Inspiration from IHG Hotels & Resorts
Spring is right around the corner and IHG Hotels & Resorts offers travelers destination inspiration from its properties around the world.
Sponsored Content
Unveiling Europe’s Treasures with AmaWaterways River Cruises
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with AmaWaterways, recognized as Best River Cruise Line by Cruise Critic. What sets AmaWaterways apart is its commitment to offering you the luxury of more. With up to eight daily included excursion options, you have the freedom to tailor your journey to your interests. Whether you're a history buff, a culinary enthusiast or an architecture aficionado, there's something for everyone on the meticulously crafted itineraries. You will also be treated to a range of exquisitely prepared meals in the Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, unlimited wine and beer during lunch and dinner, an array of complimentary host-led fitness classes, and so much more.
Hotel
Mar 13, 2025Desert Modernism Meets Japanese Minimalism at New Palm Springs Hotel
Palm Springs, California, cements its reputation as a desert retreat with the debut of Royal Sun Palm Springs, a boutique hotel blending Old Hollywood glamour with desert modernism and Japanese minimalism.
ShareThis