Santa Catalina

I recently spent 3 weeks exploring Panama and I was blown away by it. In this guide I am going to share all my recommendations in case you want to embark on a similar adventure.

We recently spent almost three weeks in Panama and this country SHOCKED us. The amount of diversity this place has to offer is insane: waterfalls, beach towns, surfing, snorkelling, mountain towns, volcanoes, cloud forests, islands everywhere, and so much more. The weather, endless activities, amazing food, and ease of travelling around this place makes it a great vacation spot! This itinerary covers the following places in Panama: - Panama City - San Blas Islands - Playa Vaneo - Santa Catalina - Boca Chica - El Valle de Anton (Anton Valley) - Boquete It covers everything we did (hotels, food, travelling, tours, activities, and SO MUCH MORE), and gives our personal opinion into where we think you should spend more or less time (to make this itinerary more flexible for your wants!). This itinerary covers everywhere we went with the addition of a few days and uses a car - which we found to be the easiest way to get around. However, almost all the locations listed in the below are able to get around to with the use of shuttles and public transportation. & yes it's for three weeks, but this itinerary is easily adjustable to either cut the locations that sound the least interesting to you, or add / cut more time in certain locations!

My guide to backpacking Central America is finally here! This guide is based on hundreds of hours of research, my own 4 month long trip, and some extras that I wasn't able to get to but would still highly recommend based on reviews from trusted friends! This guide serves as an essential list of the best attractions in each country and what not to miss! The route in the guide is laid out North to South, starting in Belize and ending in Panama, but it can also be used in reverse. The guide includes information for how to get between locations; however not in great detail as the schedules and prices change frequently and let's be honest, the busses are never on time in Central America! The best way to get between places depends on your timeline and budget of your trip: if you have months to explore, take the local "chicken busses" for a more affordable and immersive experience; if you only have weeks, take the more direct shuttles; and if you're tight on time, take the more direct and upscale coaches. Whichever option you choose, the locals are always willing to help with chicken busses, and shuttle busses and coaches are very easy to book throughout Central America at your hostel, any tour operator, or online. Where possible, I included accommodation recommendations for places that I personally stayed at and can vouch for, or know someone who did. In addition, there are links for booking hostels in each region! I hope this guide provides some help and inspiration to backpack Central America, it's one of my absolute favourite places on Earth! Need a custom trip planned for Central America? Reach out, I can help you!