Hiking
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Panama is a great place for hikes, both casual day trips and major backcountry treks. There are very few developed campsites in the country, however, and few rangers to help out stranded hikers. Trails are often rugged and rudimentary.
Never, ever hike in the forest alone. Go with a qualified naturalist guide. It’s surprisingly easy to get lost, and in some parts of Panama—such as the Darién—getting lost can be fatal.
Also, rainforest trails can be very slippery, and you don’t want to be stuck alone in the forest with even a twisted ankle. I’m embarrassed to admit how many times I’ve wiped out on what looked like an easy trail or gentle stream crossing.
Appropriate gear is key to a safe, enjoyable hike in the tropics. Always camp in a tent, even on the beach, to prevent insect and possible vampire-bat bites. Treat even small scratches with antibiotics; wounds quickly become infected in the tropics.
Hitchhiking
Hitchhiking is not common in Panama, and it’s just as dangerous here as it is in your own country.
© William Friar from Moon Panama, 3rd Edition
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Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.