Darién Gap

The region between Panama and Colombia is called Darién Gap.

Here the Pan-American Highway is interrupted so classical hitchhiking by car does not work.

There are several stories of Hitchhikers passing by this region on the pacific ocean from Panama to Colombia or Ecuador. On the Caribbean side exists a high exchange of goods between the Kuna Yala territory and Colombia so you might be lucky and hop on a commercial boat.

Crossing by dinghy

There is several stories of people crossing by dinghy on the hitchhikers argentinian forum. You still have to pay but look still expensive but more afordable than the classical boat fromn Colon. Itinerary from Colombia:

1. Reach rhe port of Turbo, this can be done hitchhiking
2. From there, take a dinghy to Capurgana, the last town in Colombia, it take 3 hours and around 25 dollars
3. Then you take another dinghy to Sapzurro, the last place in Colombia, 20mn, around 5-10 dollars

From Panama to Colombia

To hitch a boat get to the San Cristobal Marina in Colon, boat hitching is never easy so be prepared to wait days or weeks. There are 2 marinas (including balboa marina) in Panama City but chances for Colombia are lower. On both sides many boats go to the South Pacific and you also may get a ride through the canal as linehandler.

From Colombia to Panama

To get to the marinas in Panama City take a minibus from Plaza 5 mayo toward Amador and hitch back. In places east of Colon like Portobello you find payboats ($280).

External references

Darién Gap in Wikipedia