Top 5 Must Do's in Darien gap

Exploring the Darien Gap is not for the novice traveler or backpacker, and the Darien Gap must do's are listed below. It is a very dangerous place where many go in and are never heard from again. The Darien Gap is the stretch of land between Columbia and Panama that has remained nearly untouched by development. The famous Pan American highway ends in Northern Columbia and picks up again, on the other side of the gap in Panama. What the highway leaves behind is over 125 miles of jungle, high mountains and torturous rivers to traverse. Very few motor vehicles make it through here, because there are no roads.

Before tackling the Darien, you need to give it some careful consideration. Not only is there the heat of the jungle, wildlife and endless opportunities to get lost to deal with, the area, because of its remoteness, is one of the best hiding places and routes for Colombian drug smugglers. Crossing paths with them can lead to anything from being kidnapped, raped, tortured and even killed.

Although the dangers are many, they don't compare to the beauty of this place. It is almost untouched by development and most prefer it stays that way. There have been attempts to extend the Pan American Highway, though they have been continually shot down because of the threat it would bring to the habitat. It is the natural beauty and challenge that draws people in. If you must go by foot, than the following 5 pieces of advice are best followed.

1. Register with Your Embassy

Give them the date you are leaving and the estimated date you will be through. They won't do much if you go missing, but they will notify families in the event of an emergency.

2. Sign in at Any and All Checkpoints

Again, not that there are many, and it isn't much more than putting your name on a paper list. However, if you want someone to look for you, then any kind of paper trail you leave will help.

3. Hire a Guide

Hiring a guide is a must unless you are a survivalist expert. Make sure you have plenty of food available because these guys love to eat. Be careful who you hire as well. Get advice from reputable tour companies in your home country first. Although they won't likely have tours through the Darien, they may have subsidiary companies that can recommend guides.

4. Allow Plenty of Time

The Darien isn't a place to try a strict itinerary. Its climbing, swimming and trekking over 125 miles. It will take time.

5. Protect Yourself against Malaria

Get Malaria tablets before you go in and take as directed. This is the last place you want to be with an illness.

You may decide that the Darien isn't for you. If so, there are flights over and water taxis around, both of which offer magnificent views of the coastline.