Migrants crossing dense Darien jungle at Colombia-Panama border find increasingly organized route
Associated Press
12:37 Thu, 11 May
By IVÁN VALENCIA
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ACANDI, Colombia (AP) — Migrants who have hiked into the dense Darien jungle covering the Colombia-Panama border while the U.S. government moved to lift pandemic-related asylum restrictions have found an increasingly organized migration route.
The majority who spoke with The Associated Press had not heard anything about the policy change, and the few who did had a very limited understanding.
Migrants sit under a sign marking the Panama-Colombia border during their trek across the Darien Gap, Tuesday, May 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Ivan Valencia)
Migrants walk across the Darien Gap from Colombia to Panama in hopes of reaching the U.S., Tuesday, May 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Ivan Valencia)
The Darien Gap is the most imposing physical barrier for migrants heading north until they reach the U.S. border. They must hike over steep mountains, endure torrential rain and ford swift running rivers. They are easy prey for bandits who rob and rape.
But on the Colombian side of the border, locals have become increasingly organized in recent years as it became a major migration route.
Migrants begin their crossing in Acandi, Colombia, where there is now a camp at the edge of the jungle. This week, hundreds of migrants, many carrying young children, waited there for their turn to start the walk, paying $175 to cross.
At the camp, some first aid is available, as well as porters to carry belongings for a price. Along the Colombian sections of the route are now stands selling food and drinks. The path is less organized and more dangerous on the Panamanian side.
More:
https://apnews.com/article/migrants-darien-colombia-panama-a4fa727116d6a9d1e82ece476a509d67
