Expert: MRZ - 11/21/2008

Question
I will fly to Colombia from the US 1/09...I would like to travel...alone...from Cartegena to Panama then up through Central America to Mexico and US...I am a backpacker and would like to do it on the cheap..any ideas...lets start with getting to Panama...a ferry maybe?

Answer
Hello,
There is several boats doing the trip Cartagena-Panama. All of them charge between US $300 and US $400 depending on size of the boat and on-board services offered!!! The trip takes usually between 4 and 5 days and includes a stopover in the San Blas Islands, immigration fees and on most boats 3 meals a day. There is no fix timetable, so be prepared to be flexible and DO NOT EXPECT to arrive in Cartagena, go to the pier, by a ticket and board the boat.
From the islands you can take a flight to Panama City for around 39US$, or speedboats for around 8US$ to "Miramar",from here for another 5US$ by bus to Panama City. By sailboat, it takes 1 more day to reach Panama / Portobelo ,where you get Panama City by bus in 2 hours
We have good contacts in Cartagena that arrange this travel for our clients, email us and I will be happy to get you additional info.
If you need help arranging any part of your travel in Colombia or Panama we can assist you. You can email us at info@colombianpossibilities.com or call us at 703-652-3850.
Thanks and good travel!
Marta