Who are we?
We are empty nesters that love all forms of travel and exploring. Over the last few years, after A LOT of reading and watching YouTube videos, we could not resist the urge to get back out there and combine our love of nature with our love of travel.
Being based in Panama, we find a wide and amazing variety in what we come across, whether it be the beach or mountains, jungle or forest.
Panama is a beautiful country, but there was very little information to help us find the best spots and navigate this country. So, we created this web site to help others discover what we have.
Currently traveling in a 2008 Nissan Patrol with a roof top tent, we are documenting our finds to guide others. Camping and overlanding are not popular pastimes in Panama - yet. Our plan is to help others enjoy our adopted country, and have fun in the process. Enjoy!
The Paso Canoa, Panamá Border - Crossing into Costa Rica (T
Panama - Bridge of the Americas
Panama - Bridge of the Americas
Panama - Bridge of the Americas
The Isthmus of Panama is the last country in Central America connected to South America, with Colombia to the east and Costa Rica to the west. The Inter-American Highway is the Central American section of the Pan-American Highway and spans 5470 kilometers or 3400 miles between Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, and Panama City, Panama. Except for a rainforest break of approximately 160 kilometers or 100 miles called the Darién Gap, the roads link almost all of the Pacific coastal countries.
Its tropical and warm climate all year round allows for outside activities 365 days a year. There are two seasons--rainy and dry. From the middle of December to the middle of April, you experience the dry season, with significantly less rain. From the middle of April until the middle of December, you will experience the rainy months, with October and November being the heaviest rainy season months. Low average temperatures at sea level in Panama are around 23 degrees Celsius or 73 degrees Fahrenheit. High average temperatures at sea level are around 31 degrees Celsius or 88 degrees Fahrenheit.
Crossing the border from Costa Rica can be a bit challenging, or if you are lucky, perhaps not as challenging; it just depends on who is there and what time you cross. In the end, as long as your paperwork is in order, the experience can be a positive one. After crossing the border from Costa Rica, you will drive east towards Panama City, which could take you about 7 hours to reach the city. In between that 481 kilometer or 300 mile stretch, you will find many towns and small cities where you can grocery shop, use an ATM, perform minor or major maintenance on your vehicle, or seek medical assistance, if necessary. The city of David, Chiriquí, is about one hour from the border of Costa Rica and is a good place to stop and take care of these things. It is important to note that the Inter-American Highway has police presence on motorcycles and police vehicles along the way with radar. Speed will vary between 60 kilometers per hour (37 mph) and 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph), so you will have to be vigilant.
Panama is a fully dollarized economy, however, locals call it the Balboa or Dollar. You will find the Balboa in fractions of one dollar such as coins (US and Panamanian coins can be used interchangeably since the coins are valued exactly the same; they even look and weigh the same so there shouldn’t be any confusion). If you plan on crossing another border (e.g., Colombia ), make sure you spend those fractions of one dollar coins because other countries will not accept them.
Ground camping in Panama is popular, however, Overlanding and camping with a Roof Top Tent (RTT) is not as popular. In the last couple of years, there has been an increasing interest in the Overlanding culture. You will find national parks, mountains, beach locations, etc., where you can camp off-grid at no cost. Keep in mind that some off-grid camping may affect your ability to connect to Wi-Fi or cell towers. There are some camp sites open to the public with showers and bathrooms that will cost anywhere from $6 - $12 per person, per night. Crossing over to the country of Colombia will require shipping your vehicle in a container, as there are no roads that will get you across. Processing takes time and should be done in advance. It is always a good idea to establish points of contact at all the countries you will be passing through. Facebook, Instagram, and emails are a good way to connect with Overlanders abroad that know the country, terrain and idiosyncrasies of the culture. As in any city around the world, there is theft and crime. You will find Panama National Police presence in many locations as well as private security. Common sense and good security practices is your best deterrent.
Good Luck, Be Safe and Stay Curious!
Panama - Bridge of the Americas
Panama - Bridge of the Americas
¿Vas a tener una venta, la visita de algún famoso o un evento especial? Anúncialo para que todos lo sepan y se cree expectación al respecto.