Introducing Panama
Travel Alert: Some areas of Panama are risky for travellers; see the Dangers & Annoyances section for details.
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Unfettered by tourist crowds, Panama’s natural gifts shine. Although most backpackers to Central America set their sights on tourist-soaked Costa Rica and Guatemala, it’s hard to shake the feeling in Panama that you’re in on a secret the rest of the traveling world has yet to discover. Although the ‘gringo trail’ has already swung south to the Caribbean archipelago of Bocas del Toro, the careless overdevelopment plaguing most Costa Rican beach towns is still refreshingly absent here. In fact, Panama’s highlights are still very much off-the-beaten-path destinations, though it’s likely that this will change in the years to come.
Until its anticipated tourism boom explodes, however, Panama remains accessible to backpackers on a budget, and there’s no shortage of beaches, mountains and rain forests to explore. The Archipiélago de las Perlas in itself could occupy your entire trip, with its endless islands and islets, sublime beaches and pristine waters. Parque Nacional Volcán Barú is home to Panama's only volcano and some incredibly scenic trekking opportunities, while the Interior is a veritable bonanza of colonial towns, exquisite handicrafts and the country's friendliest people. Panama is also home to one of Central America’s most independent indigenous groups, the Kuna, who live autonomously in the Comarca de Kuna Yala; as well as one of the last true frontiers in the Americas, the infamous Darién Province.
Ready to go?
These tours & activities make it easy:
- Pure beach bliss, idyllic islands and small towns on a tour of Costa Rica & Panama
- Travel through Central America's narrow isthmus and discover Nicaragua, Costa Rica & Panama
- See for yourself how the Panama Canal works
Last updated: Feb 7, 2012
Tips & articles
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Paradises on Earth
9 February 2012
Gin-clear water at bath temperature, a breeze ruffling the coconut palms, and sand as fine and white as sugar –...
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Top 10 Panama highlights
23 August 2011
At the heart of the Americas, Panama is also the crucial link. The Panama Canal joins the Atlantic to the...
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The world’s best secret islands
12 April 2011
Looking for a romantic spot that’s (almost) all yours? Here’s a list from our brand new Best in Travel 2011...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Central America Itinerary - For 6 months+
by SoloHobo 15 September 2011
The normal route, from people starting with a cheap flight to Cancun, is to explore the Yucatan, then head to Belize, then to Guatamala…
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RE: Central America Itinerary - For 6 months+
by oliwood 15 September 2011
Costa Rica and Panama are the last countries I would visit, so that's not a problem. I would probably be there in Feb / March.
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RE: visa overstay bad idea?
by southamericasavvy 14 September 2011
well if you already extended your permission time to stay in Colombia then there's no much you can do. Lot of friends just cross the border…
Hotels & Hostels
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Panama
Things to do
- All things to do (229)
- Activities (45)
- Entertainment (34)
- Restaurants (48)
- Shopping (18)
- Sights (79)
- Tours (5)
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Our Top Picks For Panama
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1 Parque Internacional La Amistad
The Panamanian side of this bi-national park is an off-the-beaten-path destination for serious trekkers
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2 Archipiélago De Bocas Del Toro
Panama's tourist mecca serves up Caribbean vibes, jungle-fringed beaches and plenty of surf and sun
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3 Boquete
The perfect highland escape for anyone seeking fresh mountain air, cloud forest hiking and the country's best coffee
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4 Parque Nacional Volcán Barú
This stunning highland park protects both Panama's highest peak and its most famous mountain trail
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5 Parque Nacional Coiba
This far-flung ecological wonder is home to Panama's most unique terrestrial and marine ecosystems
Fast Facts about Panama
- Area
78,200 sq km (slightly smaller than South Carolina)
- Capital
- Electricity
120V, 60Hz
- Head of State
President Ricardo Martinelli
- Country Code
507
- Budget
US$20-30 per day
- Languages
Spanish, Kuna & 14 others
- Costs
Hostel in Bocas US$7, bottle of beer US$1, 3hr bus ride US$6, set lunch US$3
- Time
GMT minus 5 hours
- ATMs
Widely available
- Famous for
Panama Canal, panama hats, Manuel Noriega
- Population
3.19 million
- Phrases
Panameños (Panamanians), chévere (cool), chau (bye), discúlpeme (excuse me)
Our favourite Panama Blogs (beta)
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I get around: ten non-traditional means of transportation
Blog: See Simi Travel Blog - 30 January 2012
Getting from one place to another always proves to be an interesting and important part of the travel experience. So why not mix it up a little? This week we explore some memorable modes of transportation: planes, trains and automobiles have been excused from the list. (But parachutes, jungle trams and motorbikes made it).
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AIRES, LAN and Flights To and From Colombia
Blog: Viva Latin America! - 3 January 2012
One of the big questions which arises with all travellers between Central and South America involves… well, getting between Central and South America. Making that leap. As previously mentioned, I hadn’t thought further ahead than Mexico when I started travelling from the top of Central America downwards, and realising in Nicaragua that it wasn’t going [...]
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The Weekly Photo: Sunset in Panama
Blog: Nomadic Matt's Travel Site - 11 December 2011
Sunset in Bocas del Toro, Panama Heading here? Book your travel using the links below and help support this website and keep it running: Cheap Flights | Travel insurance | Hotels | Hostels |Guidebooks | 50 Adventure Tours under $995 ©Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.
