Panama Travel Forum

Hello everyone,

I am scheduled to be working in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, from August to November. I was thinking of attempting to return to the U.S. overland through the following route: travel by bus to Quito, fly to Panama City, and take buses from Panama City all the way back to the U.S.

I had several questions about this proposition. First of all, and most importantly, is this trip safe for a US citizen traveling alone (in terms of crime/health issues/bus safety)? I speak pretty good Spanish and hopefully will be very comfortable with it after 3 months in Bolivia. Is this trip (through Central America) feasible and economical? I had anticipated giving myself about a month to do the trip, leaving Quito on November 22 or so and getting to Texas just before Christmas. (Quito was the city closest to Bolivia that seems to have a direct flight to Panama--does anyone know of a place closer to Bolivia that offers such a flight?)

Finally, I was wondering where it is best to cross the U.S.-Mexican border, and in what way--I am thinking of crossing by bus from Matamoros to Brownsville, Texas.

Any insight or comments are very much appreciated. Thank you very much!

- Andy

A cmmendable trip indeed.
copa is a panama based airline that flies to all major cities in the northern part of south america. you can get by road to ecuador or peru and fly out of there. if you want you can also go through brasil all the way up to venezuela and then fly to panama from caracas or cross into colombia and fly from baranquilla or cartagena.
Panama onwards to USA is doable. there are no guerileros or warfare going on but remember, the usual dangers of travelling by bus, which is the most common mode of transportation for the poor.
mexico and usa share so many crossings, texas alone has juarez to be avoided, to el paso; another crossing near presidio on the xtreme western part of the state, del rio and eagle pass are quite easy and comfortable, avoid laredo or nuevo laredo.. if you are destination in texas is closer to san antonio, will advice to cross at piedras negras and eagle pass, which i cross regularly, from eagle pass there is a shuttle bus that goes to san antonio..

good luck and enjoy the journey

Andy,

I will comment on the Central American part. I swept down from Guatemala to Costa Rica on the bus. I used the Tica Bus, and Transnica among others. Great trip, and quite and eyeful. I was very cautious traveling alone and didn't go out at night. When I entered a city I negotiated with a taxi driver or hotel recommended guide to take me around. Never ventured alone because what I wanted to see wasn't always in the best area of town. Walking around solo as a gringo can make you a target I'll be honest to say. There is much poverty and Nicaragua has about a 60% unemployment rate. But, with caution the entire trip is safe and I recommend it for everyone.

If you're a studier of history, the trip will bring the stories alive. They are sad stories though. Many died in this area during the 70's and 80's. But that is part of the experience.

These buses get full, so I advise making reservations. I didn't from Costa Rica to Panama City and had to fly.

I did Mexico when the train ran the full length. Border crossings will be wait no matter which you choose. They may ask you for a tourist card. Cost about 20 bucks.

I like your plans and adventurous spirit. After so many days on a bus, your endurance will be tested. Give yourself a couple of days in each city - Guatemala City, Tegulcigalpa Honduras, El Salvador, Managua Nicaragua, and San Jose Costa Rica. Panama is the ultimate.

Economically, the cost of the bus fare is relatively inexpensive in my book. I think it averaged about 20 bucks between capitals. I'd pay many times that to do it again.

Ken (Malecon)