Shipping Central to South America

**t0by** · #1 13 Mar 2002

Now that Colombia is not looking good, I´ve been reading the shipping reports from Colon to Guayaquil. Sounds like consolidating a shipment with bikes and/or cars is the way to do this.

Aim to be in Panama late March, not too fussed which part of South America the bike gets too, but don´t want to get a carnet.

Any tips, recent info, or folks planning to be there at that time?

thanks
Toby

**mmaarten** · #2 14 Mar 2002

Hai,

If you don't want to use a carnet, you could fly the bike to Caracas (Venezuela).
Ofcourse getting out of there means crossing the amazone-basin, which can be very very wet.
You could also inform about a "libretta", much cheaper then a carnet.
Or you could take your chance in Equador without a carnet, it has been done.
Or you can fly on to Peru... but I think it will be much more expensive.

Maarten

**che** · #3 15 Mar 2002

I just crossed the Darien from Panama by Air. Consolidating the bike in a container to Ecuador can be a hassle and not much cheaper than flying. I used Copa airlines. Just ride to the cargo terminal and leave the bike there. It will get to Quitoin 3-4 days. I paid $400 for the bike and 190 for my plane ticket with a student ID (easy to fake). You don´t need a canet in Ecuador but you will need a letter from the motorcycle association in Ecuador saying you are only in transit. Go to their office before you go to customs. They wil type the letter in 2 minutes for you. This office is on the 15th floor of tower A of the building across the street from the SwissOtel in Quito. It´s easy to find. You have to get an agent in Quityo to help you through customs. Look for Bertha. Her office is at the end of the street by the custom area. She knows what to do with motorcycles. She will try to charge you 50 dollars but you can get away by paying 30.
Good luck.
email me if you have any questions.
Hernan
hreyes@astro.temple.edu