The only way for us with a vehicle was to ship it. There are several options including container (our van is too large), flat rack (like a container without the sides) or what they call Roll on Roll Off (RORO) which is the method we went for.

There are a few companies that will arrange the shipping but as we were happy with IVSS, who we used to ship from the UK to Canada, we decided to use them again…. Also, at the time, they were the only company that could ship our van with the lithium batteries installed.

It is a long process for what is a 1 day crossing

• Day 1 DIJ (Police) check
• Weekend 
• Day 5 Drop off at port 
• Day 11 ship left Panamá 
• Day 12 ship arrived Colombia and we visited Summit office to sign forms and pay
• Day 13 visit customs 
• Day 15 collect van

The cost depends a lot on the size of the vehicle.
Our Vehicle Dimensions:
L 6.8m, W 2.2m, H 2.95m
CBM: 44.132 
Weight: 4100

Fees

Panama side
IVSS £2961.25 $4001.57
Local Agent Panama $250
Plus $50 for gas check (van has to be empty of propane)
Total $4301.57

Colombian side 
$1214.58  including bank fee ($66.58) as we paid by card 

Grand total 
$5,516.15
£4087.50
These costs do not including Ubers, accommodation, flights and food while away from the van

Couple of notes

The van has to appear to be empty. We forgot to remove a speaker from sight and when we collected the van we discovered that the side window had been forced and the speaker stolen.

Any propane cylinders have to be empty and these can often be checked.

Vehicle fuel had to be below 1/4 full

Lithium batteries can be a problem so check with your agent. IVSS, at the time we shipped, could ship with them in the van still.

We were very happy shipping with IVSS. Their comms were timely and accurate. They use a local agent in Panama and Colombia.