Sailing, from Panamá to Colombia by boat

It is well documented that from Panama to Colombia it is notoriously difficult to cross by land, due to there being no paved roads and is touted as being a common hangout for the drug smugglers trafficking narcotics from Colombia to the rest of the Americas.

So, we decided that we would do what a swag of other backpackers, travellers by bike and motorbike do, and catch a sail boat transporting tourists from one side of the Darien Gap to the other, taking the opportunity along the way to explore the now famous San Blass Islands in the Caribbean.

After waiting a week in the town which people go to as a means for a way, Portolindo, we boarded Santana with 14 fellow budding sailors, captained by Gisbert.

(one of) The San Blass Islands

It was apparant immediately that Gisbert was a competent, calm and helpful captain, tending to those of us with sea sickness, and even having sympathy for those suffering from self induced sickness (i speak for myself on the latter). With his expert knowledge of the San Blass Islands, the crew could take in the beauty of the area and take the opportunity to do nothing but swim and relax (although annoyingly sometimes in between rain clouds). That said though, I swam more than I have swam before, enjoying wallowing in the warm clear turquiose waters of the Caribbean.

After 3 days swimming and relaxing amongst the Islands, it was time to sail the 35 hours or so non stop to our destination, Cartegenas, Colombia.

What a place to begin our journey on South American soil. The city has a beautifully kept and restored old section, with houses, Churches and buildings typical of the Spannish Colonial era surrounded by a city wall, overlooked by a huge castle and located next to the Caribeanocean.

Spannish Colonial buildings in Cartegenas Viejo

To make our arival on South American soil even more memorable, the city of Cartegenas is celebrating a 200 year anniversary of independance from the Spannish.

Yuong & old partook in the parade showcasing the culture of cartegenas

We have been treated to witnessing the locals in a very happy, proud and fun loving mood as they dance, relax with friends and family, enjoy typical food, dress in native and made up costumes, and cover each other, everyone and everything in a mixture of talc powder, die, and foam spraying out of hand held pressure packs.
It feels like a special introduction to a country which other travellers rave about. After so long of tourists leaving Colombia out of their travel iteineraries in South America, the people are overjoyed to be finally in a position to extend their hand of friendship and share what is said to be a beautiful part of the world with others.