Days 43 to 47 - The Stahlratte Sailboat and the Crossing to Colombia

2016-10-24 - Day 43 - Puerto de Carti, PA to El Porvenir, PA (4:15 hrs - 124 km)
2016-10-25 - Day 44 - El Porvenir, PA to San Blas Islands, PA (4:30 hrs - 44 km)
2016-10-26 - Day 45 - San Blas Islands, PA to Cartagena, Colombia
2016-10-27 - Day 46 - San Blas Islands, PA to Cartagena, Colombia
2016-10-28 - Day 47 - San Blas Islands, PA to Cartagena, Colombia (32 hrs - 390 km)

Traveling between Panama and Colombia overland is virtually impossible. To cross the famous “Darien Gap” with a motorcycle, the Stahlratte was the natural choice. This German vessel from 1903, 60 meters long and weighing 235 tons, is a true institution for travelers.

Heading to Kuna Yala
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On October 24, we formed a convoy of motorcyclists to leave Panama City. Weaving through heavy traffic in formation was chaotic but extremely exciting. We then tackled a winding road toward the indigenous Kuna Yala reserve.

La Gorda’s Air Baptism
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Arriving at Carti port, the moment of truth: seeing our motorcycles hoisted aboard. Even though the crew is experienced, seeing your bike suspended over the sea gives quite a flutter in the stomach!

Stopovers and Lost Paradise
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The first night in El Porvenir was… Spartan. A shabby hotel full of critters made us appreciate the relative luxury of the shared dorm aboard the sailboat the next day.

We then spent 24 hours of pure bliss in the San Blas Islands: crystal-clear waters, swimming, meeting indigenous fishermen, and epic travel stories shared among passengers.

Open Sea to Cartagena
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On the evening of October 26, we set sail for a 30-hour crossing. An unforgettable moment: swimming in the middle of the ocean, over 3000 meters deep, in water of absolute blue purity.

Hello South America!
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Arrived in Cartagena on the morning of October 28. Immigration and import procedures, handled expertly by the crew, were impressively efficient. By noon, I was officially back on Colombian roads.