You will find here the results of our backpackers' survey as well as comments on some aspects of Panama.
We asked backpackers who had traveled in Panama for at least one week already to answer the followings.
Do
you like Panama ? 88%
of the backpackers surveyed (17) say yes !
Most people enjoy Panama and those who did not had specific reasons not to : they ran into trouble with the police or were mistaken for arrogant Americans...
Would you happily come back ? 71% of the backpackers surveyed (17) say yes !
Panama is a rather small place whose main attractions can usually be visited in one short trip. Still, most would not mind visiting again !
Would you recommend Panama ? 88% of the backpackers surveyed (17) say yes !
Most travelers would encourage their friend to visit Panama, as long as they do not show too much arrogance, of course...
We
also asked them to rate the followings :
The tourists attractions
Backpackers (17) : 12.94 /20
Panama is a small country and there aren't too many places to visit. It
also keeps a rather low profile, not over-promoting its treasures yet. The
Panama Canal is the most famous attraction but Bocas Del Toro Archipelago is
probably the locality with the most potential of development in the area.
Boquete is another perfect gateway, with fresh air and mountains instead of
water & beaches. More remote, the San Blas Archipelago delights most of the
adventurers who venture there.
The city scenery
Backpackers (17) : 11.53 /20
In terms of cities, Panama City is the only one worth a good look & a
stay : it is the most cosmopolitan and contrasting capital of the area, with
modern buildings facing an old charming colonial district. The villages are less
interesting but much more relaxed, with colonial charm or minorities
atmosphere.
The natural scenery
Backpackers (17) : 15.53 /20
The offering may look limited but Panama is actually one of the
best kept secret of the area : with 15 national parks, a dozen forest reserves,
10 wildlife refuge and 2800km of coasts, the total protected area amount to 29%
of its superficy. That is more than Costa Rica (25%) ! Its archipelagos in
particular offers some of the finest
beaches, snorkeling & diving possibilities of the area while its hilly villages offers
numerous treks in lovely settings. As for spotting wildlife, there are more
species of birds in Panama than in all of North America, with around 954 species
!
The cultural opportunities
Backpackers (17) : 10.12 /20
The Panama Canal, museums and colonial architectures are certainly
excellent cultural sights but probably not enough to justify a trip in
themselves. The remote eastern part should however offer a fascinating glance into the
life of the Kuna people and, if more people where going there, there is no doubt
that the rating would improve a bit... Other tribes (from one of the five major
ethnic groups) can also be met in other parts of the country.
The
food Backpackers
(17) : 9.75 /20
The lowest rate of the survey. Indeed, the cheapest restaurants
serving ready to serve chicken, rice & beans are usually best avoided as
quite tasteless. Acceptable & cheap alternatives exist but eating well in
Panama requires a slightly higher budget. On the positive side, pastries are
numerous, excellent and cheap !
The
infrastructures
Backpackers (17) : 15.06 /20
The best rate this time, as traveling
in Panama is a rather comfortable activity, with far less chicken
buses than in the other countries. Minibus do most of the short or medium trip
while luxury coaches deal with the long distances. The roads are good and the
departures frequent. However, not all the country is well connected and traveling
the eastern part would certainly be much more adventurous (and costly)...
The
cost of living and traveling
Backpackers (17) : 11.06 /20
After Costa Rica (and probably Belize), Panama is the most expensive
country in the area. The major expenses by far are the accommodations, in
particular in Panama City. Transport is reasonably priced, considering the
quality. Basic food & snack are very cheap and the tap water usually free to
drink. As for the attractions, they are usually free to enjoy. Altogether,
expect around US$15 per day. Much more for San Blas, thanks to its overpriced
accomodations.
The
safety Backpackers
(17) : 12.47 /20
With the exception of the capital & Colon, Panama is a fairly safe
country to visit : you can relax and enjoy the scenery ! In the above mentioned
places however, being cautious at all time and avoiding certain districts are
very good idea to avoid trouble. Visiting with the Police Tourist is also a
solution...
The
cleanliness Backpackers
(17) : 12.47 /20
Panama is a relatively
clean country, with limited rubbish in the countryside and rather well
maintained cities' streets (at least in the safe parts). Not bad for
such a developing country...
The
pollution Backpackers
(17) : 12.47 /20
Another fair rate as the essential
of the problem is located in the big cities. There, walking by the side of any
road won't be a very pleasant activity but the vehicles aren't that dirty and
there are numerous pedestrian areas.
The
Shopkeepers' attitude Backpackers
(17) : 12.71 /20
Most people enjoy the
shopping delights of Panama City but, as many big cities, smile on the face of
the shopkeeper is optional. In the other places, things are more relaxed without
being over-friendly. As for the touts, I found them remarkably absent of the traveling
scenes. The Kuna people were reported a bit greedy...
The Panama
people's attitude
Backpackers (17) : 13.88 /20
The lowest rate of the survey, reflecting the bad experience of a few
people : they were confronted to corrupt policemen and mistaken for Americans !
Truly, not all the officials were as lovely as the tourist police of the capital
and it is a good idea to clarify your nationality as early as possible. With my
French accent and limited Spanish, I however found the local people to be among
the friendliest of the whole area, with some remarkable examples of hospitality
!
Entertainment
Backpackers (13) : 9.85 /20
A surprisingly low rate ! After all, Panama City is the most cosmopolitan
capital of Central America, with numerous places to go out (theatres, cinema,
bars or disco) in a relatively safe night district. This may be due to the
usual high cover charge and the fact that some trendy places aren't too friendly
with people wearing casual. Outside of the capital, you go to bed early !
Shopping
Backpackers (17) : 15.29 /20
For consumers goods (electronics, clothes, jewellery, perfumes,
watches,...), Panama City is
clearly paradise in the area : enormous choice and often lower prices than in
Europe or the States. It will be even cheaper (15% less) in the Colon Free Zone,
the second largest duty-free zone in the world after Hong Kong. As for
handicrafts, Panama would be second only to Guatemala, as its minorities produce
top quality & colorful objects. Enjoy !
Generally,
the country Backpackers
(17) : 14.12 /20
If it was not for those two backpackers who had problems with the
officials & locals, Panama would be second only to Guatemala. Indeed, quite
a few people consider it their favorite country in the area : great escapes by
the coast or in the mountains, charming colonial houses, lovely people
(with a few exceptions), impressive canal and colorful minorities for the
adventurers. All this and more to enjoy without too many tourists !
Value
for money Backpackers
(17) : 11.76 /20
The lowest rate of the survey, probably due to the rather bad
quality-price ratio of most accomodation in Panama City and of a view places on
the coast. Except for those, I
found Panama to be fairly well priced and, considering that most attractions are
free to visit, actually much better value than more popular Costa Rica.
Give your opinion ! If you have traveled in Panama for at least 1 week, please participate to our
surveys !
Compare Panama with other countries in the Central America Section
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