Camping

Overview

You can sleep between worlds on the edge of the rainforest or listen to the sound of the waves on one of Panama’s breathtaking beaches, while the safe and secure motorhome is parked nearby. If you’re planning a trip to Panama and are looking for this unique opportunity, camping with Morpho Van is the perfect solution for you.

In this article we are going to discuss what the advantages and disadvantages are if you are planning a camping adventure here in Panama. This country has nearly no touristic infrastructure for campers which makes it harder then usual to find spots for the night and places to relax in the campervan.

Best ways to explore

Camping in Panama is the absolute insider’s tip, as it offers a convenient and affordable way to explore the country’s diverse landscapes and attractions. Thanks to Panama’s generous wild camping opportunities, you’ll sleep in places most tourists never get to see.

Panama is the perfect country for a road trip. Not too big, but not too small. Within a few hours you can be in misty mountainous regions, on white sandy beaches or in the dense rainforest. We would recommend everyone to explore Panama by car or better campervan, because this is the most flexible way.

A Campervan or Pickup Camper

With a Morpho Van you experience the ultimate feeling of freedom. You decide when to go on and where your next adventure will take you. Traveling through Panama by campervan or pickup is an affordable way to explore the country. You will experience the natural beauty of Panama first hand. A camper offers more space than a normal car and it feels like your own home after a few days.

The sounds of nature can keep you awake at night in your tent. Your campervan is well-protected from outside noises and even wild animals will not have a chance to crawl in. Still, expect to be awakened at night by other things, like the gentle sound of the ocean waves or rain. Earplugs are definitely a valuable helper.

Shortly before the actual sunset around 6 pm, mosquitoes and sandflies come out of their hiding places. A reliable mosquito repellent is therefore essential. In Panama you can buy the mosquito spray “Off” for adults and children in almost every supermarket. This mosquito protection can be worth its weight in gold here, despite all precautions. For your convenience, we have installed mosquito nets to keep the bugs out and the fresh air in the Morpho Van.

When choosing the right Morpho Van for your Panama adventure, there are a few things to consider:

1. Best match and size:
   Consider how many people will be traveling with you and choose a vehicle that is large enough to comfortably fit all of your fellow travelers.
2. The equipment:
   Different campers have different features. Be specific about what is important to you. Do you need a kitchen or a shower? Do you need a ventilator? Make sure you choose a camper that fits your individual needs!
3. The budget:
   Camper prices can vary greatly, and the price will depend on what standard you prefer. Remember that you also need to factor in the cost of gas, food and all activities.

Wild Camping vs Campgrounds

Yes, wild camping is allowed in Panama. However, there are some regulations for camping on the beach. There are no official regulations for “wild camping” in many Central American countries. However, national parks and nature reserves are off limits, with a few exceptions. In order to camp in certain areas of the national parks, you usually need a permit and in some cases you even have to be accompanied by a guide.

Please note that there are usually no explicitly marked campgrounds in Panama like you might be used to have them in Australia, most parts of Europe, Canada, South Africa and other places. However, in Panama most hotels and resorts offer a service for you, if you ask them at the right time.

Useful tips for camping

While sipping your morning coffee, you can listen to the trilling of golden-headed pipits in the forests next to the camp. A walk with a knowledgeable guide will leave you in awe. From tiny, colorful poison dart frogs on the forest floor to red-throated caracaras in the tree canopies above you, these forests are full of life. At the end of your day exploring the region, you’ll lie down in the Morpho Van and doze off to the sounds of owls, daytime sleepers (potoos), nightjars, and a symphony of frogs wishing you a “good night” from the woods.

Places to be careful

Red-bellied puffbirds, red-tailed glossy birds, white-headed wrens and many more provide an unmistakable dawn chorus that is unparalleled in Panama. The Darién Province of Panama is a birdwatcher’s paradise, located in the most diverse and least explored region of Central America. In the lowlands in the far east of Panama, located at the end of the Panamericana, you can feel the wilderness around you at the new Canopy Camp. Giant trees – Cuipo trees – offer a fantastic panorama. Harpies and crested eagles live in these huge rainforests.

Setting up your tent in the middle of nowhere and spending the night is a safety risk in some countries and regions of the Americas. The reason for this is the high crime rate, which can quickly become dangerous, especially in the big cities or in the Darién and Colon provinces. The other provinces are mostly ok and secure but you should always lock the Morpho Van. Even at night, when you are sleeping. Depending on the equipment you can either open the windows or the roof hatch for the fresh wind.

In general, Panama is a safe country for travelers. The police is always present. However, you should not be too reckless. When camping in Panama, there are some specifics to keep in mind:

Secure spots

A campground or a parking lot in front of a hotel are certainly good choices. At the sea you can camp in the area where the beach ends and where the palm trees begin. This area also offers some shade, which is more pleasant anyway. Just never park directly under a palm tree with coconuts. That is another dangerous thing. The falling coconut could be very painful to your head and cause deep dents on the roof of the campervan. The same is true for every type of fruit tree in the tropics, including the popular mango tree.

Climatic regions

From subtropical, to dry and cool, there are different weather conditions in Panama in the mountains, at the sea and in the jungle. But everywhere there is high humidity. So pack appropriate clothing and equipment to stay comfortable and dry everywhere you go.

During the rainy season there are heavy rains and thunderstorms. Panama has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons – the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season lasts from December to April, while the rainy season stretches from May to November. Weather can vary greatly by region, so it’s important to be informed and pack accordingly.

Insects and animals

Panama is home to a variety of insects and animals, some of which can be dangerous. Be sure to take insect repellent and watch out for snakes and scorpions. For example, I would not recommend sleeping directly on the ground and always check shoes before slipping into them.

The biggest challenge are the sandflies and mosquitos. They are found in large numbers in Panama, especially near wetlands. For example, near mangrove forests, quiet waterways, in jungle areas and also in cities.

It is often not the bites and stings themselves that are the problem, but the secondary diseases. This danger is often underestimated. Dengue fever, malaria and other diseases are transmitted by insects and are a constant problem in the tropics.

That’s why you should protect yourself adequately. The camper and the pickup are well equipped for this. We have magnetic mosquito nets on all doors and windows, additional mosquito spray in case an animal gets into the car and mosquito candles to repel more mosquitoes.

Drinking water

Drinking water in Panama is generally safe, albeit with high levels of chlorine. However, in some areas of the country it is advisable to drink bottled water. Always ask at campsites and restaurants if the water is safe to drink.

In any case, 95% of the water can be used for brushing your teeth and washing up. If boiled, it should also be good for coffee and tea. You can buy 3.7-litre bottles of water in most supermarkets for less than $2.

Cooking in the wild

Traveling through Panama by Morpho Van is a good opportunity to save money because you can cook your own food with the small camp stove. I would advise you to buy fruits and vegetables at local markets and get the rest at the supermarket. Rey, Super 99 and Xtra are good supermarkets with a wide selection of food.

Pasta, sausages, tomato sauce – some people have lived on this for two weeks. These are the real campers, even though we supply a fridge and freezer with the campervan. The adventure of camping is often in the simplicity of things.

We also provide a small barbecue and charcoal so you can cook meat or fresh fish in the wilderness at any time. Cooking in the wilderness is not only fun, it also tastes incredibly good.

Conclusion

If you are interested in the adventure “Camping in Panama” in a Campervan, please contact us at any time. We are here to help you with advice and support when it comes to finding a campsite, missing equipment and information that will guarantee you a special kind of vacation.

You will soon realize that camping in Panama is still new territory for many people. When you park your campervan on the beach in the evening and set up camp for the night, you often won’t be alone for long. And the subsequent encounters make the vacation a special experience.