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Darien Gap Crossing Ferry-Express is now DEAD! Darien Gap Crossing Ferry-Express is now DEAD!
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Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



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  #31  
Old 6 May 2015
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Peter, my original plan was, of course to take the ferry to Colombia with my son and continue riding as far as we get, or if we are in Ecuador, head back to Colombia. We could sell the bike between Ecuador and Colombia , leave one country and not enter the next with the bike. That was the plan. Now maybe we'll just do Mex and CA together and I'll carry on as I have not time limit. I personally like to stay in high altitudes so CA might start to irritate me.

Truth is, the adventure is riding a $1500 bike as far as possible. I don't want to buy a dirt bike, i want to do the distance on the same bike I start with, and I want it to be a non traditional bike.


Back to the original topic, i wonder what the smallest ferry that would safely make the trip is. i would think that there is enough business for something simple and if it was reliable, people would plan trips around it. For me it was the game changer, I thought it would last at least a year and that's why I planned this trip now. Whatever, we'll just go and see what happens.
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  #32  
Old 6 May 2015
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Fly from Canada, sounds crazy, but check it out
My friend Philip brought this Air Canada offer to my attention. Basically they are offering what look like reasonable rates to air lift your moto to South America or Europe. The first link is not from the Air Canada, but its to a detail Q&A with the airline.
Air Canada's new motorcycle cargo options - Canada Moto Guide
Air Canada contact info
http://www.aircanada.com/cargo/en/news/index.html?news=150218
Riding to Toronto from NYC is closer than the Mexico border...and the deal is very clear. Your mileage may vary negotiating with airlines in Panama City. I am rethinking the logistics of my next adventure, but I am still one the fence with the concept of buying a used dirt bike, they are so much fun off road.

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  #33  
Old 7 May 2015
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Interesting, Montreal is even closer.
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  #34  
Old 9 May 2015
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Thumbs down No boats - ferry or sailing - Panama to Columbia!!
Hi all,

I am in Panama and am sad to say that ALL sea crossings for motorcycles are now gone!

The ferry did it's last run on 21 April and the Panama Customs have banned further motorcycles from going on sailboats too - as they are 'cargo'

When I started my ride South a month ago all 3 options (inc flying) were avaiable but I found out 1 week in that flying the bike is now the only way. Short of a major undertaking of tracking down a cargo boat, which I am trying but my Rosetta Stone Spanish didn't quite cover this so maybe it'll mean $1500 for me and the bike to fly instead of the $300 or so by ferry 1 month ago.

If anyone is in Panama and has any info please PM me asap - I will do the same if I get lucky.
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  #35  
Old 11 May 2015
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This is really not good news, I hope this is only temporary...
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  #36  
Old 12 May 2015
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All sail boats?
It won't help you now, but the Stalhratte is sure to be able to transport motorcycles when they return from Cuba/Mexico tour. The next Panama to Colombia voyage is August 7, 2015. The Stalhratte at 124 ft in length is considerably larger than the other sailboats that were offering transport. Captain Ludwig has never had problems leaving Colombia with motorcycles on board when other boats did. I can't imagine the officials in Panama would raise issues now. Check with them to confirm. contact_en
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  #37  
Old 12 May 2015
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For us 4x4 Overlanders- somebody here with good contacts for Container based shipping?

It would be nice to find a company this way, where other travellers had good experiences!

Surfy
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  #38  
Old 12 May 2015
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Ogrica

No boats - ferry or sailing - Panama to Columbia!!


Are you going to COLOMBIA, South America ?......or heading western Canada?
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  #39  
Old 14 May 2015
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I was told that the Panamanian customs are not allowing ANY sailing boats so good luck assuming that doesn't apply to the Stalhratte.

There were a few other boats previously accepting bikes ($550 each) so if there was a way around the rules I am sure at least 1 would have continued.
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  #40  
Old 14 May 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cenizo View Post
Ogrica

No boats - ferry or sailing - Panama to Columbia!!


Are you going to COLOMBIA, South America ?......or heading western Canada?
And where are you currently travelling?

It was a typo - jeez.
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  #41  
Old 14 May 2015
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re: "illegal to carry passengers and cargo"
Those laws are old, and they have never been a real impediment before. Try a different port, ask different boats.

Unless they have suddenly started a massive enforcement campaign the laws on the books do not match the situation on the ground (or sea?).
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  #42  
Old 16 May 2015
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Hi guys,

While searching for ways to cross from Colombia to Panama I came across this thread. Although I'm a big motorcycle fan and ride myself, I was actually looking for information on the Darien Gap crossing for a pushbike trip I'm planning. I'm a student (that hopefully graduates in August) so unfortunately I don't have the funds to do the trip on a motorbike.. The KTM 690 Enduro is my dream bike so hopefully one day....

Anyhow, I'm a bit disappointed reading that Ferry Express is likely to stop offering their service. I can't understand why there isn't just a ferry that actually works and where you can rely on... Although I'm sure it's probably easier for me with a pushbike to do the crossing, money and time wise the ferry was a great option.

I will follow this thread and see how things are going. If I set through with my project I will probably have to cross somewhere in February/March, so that gives me some time. But I hope for you all they'll sort things out sooner than that!

Cheers,

Job
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  #43  
Old 17 May 2015
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Don't give up yet. There is still hope.
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  #44  
Old 17 May 2015
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anyone flown their bike recently from Panama-Colombia?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Surfy View Post
For us 4x4 Overlanders- somebody here with good contacts for Container based shipping?

It would be nice to find a company this way, where other travellers had good experiences!

Surfy
Surfy, I just got contact information for an agent who is coordinating shipment of motorcycles and larger vehicles by container. She is very thorough and will provide you with all the information you need, quickly. If you would like her email, pm me.

MEANWHILE...
Folks, I'm looking into flying my bike across the gap. Most of the information I've found is at least a few years old. Has anyone in this community recently (say, within the last 2 years) transported their bike by air? If there's a "yes" out there, any information, especially any agent or office contact/location info, would be fantastic. In the past I'm aware that the protocol here has been to just show up at Girag, etc.. it'd be good to know whether or not this is still the case based on someone's recent experience.

Cheers and thanking you all in advance,

Heather

http://facebook.com/thefrighteningandbeautiful
In Search of the Frightening and Beautiful
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  #45  
Old 18 May 2015
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Always worth checking the "Shipments by travellers" section (see main drop down menu)

particularly:
From Bogota, Colombia. to Panama City, Panama. - February, 2014 | Horizons Unlimited
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