Get to Panama for less: Score budget-friendly flights and explore on a shoestring. While planes are the most common option, exploring by bus along the Pan-American Highway unveils the country’s charming towns and landscapes.
Soaring into Panama by Air:
For speedy arrivals, Tocumen International Airport reigns supreme. Located just 24 kilometers from Panama City, it boasts numerous connections across Latin America and beyond. Get to Panama in no time: Fly directly to Panama City and start exploring!
You can get to Panama’s Roads and Highways:
Panama shares land borders with Colombia and Costa Rica. From Costa Rica, the Pan-American Highway stretches through the picturesque province of Chiriqui, eventually reaching Panama City and the Darién region bordering Colombia.
Bridging the Darien Gap:
Currently, there’s no direct road connecting Panama and Colombia. This «Darién Gap» exists for two key reasons:
- Protecting Biodiversity: The Darien National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, teems with diverse wildlife and pristine rainforest. Extending the highway could threaten this ecological treasure.
- Security Concerns: Historical struggles with armed groups within Colombian territory have spurred Panamanian officials to prioritize citizen safety. A direct road could potentially facilitate unwanted movement across borders.
Crossing the Darién Gap: Alternatives Exist
Despite the absence of a road, you can get to Panama by crossing the Darien Gap isn’t entirely impossible. Travelers seeking land-based alternatives can utilize ferry or cargo ship services to bridge the physical divide.
More info about How to Move Your Vehicle from Colombia to Panama
Costa Rica – Panama Border Crossing:
The Panama-Costa Rica border boasts three official crossing points. This guide focuses on the Sixaola (Costa Rica) – Guabito (Panama) border crossing, popular with travelers exploring both countries.
Sixaola (Costa Rica) – Guabito (Panama)
The Sixaola – Guabito pass is used by many tourists who travel to Costa Rica and want to visit Bocas del Toro (Panama) for a couple of days, and then return to Costa Rica.
- Reach Sixaola: From Puerto Viejo, take the bus or drive to Sixaola. The road ends here, as the only available route to Panama is via the Pan-American Highway.
- Cross the bridge: The border is marked by a bridge over the Rio Sereno. Crossing the bridge leads you to Guabito, Panama.
- Costa Rica exit procedures:
- Pay the exit tax: This costs USD 7 and can be done at the bank or designated kiosks.
- Visit the immigration office: Present your passport, proof of onward travel (e.g., plane ticket), and exit tax receipt to get your passport stamped.
- Cross the bridge on foot: Vehicles are not allowed on the bridge. If you rent a car, parking is available in Sixaola.
Panama entry procedures:
- Join the «Entry to Panama» queue: This is crucial to avoid being stopped by SENAFRONT (Panamanian border patrol) at checkpoints further ahead.
- Present your documents: Show your passport and proof of onward travel to the National Migration Service (SENAFRONT) officials.
- Get your passport stamped: Once approved, you’ll officially be in Panama!
Map Sixaola (Costa Rica) – Guabito (Panama)
Paso Canoas Border Crossing
Paso Canoas is the busiest border crossing for buses, trucks, and cars between Costa Rica and Panama. It’s an international city split between the Puntarenas province in Costa Rica and the Chiriquí province in Panama. If you’re traveling by bus or car, this is the border connected to the Pan-American Highway.
Get to Panama on a budget: Take a bus across the border and travel like a local.
What to expect:
- Be prepared for crowds: Paso Canoas is a bustling border crossing, so be prepared for longer wait times compared to smaller crossings like Sixaola-Guabito.
- Pay your exit tax in Costa Rica: Before crossing the border, make sure you’ve paid the Costa Rican exit tax.
- Have your documents ready: Upon entering Panama, you’ll need to present the following to immigration officials:
- Passport
- Proof of financial means (minimum USD 500 in cash, credit cards, or debit cards)
- Proof of onward travel (e.g., plane ticket, bus ticket, or other documentation showing you’ll be leaving Panama)
Additional information:
- The requirement to show proof of financial means may vary depending on your nationality.
- It’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand, as access to ATMs and card payments can be limited in rural areas.
Tips for a smooth border crossing:
- Arrive early, especially during peak travel times.
- Have all your documents organized and readily available.
- Be patient and polite with border officials.
- Be prepared to pay any applicable fees in cash.
Map of Paso Canoas
Rio Sereno on the Pacific: A Remote Border Crossing
Unlike the other two border crossings, Rio Sereno is the least known and least used of the three. It is primarily utilized by indigenous communities crossing between Costa Rica and Panama. Information about this crossing is limited, and for safety reasons, it is recommended to use a guide or utilize the other border crossings.
Here are some key points about the Rio Sereno border crossing:
- Location: It is located on the Pacific coast, in the Chiriqui province of Panama and the Puntarenas province of Costa Rica.
- Limited infrastructure: The crossing has limited facilities and infrastructure compared to the other two border crossings.
- Security: Due to its remote location and limited presence of authorities, it is recommended to exercise caution and use a guide when crossing Rio Sereno.
- Alternative crossings: For a more convenient and secure border crossing experience, consider using Paso Canoas or Sixaola-Guabito.
It is important to note that the Rio Sereno border crossing may not be suitable for all travelers. If you are unsure about using this crossing, it is best to consult with a travel agent or the relevant authorities for more information and guidance. It isn’t the best way to get to Panama.
Sailing to Panama: A Guide for Adventurous Travelers
Blessed with coastlines on both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, Panama offers a unique opportunity to arrive by boat. While most sailors include Panama as part of a larger journey, for some, it may be the final destination.
Navigating to Panama:
- An adventure for experienced sailors: Traveling by sea is not for everyone. It requires experience, and preparation, and can be more expensive than flying.
- Cruises: A popular option for tourists: Cruise ships offer a convenient way to experience Panama, albeit with limited time in each location. The largest cruise port in Panama is Colon 2000, located in the Colon province.
Cruising by yacht:
- Chartering a yacht: Yachts can be chartered from Cartagena, Colombia, with prices starting at around USD 500 for a trip to Panama’s Colon province. This option offers flexibility and the chance to visit San Blas.
- Ferry service: between Cartagena and Panama City is available but operated by a single company as of February 16, 2024. Panamerican Seaways offers voyages on their vessel «MV Julia Express» with departures from Colon (Panama) on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and from Cartagena on Fridays, Sundays, and Tuesdays. The travel time is approximately 16 hours.
Traveling by sea from Costa Rica
- Exploring Bocas del Toro: Yachts can also be chartered from Costa Rica to Bocas del Toro, offering a unique perspective of the region.
- Organized tours: Several companies in Costa Rica offer guided tours to Bocas del Toro, showcasing the beauty of the area.
Sailing to Panama can be an unforgettable experience for those who are prepared for the journey. With careful planning and the right resources, it can be a truly unique and rewarding way to explore this beautiful country.
Traveling from Colombia to Panama by Boat
For many travelers, traveling from Colombia to Panama by boat is an alluring and unique experience that offers a stark contrast to the convenience of air travel. The Capurgana – Puerto Obaldía route is the most popular option for this journey. Get to Panama from Colombia.
Getting to Capurgana:
- The only way to reach Capurganá is via Turbo, Colombia. There are two main routes to Turbo:
- From Medellin, Colombia: An 8-hour bus ride through rural roads.
- From Cartagena, Colombia: A six-hour bus ride via Monteria.
- Be prepared to stay overnight in Turbo: Depending on your arrival time, you may need to spend a night in Turbo before continuing to Capurganá.
- Negotiating boat prices: The cost of the boat trip to Capurganá varies based on luggage weight. You may be able to negotiate prices and even explore the area before your journey, depending on your schedule.
Important considerations:
- Be prepared for rough seas: The boat journey can be unpleasant if the sea is not calm.
- Plan your trip: Research and book your boat tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
- Pack light: To avoid paying excess baggage fees, pack only essential items.
- Be aware of safety risks: While the boat journey is generally safe, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and take necessary precautions.
Turbo Map in Colombia
From Capurgana to Puerto Obaldía
The journey from Capurganá to Puerto Obaldía is also made by boat. If you have time, you can also do some sightseeing in Capurganá before departing for Puerto Obaldía in Panama.
Upon arrival in Panama, you will go through border control by SENAFRONT (National Border Service).
Required documents:
The documents required are the same as those mentioned above for Paso Canoas, with the only difference being that you will need two photocopies of your valid passport. They have a photocopier and will charge you for the service.
Additional information:
- The boat journey from Capurgana to Puerto Obaldia takes approximately 1-2 hours.
- The cost of the boat trip varies depending on the season and demand.
- Be sure to have your passport and other necessary documents readily available for inspection at the border crossing.
- For more information on border procedures and requirements, visit the official website of SENAFRONT.
Map to Puerto Obaldía
From Puerto Obaldía to Panama City
Once you have cleared SENAFRONT at Puerto Obaldía, you have several options for traveling to Panama City.
1. Cargo ship: The most economical option is to take a cargo ship. However, this is a random and unreliable method. Waiting for a ship can take up to 15 days or more, with no fixed schedule. There is not much to do in Puerto Obaldia, so it is better to consider other transportation methods.
2. Plane: The fastest way to travel to Panama City is by plane, with an approximate cost of USD 100. There are more flights available and a higher frequency of travel. Remember that these are small planes with limited seats, so it is important to book your reservation in advance, preferably the day before.
3. Boat: The other way to travel to Panama City is by boat. This is a more tiring journey, lasting over 9 hours and passing through San Blas. It is advisable to wait for days with good weather and calm seas. You can also take advantage of this time to do some sightseeing and visit several islands in San Blas, also known as Guna Yala, and enjoy this Caribbean gem.
Important considerations:
- You will need cash for transportation, food, accommodation, and other necessities.
- When traveling with cash, take the necessary precautions to protect your life and belongings.
By choosing the right transportation method and planning, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable journey from Puerto Obaldía to Panama City.
Map of Guna Yala
Concluding Your Panama Journey: Arriving, Exploring, and Beyond
Whether you choose to soar through the skies, navigate vibrant seas, or traverse scenic highways, your arrival in Panama marks the beginning of an unforgettable adventure. With its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and welcoming people, Panama has something to offer every traveler.
Get to Panama on your terms: Take a road trip and soak up the scenery!
Beyond Panama:
- Continuing your journey: Use Panama as a base to explore neighboring countries like Costa Rica, Colombia, or Nicaragua.
- Island hopping: Embark on an island-hopping adventure in the idyllic Bocas del Toro archipelago or the captivating San Blas Islands.
- Sustainable travel: Consider responsible travel practices by supporting local communities, minimizing your environmental impact, and respecting the local culture.