Panama: Getting there & around

Panama has flights to all Central American countries and both North and South America; Miami is the principal hub for flights to Panama. COPA is the national airline. There's a US$20.00 departure tax on international flights, payable only in cash.

There are three land border crossings between Panama and Costa Rica: Paso Canoas, on the Interamerican Hwy, is the most popular, followed by Guabito-Sixaola near the Caribbean coast. Río Sereno, at the terminus of the La Concepción-Vacán Rd, is the least usual border post. There are buses to the border that connect with local services on the Costa Rican side. Despite the huge amount of shipping passing through the Panama Canal, it's hard to catch a ride on a boat.

The two-week hike through the jungle that comprises the Darién Gap - the roadless terrain between Yaviza and the Colombian border - is an unwise endeavour. But if you absolutely must cross the Panama-Colombia border on foot, do so at Puerto Obaldia, a sleepy little town just a couple of kilometers from some fine beaches.

Panama has a number of domestic airlines and a good domestic flight network. There's an inexpensive bus system servicing all accessible parts of the country.

Boats are the principal mode of transportation in several parts of Panama, particularly in the San Blás and Bocas del Toro archipelagos. Kuna merchant vessels carry cargo and passengers along the San Blás coast, between Colón and Puerto Obaldía. Be warned that occasionally these boats are used to traffic narcotics. Travel by these often dangerously overloaded boats is neither comfortable nor safe. Hiring a local boatman is a wiser option. Cars can be rented in Panama City and David.