Panama Adventure Travel Guide

Introducing Panama (Continued...)

s in length, and between 60 and 177 kilometres in width.

To Panama’s north is the Caribbean Sea, and to its northwest is Costa Rica. Due south is the Pacific Ocean and southeast is the border with Colombia.

Its capital, Panama City, is an international business centre, home to nearly a third of the country’s 3.2 million inhabitants. Since the days of conquest and colonization, Panama's position has attracted trade and commerce. The Panama Canal, located in Panama City, was completed in 1914 and was an engineering feat that revolutionized ocean-going shipping internationally.

Panama’s geography rises from sandy beach coastlines to merge with lush, forested lowlands. It then ascends further, into the foothills of the inland mountain ranges. There is a central spine of mountains that run from north to south, collectively known as the Cordillera Central. The highest peak is a dormant volcano located near the Costa Rican border; Volcan Baru looks out across the oceans from its summit at 3475 metres.

The eastern third of Panama is known as the Darien province. This area is a sparsely populated land of rainforest and swampy lowlands shouldered by high mountain peaks. Within the Darien Province there are no tarmac roads. The infamous Darian Gap fronts the border with Colombia. It’s an inhospitable, almost impassable, historically lawless place, inhabited only by indigenous tribal clans.
Panama’s northern coastline with the Caribbean Sea is ringed by hundreds of small islands that form the Bocas del Toro and San Blas Archipelagos - it's a perfect place to relax and unwind.
The climate in Panama has two main seasons, the intensely wet, and the warm dry season. May to November is the wet season and the lightest rainfall period is between January and March.


The average temperature on the coast is a balmy 29C. If you travel to the mountainous regions then expect the temperatures to range from 10–19C. The humidity across Panama averages at around 80 per cent, year round.

Whitewater Rafting

Rafting is one of the big 'must-do's' whilst travelling in Panama. There are around 150 rivers that interlace their way through the rainforests. Rafting excursions will cater for all ability levels. And during the intense wet season the increased water levels mean the adrenalin factor goes through the roof!
A short hop from Panama City is the Chagres National Park; the Chagres River offers class III rapids throughout the year. Further east is the Rio Mamoni River - with turbulent waves of Class III & IV, this river is a challenging one, especially for beginners.
In the south west of Panama is Chiriqui National Park. Here you can wallow around in the rivers all year long. Chiriqui River is a class III, IV and V river, so it's not for the faint-hearted at any time of year, but it affords a real challenge from May to November.

Trekking

The Chiriqui National Park is a tropical jungle, a mountain wilderness and a white sandy beach paradise all in one! From some of the higher peaks in the park it's possible to see the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other.
In central Panama is the Cocle province. Here you’ll find small mountain villages, and sites of archaeological interest and outstanding natural beauty.
As long as you trek with an organised group, the Darien province is open for intrepid travellers. The terrain is tough but the rewards are great; you get to trek through one of the last true frontiers on Earth! Jungle swamplands, rainforest and meandering rivers unfold. And, in this virtually untouched part of the country, the density of wildlife is astonishing.

Scuba Diving

Panama’s location means the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean are both easily accessible. Divers preferring the Pacific coastline can expect deep water, big fish and rocky formations. Up north, in the Caribbean Sea, there are shallow depths, small colourful fish and prolific coral. Water temperatures are around 30C year-round. The best months for diving or snorkelling are April, May, November and December.
Most divers and snorkellers head for sub-aqueous delights of the Bocas del Toro islands. Highlights in this area include Red Frog Beach, Hospital Point, Zapatilla Cay and Tiger Rock.
Further east is the San Blas archipelago. These waters do not permit scuba diving excursions but are a world renowned hotspot for snorkellers.
Panama’s pacific coast has four main areas of interest: The Darien coast, for viewing black marlins; Las Perlas offers everything from coral heads to rocky drop offs; The Azuero peninsula, thanks to the multitude of great dive spots (Isla Iguana, Punta Mala, Cambutal, Santa Catalina, Los Frailes and Isla Cebaco); and Coiba Island, Panama’s largest island and most interesting dive spot - although it’s best suited to intermediate and experienced divers as the currents can get strong.

If this isn't enough, from July to September humpback whales migrate along this coast!

Kayaking

Kayaking in Panama is quite simply amazing! Inland there are whitewater rivers for the adrenalin seeking paddlers, while on the shores, Panama boasts mile upon mile of open coastal water.
In western Panama, Chiriqui province on the Pacific coast and Bocas Del Toro on the Caribbean coast offer both the beginner and the seasoned sea kayaker boundless opportunities for island hopping. In eastern Panama (and only if you’re feeling brave) you can kayak on the Panama Canal! Dodge the ships and see this international engineering icon from a completely different prospective!
Kayaking the San Blas islands will have you floating across the turquoise seas by day and camping on white sandy beaches under the stars at night: Perfect.

Surfing

The swells around Panama come in from the west and south. They are generated from the roaring forties (south Pacific swells) and the hurricane swells. Surfing in Panama is best from April to October. For experienced surfers there are strong reef breaks at P-Land (Chiriqui province); Manzanillo or San Marino (Colon province), or there’s the point break at Punta Brava (Veragaus province).
Beach breaks at Barqueta and Olivas (Chiriqui province) are suitable for intermediate level surfers. The best reef breaks are in the Bocas del Toro islands. Intermediate level point breaks are located at Cambutal (Panama City), El Palmar (Santiago province), Santa Catalina (Veraguas province) and Tetas (south).
Beginners can learn new skills in Morro Negrito (south west) or on The Point (Chiriqui province).

Classic Itineraries

Fly in to Panama City and explore the world famous Panama Canal – either by boat tour or kayak.
Then take a short flight east to the San Blas Islands. Stay with the Kuna Indians and get an insight into traditional island life; snorkel, kayak and relax among outstanding tropical beauty.
Fly back to Panama City, and then drive through the jungles to the western highlands and Panama’s second city, David. Trek in the foothills of Volcan Baru, ride whitewater rapids and spot rare species of wildlife.
Surf along the Pacific coast before driving or flying up to Almirante, on the northern border with Costa Rica. From here, venture off to the Bocas del Toro Islands and scuba dive or snorkel in the Marine Park; alternatively, charter a Live Aboard trip and sail off into the sunset.