I'm off to backpack for a month in these two countries. I'm starting in Panama, heading towards Costa Rica, but will have to backtrack to fly back.
I was originally going to spend the entire month in Panama but a lot of people are recommending pushing on towards Costa Rica.
Has anyone ever done this overland? Which is the best route? What parts of Costa Rica (near Panama) are must-see?
I have plenty of guidebooks for Panama and will be getting one for CR shortly so that will be helpful - but not as much as your personal recommendations!
First of all, welcome to Slow Talk! I have spent a lot of time in Panama and a little bit in Costa Rica and they are both great. In my experience, Panama has less tourists while Costa Rica has a more developed tourism industry, more people who speak English etc.
I have crossed the border twice, once on Paso Canoas (province of Chiriqui on the Panama side, close to the Pacific), and on Guabito (close to the Caribbean) but that was back in 1995. I did a quick search and seems like it can be quite a hassle to cross the border. (Just do a google search for "Panama Costa Rica border crossing.)
Personally, I think spending the whole time in Panama sounds splendid! There is so much to do and see and you can easily stay busy the whole time. But Costa Rica is of course also beautiful and the more developed tourist sector makes it easier to find or do certain things - I don't think Panama has yoga retreats yet, for instance.
It is late here now so I have to go to bed but I will write more soon!
Thanks for your insights! I may just nip into Costa Rica for a week, but will spend the bulk of my time in Panama. I'm not the yoga retreat type - more the sleep in a tent surrounded by strange sounds...
