If you want to travel around Panama in a camper, you are spoilt for choice: you can either climb up to pleasantly lofty heights in your roof tent or lie comfortably in the back of your campervan. But which camper is better for you? We have compiled a few facts from our experience that may influence your decision.
In this article, we shed light on the different uses and comforts of a rooftop tent or campervan. We examine which age and target groups best cope with the conditions for a camping adventure in Panama in the different vehicles.
The Campervan
Our promoted Morpho Van offers the maximum comfort and ensures an unforgettable camping adventure in Panama. Campervans are suitable for all travelers who are looking for their experiences along the Panamericana. Whether parking and spending the night directly on the beach at Playa Venao or in the mountains in Boquete – with a campervan you are flexible. As long as the roads are passable, the Morpho Van can take on any adventure.
The equipment varies and can be customized. The basic equipment includes a camping table and chairs, a cool box, a large sleeping area for two adults and a solar system that provides you with the power you need for lighting in the evening and charging your cell phone or laptop. The mobile shower and toilet are a big plus if you are camping off the beaten track or in the countryside. Other amenities include numerous kitchen utensils, such as a gas stove, pans and pots, cutlery, towels, washing-up bowls and soap, as well as a small outdoor BBQ grill.
Campervan suitable for all ages
The campervan is suitable for all ages. The Morpho Van is a Volkswagen Transporter that has always been known as the hippie bus, surfer bus or simply camping bus and has retained its reputation. Today, it has grown up and with the added extras and high level of comfort, it can also be used perfectly by the 60+ generation.
However, there are some drawbacks, as this is a campervan and not a fully-equipped motorhome. Water and waste water tanks, 24-hour air conditioning and similar features are not available in these models. However, this often doesn’t matter, as the nights in Panama are pleasant at 20-26 degrees for most of the year. Our magnetic mosquito nets, which are quickly attached and ensure a peaceful night without mosquitoes, provide airy comfort.
Even more comfort thanks to additional packages
A second mobile solar system is available as an optional extra for the Morpho Van, which can also be used to operate a Starlink satellite antenna for unrestricted internet reception in Panama. A monitor for working or watching TV is also part of the optional equipment. Please also check our additional packages.
Morpho Van also provides a refrigerator and freezer with ice compartment that can be charged and operated via the permanently installed and a mobile solar system. However, to ensure continuous operation, we recommend direct charging – especially in cloudy weather.
Those traveling as a family with a baby can also book a baby seat and a travel bed. And the “Fun” package also leaves nothing to be desired when it comes to the rental of paddleboards and diving masks. These do not have to be transported to Panama by plane, but can be rented directly from us.
The Rooftop Tents
A pickup car, as the Volkswagen Amarok, is the adventure vehicle with 4×4 drive. It leaves nothing to be desired when it comes to reaching destinations and even in the rainy season it can cope with many a poorly passable road. The hardtop on the loading area provides extra comfort, as you can easily spend the night underneath in the rainy season. However, the loading area is of course primarily used for stowing personal belongings and the pickup’s extra equipment.
The highlight and central sleeping area is of course the rooftop tent. Here you can rely on the Swedish brand Thule, which has tents in its range that can be set up quickly. The sleeping area on the roof of the pickup can be set up in less than five minutes, or three minutes with practice. Climbing up a ladder can be strenuous from a certain age. We therefore only recommend renting a pickup with rooftop tent up to the age of 60. If you feel young, go for it!
Most of the rooftop tents available in Panama are for 2 to 3 people. For additional travelers some agencies provide another tent for more people.
Direct comparison
The advantages and disadvantages of a campervan or pickup with a rooftop tent have already been mentioned. Let’s go into detail about the space: the pickup is suitable for up to 5 adults, which is a clear advantage over the campervan, which only allows a maximum of 2 adults and a young child. The rooftop tent, e.g. on the Amarok, always provides a cool breeze in the somewhat airier height on the vehicle. It is quick to set up and the camping feeling is much more intense.
In contrast, the campervan with its air-permeable and magnetic mosquito nets ensures maximum sleeping comfort in the back of the vehicle. You can shield yourself better from other travelers, which can be annoying in the pickup in the rooftop tent, as you sleep quite openly.
The solar system on the campervan is another advantage that the pickup doesn’t offer. Due to the rooftop tent on the pickup, no fixed solar system can be installed on the roof, but a mobile system can be booked via our packages. This independence is important to many, so this point clearly goes to the campervan.
The pickup scores points across the board when it comes to adventure. The 4×4 drive leaves nothing to be desired and most destinations in Panama can be reached even in the rainy season. The campervan does not offer this drive, but as the road system in Panama is very well developed, you can reach almost all destinations with it.
Conclusion
The Morpho Van, our campervan, is probably the best alternative for 2 travelers or a small family with a baby or toddler who are looking for maximum comfort. The basic equipment provided for the kitchen, sleeping area, etc. is sufficient for most tourists in Panama. And if you want even more, simply book one of our additional packages. Age or fitness doesn’t play a major role when deciding on the campervan, as it is suitable for almost all groups of people.
The pickup with rooftop tent makes sense for large groups of up to 5 people. Although the basic equipment is somewhat reduced, additional packages can also provide the necessary comfort. The 4×4 drive guarantees a high degree of flexibility when it comes to destinations, even in the rainy season, and the rooftop tent ensures a comfortable night’s sleep with plenty of fresh air on the roof of the pickup. The restriction for climbing the rooftop tent via the ladder and the age should be taken into account!
If you have more questions about the different vehicles, please contact us at any time.
