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Puerto Paez/El Burro Border from Venezuela
I've just spent the last couple of days trying to work out how to get from Venezuela at El Burro/ Puerto Paez, to El Carreno on the Colombian side. I'm yet to make the crossing, but after two days asking people I believe this is how to cross at that point of the border.
First you need to go to Puerto Ayacucho to do the paperwork for yourself and the bike. The building you are looking for is virtually unmarked, it is on an industrial estate near the airport (I only found it as I hailed a taxi to get me there). Opening hours are 8am - 4pm (I just missed it yesterday..and am now having to wait out the weekend in Puerto Ayacucho). Puerto Ayacucho is the last place you can get cheap petrol so fill up. Having completed the paperwork travel to El Burro via route 2 (approximately 50 miles). Here you must get a ferry to cross to Puerto Paez, it's a short crossing it takes just 5 minutes and costs 10bs. There is a single road of about a mile taking you towards the small town. The road continues but you must turn off and take the unmade road through the town which will be on your left. Follow this for about a mile, through the town (it twists and turns a bit). You will eventually arrive at the river. Here a boat leaves a couple of times a day for Colombia. The area is a bit sketchy, so keep an eye on your bike. I hope that this helps someone else do a crossing off the well trodden routes...I'm hoping for fun roads to Bogota on the other side! Venezuela has been amazing so make sure you visit if you are in this part of the world! |
I made the crossing earlier this week. If you want to do it as well be careful at Puerto Paez, I was ripped off by the captain of the boat that took my bike over...get the price in writing and check that it is the same as the price you are told verbally.
The road to Bogota is tough. Lots of water on it, muddy ruts, and in places it is boggy. You can only do it with full mud tyres and a liking for tough mud riding...if that´s you then this road will give you a lot of fun! Also carry some spare petrol, the gaps between towns will have you at your reserve. Have fun if you choose to come this way...it is one of the few places off the beaten track I´ve travelled through on my trip so far! |
Funny I was thinking the same thing about doing this road but told by my good Venezuelan friend in Caracas who's done it in a LandCrusier that it would probably be beyond my Spanish skillset. I cross back over at the top crossing and now headed myself to Bogota for a Brazilian Visa before heading back that way possibly crossing at Arauca a little farther North IIRC than the one you did an far easier access roads for sure. I'd heard in the rainy season it can be a real bitch. Happy for your success. email me if you want to have a beer, would love to hear more about the long dirt track and see the pics.
John currently in San Gil heading for finca land outside of Bogota to the East South East Colombian mobile 316 Eight six three 76 three two I'm away from wifi for long stretches it seems. |
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