Panama is one of the most exciting destinations in Central America for backpackers, surfers, adventure travelers, and digital nomads. With tropical islands, rainforest mountains, vibrant cities, and a growing backpacker scene, more travelers are searching online for reliable travel blogs about Panama to help plan their trips.
Because Panama is still slightly under the radar compared to places like Costa Rica or Mexico, travel blogs often provide the most up-to-date and detailed information available. From backpacking routes to surf towns, transportation tips, and hidden jungle hostels, these blogs are some of the best online resources for planning a trip.
Below are some of the best travel blogs about Panama, including a few that backpackers rely on heavily when planning their route through the country.
1. Nomadic Matt – Panama Travel Guide
One of the most famous backpacking websites in the world, Matthew Kepnes runs a massive travel blog that includes a helpful Panama section.
His guides focus on budget travel, backpacking itineraries, and practical travel advice for independent travelers.
You’ll find useful information about:
backpacking routes through Panama
budget travel tips
hostel recommendations
transportation advice
Link:
https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-guides/panama-travel-tips/
This blog is particularly helpful for travelers visiting Panama City, Boquete, and Bocas del Toro.
2. Lost and Found Hostel Blog
One of the most unique travel blogs in Panama actually comes from a hostel itself: the blog from Lost and Found Hostel.
This blog has become a surprisingly powerful travel resource for backpackers exploring Panama.
The articles focus heavily on:
how to travel across Panama by bus
backpacker travel routes
adventure activities
jungle hiking and wildlife
hidden destinations around the country
Because the hostel sits directly on the route between David and Bocas del Toro, the blog often includes very practical transportation guides and insider tips.
Link:
https://www.thelostandfoundhostel.com/blog
3. The Broke Backpacker – Backpacking Panama Guide
Another extremely popular resource for young travelers is the blog run by Will Hatton.
The site focuses heavily on budget backpacking, adventure travel, and off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Their Panama guide includes:
backpacking routes
hostel recommendations
budget tips
safety advice
The guide even highlights Lost and Found Hostel as one of the most unique places to stay in Panama because of its jungle location and social atmosphere.
Link:
https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/backpacking-panama-travel-guide/
4. Adventures & Sunsets – Panama Backpacking Route
The blog run by Maggie Dobbins offers one of the best step-by-step backpacking itineraries through Panama.
The Panama guide covers routes connecting:
Panama City
Santa Catalina
Boquete
Lost and Found Hostel
Bocas del Toro
It’s especially useful for travelers trying to understand how to move across the country efficiently.
Link:
https://www.adventuresnsunsets.com/panama-backpacking-guide-itinerary-routes-hostels-what-to-do/
5. Backpackers Wanderlust – Panama Travel Guide
The Backpackers Wanderlust blog is another helpful planning resource.
Their Panama section includes information about:
transportation around the country
must-visit destinations
backpacking routes
cultural tips
This guide highlights Panama’s diversity, from Caribbean islands to mountain cloud forests.
Link:
https://www.backpackerswanderlust.com/panama-travel-guide/
6. Wanderlust Chloe – Panama Travel Blog
For travelers looking for more visual inspiration and destination stories, the blog by Chloe Gunning offers beautifully written guides and photography.
Her Panama section includes posts about:
Panama City nightlife
tropical islands
cultural experiences
food and travel stories
Link:
https://www.wanderlustchloe.com/central-america/panama/
7. Take Your Backpack – Panama Backpacking Guide
This blog is written by long-term traveler Tim Wenger and focuses heavily on independent travel and backpacking logistics.
Their Panama guide includes:
travel planning advice
realistic budgets
itinerary ideas
local travel tips
Link:
https://www.takeyourbackpack.com/backpacking-in-panama/
Why Travel Blogs Are the Best Resource for Panama
Unlike heavily touristed destinations, Panama still has many hidden places that traditional guidebooks rarely cover.
Travel blogs are often better sources for:
bus routes and transport updates
backpacker hostels
new surf towns
adventure activities
secret hiking spots
They also tend to reflect the real experiences of travelers currently exploring the country.
A Growing Trend in Panama Travel Content
Interestingly, some of the most helpful travel information about Panama now comes directly from hostels and local travel businesses.
Places like Lost and Found Hostel produce extremely detailed guides because they interact with backpackers every day and understand the most common travel questions.
As a result, these blogs often become one of the most useful planning tools for travelers exploring Panama.