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The Panama Canal, San Blas islands paradise, and the gateway between two continents.
Panama is both a beginning and an end — the classic 5-day sailing trip from Cartagena through the San Blas Islands to Colón is one of the great backpacker adventures. Panama City itself is surprisingly good.
Each region has a completely different character. Here is what to expect.
One of the most underrated cities in the Americas — the Casco Viejo (UNESCO colonial old town) alongside the ultra-modern skyline is one of the world's most striking architectural contrasts. Watch a ship transit at the Miraflores or Agua Clara locks for free. The Biomuseo (designed by Frank Gehry) explains Panama's extraordinary biodiversity.
Caribbean archipelago of jungle islands — snorkelling with starfish, sloths in the mangroves, dolphin watching, and a traveller scene that is simultaneously excellent and low-key.
Cloud forest hiking, zip-lining through the canopy, and the world's best coffee grown on the slopes of Volcan Baru. The Quetzal Trail (the resplendent quetzal is reliably spotted here) is extraordinary. The Volcan Baru summit hike gives views of both the Pacific and Caribbean simultaneously.
Autonomous Guna territory — the only accommodation is Guna-owned basic huts on the islands. No alcohol, limited electricity, extraordinary coral reefs and complete Caribbean simplicity.
Panama uses the US dollar — no currency exchange needed.
More expensive than its Central American neighbours but cheaper than North America.
Hostel dorm £10-18.
Local restaurant £4-8.
San Blas island stays £30-60 per night including basic meals..
The San Blas (Guna Yala) islands are entirely governed by Guna indigenous law — tourists must follow their regulations including no open alcohol and no photography without permission. This autonomous model is one of the world's best examples of indigenous people managing their own tourism. Bocas del Toro dolphin tours: choose operators following no-approach protocols.
Tell us where you want to go and your budget — we'll build a personalised quote with routes, hostels, and transport sorted.
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