Is it possible to travel through Central America into South America by land?

Question

I've heard/read that most of Panama and Nicaragua are infested with guerrillas. I'm up for adventure (I want to circumnavigate most of South America) but I don't want to die!! Can it be done safely? I'm looking for the cheapest way to South America...and flying ain't cheap.

Answer 1

I live in Panama and I would not recommend venturing into the Darrien for more than one reason. If you do want to pass through there, you really need to have an experienced guide. There are very posionous snakes that it is home to. During the rainy season, which is now, the roads are almost non existant. That's just the start of my telling you not to try it by land. The added major problem is of course, the guerillas. Please be advised to go by air.  

Answer 2

You can travel Central America with little trouble all the way to the Darian Gap, a stretch of about fifty miles separating Panama and Colombia that is impassable by anything but a four wheel drive.  And yes, populated by snakes and some bad guys.  You can take passage on a freight ship from Panama to Colombia and resume your overland journey there. Guerrillas?  What guerrillas?   You can worry about them when you get to Colombia but both Panama and Nicaragua, or any of the Central American countries, are as safe as some of our cities in the US.  Like anywhere else in the world you have to use a bit of common sense.

Answer 3

It could be dangerous unless you travel with locals that know where NOT to go, but you could get robbed, not to mention kidnapped. Anything could happen because its just mountains and jungle in the borders.

I always tell people to try Spirit Airlines and sign up to receive e-mails because they usually send you fares for like $48, and even last minute deals for $6 + tax and stuff.

Good luck!!!