Panama

“Panama is a country that’s been dealing with issues of identity since its very birth. It was born on Wall Street. It was born out of engineering construction. It was the canal. Because of the canal, the country was born, so the country has been divided into pro-canal and against-canal people for so long.“
Edgar Ramirez

You’re not alone in the world if the only thing that comes to mind when you hear the word Panama is the canal of the same name. It was wildly important both globally and locally- shaping the very culture of modern-day Panama. You see it in the streets of Panama City. Towering skyscrapers, punctual metro rails, and vendors trading in US currency. It feels more like Miami than the confluence of South and Central America. But outside the cities, Panama is rugged and wild. Impenetrable jungle and tropical oceans littered with populated island specks.

Panama Travel Guide

Recommended Destinations: Panama City, San Blas Islands, Santa Catalina.

One Bucketlist Item You Cannot Miss: Island hopping in the San Blas Islands. Get to know the indigenous Kuna Gala people while lounging on picture-perfect tropical islands.

Things to Consider Before You Go: Panama is an expensive country. Accommodation specifically. Many travelers on a strict budget utilize WorkAway or tent camp to cut down on overhead costs.

Recommended Minimum Trip Length: 2 weeks.

Expected Backpacker Budget

On a Shoestring: $45/day

Flashpacker: $75/day

Backpacker Luxury: $100/day

Keep in mind these are backpacker budgets. On a shoestring expect to be eating street food, sleeping in hostel beds, & skipping the more expensive tourist attractions. You would not be able to visit the San Blas islands on this budget. Backpacker Luxury opts for private rooms, eats mostly in restaurants, and splurges on activities. Flashpackers are the middle ground & often do a mixture of both.