Wondering where to stay in Costa Rica? Here’s a guide to the best places to base yourself out of!

During chillier mornings here in the frigid North, it’s not uncommon that I catch myself daydreaming about warmer weather, aquamarine waters, lush jungles, and proper sunshine. It’s pretty much all I can do not to throw my bikini in a backpack and hop on the next flight to Costa Rica, but for now, telling you about some of my favorite spots in this gorgeous country will have to do. 

Because I work remotely, I have the option to work from exciting places all around the world. However, my digital nomad life paired with my passion for scuba diving makes Costa Rica one of my favorite places to visit. If you’re looking for tips on places to visit whether you’re working or playing, read on!

via Pixabay

Best Place to Stay in Costa Rica for Culture: San Jose

This one is pretty obvious, but San Jose will most likely be your port of entry into Costa Rica if you’re arriving by plane. There’s no need to rush out, though; stay for a while and experience life in the capital city. I love wandering through the streets of San Jose and drinking in the colorful Spanish colonial architecture. Book a walking tour to really learn more about San Jose’s history and culture.

Make sure to save time to visit the San Jose Mercado Central which is open every day except Sunday — they have everything from local bites to kitschy souvenirs. I never shy away from a good central market!

Accommodations in San Jose

If you’re traveling on a budget, San Jose has plenty of options. I tend to split my time between social accommodations and private accommodations when I travel, and that all depends on how productive I want to be balanced against how many friends I want to make!

Selina San Jóse

If you’re feeling the hostel vibe, snag a bunk at the trendy Selina. It offers a ton of extras, from an on-site restaurant to a rooftop activities center, and co-working space. Check here for rates and availability

Airbnb near San Jóse

For a mid-range price, I recommend staying just north of San Jose in the hills of San Isidro de Heredia on the grounds of a coffee ranch. The whole ranch is around 8 acres and offers some seriously stunning panoramic views. Check here for rates and availability

Hotel Boutique Alta Las Palomas

If you’re looking for a higher end stay, check in at Hotel Boutique Alta Las Palomas. The hotel offers total luxury from its beautiful rooms to its onsite restaurant, which gets its ingredients from local, organic farmers. Check here for rates and availability

Image by Geoff Sowrey via Flickr

Where to Stay in Costa Rica for Beach Lovers: Las Catalinas

When in Costa Rica, there is no reason to stay landlocked. Although there are certainly some wonderful places to visit inland, the Pacific Coastline is one of the reasons behind Costa Rica’s descriptive name, which means “Rich Coast” in English. For me, spending as much time as possible on the coast is mandatory so that I can get a few more scuba dives under my belt! 

Las Catalinas is a fairly new beach town situated North of Potrero Bay and due east of Islas Santa Catalina, or the Catalina Islands. These islands are popular for divers because the surrounding underwater coral and lava formations make for a spectacular adventure, plus there is a high probability for shark sightings! 

Accommodations in Las Catalinas

Oceanfront Airbnb

As far as accommodations in and around Las Catalinas, I’m completely obsessed with this oceanfront guest house on Airbnb. It’s a little on the pricey side, so it’s more fun to share it with a friend or two. Check here for rates and availability

Massai Apartments

However, if I were looking for something a bit more budget-friendly, I’d head south to Playa Flamingo and stay at Massai Apartments. The apartments are close to the beach and they also have an outdoor pool, gardens, and more. Check here for rates and availability

CPI Spanish Immersion School

There’s a Spanish immersion school down in Playa Flamingo too, and I’ve spent a lot of time enrolled in Spanish immersion classes throughout South America. Shacking up around Playa Flamingo for Spanish school and diving the Catalina Islands sounds like a perfect time to me! 

via Pixabay

Where to Stay in Costa Rica for Adventure: El Castillo

If I absolutely have to tear myself away from the Pacific coast, then El Castillo makes it all worth it. El Castillo is a small town located right next to Arenal and Chato volcanoes, which are surrounded by dense, lush rainforest. This is a great place to go if you’re looking to find a chill home base for outdoor adventures and hikes — Sky Adventures Arenal Park is nearby for those who like to zip-line, and Arenal Volcano National Parks have hiking trails and hot springs to explore.

El Castillo and the surrounding natural areas are a little bit difficult to access because you can only take the public bus so far, so you’ll either have to grab a taxi at some point or rent a car yourself. For me, it’s genuinely worth whatever fancy footwork it takes to get there. 

Accommodation in El Castillo

There are plenty of places to shack up in this natural paradise, and you pretty much can’t go wrong with any of them.

Rancho Margot

If you’d like to combine your activities with sustainable accommodations, definitely book in with Rancho Margot. This eco lodge features a ton of educational outreach opportunities including Sustainable Living, Spanish Language, and Eco-Literacy immersion programs. Enjoy farm-fresh meals, natural pools, forest trails, and even learn how to milk a cow if you don’t know how already. I recommend staying here if you’ve got some time because you’re going to fall in love with the community and never want to leave! Check here for rates and availability

Essence Arenal and Spa

Alternatively, stay in a tent at Essence Arenal and Spa which is located on a coffee plantation near the Butterfly Conservatory. Check here for rates and availability

As you can see there are a ton of places to stay in Costa Rica, whether you’re looking for culture, the beach, and/or adventure.

For more advice, check out our Costa Rica travel tips post as well as where to go!

Have you been? Where do you think is the best place to stay in Costa Rica?

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All the top Costa Rica travel tips to plan your trip!

Whether you are a nature lover, beach bum, adventure enthusiast, or simply looking to relax, Costa Rica truly does have something to offer everyone. Wildlife, beaches, national parks, lakes, hot springs, volcanoes, waterfalls…the list is endless! I have to confess that when I started to plan my family’s two week trip this past year, I found myself quite overwhelmed by the sheer variety of things to see and do.

To help you plan an unforgettable Costa Rican giveaway, I’ve put together this guide which covers some of my best tips for visiting this diverse paradise. We’ll cover everything from where to go and when, to transportation and once-in-a-lifetime excursions. So what are we waiting for? Let’s dive in! Pura vida! (Pure life, as the locals say!)

Choosing Where to Go in Costa Rica

Whether you plan on visiting Costa Rica for one week or one month, I can promise you that it is simply impossible to “see it all.” There are so many cool and unique places scattered all throughout the country! I’d recommend spending at least 2 weeks in Costa Rica, as the country is much bigger than you’d think.

To help you figure out where to go in Costa Rica, I recommend first thinking about your interests, and choosing a region (or two or three, depending on time) based off of that. My family wanted to prioritize volcanoes, beaches with great surf, and rainforests, so we chose to base ourselves in Guanacaste and Arenal, as we only had two weeks.

However, for those with different interests, you may find yourself in a completely different part of the country! The great thing about Costa Rica is that each region has so much to offer. For a breakdown of what the different regions are best suited for, click here! 

When to Visit Costa Rica

Once you’ve decided where you’d like to visit in Costa Rica and for how long, you’ll want to decide when. Costa Rica’s climate is tropical, and warm year round, making it a great destination at any time of year.

It is important to note that there are two seasons, the dry season and wet season. Depending on which region (or regions) you plan on visiting, you will want to research the weather before you go. Costa Rica is actually home to quite a few micro-climates, so weather will differ according to your destination of choice. 

Dry Season: December to April

Dry season is typically from December to April, and consists of lots of sun and very little rain. Some areas even dry out and become quite desert-like! Temperatures are typically a bit warmer during this time. The dry season is the highest season in terms of tourism, so you’ll find that prices tend to be higher during these months. 

Wet Season: May to November

The wet season, also called the “green season,” is characterized by lots of rain. Temperatures can be a little cooler, but still warm enough for shorts, sandals, and swimming. Thanks to all of the rain, the countryside becomes quite green and truly comes to life. The green season is the lowest season for tourists, and you’ll find that many accommodations and excursions offer lower rates during these times.

Many locals recommend visiting during the green season for these reasons! I was nervous to visit Costa Rica during the green season, but I found that, for the most part, it rained for just a few hours in the afternoon. We actually ended up with a day or two with no rain at all!

That being said, if you hate rain, or are only planning on a few days in Costa Rica with a jam-packed itinerary, you will definitely want to consider heading to Costa Rica in the dry season to avoid it raining on your parade! 

Getting to Costa Rica

There are two possible airports to fly into when visiting Costa Rica, Liberia (LIR) and San José (SJO). When choosing an airport, you’ll want to consider where you are staying so you can fly into the closest one. It is typically recommended that you avoid staying near the airports, so you can get out of the city and instead begin your vacation right away!

Be sure to research your local airport options and choose the flight package that best suits you. Check for flights on Kiwi.com or CheapOAir.

Transportation in Costa Rica

Renting a Car

I typically avoid renting a car whenever possible, but I have to admit that in Costa Rica, your best option for getting around is renting a car. Renting a car will give you the flexibility that public transportation won’t, and help make your schedule a lot more efficient. 

Check here for rates

While renting a car may seem expensive up front, you will actually be able to save money by driving to excursions, instead of needing to book all of your excursions with hotel pickup. Some words of advice when driving: 

• Locals can sometimes drive a little recklessly because they know the roads much better than us tourists! 
• Get out of the city-if you are nervous about driving, your best bet is to get out of a big city ASAP for more relaxed driving and less traffic. 
• Use Waze to help navigate. We got along just fine with Google Maps, but many locals recommend Waze for accurate directions. 
• Our rental company recommended we didn’t drive at night, as in many areas lighting is dim (or non-existent). We always made sure our days ended with enough time to drive home before sundown. 

Shuttles

If you are nervous about renting a car in Costa Rica, have the budget, or hate driving, you can also consider using private or shared shuttles to get around. This can be a great option if you aren’t on a tight budget, or if you are planning on spending most of your time in one or two locations and need an airport transfer. 

Check here for airport transfers and ground transport options

Bus

For those on a budget, buses are a great option when it comes to getting around Costa Rica. The public transportation is actually quite reliable and affordable, however, buses take much longer than driving, and sometimes you’ll have to switch buses multiple times. Also, buses don’t typically reach those off-the-beaten path places that you’re better off driving to.

Be sure to research the bus schedule beforehand to make sure they can get you to any areas you are hoping to go. However, if you are an adventurous, budget-conscious traveler with lots of time in Costa Rica, then this might just do the trick! Just make sure you are comfortable with public transit and long stretches of travel. 

Taxi/Uber

For shorter distances, a taxi or Uber is a great solution. Uber tends to be cheaper than a taxi, however Uber is only in select cities at the moment, like San José. Great if you need to get from the airport to town! 

Currency

The local currency in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colón, or colones (plural). US Dollars are actually accepted in many places, but you’ll also want to withdraw cash from an ATM to use during your trip. 

Prepaid SIM Card

If you don’t have an international cell phone plan, don’t spend any extra money to get one! Simply purchase an affordable prepaid SIM card while at the airport or in a local grocery store. Having data is a great way to navigate, translate, and communicate while visiting Costa Rica.

Accommodation in Costa Rica

I always recommend booking your accommodation as early as possible to get the best selection and deals on hotels. Costa Rica is a popular destination for families, backpackers, and luxury vacationers alike, which means that there are a wide variety of properties to suit every style and budget. Keep in mind that green season prices are usually lower. 

Hostels

I recommend using Hostelworld to find the best hostels in the areas you are looking into visiting. There are some really awesome hostels in Costa Rica, and prices typically range from $15-$20 per night. Great for budget travelers as well as solo travelers looking to meet people! 

Airbnbs & Vacation Rentals

Airbnbs and vacation rentals are great if you’re looking for a more independent place to relax or are planning on cooking a lot of your own food while in Costa Rica. Selecting a rental with a kitchen can save you a lot of money by limiting meals out.

Keep in mind that there is no front desk, so it may be more difficult to book excursions and have your questions answered. Also, be sure to thoroughly read reviews beforehand! 

Hotels

Hotels range in price from more affordable to super luxurious. You can use Hotels.com or Booking to compare prices and locations. Once you think you’ve found a property you like, be sure to check if booking on the hotel’s website is any cheaper. Hotels often have amenities like a pool or gym, and many include breakfast. They’re also often happy to help you arrange excursions or tours in the area. 

All-Inclusive Resorts

If you are looking to sit back and relax on your vacation, then an all inclusive resort may be for you. You’ll have all the amenities, food, and drink you’ll need on property. This can get expensive, but is great if you don’t want to drive around much and would rather be based in one place. Like other hotels, all inclusive resorts often work with local tour companies to arrange any off-property excursions. 

Some of the top resorts include Fiesta Resort All Inclusive, Hotel Los Lagos Spa & Resort, and Parador Resort and Spa.

Costa Rica Travel Tips: What to Do & See

There are so many things to see and do in Costa Rica! Nature tours, zip-lining, canyoning, bird watching, scuba diving, white water rafting, soaking in hot springs, hiking through the rainforest-you won’t be lacking in unique experiences! Here are some tips I learned when planning my visit:

Research before you go.

Though I recommend booking excursions after you arrive, it never hurts to do your research before you travel. If you have a rough idea of what excursions you’re interested in upon arrival, you’ll have an easier time selecting and booking them once you are in Costa Rica.

It can be overwhelming booking everything once you’re on vacation, but if you know what tours you are looking for, it will be easy to sort through the many offerings your hotel may provide. Check through Viator to get an idea of the excursions and tours you want to do.

Book when you arrive.

If you are staying in a hotel, I recommend waiting until you arrive to book any specific tours. Your hotel may have relationships with local tour operators, and you might be able to get a lower rate this way. 

Be sure to budget.

Think about how much excursions cost when planning your trip. You’ll want to make sure you have funds available to check off everything from your Costa Rica bucket list! 

Nature tours are worth it.

My family and I did a guided walk through Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. It cost a bit extra to go with a guide, but without his expert eye, we never would have noticed a tiny red tree frog, several beautiful species of local birds, and even a sloth! If you are into wildlife, the extra money might be worth it! 

For some other nature tours, try these:

• Mangrove Monkey Tour
• Sloth Watching Experience
• Costa Rica Canopy Tour

Sometimes the best things in life are free.

Concerned about budget when it comes to excursions? Well then, you are in luck, so much of what Costa Rica has to offer is natural beauty. All of the beaches in Costa Rica are free for the public to access, and many of the national parks are either free or have a small entrance fee. You don’t have to spend a lot on excursions when there are many ways to enjoy Costa Rica for less. 

Food and Drink

Restaurants

When it comes to dining in Costa Rica, I recommend doing as the locals do and dining in “sodas.” These restaurants serve delicious local dishes (oftentimes dishes that include rice and beans) and are more affordable than many restaurants clearly catering to tourists. I usually try to ask locals where the best places to eat are in town! 

Tipping

In Costa Rica, tips are not typically expected, as there is usually a service charge added onto your meal. However, in touristy areas, a small tip may be commonplace for great service. 

Water

Great news! The water in Costa Rica is safe to drink, so feel free to pack that reusable water bottle! The only exception to this rule is some more rural locations within the country. When in doubt, just ask your hotel reception or Airbnb host if you aren’t sure. 

What to Pack

In addition to the clothing and toiletries you’ll be packing, don’t forget these items when traveling to Costa Rica! 

• Passport
• Raincoat
• Umbrella
• Quick dry towel
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Water shoes
• Hiking boots or sneakers

Don’t forget to have some sort of travel insurance, especially if you’re planning a more active trip. We recommend World Nomads for total coverage, and you can check the full review here.

There you have it, my top Costa Rica travel tips for planning your own adventure you’ll remember for years to come! What are you most excited to do in Costa Rica?

Check out some of Catalina’s other posts:

• 5 Stunning Photo Locations In Santorini
• The 10 Best-Kept Secrets In Florence
• The Ultimate New Orleans Girls’ Weekend Itinerary

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As two weeks passed by in Panama, and Silvia and I were ended out trip in Bocas Del Toro, people kept saying “ah, you’ve been to San Blas so you’ll find Bocas a let down”. We were like “oh no!” and worried about it a bit. We are both 30-ish and over our party backpacking days. Bocas Del Toro is a party place on the main island of Colon but being on the island of Bastimentos, hiding out at the Red Frog Beach Resort was our saving grace! I’ll share about the resort here – and you can read my article on what you need to know before you go to Bocas Del Toro here.

The infinity pool was great, and yes, we saw a sloth in the wild here!

Fruit juices and cocktails are all around $5 so you can get your drink on and stay on budget all day if you want, by the pool or beach

Red Frog Beach Resort Review

The resort is one of the more well-known ones is Bocas Del Toro and has around 60 villas (we stayed in a villa) and some Bali-style jungle lodges which are a bit cheaper but really cute. The villas are more “modern” I’d say. They don’t have tropical jungle vibes and you can tell they are built to please the Americans visiting. Really, it reminds me of cabins we have in Ohio at the National Parks and such – affordable, convenient, and great for families.

Here is a look around our villa.

The villa was fully stocked but did need some repairs. The main bathroom in the hall had a toilet that always ran when you flushed and the shower didn’t turn on so I had to share with Silvia. I’m sure if I had told maintenance, they would have fixed it but I didn’t really mind. The A/C was wonderful, beds were comfy and we used the fully-stocked kitchen to cook two nights while we watched old 90’s movies and did some blogging work.

We stayed for four nights, which meant we had time to go to both on-site restaurants, the spa, and explore both Red Frog Beach and Turtle Beach which is the resorts private beach. One thing to note is that the sea is rough here and we could not swim – however, it is rainy season and in peak season it might be safer.

The food was really nice, not amazing, but this is an island resort so you can’t really expect Michelin star. Everything we had was nice, though, and ranged around $15 for a meal. Had we paid more like $25 we could have gotten lobster, etc but we had already eaten a lot of that in other places in Panama.

They have one restaurant by the pool and one on the beach. At the beach, try the fried prawns – yum! I fed the tails to the little dogs that became my besties. This resort was a really nice place to relax and end our trip in Panama. It’s a quick 10-minute boat ride to town and from there just 3 minutes to the aiport by car (included in the price of the room) so it’s good even for before you fly out. We had a 740 flight and it was totally okay. We left with a group of other guests.

If you stay, BONUS: you’ll get to meet this dog and his brother. I called them Boca and Chica and they came to find me every day (or so I like to think). Such cuties!

Check out Red Frog Beach Resort here.

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If you looked up any article about the most well-designed boutique hotel in Panama City, you will inevitably end up with the result of the American Trade Hotel. I know I did! I stayed here for three nights when I first got to Panama City out of the five nights I was there.  This is part of the Small Luxury Hotels Collection of the World and deservedly so – it’s so beautiful!

The American Trade Hotel also has an incredible history, as does the whole area of Casco Viejo. Not too long ago, this was a “no-go” zone with gangs and violence. In 1997, it became a UNESCO town and they cleared out the rif-raf. That meant smoking out this building because there were gang members squatting here. It was a tough time, but necessary for the growth of Panama City and to help with tourism.

They renovated the hotel, and many other buildings in Casco Viejo (still in progress) and it’s now the trendiest place in Panama City – and safe, to boot!

American Trade Hotel Review

The entrance.

It’s in a perfect location in a main square in the middle of Casco Viejo. From here, you can easily walk anywhere or hail a taxi/Uber to the other parts of town.

Yes, that’s Aesop!

The amenities here were wonderful and I won’t lie – a bottle of that lotion came with me on the rest of the trip! The room service menu was full of yummy affordable choices, some under $10. The shower was huge and I loved the design of the tiles. The bedroom was simple and sweet but felt very cozy and the windows actually opened up to an amazing view. I loved the painted wooden walls!

Breakfast was included, and so good!

There is a small breakfast menu to choose from that is included in the room rate. I tried the omelet and the pancakes. You also get all kinds of yummy things with it and coffee/tea. The dining area was the best – I loved the tropical boho style and couldn’t help but take a few photos in there!

If you want to book the American Trade Hotel, you can check prices and availability here. I suggest booking well-enough ahead in the peak season (October – February) as it is by far the most popular hotel in the city.

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After a few days sailing in the San Blas islands, living the island life, I have never felt happier than when I walked into my giant room at Las Clementinas in Casco Viejo back in Panama City.

Recently Casco Viejo has been going through huge renovations and this little apartment/hotel is one of the most famous places to stay based on how freaking adorable it is! We were on the top floor of a walk-up and at first, I wasn’t sure what it would be like since it seems like an older building, but they have done such an incredible job designing these rooms and adding every luxury touch you could want. Even better, each room is totally different! I had a very calm, sleek room and Silvia had a bright kind of modern room. Let’s take a look!

Las Clementinas Apartment Review

The apartments come complete with bedrooms, dining/living room, kitchen, and bathrooms.

On the bed was a little guide to Casco Viejo written by the couple who own the hotel and live in the area. It was a really cute touch and made the place feel like home. The whole decor in my room was laid-back and relaxing. I didn’t want to leave!

In the kitchen, you can ask ahead of time to stock breakfast.

Since these are serviced apartments, not a hotel, there isn’t a restaurant inside (although there is one connected next door). So if you don’t want to be bothered going to the grocery store, you can ask them to put your breakfast items in the fridge.

The living room and bathroom were both decorated so cute, as well!

There were books and newspapers as well as robes and Algotherm products in the bathrooms. There was a TV in the bedroom and I tried to brush up on my Spanish watching the Simpsons before bed!

If you want to book the Las Clementinas, you can check prices and availability here. I suggest booking well-enough ahead in the peak season (October – February) as it is very popular and there are not a lot of rooms, which helps keep the charm!

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After 16 days in the small country of Panama, I am so excited to share with you everything I learned while there and help you be as prepared as possible for a trip of your own. Panama is an exciting destination that offers so much from sea to jungle, culture to nightlife and very varied experiences. This is a very comprehensive Panama travel guide broken into standard things to know before your trip like getting a SIM and budget tips as well as what to do while you’re there. I have added a map of the top towns to visit, tour options, the top experiences to have in Panama, and much more.

While 16 days isn’t a lifetime, it’s quite a while for such a small country and I have covered a lot of ground in that time which this blog post in mind so I kept notes throughout and want to make sure you’re prepared budget-wise and also have all the best experiences Panama can offer on your first visit.

Panama Travel Guide

Panama travel guide: things to know before you visit Panama

When to visit Panama

The peak travel time in Panama is December to April with the rest of the time being the rainy season, but there is never really a time that it is guaranteed not to rain. The country is mostly rainforests and gets rain all year round. If you travel in the off-season like I did, it will rain but it’s quick showers that pass by and you still get tons of sunny days.

Festivals in Panama

If you want to plan your stay around some popular festivals, you can check out this calendar which lists them out.

How long to stay in Panama

I stayed for 16 days. This was more than enough to see the top “tourist” places and beyond. I think two weeks is the ideal time but even with one week, you can see quite a bit.

Here is my two-week travel itinerary for Panama.

International flights in and out of Panama vs. entering overland

Panama City is connected between Colombia and Costa Rica. You can enter Panama from Costa Rica, which many backpackers do. You can also come on a sailing trip from Colombia through the shared San Blas Islands but you cannot enter overland from Colombia unless you want to take a huge risk. You can read here about this area of the world ‘The Darien Gap’, which is barely traveled, and a bit dangerous. The main way to enter Panama is through the Tocumen International airport in Panama City. I came from Mexico with Aeromexico but most major airlines fly here and Panama City is a good place to start and finish your trip.

Transportation around Panama: taxis, Uber, budget shuttles, domestic flights, cheap local buses

There are taxis everywhere and they use the meter or will tell you the price ahead of time. Ours always said $3 or $5 and didn’t hassle us at all. Uber was about the same price and we found Uber reliable and safe when we used it in Panama City, however, I don’t think it’s available outside of there.

Between cities, many travelers choose to use the tourist shuttle buses which are around $30 for most routes and are economically a good option. Budget travelers tend to go for local buses which are just a few bucks but take much much longer as they stop often. You can hire drivers/taxis between cities for usually around $100-$200 depending on the distance and if you are splitting with friends this can be a great way to get around.

You could rent a car yourself which is a very easy way to get around and most likely the cheapest. The roads are very safe, paved, and wide and you won’t have a problem driving yourself.

Lastly, you can fly between the bigger destinations into hubs like David and Bocas Del Toro from the small Albrook Airport in Panama City with Air Panama. I did this a few times and it was wonderful. Flights anywhere are only an hour and they are around $100. More detailed information is in the itinerary later.

Visas For Panama

Most nationalities like all of the EU, USA, Aus, Canada, and a huge list do not require visas to enter Panama. You can see the list here. When you enter Panama, you can stay for 180 days as a tourist. I was put through the fast-tracked line at the airport and got a piece of paper NOT a stamp in my passport but Silvia, who flew separate, went through the normal line and got a stamp. I’m not sure how they choose this, but they pulled me out of line. Either way is fine but if you are like me, then you need to keep that piece of paper for when you leave or when you fly domestically.

How to get a SIM card in Panama

It’s very easy and cheap to get a SIM card in Panama. When you get to Panama City, go to Avenida Central and go into any phone shop. Buy a Digicel SIM which is $1. Then get two weeks of credit which is unlimited for $10. This is super easy and for us worked like a charm. Digicel has the most coverage and I even got signal out in the San Blas Islands.

Health, Safety, Solo Travel, Culture, and Language in Panama

Panama is a very clean, safe country overall. While there are some regions that are less safe, like Colon (which apparently has pirates), our only real concern here would be a small scam or pickpocketing like anywhere in the world.

The people speak Spanish here and many will know English. But, in more rural areas it is helpful to know some basic Spanish. You can dress how you’d like – it’s not conservative or anything like that. Traveling solo here might be a bit boring in my opinion as it’s not a big backpackers country overall, but it’s safe to do.

Packing for Panama

I have written a post dedicated to packing in Panama and tips on what to wear in Panama which you can read here.

Currency and budget tips for Panama

In Panama when you go to the ATM, you will get US Dollars. While the “Balboa” is the Panamanian currency, the USD is equal to it and used more often than the Balboa. When you get change at a shop, it might be coins from Panama. It’s okay to intermix it.

Panama is fairly expensive and comparable to the rest of Central America, widely recognized as the most expensive country. But, keep in mind it’s still much cheaper than the USA or UK for example and you can easily travel on a budget here staying at $15 hostels, $100 nice hotels, and $200-300 luxury hotels. Transportation is also tiered very cheap ($5 for a long local bus ride or $200 for a taxi for 5 hours). You can make your own budget here and definitely stay under $30/day if you wanted or even less if you didn’t do tours and ate street food.

Lodging styles in Panama: where to book, where I stayed, unique stays

There are 5-star and chain hotels in Panama City but the rest of Panama is mostly B&Bs, boutique hotels, lodges, and other independent style hotels. I loved this and it added to the charm. There are also hostels in all the places tourists would go in Panama, so there are going to be budget options.

Airbnb is a great option in Panama as there are cute apartments in Casco Viejo (the trendy part of Panama City), tree houses in Bocas Del Toro, and sailboats in San Blas. If you book through them, this link will give you $40 off. Browse Airbnb’s in Panama here.

We stayed in some amazing hotels in Panama. Here are a few of my favorites which I’ll link to through booking.com since that is the main booking site in Panama (so more places will be listed there than other sites). These are the most popular and beautiful hotels in Panama. There are more which I mention in posts about each destination, but these are my favorite ones.

• Panamonte Hotel, Boquete
• Casa Azul, Boquete
• Casa Cayuco, Bocas Del Toro
• La Loma Jungle Lodge and Choco Farm, Bocas Del Toro
• Finca Vela Lodge, Bocas Del Toro
• American Trade Hotel, Panama City
• Clementinas, Panama City
• Isla Palenque, Boca Chica (island)

Local Panamanian food

Panama has delicious food! Panamanian food is great (and has a Caribbean twist with a focus on seafood) but you’ll also find Italian, Mexican, and more here. A simple dish here would be beans, rice, some chicken with spice on it, and some plantain chips or the famous Panama chicken stew (which is yummy!). Everything is very fresh and locally made – that was the vibe we got in all the areas we traveled. If you don’t like seafood you might struggle in the San Blas islands where they don’t have meat. There is no electricity to keep it cold). You will need to pack snacks if you don’t eat meat or seafood.

Top towns to visit in Panama with a map

The top towns in Panama to visit are Panama City (and the surrounding Gamboa Rainforest), San Blas Islands (now called Guna Yala), Boquete (in the mountains where the Baru Volcano is), the Gulf of Chiriqui (to see the whales and forest), and Bocas Del Toro. If you’re into surfing and yoga, then you will want to check out Santa Catalina.

David a hub to get from Panama City to Chiriqui by flight. David will get you just an hour from both Boca Chica (to get down to the whales) or Boquete (to go to the mountains. As you can see the small country has very cool landscapes from the Caribbean to the Pacific and the city to the jungle. There is a lot to see which is why I say you’ll want at least a week.

Two-week itinerary for Panama

I spent 16 days in Panama, however, 14 would have sufficed. I have written up a detailed itinerary of my time there for 14 days (taking out what I felt I would change if I did it again) and also added in a one-week itinerary. You can read this here and have a good idea of how your trip will go and how to get from point A to point B.

Tour companies to consider in Panama

Once you reach Panama, you’ll see travel agencies on every street where you can book day tours. If you want a tour planned for the whole country, I recommend booking with G Adventures who do a “Best of Panama” tour for $799 for 8 days. That includes internal transport (which is two flights), your Panama canal tickets, your hotels, day-tours, and activities. You can check out all the details here. The tour ends in Panama City and covers the top places except for San Blas, so you could extend and go to San Blas on your own if you wanted.

Top experiences and things to do in Panama

You will see sloths, eat good food, see starfish, meet tribal Indians, shop til you drop, stay at amazing B&B, have jungle adventures, and more. I made a list of the top 37 experiences to have in Panama so that you don’t leave with FOMO (fear of missing out). You can read it here.

Yoga retreats in Panama

Most yoga retreats in Panama are in Santa Catalina. This is kind of on its own in comparison of the rest of Panama and not something I could fit on my itinerary. Most people who go here for retreats fly into Panama City and have transportation arranged. It’s kind of dead center in the South of the country.

The most trusted site for yoga retreats is bookyoagretreats.com which has reviews set up like TripAdvisor. The top-ranked retreat is this one which is $1200 for 7 days. It includes all your meals, lodging, airport transfer, 5 surf lessons, 5 yoga lessons, and some local tours. it looks beautiful!

What to buy in Panama and tips on negotiating

I’m a shopper but let me tell you – there was not an awful lot I wanted to buy in Panama. I got two famous Panama hats (which range from $15-300); one was plain for $15 and one had stripes for $30. I bought some traditional Panamanian shoes for $10. I bought all this from one woman and originally it was $15 for the shoes but she gave me $5/off since I got three things. So, negotiating here is necessary but it’s not going to make a huge difference.

In Boquete, I got some net bags. One shop told me $15 and I thought that can’t be right but couldn’t be bothered to negotiate. Later, someone told me $6. I told her I’ll take 4 of them if they are $5 and she agreed. I didn’t buy anything other than this. The rest of the items were colorful backpacker things. I didn’t see any homewares that weren’t tacky. You can get some small souvenirs and chocolate or coffee to take home to friends. A bottle of rum is also a nice idea.

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While my post on what to wear in Panama was a fun, breakdown of ALL my outfits, here’s a bit more of a practical Panama packing list that goes into all my clothes, accessories, toiletries, and more.

Like I mentioned in the other post, traveling around Panama means being ready for a lot of different areas — from the more metropolitan Panama City to the tropical San Blas, backpacker party places Bocas Del Toro, to the mountainous Boquete and many more place, so you want to pack to be prepared!

Your Complete Panama Packing List:

Luggage or Backpack for Panama?

I took a rolling luggage because my backpacking days are over, but most travelers had backpacks or rolling duffels, so if you have one, you might want to bring it. You cannot take luggage with you to San Blas (you have to leave it at your hotel in Panama City) so you DO need to take at least a day-pack. I have a [easyazon_link identifier=”B075LQWVG3″ locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]thin LeSportsac backpack[/easyazon_link] that I took which came in handy for the beach as well.

Rolling luggage is totally possible and good to protect from the rain, but if you are staying at budget places where carry your own luggage so prepared to carry your heavy bag! I used Raden luggage, which is on my list of the most stylish for travel.

1 Day Pack

1 Purse

For this trip, I took an ancient leather tan purse from Fossil. It’s one of my favorite brands for purses and they last forever – I think it is at least 8 years old. You can check out all their current leather bags here or shop some styles below:

Clothes

Several Casual dresses + jumpsuits

You’ll pretty much live in casual dresses and jumpsuits as they work well for the city and more tropical beaches. I didn’t even bring jeans or jean shorts, that’s how much I knew I’d be in a dress (like this one!) or jumpsuit (my favorite jumpsuit here).

Shop some of my dresses below

2 of Hiking Tops

• Anatomie Windbreaker
• Old T-Shirt

1 of Hiking Bottoms

• My leggings here are from Lilybod.

2 Sets of Yoga Outfits

I took two sets of Stronger yoga outfits (one that was a crop top and one that was a full tank top). I also took a pair of Lilybod leggings and about 3 tee shirts. This was just enough! These were just for shorter hikes and lounging around. Some other brands for yoga wear that are nice:

• Fabletics
• Athleta
• Sweaty Betty
• FP Movement by Free People

1 Raincoat

Bring a raincoat! I brought a long-ish black raincoat from North Face that I always travel with. I also took a windbreaker which was from Anatomie. It’s very very thin and can be scrunched up into nothingness (it basically takes up no space and adds no weight). It was perfect for tying around my waist for hikes since it would get colder as we went higher.

2 Light Sweaters/Coverups

I took two sweater-ish things. One is a linen button up in tan that I wear all the time and just think is perfect for travel and the other is a cute black activewear top from Under Armor. Both came in handy a lot.

6 Swimsuits

Practically speaking, you really only need one. However, I took 6 swimsuits because I wanted to mix it up! I took 3 from Montce (my new favorite brand), 2 from Ris-k Swim, and 1 from Acacia (one is the bright pink underwire one that I love so so much).

20 Pairs of Undies

I did not want to do laundry on this trip so I took 20 pairs of underwear, lol. You’ll be going from beach to days in town to the beach etc and changing in and out of your swimsuit a lot so take extra.

2 Bras

I also took two types of bra: one is a thin underwire that has not much to it (yes, I’ve decided to try real sort of real bras now and not just bralettes) and feels like a t-shirt, the other is a little more material but still no padding and it’s the Body By Victoria demi cup in nude.

2 Sets of PJs

I took a set of Homebodii satin pink PJ’s (shorts and a top) and another set from them that is a romper with a robe. That’s mainly because I knew I’d be taking photos in the hotel for the blog but you should take some PJs and I will link to these because a lot of people asked about them on social media.

Shop Homebodii Loungewear Below

A Pair of Loose Trousers

I also took a loose pair of trousers pictured below in the second photo that was great to throw on the beach

Shoes to Pack for Panama

1 Pair of Flip Flops

Mine are from Reef, and I’ve talked about them before in my favorite travel shoes post.

2 Pair of Nicer Sandals

• Ugg Slip-On Leather Sandals (Check out my review here) (similar here)
• James Smith Platforms (similar here)

2 Pairs of Outdoorsy Shoes

• 1 Pair Tevas “Tirra” Sandals in Blue (buy here)
• 1 Pair of Tennis Shoes (old Adidas Sambas) for hikes

You could also bring a pair of boots if you have them as Sylvia did. I didn’t have any here in Mexico and ended up being okay without them. Overall, I’d take the same shoes next time! They fit into one small packing cube and didn’t take up too much space.

Shop the shoes below

Accessories

1 Umbrella

Yes, really! You can get travel-sized ones now too.

2 Hats

• Old Yankees hat
• Straw hat (similar here)

1 Headlamp

I didn’t bring one, but I wish I had! You can get them for pretty cheap off of Amazon.

1-2 Sarongs

They work as additional cover-ups. I love the ones from Acacia.

1 Fanny pack

Yes – my new love, the Patagonia fanny pack! They’re great for the hiking.

Sunglasses

I pretty much lived in my Ray-Ban Clubmasters. (Check out 8 of my other favorite brands here)

Shop accessories below

The Toiletries

These days I travel with a straightener to add waves to my hair. I ended up doing this only one day in Panama City and you can tell a difference because it’s basically the only time people have messaged me to say “your hair looks so cute on Instagram today!” haha. It’s a GHD straightener, which you can get at Sephora.

Otherwise, I took:

• Aveda Blue Malva shampoo and conditioner (check out my review here)
• A Comb
• Body lotion (and some other drug store faves)
• Mia Clarisonic
• Biore face wash (other favorite Biore products here)
• Sea salt spray for waves
• It’s a 10 conditioner
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Clinique moisture surge lotion (my review here)
• Make-up basics (like eyeliner!)
• Sun Bum Sunscreen, the sun is much hotter here!

I also did try a new concealer, the Smashbox one, and it’s amazing! You can check out all my favorite beauty products of the moment here.

Shop the toiletries I used below

Misc items you need to pack for Panama

• Snacks, for real
• Sea bands, so much time on boats and windy roads
• Tylenol & Dramamine, had a headache from the boats and roads haha
• Bug spray, you really do need this, I had to borrow all the time because I forgot!
• USA chargers are what their wall sockets use
• An unlocked phone to put in a Panama SIM card
• Headphones for the long car rides (these are the comfiest)
• Travel towel, I’m loving my compact Tesalate one! It’s sand-resistant, big, but takes up no space. You can use code “hippieinheels15” for 15% off.
• Cortisone for the bug bites you are going to get all over your body
• Portable chargers 15,000 MAH
• [easyazon_link identifier=”B00OQVZDJM” locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]Kindle[/easyazon_link]
• Camera & extra batteries (You can read my review of the one I use)
• You could consider the [easyazon_link identifier=”B01BKFQALG” locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]Handpresso[/easyazon_link] for times you won’t have coffee! This little thing is a travel life-changer and you can have strong, tasty, espresso on the go. So many places just have instant coffee which I cannot stand so I love this. I have it in pink!

Read More Tips on Panama Travel:

• Complete Panama Travel Guide
• Full Two Week Itinerary
• 16 Things to Do in Boquete
• 27 Things to Do in Panama That Are Actually Cool
• Essential Things to Know Before Visiting San Blas
• 13 Things to Know Before You Visit Bocas Del Toro

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You can see a lot in Panama in two weeks. I stayed for a little over two weeks and felt it was plenty of time. In fact, I would have maybe gotten bored if I had stayed on longer and felt like the places I visited covered the various regions of Panama from sea to jungle, luxe to eco. I really strived to see all the sides of the country while I was there and am excited to share my 2 week Panama itinerary with you!

First of all, make sure you read my other Panama articles:

• Panama Travel Guide (an intro on all things Panama like visa, safety, transportation, etc)
• 37 must-have experiences to have in Panama
• Full Packing list for Panama (coming soon)
• The exact outfits I packed for Panama

For each of the places below on the itinerary, I also have more articles on each destination so won’t be going into detail on what to do in each place and will instead link to the articles I wrote on each place. I want to make sure you know where to go, in what order, and how to get to each of them in a budget-friendly way.

It’s not hard to see how to spend two weeks in Panama without getting bored – but these are really the top places to see and unless you have a real draw to this region I think this is pretty sufficient for a first-time visit. In fact, even if you go to Panama for a week or can try to stretch to just 10 days, you can see a lot. I’ll put a reduced itinerary below for one week. I stayed 3 nights longer than this itinerary so to make it two weeks, I took off a night in Panama City and 2 nights in Bocas Del Toro.

Perfect Panama Itinerary for Two Weeks

3 nights in Panama City (you’ll come back again later)

You can fly into Tocumen Airport and get an Uber ($17) or taxi ($30) to your hotel. I recommend staying Casco Viejo. Check out this article to see what to do in Panama City. I recommend staying in the American Trade Hotel or Las Clementinas. If you’re on a budget, check out a hostel in Casco Viejo for around $15.

3 nights in San Blas Islands

The San Blas Islands, or as they are now called Guna Yala Islands, are the best part of Panama. Don’t skip them! You need AT LEAST two nights here. Avoid taking a day trip and really go the extra effort to stay. Here are all my tips on San Blas.

For transportation, all options are listed in my San Blas article but it’s most likely that your hotel will arrange it for you to and from Panama City.

1 night in Panama City (you have to come back here to catch transport onward)

You’ll come back to Panama City for a night. Realistically, you cannot avoid this unless you go to the small airport of Playan Chico airport and fly to David from there (which honestly is an option if you’re short on time). I liked coming back to Panama City to regroup after being in the islands and have some good food, nightlife, and a comfortable hotel before heading off again.

Fly to David

You’ll fly to David which is the hub of the Western side of the country and is located just an hour from both Boquete and Boca Chica, which are both top tourist places to visit.

3 nights in the Gulf of Chiriqui, near Boca Chica

First, we went down to the Gulf Chiriqui which makes the most sense time-wise. You can come down here to get some of the Pacific vibes of Panama since Bocas Del Toro and San Blas are on the Caribbean side. This is the prime place for whale watching. I stayed on the epic Isla Palenque which you can read about here. I had the hotel arrange transportation, but there are taxis and buses that can take you from David airport to Bocas Chica which takes about 45 minutes.

2 nights in Boquete

You can take a bus or hire a taxi to take you up to Boquete. You’ll go back the way you came and it takes about two hours to reach Boquete, which is a mountain town located in a beautiful valley next to Baru Volcano. You can do adventure activities here and enjoy the cold fresh air. You can read my Boquete travel guide here.

2 nights in Bocas Del Toro

From Boquete, you can head to Bocas Del Toro which takes a little under 4 hours. This time, I did a tourist shuttle but you can go by bus or taxi as well. My shuttle was $30. Remember, in my Panama Guide and information on each place I have more details You can read my article 13 things you need to know before visiting Bocas Del Toro here.

Fly back to Panama City

From Bocas Del Toro, you can fly back to Panama City with Air Panama for $100, landing at Albrook Airport. It’s a $25 taxi to the main international airport to catch your flight home. Flights leave Bocas at 740 AM or 10 AM. They can sometimes be canceled due to weather apparently, but it was raining and gloomy when we left and they still took off so I imagine it’d have to be pretty bad weather.

Panama in One Week

If you only have one week to spend in Panama, don’t fret – you can still see some cool places! I’ll walk you through a one-week itinerary for Panama.

Panama City – 3 Nights

Day Trip to San Blas – technically one of the days you are in Panama

Fly to David early morning and spend 1 day and night in Boquete

Arrange transport in the morning to Chiriqui and stay in Boca Chica for 2 nights

Fly out to Panama City to catch a flight home

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Bocas Del Toro is probably the most famous tourist town in Panama after Panama City (which most people visit just to see the canal). Many people who visit Bocas Del Toro are backpackers coming across the border from Costa Rica and it definitely has a backpacker vibe. I stayed here for four nights, which was at least two nights too many (sorry, Bocas-lovers!). I found it very touristy and not exactly as portrayed online in Bocas Del Toro travel guides.

When I say this is a small town, I mean really small! The main town is on Isla Colon and that is where they run a lot of the popular Bocas Del Toro tours from. Basically, every shop is a travel agent. You don’t have to stay on this island, though, and before arriving it can be confusing trying to decide which area/island is best for you – as well as deciding if you need to be close to the airport or main island for early morning departures! These were things I couldn’t really find information on and I want to kind of sum up my top Bocas Del Toro tips and also just tell you what to expect when you visit here and a peak of the vibe I got from it – and honestly, why I didn’t really love it.

Read More: 37 Things to do in Panama that are actually cool

13 Things to Know Before Visiting Bocas Del Toro Panama

1. Getting there is easy and cheap but the shuttles are jam-packed

We took a tourist shuttle from Boquete to Bocas which should have taken an hour less than it did – we stopped for an HOUR long coffee break on a 3.5-hour trip. Who does that? The shuttles are packed full and luggage goes on top. It poured rain the whole way for us. Luckily we had hard-shell bags but those with backpacks had put them in trash bags before going (they still got wet). Alternatively, you can hire a driver. We had used a private service from Boca Chica to Boquete which was $70 per person. We decided not to use them from Boquete to Bocas Del Toro to save money. They quoted us $172 in total and you can contact them here: ventas@cloudforestours.com.

2. Isla Colon is a backpacker’s zone and party-place

if you’re over that, older, or more of a quiet person you might want to stay on Bastimentos (Red Frog Beach) or Cristobal Island. On Isla Colon, it’s a small town with backpacker hostels dotted around. There is where your transportation will take you. Remember, it’s an island. That means, the shuttle can only take you to the port where you will catch a boat to Isla Colon and from there you will go to the island you are staying on. Make sure you include the boat cost in the cost of the shuttle you book. The airport and main town is Isla Colon. Here is a map.

3. Booking online is a must so that they can offer you complimentary transportation if off-island

There are water taxis between islands but this can add up. You’ll want to book ahead so that the hotel will pick you up from Isla Colon and drop you back off. There are offices for the hotels off-island. So, when you arrive to Isla Colon, you need to look on a map to find the office of your hotel and go there. They will then put you on a taxi to your hotel.

4. These are the best boutique hotels there:

On the map above I added to these hotels, too, so you can see where they are. Keep in mind, almost all of the nice hotels are on islands other than Isla Colon since that is the backpacker place. Don’t let this put you off. If you aren’t going to party, you will want to stay off the main island. Even going for a day of shopping and food or to take a tour is enough and it’s just a 10-20 minute boat ride that is usually $5 to go back to Isla Colon. Basically, Isla Colon isn’t all that so think of Bocas as a place to relax and chill – because of that, this is a good place to splurge a bit on a nice boutique hotel in paradise and just chill out there.

Urraca Private Island – This is secluded and beautiful. 

Red Frog Beach Island – This is more of a resort and where I stayed. Full review coming soon!

Bluff Beach Retreat – Closer to the main island and Bluff is meant to be the nicest beach.

La Loma Jungle Lodge and Choco Farm – Only open from Tuesday to Thursday and you have to stay at least two days. We weren’t here on the right days or this would have been a place we stayed for two nights.

Casa Cayuco – This was my number one choice for a hotel but as it was off-season they had different hours and were closed. This is by far the prettiest boutique hotel in Bocas Del Toro.

Finca Vela Lodge – This is the place that was our second favorite choice but was booked up when we got there. Such a bummer because it was beautiful.

Monkey Tree Retreat –  At this hotel, you have treehouse style vibes, which could be cool and has easier access to town but it was roughing it a bit for me after being off the grid in San Blas and Chiriqui just before.

If you want to stay in the main town at a modern hotel, then go to the Tropical Suites Hotel for $100 a night or less. It’s right in Bocas center, less idyllic but since you’re in town it will save money because you can eat at the local places instead of resort restaurants.

5. There are some crazy amazing Airbnb options

There are some very cool Airbnb listings in Bocas Del Toro, from treehouses to hipster homes, to hideaways in the jungle where people staying get to see sloths from their balcony. You can see all the listings here. If you’re new to Airbnb, you can sign up with this link and get $40 off your first booking.

6. Cat-calling is a thing all over Panama

While cat-calling itself isn’t really a big deal and I felt totally safe in Panama, I really wouldn’t go out alone at night here or away from the main areas. We also had some expats warn us not to head out on our own at night – so not really sure what the situation is for safety, but better to be a little cautious and not over-drink.

7. You can rent a bike for the day

Many places are offering bike rentals for just $5 for the day and that is a great way to get around town. It was, unfortunately, raining when we visited, but on a sunny day I’d go for this!

8. The water is not as clear or stunning as San Blas

If you come to Bocas Del Toro after spending time in San Blas, you’ll be kind of disappointed and not want the island tours because it’s just not as stunning. It’s still gorgeous of course, but it’s not really “paradise” as much. There is an island on Bocas Del Toro called Zapatillas Island which you can take day tours to. This is the prettiest island on Bocas Del Toro and it is the “San Blas” scene. If you haven’t been to San Blas this will be your number one place to visit/tour to take. If

9. If you visit Boquete or Chiriqui first, you won’t want the “jungle” vibe tours either

So, basically don’t do Bocas Del Toro last unless you are cool with chilling at your hotel and relaxing to end your perfect trip (which is what we did). The tours are all cool but they are repeats of what you’ll be offered all over Panama. If you don’t take tours there really isn’t anything to do but wander around and chill, which is the point of staying there. Drink, party, mingle with other travelers. Something else to keep in mind is that the main island hotels don’t have beaches. The main island has like a dock and you can’t swim there. So to chill at the beach, you need to take a tour out to another beach.

10. Expect things to be slow-paced 

…. and maybe a little unorganized. We had a hotel cancel on us. A lot is closed off-season. Even our hotel shuttle early in the morning to catch our flights went like this: halfway on the boat to the main island, they realized they forgot two people so we had to go back – then once we reached the office where we were meant to take our complimentary shuttle to the airport, there was no one there and it was locked. So, a guy finally came who paid for a taxi for 3 of us and then had the taxi come back from the airport to get the other 2 people. I guess it’s the chill island vibes and it’s a small laid-back place so it’s not a big deal but worth noting I suppose.

11. Yes, you can see a sloth here on a tour but…

they are on an island called “sloth island” and you are on a boat looking at them. You don’t get on the island with them. We were lucky to see a sloth on Red Frog Beach crossing the road!

12. There are some good places to eat!

In backpacker places, you usually find yummy westernized food and this is no exception. You also have cheap street food and food trucks. There are also oddly A TON of grocery stores. We cooked in two of the nights we were there which was really nice. Just look at TripAdvisor and start by trying the top-ranked ones. We weren’t disappointed with our meals at all. 

13. The airport is TINY and you don’t need to be there very early

Staying off the main island is okay for the early flights and hotels off the main island will have transportation arranged – however, if you are staying at an Airbnb, I would go back to Isla Colon and stay the night before your flight. There are two flights to Panama City with Air Panama at 740 and 10 o clock in the morning. We took the earliest one and you really don’t need to be at the airport until 45 minutes before your flight. 

Read More:

• Panama Travel Guide
• Two Week Panama Itinerary

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The post 13 Things to Know Before Visiting Bocas Del Toro Panama appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

If you haven’t already seen, I’ve been posting a lot of pics on my Instagram of Panama and all my outfits. While I have a more practical, packing list (coming next week), I thought I’d do a fun, stylish guide on what to wear in Panama as well!

Of all the articles I am writing about this country, these tips on what to wear in Panama is the most fun to write. I guess I just love writing about clothes and, being a bit Type A, I like to make sure people are as prepared as possible for their trips!

What to Expect in Panama

The fashion in Panama is pretty diverse since there are different vibes depending on where you go. You have the classy Panama City, the tropical, carefree San Blas,  the seriously adventurous Chiriqui, the young, party feels in Bocas Del Toro and more casual mountain areas like Boquete.

You’ll need a variety of clothes, both adventurous and dressy. Since you guys seemed to really like when I did a similar post for all my outfits in Rajasthan, I wanted to break down what exactly I wore during my Panama vacation!

What to Wear in Panama

My Casual Dresses

I lived in dresses and jumpsuits (like this one!). I didn’t even take jeans or jean shorts! You do not want to know how many dresses I took but I admit it was half of my luggage. They were just too easy and perfect for both laid-back, tropical vibes and for the more classy, city vibes.

Indian Summer Jumpsuit

I love the natural linen this is made with and that it is kind of sporty so you can just relax and feel comfortable while still looking kind of put-together. You can check out this Aussie brand here. I wrote a more in-depth review about it here.

Buy similar here

ASTR the Label Carolina Dress in Cappucino

This dress is so grown-up! I always dress really boho-chic but this was kind of fun because I felt like I was dressing up a little bit. It’s long but it’s low-cut so it’s not too prim and proper. It also fits really well at the waist and I love the wavy shoulders. Read more about my love for it here.

 Buy it here

Free People Love to Love You Midi Dress in Sunkist Combo

THE best dress that I currently own I think! I am actually going to order this is the blush color too. It’s so freaking soft and comfortable. It fits perfectly – tight at the waist but then loose at the hips so it doesn’t cling. I love the embroidery! I was obsessed with this dress.

Buy it here

Solito Sun Dress

I love linen at the moment. This dress is so soft, the colors are really light and beautiful and I love the tie straps.

Buy it here

C/MEO Be About You Green Floral Midi Dress

I usually never wear these very “wow” dresses but I just loved this flamenco style dress when I saw it online and for once in my life actually felt like I had curves wearing this! It was so perfect for Panama City and the top fits really nicely. Obsessed. It was perfect for Panama.

Buy it here

Faithfull the Brand Sybil Off-the-Shoulder Crop Top + Skirt

Pretty sure this is still one sale so get it before it’s gone! I love this set and it’s perfect because wrap skirts are always flattered then add on a high-waist and it’s golden! I gush about it some more here.

Buy the top here and the skirt here

Urban Outfitters Amber Button-Down Linen Midi Dress

I grabbed this at U.O. in July and have been wearing it nearly every day to the point I’m afraid it’s going to stretch out or break! I love this dress so much and it’s so cheap! Definitely will consider getting another color in this one – but this striped colorful one was perfect for the beaches of Bocas Del Toro! It’s a very soft stretchy cotton.

Buy it here

ASTR the Label Elena Linen Midi Dress

This has a 90’s square cut top which I love and has tie-up sides – but it’s long so it balances out and still feels somewhat conservative. It’s also on sale, haha! More ASTR dresses here.

Buy it here

Anthropologie Lenora Tassled Tunic Dress

I’m doing a whole article about this dress on my other website, Omni Curated, today because I love it so much. You can read it here. They have it in cream too but it’s sadly sold out in my size or I’d get it! This dress is so amazing and I also just wore it to a conference in New York and everyone was complimenting it – even my mom was like “you have to buy this!” when we saw it (even after seeing the price tag – it ain’t cheap!) It’s a thick material, really cozy, has tassles, and a v-neck that isn’t too low. It’s also not too short so it’s great for normal daily wear or work.

Buy it here

Free People Monday Midi Dress

I love this dress, too! Shocker! It’s a little low-cut so I can’t wear it daily but it was great for vacation and is a light soft linen so perfect for the hot humid weather here.

Buy it here or here

Moon River Floral Open Back Jumpsuit

This red jumpsuit isn’t my norm; I never go for bright colors but I really love this shade and was drawn to it for some reason. The bottoms are a wide culotte and it’s really comfortable. I love dresses and jumpsuits when I travel because there’s no “outfit” planning, you just throw them on and go. I wrote more about it here.

Buy it here

The Fifth Label Acacia Stripe Dress

My mom thinks this one lots like a candy-striper dress which is probably true but I still love it, ha! It’s short and simple – it’s light light cotton and great for the beach. I love the scrunched ruffles on the straps.

Buy it here

Sabo Skirt Dresses

I’m new to Sabo Skirt but it’s a new favorite brand. Their dresses are priced in AUD, so rememeber it’s going to be less in USD. These were around $50 each and for the quality, could have been a lot more. Definitely a brand to check out. Read more about it here.

Both dresses are sold out, but you can find similar styles on ASOS

SHOP ALL MY DRESSES BELOW

This Beachy/Casual Outfit

This tunic is from the same brand I mentioned above, Indian Summer. I can’t find this exact top anymore online. The pants are a very lightweight striped cotton/linen brand and were like $30 from Urban Outfitters. They came with a matching top, but I just go the pants. Great for the beach and travel days!

Pants in my color are sold out, but see other colors here

My Hiking Outfits

Dresses are great except when you are in the jungle and then you want some hiking clothes. I took Anatomie clothing. It is my first time traveling with them and first time ever wearing “travel clothes” and wow – new obsession. Love the trousers, tee shirt, and jacket!

Old T-Shirt, Lilybod leggings, + Anatomie Windbreaker

I got this Rolling Stones t-shirt from American Eagle (yes, I still shop there ocassionally haha and I used to work there!). Lilybod are my all-time favorite leggings because they are so soft and have cool stripes! This windbreaker is so light and thin you can roll it up into a ball the size of your fist! It’s crazy how little space it takes when you travel and it will be going on every trip with me from here on out.

Buy the leggings here and the windbreaker here. The This Rolling Stones T-shirt is old, but this UO one is cute and would work perfectly!

T-Shirt + Anatomie Skyler Pants

This is an outfit from Anatomie and I love it! Typically, I would have worn leggings on a boat trip like this or a dress, neither of which is really appropriate. I have always been skeptical of “travel clothes” but it felt good to wear these travel-y pants. I can’t really explain the material; it’s crazy thin, really stretches, and dries in .2 seconds. They are high-waisted so I felt like they were flattering and from a distance you can’t tell they are “travel” pants. The top is also Anatomie and is just a simple tee shirt but so soft and has mesh sleeves.

Get the pants here + Similar tops here

Yoga Outfits

Stronger Yoga Outfit

I’ve been a fan of Stronger for a few years. It’s a brand from Sweden. You can check their outfits out here. It’s nice to be kind of matchy-matchy sometimes and these are also what I wear to my pilates classes here in Merida.

Swimwear

Montce Vert Gingham Bikini

Get the top here and similar bottoms here

Montce Polka Dot Bikini

The polka-dot style seems sold out, but check out other Montce styles here

Montce Ete Floral High Waisted Bikini

Get the top here and the bottoms here

Ris-k Citrine Bikini

Get the top here and the bottoms here

Ris-k Black Bikini

Get the top here and bottoms here

Acacia Bikini + Sarong

Buy the sarong here; can’t find the exact print of the bikini, but check Revolve for different Acacia styles + colors

Shop Bikinis Below

These brands were so perfect for Panama and Montce is my new favorite brand, hands down. The prints are so cute and the quality is incredibly soft. The red/pink Acacia has underwire that I love, very 90’s and fun!

Loungewear

Homebodii Satin Pajama Set

Basically my new favorite thing to wear, ever. At home, Ben is like “are you going to wear your pajamas all day?” Yes, yes I am. They are monogrammed; how cool is that!?

Buy the pajama set here

Homebodii Romper + Robe

Everytime I post an image of my lifestlye Instagram Omni Curated, where I give beauty tips, and I’m in this robe, I get like 10 messages asking where it’s from. I’ll link it here! It’s the best!

Romper here and similar robe here

Shop Homebodii Loungewear Below

And that’s it! I have more practical advice (like toiletries) in my Panama packing list, so check that out next!

Panama Travel Guides

• Panama Travel Guide
• Two Week Panama Itinerary
• 37 Things to Do in Panama That Are Actually Cool
• Essential Things to Know Before Visiting San Blas
• 16 Things to Do in Boquete

Pin for Later

The post What to Wear in Panama: All My Outfits appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

When I was packing for my trip to Panama, I asked Alexa, “what is the weather in Boquete Panama” and she informed me she hadn’t heard of that place before. That is because I wasn’t saying it right! It’s pronounced “bow-ket-tay”. That is the first of many things I got wrong about this cute little Panama town. I want to give you a few Boquete travel tips so you know the general info about the place but also a list of the top things to do in Boquete, Panama so you can see which ones you’re most interested in.

Boquete has a lot to do. Some of the things to do in Boquete are awesome and hardcore adventure and others are a very slow easy adventure.  So, you can decide yourself which ones suit your travel style and budget. You certainly don’t need to do it all and really taking time to just enjoy the town is also important.

We had just 3 days/2nights here so not a lot of time to try all the activities but for me, it was enough time overall and we chose what was important to us. You can read my whole Panama 2.5 week itinerary next week when I post it! I’m going to start this Boquete travel guide by sharing an intro to the town, how to get there, where to eat, and where to stay, followed by a list of the top things to do.

Read More:

• 37 Things to do in Panama that are actually cool
• Panama Travel Guide
• Two Week Panama Itinerary

Boquete Travel Guide

Intro to Boquete Panama

The first thing I think I need to mention about Boquete is that it’s the “expat” place in Panama. Of course, Americans come into Panama City for work, but Boquete is where Americans come to retire. This means that some of the cute cafes and top restaurants are owned by Americans and full of retirees. This isn’t a bad thing – but it’s worth mentioning in case you think this is a very “off-the-grid” super local type of place. It’s definitely an easy place to travel, has good food, and is set up well for tourism. I was told that the AARP mentioned Boquete as a top place to retire due to it’s clean air, green grass, nice people, cost of living, and more – and I can definitely see it.

The other thing to note is that this is a tiny town. You will want to look at it on a map, the town sits in a valley and you can easily walk around the whole place. You won’t need taxis at all while here unless you are switching hotels. You can rent a scooter or 4-wheeler to get around quicker which would actually be a lot of fun! While we were there, they were fixing up the roads so it wasn’t a possibility. You would need a taxi or bus if you wanted to leave town and there are some cool places outside town worth leaving for.

In terms of safety, it seems to be very safe however it’s worth noting that two girls did go missing (either they got lost and feel or some say they were murdered) while hiking on their own around the volcano. You DO need to take a guide when you go hiking! The area has flash floods, is a dense forest, and is rough to hike. But in terms of crime, overall, it does seem very safe and I would imagine that was a one-off type of thing.

Boquete is known for its adventure activities, hiking the Baru volcano, coffee, and just being a new type of region to explore. You have the Caribbean with Bocas Del Toro and San Blas, the Pacific with Gulf of Chiriqui, and the city life in Panama City – so Boquete is the place to go int he mountains (hills) to have a new side of Panama. It’s 100% worth going to and I think the small-town charm just sets it apart from anywhere else we visited. It really rounded out the trip. Definitely, make time for at least two days here. Don’t let the expat scene put you off – I just think it’s worth noting – it’s really a cute charming little place.

How to get to Boquete

Panama is a pretty small country so overall you really don’t need to stress about transportation. There are tourist shuttles that you can book in any town for usually around $30 between all these places. They are not that enjoyable though and basically for backpackers – just FYI! There are also local buses but they take a bit longer and are just a few dollars.

If you are coming from Panama City, I highly recommend flying from the small domestic Albook Airport with Air Panama to David Airport. This is around $100. You can then take a taxi to Boquete or ask your Boquete hotel to come to pick you up. If you’re on a budget, there is a local bus that charges $3 for the 45-minute ride.

Where to stay in Boquete

Panamonte Hotel

This is by far the most famous hotel in Boquete. I know I write about loving hotels a lot and really not even just the luxury or the rooms – I have never walked into a property and just been so in love with it. I kept saying to Silvia “I love it here!”. The hotel is in a little cottage like home, painted light blue with white shutters. The garden is pure magic (not surprised they have weddings here). The rooms are huge with patios, fireplaces, and hammocks outside and a big bathroom with a jacuzzi. The rooms are huge with a king size bed and day-bed. I just adored this place. It was so cozy. Panamonte also has a popular little jazz bar and the most famous restaurant/chef in the town here at the hotel restaurant.

Check availability, rates, and book here. You’ll see prices around $150/night which includes breakfast. 

Casa Azul

We also stayed at Casa Azul which was located a little more toward the center of town, but like I said you can walk from anywhere here. This is the most adorable B&B and the family that run it are so sweet. It’s a bright blue house with rooms that are so authenticly decorated and without even trying could be in a design magazine. It’s very old-fashioned and breakfast is served out on the back garden patio with other guests. The dog, Rusty, is the cutest and you even get Netflix in your room. You can book a room in the house or the cabin which is outside for a whole family or group of friends. Prices for one room are around $70-100 per night and the cabin would be a good deal for friends to split (maybe cheaper than a hostel).

Check availability, rates, and book here.

If you want a budget option, check out the listing on Hostelworld for dorms under $15.

Where to eat in Boquete

The Panamonte – This is the hotel that I mentioned above and we had an amazing dinner here. Highly recommend. Come early and have a drink by the fireplace at the bar.

Boulder 54 – This is a fine-dining place down by the river that has amazing food – please try the potato soup! It’s run by an expat and has live music, a cool chill romantic scene. Come for a drink, too!

Sugar and Spice – If you want a quick Western lunch, pop in here. It’s run by an expat as well and has a Mexican menu with burritos, tacos, etc or a sandwich menu like a classic turkey ciabatta.

La Pousada – We had pretty tasty pizza here and really tasty nachos. They have a very intercontinental menu (a bit of everything).

Nuestro Cafe – You’ve got to try cafeteria-style dining while in Panama! This is where the locals pop in for a quick, cheap bite on their way to work. We hit this up before heading out for our adventure activities in the morning and it was perfect.

El Puente Cafe – This is the most popular place for real Panamian food like a plate of beans, rice, fried plantains, and more, located right on the river.

La Viuda Del Cafe – This means “coffee window” and is a cute place to go try the local brews, like the famous Geisha coffee.

Gelateria La Ghiotta – You’ll notice that in Panama, people love ice cream. This was a good little gelato place (not amazing but nice) and had a fun vibe inside.

Fresas Mary – Fresas means strawberries and Boquete is all about the fresas. This is the most popular place for a sundae!

Others that were highly recommended to us by locals there were: The Rock, Big Daddy’s Grill, Mike’s Global Grill, ll Pianista, Butcher Chophouse, and the very popular Boquete Fish House.

Things to do in Boquete, Panama

I’m going to give just a small blurb for each thing because most of these are pretty self-explanatory. Many are just able to be booked in tourist agencies or if you want, online through TripAdvisor or Viator. You cannot negotiate the rates now as the agencies have set rates. Most companies are listed on TripAdvisor and there are a few companies that offer the same thing, so I linked to the company that is the best one for that activity.

1. Hike Baru Volcano

This is the most famous thing to do in Boquete, but actually many people don’t do this because it’s a two-day hike unless you do the more expensive option of hiring a 4×4 to take you most of the way up the summit and just hike the last little bit. You can actually see both oceans from the summit.

2. Rafting

You can raft the Chiriqui Viejo River. Viator has a low-price guarantee for $65 if you book online. Here is the link. You can also check out their reviews on TripAdvisor or book there. The company is Boquete Outdoor Adventures. We met the owner, who is from Colorado, at lunch by chance and he seems really nice. He also runs a no-kill dog shelter in town.

3. Zipline

The ziplining is through Tree Trek Boquete and you can book on TripAdvisor ahead of time. This is the most popular thing to do it seems with so many people at their office to head out. We went with them, but to do the hanging bridges tour (more on that later).

4. Coffee tour at Finca Dos Jefes

There are so many coffee plantations but this is the best one to go to in Boquete. It’s a do not miss! You can book this on TripAdvisor and read more reviews there.

5. Hiking the Quetzal Trail

Located in the Barú Volcano National Park, you can hike a trail at the base of the volcano. But due to temperature drops and flash floods you really need to hire a guide.

6. Chocolate-making class

You can do a chocolate-making class at The Perfect Pair right in the center of town. Boquete is known for both it’s chocolate and it’s coffee.

7. Quad ride

You can rent quads on your own or you can do a quad tour into the forest with a guide. There are little places all along the main road renting them out.

8. Caldera Hot Springs

Just outside of town, are the Caldera Hot Springs. We didn’t go due to lack of time and it taking over an hour to get there. You can do tours, but if you take a local bus it’s just $2 for the bus and $2 to enter but it’s going to take up your whole day.

9. Hanging bridges

These are the second longest and highest hanging bridges in Central America. It’s really beautiful and while on the tour, you also learn about the flora and fauna. This is also through Tree Trek Boquete (the same as the zip-lining) and costs $30 to do.

10. In February, Enjoy the Jazz Festival

There is a jazz and blues festival in February where some of the top performers in the world come to play.

11. Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is common here and you’ll see locals riding their horses on the road like real cowboys. You can book through Explora Ya Eco-Tours on TripAdvisor.

12. Swim in a River Gorge

Ask locals where Los Cangilones de Gualaca is, and get a taxi to take you there. It’s a river gorge you can swim in. Take a picnic!

13. Rock-Climbing

On the way to the waterfalls is a rock-climbing wall. You can stop here on your own or plan a tour from town with an agency

14. Go Chasing Waterfalls

There are some popular waterfalls called the Lost Waterfalls, or “cascadas”, in Spanish. To get there and back requires a hike that is 3 hours in total. You can guess I skipped this one! Love a waterfall, but that’s a long hike haha. Some people say it was their favorite thing, though!

15. Visit a Bee Farm

You can visit a bee farm to see how honey is made and why bees are so important to our ecosystem at Boquete Bees.

16. Shopping in Boquete

Believe it or not, this is the best place to do shopping. Because it’s not touristy and not as crowded, prices are lower and locals are more friendly than Panama City or Bocas Del Toro. There is a popular Tuesday market but we weren’t there on Tuesday and there is still a big market near the center of town with about 20 shops set up. Here’s a bit of what you can buy:

Pin this Boquete Travel Guide & Things to do in Boquete Panama like shopping for later:

The post 16 Things to do in Boquete, Panama + Travel Guide appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

When I was researching about the San Blas Islands in Panama before this trip, I was so disappointed with the information I found – and after going, I can honestly say it’s so outdated or written by people who did a day trip and stayed for a couple of hours. It seemed like this very difficult place to get to and that taking a day trip to San Blas Islands (on a tour) was the only option. This is not the case and I want to share some more recent San Blas Island travel tips so you can be much more prepared than I was. Before the trip, Silvia and I were messaging each other questions and both were unable to find answers online – it made me nervous about booking to stay there since it seemed everyone just went for the day and left but I’m so glad we gave it a go anyway! 

So how long should you stay? I stayed on the San Blas Islands for two nights and felt it was sufficient – it’s a beautiful place but it is roughing it a bit and I felt ready to leave the morning we headed out. I’m going to share some essential things I think you’ll want to know before you visit San Blas like budgeting, where to stay, if you should take a day tour, if you can bring your luggage, and what about food and electricity – and is it really just sleeping in the sand!? These were questions I had and I’m going to answer them all for you. 

Read More: 37 Things to do in Panama that are actually cool

San Blas Island Travel Tips

Where is the San Blas and why is it so special?

The San Blas Islands are off of both Panama and Colombia on the Caribbean coast and stretch along down to the Colon region of Panama. The name is really Guna Yala, after a name change in 2011 but as most people search San Blas, I will call them that in this article.

The region is the territory of the Guna people, short for Guna Yala. These are the indigenous people of Panama and Colombia and they actually don’t have the same rules as the rest of Panama – they had a treaty years ago to where they can govern this land in their own way (in many ways but not all). When you arrive, you pay the fees when you come into their territory and stay at their hotels. You can alternatively sail, but from what I gather it’s not entirely legal.

San Blas is the most stunning place I’ve been to – no exaggeration. It’s just the most amazing turquoise water mixed with blue and the sand is perfectly soft and white. There are starfish by the dozens below and with the addition of the unique Guna people living on the islands like they did hundreds of years ago, fishing with line, and chopping down trees with their machetes, it’s just an adventure that you won’t want to miss. It brings people from all over the world – but it’s not mass tourism here. It’s still pretty and quiet and while we sailed around we barely saw another soul. This is mostly because people think it’s hard to reach and don’t add it into their Panama itinerary.

How to get to San Blas and leave

There are really only two ways to get there: by car or by flight. I’ll share some of your options so you can see what is best for you budget.

1. Book a hotel and they arrange the transportation. This is the most common option. There aren’t many online since this is an obscure place and the ones online are more expensive than if you just show up but it gives people a peace of mind. We booked Cabanas Narasgandup after much research and were looking forward to our say but they had to cancel due to pipes breaking. Another popular one is Yandup. They will have you pay via PayPal at places online to secure your place. You will likely pay the transport, too. It’s around $70 this way: $30 for the car from your hotel in Panama City to the Port, $20 for the boat to the island, $20 to get into the Guna territory, $3 for port fees. You’ll be in a crowded car with other people most likely. The car ride to the port is talked about online like it’s treacherous. It’s not! It’s not really 4 hours; it was like 2.5 and totally okay. 
2. You can also take a tour for the day where they take you there and back. This means you pay them all together and worry about nothing but you also aren’t getting a true experience (more like a bucket list check off).
3. You could also go to a travel agency and hire a driver to take you in a 4×4 to the port. The road to the port of San Blas does need a car with four-wheel drive although it’s a safe, paved road, it’s very windy and hilly. You could then hire a boat from the port yourself. I honestly think it’ll come out more expensive this way.
4. Rent a car and drive yourself to the port. This is your cheapest option if you have a friend to split with. Rent a Jeep and go for it! The roads are totally fine and I would do this myself next time. As you enter the Guna territory, there will be a line of cars and you’ll pay a fee to them ($20) to go onward to the port. You can then catch a boat to wherever you’re going to stay. YES, you can just arrange a place to stay once you reach and many people were doing just that.
5. Fly. There are two ways to fly. You can do an Air Panama flight from the smaller Albrook airport in the city (not Tocumen International) to El Porvenir or Playan Chico. These are 20-seaters and are around $100 one-way. This isn’t bad and you’ll then take a taxi to the port and then a boat out to wherever you’re staying. I flew Air Panama several times and they are great. The other option is a privately charted flight. These go from Albrook as well out to tiny landing strips on the islands so you can go straight to your sailboat. We’re talking $3,000 for an 8-seater. You can talk with the sailboat company that you book with to see if there are better prices. A flight was chartered in when we left, so we got a deal of $75 per person to go back to Panama City because it was going back empty. Jackpot!
6. You could consider San Blas Adventures who do party style backpacker trips around San Blas starting or ending either in Colombia or Panama – but you’ll be sleeping on hammocks and apparently, the sailing is a lot (four days) and kind of rough rather than just lounging about. Great for younger people I think!

Can you take your luggage to San Blas?

Nope! You need to leave your luggage behind in Panama City an pack a day-bag for San Blas. If you are in these small planes, you cannot take a big bag, you can’t fit it into these packed tourist Jeeps, and you can’t take it on the small boats out to the islands. Both our original “hotel” (really just a bed over the sand) and our sailing company told us no luggage. You could get by with a backpack 48L or less I suppose. Definitely no rolling luggage! We left ours at our hotel in Panama City when we checked out. They are used to this.

What you DO need to take to San Blas / Packing List

If you’re doing a budget stay on an island, you need to take your own water. They recommend one gallon per person per day. You can buy water on some islands but it’s $5 for a small bottle and they do run out. Best to bring your own. You can also bring snacks because it’s an all-inclusive situation here and seafood and rice isn’t always that filling. We took granola bars and other filling snacks. 

Other than food, here are some things that you’ll want to bring to San Blas in your day-pack, keep in mind you’ll basically live in your swimsuit:

• sarong for the beach
• towel for showers
• maybe a light sheet if you are at a place with only hammocks
• mosquito spray
• sunscreen (SERIOUSLY)
• baby wipes
• swimsuit
• flip flops
• light linen button-up
• hat
• loose, light PJ’s
• a light dress or two

Day trip or overnight? San Blas Island Tours in Panama for the day are an option…

If you stay on the islands, you can either book online (but there are very few options) Cabanas Narasgandup and Yandup. You’re looking at $200/night for a little hut. If you show up and find a place you can get rates as low as $50 according to those online but I honestly don’t know how you go about negotiating it that low since they know you want a place and there are so few places available.

If you are short on time or cannot afford the huts, you can do a day tour. I really don’t think it’s enough time since you’ll be 4 hours each way and just a few hours actually in San Blas. It’s SO SO SO amazing you should stay longer! But, you’ll find agencies selling day tours in and out of Panama City. You can also book them online through private websites or a booking site like Viator and read reviews. This one is $150 and has the best reviews by far.

How to sail the San Blas Islands in Panama

After our huts canceled on us, I looked into itravelbyboat.com which someone had recommended to me on Instagram. They had options to sail for $200 per person per night on a sailboat or $250 per person per night on a catamaran. We decided to splurge out on the catamaran for two nights. It was PURE BLISS.

You are of course going to find different prices and types of boats for sailing the San Blas from budget to luxury and some will let you charter a boat for say $300 a night but you can split that with the friends you travel with – so look into it and compare prices on Airbnb. Yep, that’s right – if you Airbnb San Blas it’s all sailboats! How amazing/cool is that!? I loved itravelbyboat.com though and can highly recommend them. They set you up with one of the many boats they work with and they put us with a young French couple Flo and Elo who have been sailing out here for years. They were younger than me, super chill, and made the time there even better. This is their Facebook page. All of the images in this post are from sailing with them!

I could end on that sweet note, or could tell you about the boa constrictor that came onto our boat! lol – so do not scroll more if you don’t want to see a snake. He came up on the dingy attached to the catamaran and then eventually onto the boat. It’s the topical jungle! What do you expect, haha! JK – it’s really quite a rarity this would happen so don’t worry.

Read More

• Panama Travel Guide
• Two Week Panama Itinerary

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The post Essential Things to Know Before Visiting San Blas Panama appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Chances are you stumbled upon this article because you are trying to plan a trip to Panama, are looking for the top things to do in Panama, and are researching to make it the most epic trip possible! I want to help you with that and tell you not just the tourist things to do in Panama but also the hotspot places to visit in Panama so you can plan your itinerary a bit as well – no FOMO here.

Like in any tourist town, some things to do are just there for tourists and aren’t actually that much fun or worth doing but are created just to make money – I’ve left some things off this list because they just aren’t actually that cool or fun! I’ve tried to narrow it down to the best of the best so you can make sure you don’t miss the good stuff.

I was going to do a separate article on things to do in Panama City separately since many of the top things to do in Panama are in the capital city, but really it would end up being repetitive so I’ve just put the 10 or so for the city in this post as one big post for Panama as a whole.

In this article, I am going to focus on experiences in Panama. I have more articles you might want to check out like my complete guide to Panama with travel tips like transportation, currency, safety, etc and also a Panama itinerary for two weeks that you’ll want to check out. In my itinerary, you’ll see full breakdowns of where I stayed, ate, and even more cool things to do in Panama City, Boquete, San Blas Islands, the Gulf of Chiriqui, and Bocas Del Toro. 

37 Things to Do in Panama

1. See a sloth

Yes, it’s kind of crazy to put this first – but it was my goal on this trip and because I didn’t want to do the two main ways of seeing one (a tour with loads of backpackers or a reserve where they have been taken from their natural habitat), I wasn’t sure if it would happen.

I am pleased to say after I had given up hope, with just two days left, I saw a sloth on Red Frog Beach that came out to cross the road! What luck. If you are desperate to see one, they are naturally here (hiding) and you might see one from your Airbnb in Bocas Del Toro, on a tour in Boquete or Bocas Del Toro you can visit “sloth island” where from a boat you can see them on shore.

You can book tours at any agency and will see signs for this frequently. In Panama City, you can take a day tour to the rainforest if you are short on time. There are tons of highly reviewed ones to choose from that also include visiting the Embera Indians and more.

Read More: 13 things to know before you visit Bocas Del Toro

2. Visit the Panama Canal

It wouldn’t be a real list of what to do in Panama if I didn’t have visiting the Panama Canal on here. While you might want to skip this (won’t lie, I did want to skip it), it is worth seeing. You go to Miraflores locks and buy a ticket there (Uber is great) then watch a little movie, and wait to see the boats go by.

The history of this canal is actually very interesting – but you don’t need a tour for this (that would be overkill and a waste of money). Make sure to look online first to see what time the boats are coming as they aren’t just going through all the time – they are spaced out sometimes with hours in between. FYI they go so slow that you don’t even realize they are moving at first!

3. Try the coffee in Boquete

Boquete is a town in the highlands of Panama that is known for its coffee. It’s a little cooler and less humid up here – and great for coffee plantations. Their famous cup of jo is called “geisha coffee”. Here is a tour you can book if you want it arranged ahead of time or you can alternatively book them in person at the tourist agencies in town as low as $30.

I didn’t do a tour at all because I have toured so many coffee plantations on my travels, but many readers have told me it was their favorite memory of Panama so if you’ve never done a coffee tour, check it out. Personally, I didn’t like geisha coffee – but then, I need my chocolate coffee creamer to enjoy any coffee, lol!

Read More: 16 things to do in Boquete (plus a travel guide on where to eat, sleep, and shop!)

4. Cook fresh lobster over a fire in the Caribbean

Hands down best meal in Panama? Fresh lobster in San Blas. We bought it from Guna Yala tribesmen that were passing by our catamaran for $5 and took it to a small island where captain used his machete to cut wood, make a fire, and cook it with butter and garlic. It was pure bliss! You’ll pay $40 for lobster at the nicer resorts in Bocas Del Toro, so definitely hit up San Blas for your seafood cravings.

Read More: Essential Things You Need to Know Before Visiting San Blas

5. Enjoy the live jazz music in Panama City

Panama City is all about Jazz music. In fact, even in the hills of Boquete, they were playing live jazz in the restaurants. The most popular spot in Panama City is Danilo’s Jazz Club inside the American Trade Hotel. For nightlife, there are so many bars. I liked Casa Bruja which has it’s own brewed beer with some really cool flavors. Other top bars are La Jirafa de Maria Del Alma and 1400 Bar.

6. Splurge on a tiny private plane in San Blas Islands

Are you super rich? Then you should fly a private plane in and out of San Blas instead of taking a private car or shuttle. It saves time and is basically the best views you’ll see in your life. San Blas does not have an “airport” but has some islands big enough to land small planes on (I’m talking 8-seaters) that left from Albrook Airport in Panama City (a smaller airport in town, not the main international airport).

We got incredibly lucky because a chartered flight dropped people off who paid nearly $4,000 to get to San Blas and it was going back empty – so offered us seats for $75 per person (what the overland transport costs). It was the coolest memory of the trip and who knows, you might find a deal online!

7. Decide if you’re up for visiting the indigenous Embera Indians

The Embera Indians live in the rainforest in some areas of Panama. You can go on tours to see their village in the Gamboa rainforest – but sometimes village tours are very fake and set up for tourists. Reviews are wishy-washy and that can sometimes be because those who loved it haven’t traveled a lot or aren’t aware they are fake and set up just to make money.

While these Indians do still dress and live the way they are portrayed, for me these tours didn’t mesh and I decided not to do it. You can read about the tours on Viator or this top-ranked Tripadvisor tour with those links. You can also do day trips out to see the jungle and Embera at El Valle de Anton as well as hot springs.

8. Visit the oldest cafe in Panama City

The Coca-Cola Cafe is the oldest Cafe in Panama City, located just outside Casca Viejo in a safe part of town – you can walk there to have beans, rice, and Panamanian specials of the day and of course a Coca-Cola.

9. Hike Baru Volcano in Boquete

This is not for the faint of heart or for those traveling alone – you should do this in a tour group (some girls were actually, possibly murdered in Boquete some years back hiking alone, while others say they were lost – either way, you shouldn’t do this hike alone, you should always go with a guide). You can do this tour with an agency or book online and it will involve either A. sleeping at a camp half-way there or B. taking a 4×4 most of the way so you just hike the summit. Option B is more expensive. You should really book this once you arrive and see if there are groups going that you can join. You will see signs to book everywhere so don’t stress about it.

10. Zipline in Boquete

Never been ziplining? The highlands of Boquete are a great place to try it for the first time. You can also do this in Bocas Del Toro. The ziplines go through a beautiful rainforest and tours take around 3 hours to complete. You can book this in person at agencies which head up to the hills from the town early in the morning around 7 AM and then bring you back into town after around 12 PM.

11. Try the street food in Panama City

From sweet snacks covered in syrup to savory empanadas, there are so many tasty things on the street to try. Panama is a clean city where you can drink the tap water and you don’t need to worry about getting sick from street food here. You can try the fruit juices and take cut up fruit with you while you walk around for a healthy snack to help you cool down.

12. Take a tour to Zapatillas island

So here’s the thing: you have San Blas Islands in Panama which are STUNNING but harder to reach, you have Bocas Del Toro which is pretty amazing but not San Blas amazing. On Bocas Del Toro, you have an island called Zapatillas which is basically San Blas beauty on the Bocas side. If you aren’t going to San Blas, this should be your number one thing to do in Bocas Del Toro. If you have been to San Blas it will seem like more of the same.

13. Try a rum/food/historical tour and learn all about Captain Morgan

Wait – Captain Morgan isn’t just a man on a bottle of rum!? Nope, he’s real! He was also called Henry the Terrible and he raided and attacked Panama City in 1670. He supposedly got a small amount of fortune from it, but since Panama was so rich then, it’s said he actually just kept it all for himself and hid out in Jamaica. I took my tour through PTY Life and it was a food/drink tour as well as history. I loved it and booked through TripAdvisor (it’s the top-ranked tour in Panama City). You can also take this top-ranked Viator tour if PTY isn’t available.

14. Buy Panamanian sandals but be ready to break them in

Are these not the cutest leather sandals you’ve ever seen? They are actually what the Panamanians wear and are not just made for tourists. In the local markets near Santa Ana, you can get them for $10 in a variety of natural colors like tan, brown, and yellow. Be ready to work to break these in because they are not comfortable at first!

15. Learn to surf or dive in Bocas Del Toro

Panama isn’t exactly known for it’s surfing, but if you were going to do it anywhere, it would be Bocas Del Toro. There are surf shops and dive shops all over the main strip so just walk around and compare prices. Diving will be good here because the visibility is great in the peak-season. You can even dive with whale sharks in some parts of Panama (not Bocas) so look into where you might like to dive most – since diving is all over the country.

16. Eat at El Trapiche in Panama City for the best authentic Panamanian meals ever

For our last meal on day 5 of being in Panama City – and already trying a lot of local food – we wanted to really make sure we tried the best of the best for a truly authentic local cafe. I found El Trapiche online and it was fantastic! You must have a lunch here. Try the starter with a mixed plate of all the street food for $5 (great if you hadn’t done a tour and didn’t get a chance to try much local food). Then get either a sandwich (they are AMAZING and on this fluffy deep-fried bread or a plate of local food like beans, rice, and pulled chicken or pork.  This is away from Casco Viejo and we took an Uber here.

17. Watch whales migrate in the Pacific with their babies

If you come to Panama in the “off-season” around August, you will be there at the right time to see the whales migrate in the Gulf of Chiriqui. Now, most people don’t travel to Panama at this time. If you are desperate to see the whales, then you can come at this “rainy” time but I warn you they are just popping up a bit and going back under. Magical, yes, but not like you see in some other places in the world where they jump up, show off, and bring on happy tears to the people watching. We did a 1-hour boat tour with our island hotel, Isla Palenque, for $70 but alternatively, you can do on from the mainland at the town of Boca Chica.

18. Avoid the big hotels and choose B&B

There are chain hotels in Panama City, but most other places have small boutique hotels and B&B’s. You aren’t going to find serious luxury that much around Panama but you will find cozy B&B’s run by kind families that will add such a great charm to your trip. Some of my favorites I stayed at were Casa Azul and Hotel Panamonte in Boquete, and Clementinas in Panama City. Of course, our sailing trip in San Blas was also with a cute, young couple (more on that later!). In places like Bocas Del Toro, you can consider Airbnb which has great options as well as world-renowned boutique hotels (I’ll share about these in a later article). For Airbnb, If you sign up with this link you can get $40 off your first Airbnb booking.

19. Spend a day in Boca Chica

When you head down to the Gulf of Chiriqui, there are usually transportation options from the hotel that you book and some people choose to stay inland in the Chiriqui region or at the luxe eco-resort, Isla Palenque (which is where I stayed). But Boca Chica itself is kind of the hub, right on the water, and it was cool vibes. We are told it has an amazing restaurant (the one right next to the main dock) but we didn’t get a chance to try it. I wish I’d spent a day in this little town and taken one day off of the Bocas Del Toro part of my itinerary.

20. Enjoy the street art in Panama City

Panama City actually has some amazing creative street art. Not just secluded into Casco Viejo, but all around town near Avenida Central and Santa Ana, you’ll find some great murals.

21. SUP and Kayak in both the Caribbean and Pacific

Get into water sports! You can rent Kayaks or SUP for an hour for around $5 at most places. The best place for me was San Blas because it’s just so absolutely stunning there and below the water are hundreds of starfish. Kayaking is great everywhere and even in the Pacific – who knows you might see a whale while you are out there.

22. Eat cafeteria style fast food

If you want to see how locals eat, cheap and quick, pop into one of their versions of fast-food “comida economica”. They are little cafeteria style places. You can just get whatever tickles your fancy on our tray and add a cup of coffee or tea, sit in the little school cafeteria style seats and enjoy! It’s nothing fancy but it’s what the men are all eating on their way to work early in the morning so it’s certainly authentic.

23. Get lost in the jungles of Chiriqui

While staying at Isla Palenque, we did a really cool “secrets of the island” tour but you don’t need to be only at this island – the jungles in this region are lush and full of boa constrictors, wild dogs, howler monkeys, and of course unique birds to the region. People come here from all over to do bird-watching. On our tour, we learned about the natives who once lived there; we found their burial sites and even pottery.

24. Stay in a restored hotel in Casco Viejo – which in the 90’s was the home of a gang

The American Trade Hotel is a member of the elite group of “small luxury hotels of the world” and if you want to splurge out in Panama City, this is the place to stay. While now, it’s totally renovated and designed top-of-the-nines, it was a run down building with a dangerous gang living in it just years ago. The whole area of Casco Viejo has been renovated and this hotel was one of the first ones. The building was originally built in 1917 in the “Bellavista” style of architecture when it was the meeting place of the richest of the rich during the boom of the Panama Canal. Later, as this part of the city was abandoned it was taken over by gangs and really the whole area was dangerous. Now, it’s trendy and this hotel is an icon.

To see what the old and new looks like, this first photo is an area with buildings which haven’t been renovated which will be right next to the images after! It’s a real mix.

25. Get a sighting of the Guna Yala tribal people

The “Kuna” or “Guna” people are the indiginous people of Panama and Colombia and they are still living the same way they did years ago – however, they do pop into Panama City to get supplied before heading out to the Guna Yala Islands (aka San Blas) where they live off the land. You cannot miss their colorful outfits, but don’t take photos of them. I’ll share more about them in a later article about San Blas.

26. Have a drink on a rooftop in Panama City

The “thing to do” in Panama City is to go to a rooftop bar and have a drink looking over the amazing skyline. If you do this in Casco Viejo, you’ll get the very best views. To narrow it down more, Tantalo is the most famous rooftop bar in Panama City. 

27. Avoid the Bocas Del Toro starfish island tour and see them naturally in San Blas

Okay, if you aren’t going to San Blas then you can do the tour in Bocas Del Toro, but you should go to San Blas and if you do, you’ll naturally see starfish by the dozens all over. The captain of our ship told us it’s fine to touch them and take a quick photo but not to hold them out of the water longer than 10 seconds – we never took them out of the water and snapped a quick photo putting Mr. Starfish back down where he was. I had never seen one before and loved this experience!

28. Try a chocolate making class in Boquete

Chocolate and coffee are the big food items in tourism in Panama and you can find chocolate making classes or coffee plantations tours around different areas. I saw chocolate making classes several times but it seems Boquete is the top place for this. Check out The Perfect Pair: Chocolate and Coffee where they offer classes and get a bite to eat while you’re there, too. If you aren’t going to Boquete, then check out Tropical Chocolate Cafe in Panama City which also had yummy chocolate and classes.

29. Eat at the MANY famous Food Trucks in Panama City to try Caribbean Panamanian fusion and more

There are so many and we tried several on our tour with PTY Life. You can take his tour to include this along with so much more in Panama City or check out his article on the best food truck in Panama City.

30. Try to spot a Boa and a Croc

News Alert: There are crocodiles and Boas in the water! Like, in the ocean where it’s paradise and beautiful and you are doing SUP, they are there. I am particularly nervous of crocs as a friend lost his girlfriend to one while snorkeling at a 5 star hotel, and I think about this a lot when I travel and get in the ocean – anywhere that fresh water meets the sea near rivers that flow in and brackish water or even in the middle of the sea where they can swim from island to island. A quick search shows many people who spotted crocodiles all over Panama even in San Blas. While sleeping on our catamaran in San Blas, a storm washed a 5-foot boa constrictor onto the dingy. He could have easily come onto the boat and found a warm place to sleep right next to me, lol! You are really in the jungle here. Other places we stayed also mentioned having boas around – and I’m quite used to it as we had pythons around our house in Goa, India but if you’re not, it might alarm you.

31. Buy a Panama hat – not an Ecuadorian one

All those hats with the black ribbon? They are actually Ecuadorian. If you want to wear a true Panama hat, go to the local market and get one like pictured above. I wore this around Casco Viejo and people would jokingly ask me in Spanish if I was from Panama or tell me it was a REAL Panama hat, so they definitely think it’s a big deal to get the real or fake ones!

32. Visit Coiba National Park

Off the Gulf of Chiriqui is the Coiba National Park. If you stay in Boca Chica, you can go out to the park to do tours, set up whale watching, and learn more about the region.

33. Rooftop sunset, drinks, or pool time at the W Hotel or Hard Rock in Panama City

I love to go to a rooftop to watch the sunset and have a drink – usually, 5-star hotels will let you use the pool as well so it’s a little taste of luxury without actually staying at the hotel. I did this when I lived in Goa sometimes, too! The W Hotel was great but the views from the Hard Rock are meant to be even better.

34. Walk across the second longest and highest hanging bridges in Central America

Hanging bridges are a fun, easy tour to do in Boquete that offer great views and a taste of the culture with a tour. You have to book with Tree Trek Adventures either online or once you’re there. We called and reserved over the phone the night before. You can go either 830 AM or 1030 AM. You can also do the ziplining through this same company. After, enjoy a coffee and look out at the views of the famous Volcano Baru.

35. Go photo crazy in Casco Viejo and pop into the following cafes

Panama City has a lot of great photo opportunities if you are really into taking them, like I am. Much of the “real Panama” is going to be in the financial district, Avenida Central, and Santa Ana, but the cute “Instagram” style stuff is going to be in Casco Viejo which is really designed to perfection.

So many cafes are adorable and TASTY like Mahalo (Thai Curry!), Tropical Chocolate Cafe, Super Gourmet Deli (such a good Italian sandwich), Tacos La Neta, Casa Bruja, and Nomade. We tried many more than that in 5 days and it’s a VERY small area so you really will have time to pop into all of them and all the little shops. There wasn’t anything I wanted to buy to be honest other than the hat and shoes!

36. Stay on a “secret island” in the Pacific

I mentioned Isla Palenque before, but you need to know it was one of the most amazing memorable parts of my trip to Panama. This hotel is on a tiny little island off of Boca Chica in the Gulf of Chiriqui, in the Pacific Ocean. I call it secret because it’s really not that well-known – yet some people come back year after year once they find it. It’s an all-inclusive experience with food included (lobster for lunch, local curry for dinner, delicious) and on-island tours included like learning about the stars or finding some animals in the jungle! SUP, kayaking, and more are all free. You can also do paid tours like the whale watching from here ($70). In the rainy season, it stormed SO big at night the whole sky would light up and I’ve never felt happier sleeping in our little villa by the sea, with an outside bathroom and shower, although of course super luxurious – this is a must-book! Pure luxury in the most unique place I’ve been! You can read more about it here and check out reviews. 

37. Skip the day tours and sail the San Blas Islands

The big thing to do from Panama City is a day trip to San Blas and 99% of the articles I read from other bloggers did this – but don’t! You need to go stay on these islands whether it’s sailing or staying in a sand hut. I am going to put more information on this that you can read soon!

Pin these cool things to do in Panama for later!

The post 37 Things to Do in Panama That Are Actually Cool appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

If you’re not too familiar with the Central American country known as the land of “pure life,” then you’ll want to get a pen and notepad ready to take some notes. I’m going to share exactly where to go in Costa Rica to have the best trip possible!

Out of all of the countries I’ve ever had the fortune of visiting, Costa Rica tops several notorious lists. I personally find this country to be amongst one of the happiest, most beautiful, and adventure-filled lands — a nation that provides any willing explorer with an adventurous journey full of readily available memories.

But before you decide to decide to initiate your journey, it’s always preferable to have an idea of the knowledge and tools necessary to transform an ordinary trip into an unforgettable success first.

Whether you plan on visiting this country soon or merely have an interest in getting to know the region a bit more, here’s a quick guide to the land of Costa Rica with all of the know-how you’ll need to become a Costa Rican expert.

READ MORE: Check out more articles on destinations in Central America

A Guide to Costa Rica

 Before You Board Your Plane

If you’re anything like me, you may just want to shove a few weeks’ worth of clothing into your suitcase and call it a day. But while you may be tempted to unleash your impulsive side and board the next plane to Monteverde without so much as an inkling as to what to once you step foot in Costa Rica, it’s always important to have a plan established first.

Whenever I travel, I have a checklist of essentials I abide by that help me prepare myself for my new journeys ahead. Make sure you have the following necessities ready to go, too.

• Updated passports — to avoid delays at the airport, maintain an up-to-date passport for simple transportation.
  
• Visa – Check if your nationality needs a visa. You can look on iVisa.
• Travel insurance – You need it, especially if you are doing adventure sports. I recommend World Nomads. Get a quote here and read this article to see what is covered under each plan.
• Vaccinations and medicine — remember to get the appropriate vaccinations for your new environment to better protect yourself against unwanted viruses and diseases. Pack all of your daily medications in a cool and dry place, too. (Read more tips on vaccines here).
  
• Weather-appropriate clothing — Costa Rica typically boasts a warmer environment, so be sure to pack quick-wicking and comfortable clothing best suited for the higher temperatures. Get some packing tips here.
  
• Relevant currency — use a simple currency converter to estimate the amount of money you need to spend during your trip. Remember that this country uses the Costa Rican colón, so you’ll want to adjust your dollars and coins accordingly.   

Getting to Costa Rica and Away

When it comes to travel, there’s always the option to navigate a new land via air, land or sea. But when it comes to navigating my way to Costa Rica, I always choose to arrive at my desired destination in the two following ways:

Via Plane

One of the most common (and perhaps easiest) ways to travel to the country is via plane. If you depart from another country, it may just be your most practical — and only — option.

By Public Transportation

If you find yourself visiting a different Central American country and want to save yourself the cost of a plane ticket, consider opting to travel via a form of public transportation instead.

When I travel, I often make it a point to explore nearby countries and regions before I return home — which is how I found myself in Costa Rica during my first time visiting the country.

I originally planned a trip to Panama, but had an urge to explore the lands of the nearby Monteverde forest, too. The only thing separating me from my journeys was a bus ticket and a day’s worth of travel before I could initiate my new adventures in this fun and exciting land.

Where to Go in Costa Rica: My Top Picks!

If you crave adventures and love experiencing a new set of unique surroundings every day, then you may just fall in love with Costa Rica in the same way that I did during my travels.

They call Costa Rica the land of happiness for a reason, after all. There’s plenty to see and do — so you’ll never have to worry about leaving the land without a satisfied sense of adventure and a heart full of memories.

Here’s a list of my top Costa Rican travel activities and top spots to visit that you should experience for yourself during your stay, too.

Adventure in Costa Rica

Zip lining over the Rio Celeste Waterfall 

Costa Rica is a nation beaming with natural wildlife and it dedicated to preserving its precious environment, too. Because Costa Rica is one of the world’s top ecotourism destinations, expect to enjoy the biodiversity without altering it in the process.

But just because Costa Rica emphasizes protected environmental activities doesn’t mean that they can’t be fun and exciting, too. My favorite activity is enjoying the view of the country — from a zip line, of course. There’s nothing more refreshing than immersing yourself in nature while enjoying the kick of an adrenaline rush, too.

Snorkeling in the Cahuita

I’m a sucker for a beautiful body of water — a feature which Costa Rica certainly doesn’t fail to deliver.

The entire country is beaming with biodiversity and I always find myself fascinated by the new species I have the fortune of discovering during my stays. Be sure to dive into the country — literally — when you travel. Suit yourself up with your best snorkeling attire and explore the majestic seas.

Whale watching in Tamarindo

When I’m back at home, it’s not uncommon for me to go days without seeing another species — besides that of humans, of course. Yet the world is so rich and diverse that I always have a sense of longing to enjoy the company of another animal or ocean-dwelling friend.

I always make a point to enjoy the exotic parrots in the forests, take in the scenery of the beautiful tree frogs, and indulge in a bit of whale watching, too.

Check out all the best day tours in Costa Rica on Viator, who offer amazing deals and have user reviews.

Where to Stay in Costa Rica

Whenever I travel, I always emphasize the importance of my living arrangements. I may spend the entire day exploring my new surroundings, but that doesn’t mean I don’t need a comfortable place to refresh in during my time in between activities, too.

While there are a variety of options when it comes to how you choose to experience your stay, I find that hotels are always my preferred option. It’s nice to camp in the great outdoors, but I also have a preference for a touch of luxury during my voyages as well.

While I may go against the popular opinion, I really enjoy removing myself from the bustle and crowded areas of popular tourist destinations — which makes Manuel Antonio the perfect place.

I’ve traveled to Costa Rica a handful of times already, and each stay was in a private suite nestled in the comforts of Villa Punto De Vista — a local hotel located near outdoor activities, beaches, and more!

Be sure to choose a hotel or living arrangement surrounded by plenty of outdoor fun and activities that enhance your overall stay.

Tasting Authentic Costa Rican Cuisine

What would a trip to Costa Rica be without a bit of tasty food — or comida rica, as the natives like to say?

I always strive to push myself out of my comfort zone when I travel — starting with the dishes I eat throughout the day. I can effortlessly get a burger and fries back home, so why not indulge in a tasty gallo pinto instead?

Remember to check out local restaurants and try a few bites of street food, too. You may taste a delicious bowl of sopa negra — the country’s designated black bean soup — and make it your next go-to dish you plan to bring back home.

Experience Costa Rica’s Beauty Firsthand

Costa Rica is a land brimming with natural wildlife, beautiful scenery, and delicious cuisines. But don’t just take my word for it —  plan your own journeys to the land of “pura vida” so you can experience the adventures of Costa Rica, too.

Pin Where to go in Costa Rica for later:

Kacey Bradley is the lifestyle and travel blogger for The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world around her through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts. Along with writing for her blog, she frequently writes for sites like US Travel News, Thought Catalog, Style Me Pretty, Tripping.com and more! Follow Kacey on Twitter and subscribe to her blog to keep up with her travels and inspiring posts!

The post Where to go in Costa Rica | A Complete Guide to Costa Rica appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

There is so much to do in Guatemala but visiting the local villages is one of the most memorable experiences. I am going to share 3 villages to visit on Lake Atitlan, Guatemala.

The first time I visited Lake Atitlan, Guatemala I did a sunrise hike up to one of the tall peaks surrounding the lake. We arrived at the top just as the sun started peeking through the volcanoes and reflecting off the shimmering surface of the lake. It was one of a handful of special moments while traveling when I’ve been completely awestruck. It was so special that I did it again the next time I visited, a couple years later! 

Guatemala is a very traditional country, with Mayan people making up over half the population. The towns around Lake Atitlan, a huge crater lake surrounded by mountains and volcanoes, are dominated by traditional Mayan families. Once you make the 4-5 hour bumpy mountain drive from Antigua, you feel like you are in another world.

There are 11 small villages around the lake, each with their own distinct personalities. The mountain roads are difficult to drive, so most transportation is done by boat across the lake. Some towns aren’t even connected to the outside world by roads. This keeps the culture and the beautiful nature protected.

On my two trips to Lake Atitlan, I’ve visited many of its villages. I highly suggest you visit as many as you can while there, but if you’re limited on time there are three that are especially magical.

Read on to learn about the 3 best villages to visit on Lake Atitlan, Guatemala – including where to stay, where to eat, and what to do while you’re there!

3 Magical Villages to Visit on Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

1. San Marcos

San Marcos La Laguna is a modern hippie’s heaven. While the small town is filled with Mayan locals, it’s also seen an influx of expats and travelers interested in yoga, meditation, and natural living. You can’t walk far before finding yoga studios, advertisements for reiki healing sessions, or organic cafes.

You also have access from San Marcos to the beautiful sunrise hike at Indian’s Nose Mountain I mentioned earlier.

I’ve spent a week and a half in this charming town and could have easily stayed longer!

Where to Stay in San Marcos

• Lush

I highly recommend the aptly named –  Lush Hotel. The grounds are just that, incredibly lush and green, jam packed full of tropical foliage, trees, and flowers. They have rooms for almost any budget – from small economic rooms, to spacious apartments with incredible views of the volcanoes and lake. All rooms are decorated artistically with pretty tile, colorful walls, lovely textiles, and local artisan goods.

• Budget Options

If you prefer to stay in a hostel or are on a small budget, Circles Cafe & Hostel has nice basic rooms in a central location. Or Hostal del Lago has a pretty location right on the lake at the edge of town.

Where to Eat in San Marcos

• Il Giardino

This was my favorite restaurant in San Marcos. It’s a romantic little cafe serving delicious Italian food. The service, the garden ambiance, and the food is all excellent! It’s about halfway down the main footpath to the dock.

• Restaurant Fe

This is one of the more popular restaurants in San Marcos, right on the main footpath. The ambiance is nice – a big open room with low lighting. The pizzas were my favorite thing to eat here.

• Moonfish

This restaurant on the main driving road through town is super vegetarian friendly. You can find everything from burritos, to falafel, to salads here. The ambiance is a pretty, open garden – and prices are very reasonable.

• Circles Cafe & Hostel

Circles has great fresh coffee, as well as organic salads, sandwiches, and breakfasts. Their garden in back is a pretty and comfortable place to hang out for awhile.

• Gypsy’s Juice Bar

This tiny juice stand makes excellent fresh juices and smoothies. I happened to be sick with a cold for a few days when I arrived in San Marcos. I drank their intense ginger shots every day and felt better in no time! They also serve a little bit of food like bagels, sandwiches, and chili.

What to Do in San Marcos

Sunrise Hike to Indian’s Nose Mountain

This is absolutely a must do as far as I’m concerned. It’s still one of my favorite travel experiences to date.

There are 3 or 4 travel agencies in town, and all can arrange trips up the mountain. There are a couple of options – one where you take local transportation up to the hike starting point. This may include chicken busses, tuk-tuk’s and standing in the back of a pick-up truck (all while it’s still dark outside). I did this and loved it, but it’s definitely a bit adventurous. A second option is to take a private car to the hike starting point, which is a little bit more expensive but time effective and comfortable.

Once you get to the town of Santa Clara, you follow your guide up a steep winding path up the mountain. If the timing works out, you arrive at the apex just before the sun hits the horizon. Then you can watch the sky and lake turn shades of blue, purple, yellow and orange as the towns below start to wake up. It’s definitely a magical sight!

Get a Massage

There are many massage therapists in town. Ask around at your hotel/hostel, or keep your eyes out for the many signs along the streets.

Take a Yoga or Meditation Class

There are usually several yoga classes in town each day. We tried the classes at La Paz and Hostal del Lago. Both were great, but I highly recommend the class at Hostal del Lago. It’s on a deck at the lake’s edge, so you can do your practice while gazing at a gorgeous view.

2. San Juan

San Juan is a lovely little village that is much less touristy than some of the tourist hotspots like Panajachel and San Pedro. The main attractions here are the many women’s coops that make and sell beautiful and authentic Mayan textiles. This is a great place to do your shopping because the coops make sure that the women are compensated fairly for their amazing work.

Where to Stay in San Juan

I haven’t stayed in San Juan but have heard great things about Pa Muelle – a basic but clean and friendly hotel with a nice view of the lake, and the rustic Eco Hotel MayAchik up on the hill.

Where to Eat in San Juan

Alma de Colores

This cute but modest cafe has great food. The original owners were Italian, and the cafe still serves European/Mediterranean food like quiches, salads, and falafel. The ambiance is simple but attractive, and the service is great.

Cafe el Artesano

You must make reservations a couple weeks in advance for this lovely little wine and cheese bar, but it’s worth it! They serve large varieties of gourmet cheese, nuts, figs, and cured meats.

What to Do in San Juan

Shop!

This is the best pasttime in San Juan. There are a large number of women’s coops, all creating beautiful, well-made goods. Take a day to explore each one. Many of the coops also do weaving and natural dye demonstrations. The weaving is done by traditional backstrap loom, and the demonstrations are really interesting and informative!

3. Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz la Laguna is even less touristed than San Juan. There is a little mini village at the lake’s edge where most of the hotels are. And then you can take a very steep walk or a tuk-tuk ride up to the town that lies 325 feet straight up the mountain. The town is very traditional and local, and is nice for a short exploration.

The main reason to come to Santa Cruz is to enjoy the peaceful setting at the lake’s edge at one of the lovely hotels. This is a very relaxing and beautiful place.

Where to Stay in Santa Cruz

There are two amazing options in Santa Cruz depending on your budget:

• Isla Verde

This is one of the cutest hotels I’ve seen in awhile. Their design was on point – everything felt thought out and beautiful. There are lots of cozy common areas to hang out, drink a beer, or do yoga.
They have a nice deck right on the water to enjoy some food or a cocktail. Then they have a huge deck on the upper level dripping with plants and lots of comfy seating options. They also often have yoga classes, and a beautiful building to practice in.

• La Iguana Perdida

This is a great option if you’re on a smaller budget. There are a variety of rooms, and comfortable common areas. The hostel is right on the water, with a great big deck to enjoy a meal or a drink. They also have yoga classes here.

The best thing about La Iguana is their family style dinners. You sign up earlier in the day and are treated to a huge and delicious meal all together with the guests in the evening. There is usually a salad, a main course, and a dessert. We loved meeting other travelers while we enjoyed our dinner each night.

Where to Eat in Santa Cruz

Both hotels mentioned above have great food, and are also great for a happy hour cocktail with a view.

Another option is to head up into town and stop at one of the local restaurants there.

CECAP/Cafe Sabor Cruceno

This little cafe has good food, and also a fantastic view of the lake. It sits right on the edge of the mountain overlooking the water. The cafe is associated with the nonprofit CECAP that provides education to local children in need.

What to Do in Santa Cruz

Relax!

This is the best thing to do in this quiet little village. Enjoy the scenery, sway in a hammock, and swim in the lake.

Take a Walk to Jaibalito

There is a very rustic wooden bridge/footpath that hugs the edge of the lake and takes you all the way to the even smaller village of Jaibalito. We didn’t make it all the way there because it was late in the afternoon, but we made it as far as Isla Verde and enjoyed a happy hour drink at the hotel before returning.

Kayak

You can rent kayaks from almost any hotel. Lake Atitlan is the perfect setting to paddle out and enjoy the view of the mountains and villages from out in the water.

Yoga

Many of the hotels have yoga classes. Ask around and join in! You’ll be in the perfect setting for it.

Lake Atitlan is the perfect place to observe traditional Mayan culture, decompress from the fast-paced world, and enjoy gorgeous nature. I definitely recommend visiting the three magical and distinct villages of San Marcos, San Juan and Santa Cruz if you visit the area!

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I spent over 3 weeks in Panama City, and my favorite part, by far, was Casco Viejo – or the old historic district. It’s by far the most Instagrammable place in Panama City and I’ve put together this Casco Viejo old quarter guide so you know exactly where to go.

This neighborhood is jam packed with the prettiest historic buildings – some perfectly restored, and some crumbling (but kinda in a pretty way).

It’s also the artsy neighborhood, packed with shops, galleries, boutiques, restaurants, cafes and nightlife. And it’s a little peninsula surrounded by the Pacific ocean, so there are picturesque views on all sides.

I highly recommend spending most of your time in Panama City in Casco Viejo, before heading on to explore other parts of the country – like the Caribbean islands of Bocas del Toro, the cloud forest of Boquete, the surf towns of the Azuero Peninsula, or the picture perfect San Blas Islands.

Casco Viejo is a great place to stay, or just go to wander the streets, eat at one of the restaurants, or do some shopping.

Casco Viejo Old Quarter guide: What to Do

Walk & Photo the Historic Streets

The best activity in Casco Viejo is just to wander the colorful and charming streets! Be sure to pack your camera and stroll slowly so you can take in all the details.

The neighborhood is actually quite small, so you can do this fast if you’re short on time, or you can take your time and wander each street and alleyway.

People Watch in the Plazas

There are several pretty parks with benches and trees for shade. They’re each surrounded by beautiful buildings, and are great for people watching.

Grab an ice cream and sit in the Plaza de la Independencia, the Plaza Tomas Herrera, Plaza Simon Bolivar, and the Quinto Centenario.

Quinto Centenario has a great view of Casco Viejo as well as of the modern high-rises on the opposite side. It’s a great place see the melding of old and new that defines Panama City. And in the evening, it’s usually filled with people.

See the Historic Churches

Be sure to check out the beautiful historic churches in this area – including Iglesia de la Merced, Iglesia de San Jose, Iglesia San Francisco, and La Catedral.

Also, look for the ruins of the Iglesia Santo Domingo. This church was built in the 16th century but destroyed in a fire in 1756.

Check Out the Other Historical Sites

The churches aren’t the only noteworthy historic buildings. Be sure to check out the Palacio Municipal (the city hall), the Palacio de las Garzas (the presidential palace which was built in 1673), and the Teatro Nacional (the national theater).

Walk the Old Wall & Shop

Take a stroll on the Paseo de las Bovedas or Paseo Esteban Huertas – the old stone wall built in colonial times to protect against pirate attacks – on the southeastern side of Casco Viejo.

This wall curves around the coast, giving a great view of the modern skyscrapers, ships, and the ocean.

You’ll find lots of vendors here selling traditional goods, including the Kuna Yala people who make beautiful and bright textiles. You can do some shopping for souvenirs here.

Casco Viejo: What to Eat

Mercado de Mariscos or Seafood Market

If you’re in Panama City, you HAVE to eat at the Mercado de Mariscos (Not to be confused with the restaurant called Fish Market). It’s an institution here – a large market next to the ocean that gets fresh fish dropped off every day from the many fishing boats that pull into its port.

Walking around the market is interesting in its own right – you’ll see expert fishmongers carving up fish for ceviche or filets. And if you go up to the second floor, you’ll get an aerial view of what everyone has, sometimes seeing giant fish below!

But while you’re there, you have to sample some of the super fresh seafood. Outside the market, there are tons of food vendors in a line selling everything from ceviche to fish prepared in different ways.

Look for one of the vendors that’s busy (that means it’s good! One of my foolproof ways of finding good and safe street food in Latin America). Sit down and order some of Panama’s famous ceviche – it’s really delicious here! Another great dish to order is the fried fish filet served with plantains and salad.

La Rana Dorada

This is a local brewery chain that has a location in Casco Viejo. Their in-house beer is great, and they have a nice happy hour deal. There is a seating area outside and a view of the water from the front. It’s a great place to grab a beer after an afternoon of wandering the streets of Casco Viejo. They also have great bar food. Their burger was delicious!

Maisa

Maisa is a great, slightly upscale version of the local ceviche. Prices are still affordable, but they take a twist on the classic Panamanian ceviche, and add different flavors.

They’re well known for their delicious and unique salsas. You can choose which one you’d like on your ceviche. Some of their choices are pineapple, buffalo, guayaba, maracuyá (passion fruit), tamarindo, chimichurri, etc.. Yum! They also have outside seating.

Casco Viejo: Where to Drink:

La Rana Dorada

Again, La Rana Dorada is a great place to sample some local beer. The atmosphere is a comfortable and casual brewery. It’s great for happy hour drinks inside or out, or a casual evening drink.

Mojitos sin Mojitos

Mojitos sin Mojitos is a cute bar on the southeast corner of Plaza Herrera. The decor is rustic and hip. Don’t let the name confuse you, this bar doesn’t actually serve mojitos. It’s a beer bar that also serves some mixed drinks. They also are famous for their bbq burgers. Prices are very reasonable and there is always a good crowd there.

Pina Calavera

Pina Calavera is an underground nightclub in Casco Viejo. You’ll find live music and events here. It’s a great place to go to dance and have a good time.

Tantalo

If you’re looking for a true club experience, head to Tantalo where the trendiest Panamanians go to have fun. Their rooftop bar has a great view of the skyline, and the crowd is a nice mix of locals and tourists, dancing to the DJ’s set.

Casco Viejo: Where to Stay

American Trade Hotel

The American Trade Hotel is the most stylish place to stay in town. The building is breathtaking with gorgeous tile, jungley greens, and clean mid-century modern furnishings inside.

Las Clementinas

Las Clementinas is a beautifully restored vintage building with 6 large suites. The rooms are furnished with clean modern furniture, and beautiful touches are everywhere like the pretty tile in the shower, or the colorful ethnic pillows on the bed.

If you head to Panama, you will surely be passing through Panama City on your way in and out of the country. Be sure to check out the best part of the city – Casco Viejo. You’ll find all the charm of a historic neighborhood with hip and modern restaurants, bars and shops.

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