Central America

Central America

Central America is the southernmost, isthmian portion of the North American continent, which connects with South America on the southeast.

The Stahlratte from Panama to Cartagena, Colombia
Getting our Bikes off the StahlratteGetting our Bikes off the StahlratteThe Stahlratte from Panama to Cartagena, Colombia

Ride Day 37: The Stahlratte from Panama to Cartagena, Colombia

After we had boarded the Stahlratte, we were told to get to our bunks and sort out our luggage and then reconvene in 15 minutes on the upper deck for a full briefing before we headed out to sea. You can read about getting to the Stahlratte here. All the cases went into storage areas, and I had a lower bunk and kept my backpack, helmet, clothes bad (including wash bag) and tank bag with my bed. All of our bikes are already under covers when we board.

The Stahlratte from Carti
Panama City to the Stahlratte and Puerto Carti - Niga KantulePanama City to the Stahlratte and Puerto Carti - Niga KantuleThe Stahlratte from Carti

Ride Day 36: Panama City to the Stahlratte and Puerto Carti

After staying three nights in Panama City and having time to explore this very modern city and the slums nearby, it was finally time to get to Puerto Carti and the Stahlratte to get across the Darien Gap. We headed out of Panama City to Puerto Carti at about 6.30am and was again greeted with the Panama City persistent rain. It took about 45 minutes to get out of the traffic and into the Guna Kala region, which was good, traffic was annoying!

David, Panama to Panama City, Panama

Ride Day 35: David, Panama to Panama City, Panama

After staying one road soaked night in David, Panama, it was time to get to Panama City, which would be my final major city in Central America. My front tire on my KTM 1290 Super Adventure was now leaking at about 15 PSI per hour, not good and I was also running low on coolant. The roads were pretty much straight highways and the weather was beautiful one moment and pouring with rain the next. I was beginning to think that is all that happens in Panama, is rain!

Guatemala City to San Salvador, El Salvador
Guatemala City to San Salvador, El SalvadorGuatemala City to San Salvador, El SalvadorGuatemala City to San Salvador, El Salvador

Ride Day 29: Guatemala City, Guatemala to San Salvador, El Salvador

Getting across this border on my motorbike into San Salvador was supposed to me a nice riding day in the gorgeous sunshine. I headed for the Terrestre Las Chinamas border crossing at first light. I chose this border because it was supposed to be not as busy. On arrival, I was told that the border was closed because of a strike and I had to go back and reroute north to the Aduana Terrestre San Cristóbal.