In September the NY Times published an article about the Darién Gap, a stretch of jungle between South America and North America which migrants are forced to traverse if they want to make it to the United States. The sheer number of migrants passing through (250,000 in 2022 and many more this year) meant that the whole route had become a business proposition for the locals.
Every step through the jungle, there is money to be made.
The boat ride to reach the rainforest: $40. A guide on the treacherous route once you start walking: $170. A porter to carry your backpack over the muddy mountains: $100. A plate of chicken and rice after arduous climbing: $10. Special, all-inclusive packages to make the perilous slog faster and more bearable, with tents, boots and other necessities: $500, or more…
“We have organized everything: the boatmen, the guides, the bag carriers,” said…
