Darién Jungle: The Nightmare Mothers Disguise as an Adventure for Their Children

Thousands of families with children cross the perilous Darién Jungle, facing numerous dangers, in their journey from Venezuela to the United States, driven by the hope of a better life.

Olef and Zeus, lively 18-month-old twins, believe they are about to embark on a safari to see animals. Their mother, Yasmeri Jalmeida, used this story to mask the real reason for their journey: crossing the treacherous Darién Jungle to reach Panama, a crucial step towards their ultimate destination, the United States. Yasmeri, a Venezuelan mother, prepares for the grueling 97-kilometer trek between Colombia and Panama, where her husband awaits, with one child strapped to her chest and the other on her back.

Despite months of rigorous preparation, including hiking over hills and covering distances of more than 70 kilometers, Yasmeri knows the journey will be a formidable challenge for all three of them. However, she remains hopeful, driven by the desire for a better life for her family. Like Yasmeri, thousands of families with young children embark on this dangerous journey, often met with the cries of their little ones who do not understand why they have not been home for so long. These families board boats in the Colombian town of Turbo, heading towards Acandí, the gateway to the wild Darién Jungle.

The Increasing Tide of Migrant Children

The first four months of this year saw a record number of children crossing the Darién Jungle. According to UNICEF, this figure is 40% higher than last year, with over 30,000 children making the perilous journey. One of these children, about to embark, encounters Ángela, an Aldeas Infantiles worker who accompanies the families. She places a smiling face sticker on the child’s hand, telling them, “This is to protect you.”

In Turbo, a coastal town on the eastern shore of the Gulf of Urabá, families gather in tents and makeshift shelters to raise the $350 needed for the “travel package.” This dubious service, bordering on illegality, promises to guide migrants through the jungle to the Panamanian border. Every morning, rain or shine, hundreds of families in an area known as “the dining room”—where 1,500 meals are served daily—wake up and dismantle their tents.

The Waiting Game in Turbo

Among these families is Luz del Carmen, a 44-year-old woman who, with the help of her four children, dries and packs their tent each morning by seven. They have been in Turbo for 16 days, hoping to embark on their journey soon. However, they still need to gather enough money for the travel package. Despite this, they are prepared with water, food, medicine, and tents for the nights in the jungle. The trek through the dense forest can take up to a week, involving narrow trails, slippery slopes, and river crossings that can become treacherous instantly.

The travel company assured them they could pay for half of the package upfront ($175 per person), with the promise of reaching Acandí. Local guides conduct a “sweep” to gather everyone waiting on the shore, explains Luz del Carmen.

Navigating One of the World’s Most Dangerous Routes

The Darién Jungle is one of the most perilous migration routes globally, lacking infrastructure to support the mass movement of people. Migrants face numerous dangers, including slips on steep paths, falls into ravines, drowning in rivers, and attacks from wild animals and insects. The Clan del Golfo, the country’s most prominent criminal group, controls the Colombian side of the route. Upon entering Panama, migrants are often subjected to robberies and even mass sexual assaults by criminals.

There are no precise numbers to reflect the full extent of the tragedy in the Darién. While it is known that more than 195,000 people have traversed the jungle this year, the number of those who perish along the way remains unrecorded. The situation is further complicated by the recent measures taken by Panama’s new president, José Raúl Mulino, who ordered the closure of trails and border crossings and the erection of barbed wire fences in the middle of the jungle.

The perilous journey through the Darién Jungle is part of a broader migration crisis affecting much of Latin America. Many migrants originate from Venezuela, a country grappling with severe economic and political turmoil, leading to one of the most significant displacement crises in the world. These migrants often travel through Colombia, where they face further challenges, including the presence of armed groups and limited access to resources.

As migrants move towards Central America, they encounter additional obstacles. In countries like Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico, migrants often face violence, extortion, and harsh immigration policies. The United States, the ultimate destination for many, has also implemented stringent measures to curb the influx of migrants, leading to further hardships along the journey.

The Humanitarian Response

In response to the growing crisis, various international and non-governmental organizations are working to provide aid and support to migrants. For instance, UNICEF has been actively assisting children and families crossing the Darién Jungle, offering medical care, psychological support, and essential supplies. Aldeas Infantiles, another organization, provides safe spaces and emotional support to children on the move.

However, the scale of the crisis often outstrips the resources available, leaving many migrants without the help they desperately need. The international community continues to call for increased support and comprehensive solutions to address the root causes of migration and ensure the safety and dignity of those on the move.

The journey through the Darién Jungle is a testament to the resilience and determination of thousands of migrants seeking a better life. Despite the immense challenges and dangers, families like Yasmeri’s persevere, driven by the hope of finding safety and opportunity. The international community must continue to support these efforts, addressing both the immediate needs of migrants and the underlying factors driving displacement.

Also read: Migration Tides Turning as Venezuelans Flow to Colombia Shows First Decline in a Decade

For many, the trek through the Darién is just one leg of a long and arduous journey. As they press on, they carry dreams of a brighter future, undeterred by their hardships. The story of these migrants is a poignant reminder of the enduring human spirit and the quest for a life free from fear and deprivation.