Hi Panama! Goodbye South America and welcome to Central America! It feels weird not being in South America after almost seven months, especially as a trip to Central America wasn’t on my radar this time around. I was originally travelling for six months and finishing in Colombia. However, plans change and in Ecuador I decided I wasn’t quite ready for home and to travel until Christmas exploring Central too! Exciting!
So wherever I go and whatever I get up to now, I’m seeing it as a bonus!
Panama was my first country and Panama City my first stop in Central America. I flew in from Colombia’s Cartagena and was mainly using it as a base to visit the San Blas Islands.
With my time in the city, I explored the old town – found a pretty white house with lilac doors! – and walked the Cinta Costera, the city’s coastal path. It’s a nice walk and the city skyline is great.
Twice I went to the Marriott hotel, to the rooftop bar (on the 66th floor!) for fab views over the city at sunset. I’d recommend!
I also used my time in Panama City to map out where I was and how much time I had left. I’d like to visit Nicaragua, Guatemala, Belize and Mexico. With 14 weeks left, I’ve guesstimated 3 weeks each in the first two countries, 1 week in Belize and 6 weeks in Mexico (I’ve heard great things and the food!!). We’ll see if this changes!!
How to get to Panama
If you’re coming from Colombia, there are two options: sail or fly to Panama.
Sailing to Panama is a popular choice as you visit the beautiful San Blas Islands on the way. The crossing is usually 4-5 days and you can go by sailboat ($550 approx) or speedboat ($390 approx). See my San Blas Islands post for more information.
I was still slightly unsure as to whether I’d go to the San Blas Islands so I chose to fly. Avianca and Copa Airlines fly the route from several Colombian cities: Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena. I flew from Cartagena with Copa Airlines and paid £150. When looking on SkyScanner, this seemed to be the average price. I’ve heard it can be cheaper though!
Tip: To enter Panama, proof of exit is required! If flying, you’ll be asked to show proof of an exit flight at the check in desk before you board your flight. If you don’t have one, you won’t be allowed to board. This almost happened to us when flying to San Andres in Colombia – we didn’t have a return flight and frantically had to buy one! This time around I was more prepared and had bought a flight on Expedia.com with free cancellation within 24hrs. Once I arrived to my hostel in Panama City I cancelled it and got my money back in the next few days.
From other Central American countries, you can fly or get a bus (or buses!). Flights between Central American countries tend to be pricey so bus is often the backpacker option. Plus, you get to see more! There are international buses (the easy way) and local buses/chicken buses (the more adventurous way).
The international buses connect Central America’s big cities. For example, from Panama City, Panama to San José, Costa Rica. Some bus companies are Tica Bus, TransNica, Nica Bus, King Quality. They usually have their own small bus terminal and help crossing borders (well, at least point you in the right direction and sort out any entrance or exit fees).
Local buses( colectivos) and chicken buses are cheaper, but take longer and require multiple changes. You’ll do border crossings yourselves and hop on another bus the other side.
To get to Nicaragua from Panama City, I opted for the international bus. I booked with Tica Bus and had a change in San Jose, Costa Rica, before continuing on to Nicaragua. It was very straightforward and useful when I was just passing through Costa Rica. If I was to do it again, I think I’d give the local buses a go!
Final thoughts
I was only in Panama City and Panama for a short time. Aside from the San Blas Islands, which I loved loved loved, it was more of a transition country connecting my South and Central America trips together.
What I did see of Panama City I liked, particularly the city skyline and views from the rooftop bar at sunset! Really pretty!
With more time, I would’ve liked to see more of Panama: Bocas del Toro, Boquete and Valle del Anton. That’s for next time! There’s always a next time!
