Pasto to Tumaco

Gator says on Jun 20, 2007, 09:31:

I, for one, would not do that road.

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

getting better says on Jun 20, 2007, 15:37:

An organisation I belong to runs an excellent nature reserve near Junín (Pangan). People travel to this reserve regularly both from Tumaco and Pasto, both Colombians and foreigners. I have been there twice myself (in 2005 and 2006). We have several people there on a course this week, who arrived 2 days ago. Occasionally there are security problems on this road, and the army imposes a convoy system. When that happens they only allow traffic in groups every two hours or so, with a military escort.. Best not to travel at night. However right now the situation seems calm, I have just asked and am told "pues no ha vuelto haber noticias malas. por ejmeplo X entro por esa carretera y dijo que vio todo normal".
So I would say it is usually OK but check for up to date local information just before you travel. If you want to send a private message to me I can perhaps give more advice.

goin_south says on Jun 20, 2007, 20:13:

I second it.
I would maybe take Isecondit's advice tentatively.
I think anyone on this board with even limited knowledge of Colombia would likely agree, that trip could or can have risks you don't want to see.
Then again, you might get through without problems.
From what I have read the past year, I wouldn't do it.
You might be seeking a little more adventure than I am.
I'm pretty adventurous.
I think.
For an 'old pasty gringo'.

y, un mil gracias.

goin_south says on Jun 20, 2007, 20:15:

sorry. I read once, and misread the poster's name.
I meant getting_better's advice.... tentatively.
I second it, gator.
I would pass this one up.

y, un mil gracias.

getting better says on Jun 21, 2007, 01:26:

Well you will have to take your own decision. But if you do decide to go down this road make sure you go to Pangan nature reserve. It is very beautiful and excellent for photography. But don't just turn up, you must contact beforehand. And take some waterproof plastic bags for that camera stuff, the rainfall on that Pacific slope is very high and even though it is a dry season when you are going, you will likely get absolutely soaked.

larumberainglesa says on Jun 25, 2007, 07:14:

I wouldn't do it.As well as the usual dangers there is also the possibility of landslides, what with all the recent heavy rain in Tumaco. This road is quite often blocked in bad weather and it's not a road I would like to be stuck on