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Crossing the darien gap new service!!!!
It's looking like the ferry service is starting again on May 10th! FINALLY!!! It's been what, 15 years?????
Crossing the Darien Gap: Ferry Service to Start Between Panama and Colombia |
So COOL! And so everyone doesn't have to click on the link it says:
With each day that passes, it really seems like the world is becoming more and more interconnected; starting May 10th, Panama and Colombia will also be making that step as Aventura 2000 will be starting a ferry service between the ports of Colon, Panama, and Cartagena, Colombia. Yes, that ferry service includes vehicles. For the longest time the biggest hurdle for overlanders wishing to drive the PanAmerican highway has been the Darien Gap. Many have tried to penetrate the jungle between Panama and Colombia, and with the exception of explorers such as John Blashford Snell, many have failed. It's natural that this ferry will quickly become the transport of choice for Overlanders; replacing the container, or RO-RO (Roll-On, Roll-Off) methods of shipping. Traveller's will initially have the choice of three departures from each port. The ship will leave Colon on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, and from Cartagena on Sunday, Tuesday and Friday. Prices for the overnight journey will range from $99, to $508 for a presidential sleeper cabin. There's no word yet on what it will cost to transport your vehicle, or if motorcycles will be allowed. http://expeditionportal.com/mscott/U.../shipping1.jpg The Greek-manned ship, Nissos Rodos, has the capacity to carry 750 vehicles in it's garage, with an additional 1600 passengers. |
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Just had a quote from them of $170 return for the bike - plus immigration costs and taxes etc. They won´t sell one way tickets. I think you also need to then pay the $95 plus taxes per person - plus extra if you opt for a chair, dorm or private cabin.
They sent me the attached info. I´ve gone back to them with the obvious questions - and will update this thread as i head north. Interesting. Pat |
I've been watching these ferry threads simmer and bubble in various places.
Despite all that claimed capacity for passengers, cars, trucks and freight, I haven't yet seen any sign that anyone is booked for the claimed maiden voyage next week. What I have seen are posts saying the company now says it is "sold out" until sometime in June. This strongly suggests that the first voyage is now planned for June. I mean, if ever. There was also a post from someone who traced a Greek ferry by the name given and found it in scheduled service in Greece at the moment. This makes as much sense as the press releases issued by the company claiming incipient service between Panama and Colombia despite the apparent fact that no tickets have been sold and no boat has been seen. I'm glad I'm not in transit somewhere, counting on a ferry ride. It'll be interesting to see how this all pans out. Mark |
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Good one!
Glad I didn't take that bet with Markharf. Saves me riding to the Puget Sound and delivering a case of brewskis.beer Thanks for the update. Cheers, John Downs |
Vessel is still laying in Perama Greece.
It has been on dry-dock last month for repairs and classification inspections....:oops2: http://kuvablogi.com/nayta/prev/img3520766.jpg |
John: No need to carry a case all that distance. I would have accepted drafts.
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Not had a reply to my more detailed questions yet - they´ve all gone a bit quiet!
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10th of may
Two days more, it will be the magical 10th of May and I want to believe it, because I have to go to Colombia, but start to believe it is an hoax. Does anybody in Colon have an idea what is happening first hand! or do I have to plan with Girac in June to get to South America. Sailboats are no option for me.....
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Here is a straight cut and paste from the latest e-mail I´ve had:
By agreement of the governments of Panama and Colombia will only be sold round trip. You can use the one way ticket but keep in mind that lasts six months. If you are in Cartagena don´t need to have a plane ticket because you will enter and exit by the ferry. You must contact the travel agency in Cartagena, World Tours at the tel.: +57 (5) 655-1232 or their website Mundial Tours - Agencia de Viajes Mayorista - Cartagena - Colombia. Must be at least two weeks in advance you book giving your details and return date then send your documents (passport) and has 48 hours to make payments. You can change the date set with 96 hours in advance and pay a penalty of 25 dollars. That's right, the motorcycle rate is independent of you. For motorcycle would be B /. 170.00 roundtrip plus fumigation and customs (at this point I do not have this information because we expect answers from the negotiations between Panama and Colombia). There is an international insurance which is to be sold on board the ferry and will be based on the time you decide to stay in the country. To make the journey with your vehicle you need the following documents: Original and copy · Passport · entry permit · bill landing · vehicle ownership title · Driver - identity card and driving license · if you do not own the vehicle power of attorney · International Security, this can be purchased onboard the ferry and a registration certificate which is available from the port of Colon 2000 cruise. You must be at 9:00 am at the Cartagena port customs for review the day I will be traveling. |
I just sent a Mail to the colombian tour operator, I will inform if they respond!
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so is this real?
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