Backpacking (traveling with a backpack, not trekking) through Central and South America, How to skip Columbia?
by admin on Monday, September 6th, 2010 | 3 Comments
I am planning a trip backpacking through Central and South America with a friend. We will be taking buses around, and staying in hostels along the way (not trekking and camping). We are starting in Argentina and working our way North.
Our biggest concern is Columbia. What is the best way to avoid the country? We aren’t sure if flying is a cheap option, or if there are boat/charter companies that go from Peru to Panama (etc.).
Also, if you have any tips on backpacking through Central and South America it would be appreciated!
Thanks!
The only way to skip colombia is to get on a ferry or plane past it. It also may be nice to sto`p in the caribean or galapagos on the way. On the ground you can’t.
First off, it’s ColOmbia.
Second off, Colombia’s not that bad, there’s just areas to avoid like in all countries.
I’d be more wary of most Central American countries than Colombia.
Third of all, HOW MUCH FREAKING TIME DO YOU HAVE???? To get even a decent experience out of all this area, you’ll need at least a year.
Just my two cents here, but fellow travelers who I’ve met here in Central America who have come up from South America have been surprised by the beauty of Colombia. On the other hand, the most common negative comment I’ve heard has been about Venezuela. One guy who was always the tough talker admitted that he was afraid in Venezuela. Maybe check it out. Colombia has changed in the past ten years under President Uribe. It is still not a good idea to travel by land in certain remote parts of the country, but there are some beautiful places, check out Cartagena. If you are looking for a travel option, you can travel by sailboat from Panama through the San Blas Islands and get to Cartagena. There is an incredible national park south of Cartagena. I’m not sure about getting from Peru to Panama on the Pacific side, sorry. Good luck.