Crossing the Darien Gap

The dense jungle that stretches along the border between Colombia and Panama provides a natural barrier between Central and South America. There has never been a road across the Darien Gap, with most people flying or sailing between the two countries. Of the few people that cross on foot, the majority are immigrants or drug traffickers who trek through jungle populated by indigenous groups.

A few adventurers trekked the gap with the help of local guides, but a crossing is not advised for normal tourists. That said, a company called Secret Compass is planning a trip in March 2018.

For the princely sum of $3,700 you can join an expedition led by local Embera tribesman. It’s not for the faint of heart, and you’ll need to find the money, but crossing the gap is one of adventure travel’s most memorable undertakings.

The company says you will learn survival skills from Embera locals, explore the jungle on foot and by boat, and cross from Puerto Quimba to Playa Muerto. Anyone who fancies themselves a modern day explorer will no doubt be tempted to take the trip, but it’s not something to be done lightly.

If you do want to go, you’d better start saving now while you think about whether or not you’re ready to take on one of the last wildernesses on Earth.