Apparently, Panama is among the top 5 best-rated countries in the world in which to retire. Facts like this, together with the attractions of a tropical climate and the buzz of a Latin American country are hard to ignore. Throw into the mix really cheap flights with Lufthansa from Europe and we were ready to start researching our journey.
Be sure to first check out our Plan, Maps and Budget for this 26-day roundtrip Panama City to Bocas Del Toro.
Panama's Best-Kept Secrets
Overcharging of foreigners is called ‘getting gringoed’... and in Panama you'd better get used to it.
Panama City - Santa Catalina by Bus 😲
No guns allowed onboard... But make sure you take enough cash to Santa Catalina, because the nearest ATM is in Soná, 1½ hours away.
Lufthansa Longhaul ✈️
Does Lufthansa live up to its reputation as best in Europe & 9th best in the world? Checkout our Lufthansa longhaul inflight experience.
Boquete Mountain Trails, Panama
Although a huge draw for tourists, take into account some recent incidents before heading out alone on the Boquete Mountain Trails.
Ziplining in Panama 👷♀️
12 ziplines spanning and criss-crossing an area high above the river & main buildings: No breaking advised when ziplining in Boquete Panama
Boca Chica to Panama City
If you don't have your own car, there are 2 ways to get from Boca Chica to Panama City: The hard way or the expensive way.
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Travel memories you'll never forget
Buy Your Panamanian Island 🏝️
It costs less than a posh city apartment, but is owning a Panamanian island going to offer you the kind of lifestyle-change you imagine?
Getting around Panama by Shuttle Bus
If you have some extra dollars and want to make your travel a little easier, then getting around Panama by shuttle bus may be the answer.
Panama Travel Plan
It's in the top 5 best-rated countries in the world in which to retire. We put together a 4-week Panama travel plan to decide for ourselves
Santa Catalina - Diving or Surfing?
Santa Catalina Panama beaches may not suit everyone. Black sand and rocks, and a daily tide that takes the sea out a good 200 yards.
Hotel Central Boquete Panama 🏘️
The room we were given at the Hotel Central Boquete Panama was like sleeping in a cross between a railway carriage and a goldfish bowl.
Bastimentos, Bocas Del Toro - Panama
From publicity photos of Isla Bastimentos Bocas Del Toro you might be expecting something of a treat. We left our expectations at the jetty.
Bocas to Boca Chica 🇵🇦
The journey involves multiple transfers, including a boat to Almirante, a lengthy bus trip to David, and another bus to Boca Chica.
Soná from 'Prison Break' - A real place?
Fan of Season Three's Soná of 'Prison Break' fame? Then travel by bus to Santa Catalina in Panama and you'll get to visit Soná in person.
Panama Budget & Final Impressions
Is Panama really a place to retire to? Our Panama travel budget suggests one answer to the question but how about our overall impressions?
Bocas Del Toro 😈 Carnival
Panama's very different Caribbean feel
🗺️ Hidden in the Heart of Central America
Located in the western part of the country, the charming town of David in Panama is a hidden gem that is often overlooked by travelers.
Getting Gringoed in Bocas Del Toro
Overcharging of foreigners is called ‘getting gringoed’... and in Panama you'd better get used to it.
Top 14 ✅ Panama City Activities ✔️
Our meticulously curated, utterly infallible list of the top things to do in Panama city, most of which won't require you to remortgage your house.
Snorkeling in Panama
The Zapatillas isles are about as exotic as your trip to Panama is going to get, but what else does a Bocas Del Toro snorkeling tour offer?
Roundtrip Panama City to Bocas
Our roundtrip Panama City to Bocas Del Toro included breaks on both Pacific and Atlantic sides of the country: A full itinerary with mountains, beaches, cities and jungle.
Ushuaia Guesthouse 😱 Panama
Except for one $10 guesthouse in India, the Ushuaia Guesthouse Bastimentos rates as the worst place we've had the misfortune to experience.
Avianca: Bogota to Panama
Bogota Airport - definitely a 'habla español' wake-up call
What to do in Boquete Panama
Most of the action is centered around a short but busy central high street: Start here when you're looking for what to do in Boquete Panama.
Waterfall Rappelling
Abseiling down a waterfall might not be everyones cup of tea, but for an adrenaline rush its hard to beat waterfall rappelling in Boquete, Panama
Boca Chica and Boca Brava
If you want to disappear off the grid, Boca Chica and Boca Brava is the place. It's difficult enough to get to, but you'll find solitude...
Panamanian Hotel Experiences
From the moment you walk into the lobby where the WiFi signal barely flickers to life, to the thrill of deciphering which light switch controls which mystery bulb, our Panamanian hotel experiences were anything but dull.
Soná 'Prison Break' Baseball Cap
As made famous in the classic TV series 'Prison Break' . Now you too can wear the cap - 'Penitenciaría Federal de Soná'
Jungla Experience Boquete 😱
As a dormitory for backpackers the Jungla Experience Boquete is fine. If you want privacy, peace or service you need to look elsewhere.
Panama Canal Kayaking 🛶
When planning our trip, we didn't realize that kayaking was just one of the activities available on the Panama Canal.
Coffee Tours in Panama ☕
You can learn a lot from coffee tours in Boquete Panama - The darker espresso has little caffeine compared to lighter American-style coffee
Roundtrip Panama City to Bocas Del Toro
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