Horseback Holidays in Panama

Panama is a country known for its natural beauty, biodiversity, and stunning landscapes. We invite you to discover on horseback the beauty of its scenery, its rich culture, and its many equestrian activities.

Panama: The Country That Emerged from the Waters

One of the most attractive and lesser-known countries in Central America is Panama. For many, the famous Panama Canal comes to mind.

However, Panama is much more, with paradisiacal beaches, colonial cities, delicious cuisine, and the presence of seven different indigenous groups.

The official name of the country is Republic of Panama. It is located at the southern tip of Central America and shares borders with Costa Rica and Colombia.

It is the bridge connecting North and South America.

Panama City, its capital, is the main starting point for any other destination inside or outside the country. It is currently the most modern city in Central America.

Geography

Three million years ago, the Isthmus of Panama emerged from the sea and changed the world forever. It divided an ocean and united two continents, causing one of the most important natural evolution events in world history.

Panama is crossed by several mountain ranges. The Sierra de Tabasará enters the country from the west. Its average altitude is 1,525 m, and its highest peak, Barú, an extinct volcano, reaches 3,475 m.

Valle de Antón

East of the canal, the San Blas Range and the low Serranía del Darién have an average height of 915 m and are located almost entirely inland. The region between the two mountain systems consists of hills, well-irrigated fertile valleys, and plains. Numerous rivers flow from both ranges, emptying into the Pacific or the Caribbean Sea.

The narrow strip that forms Panama widens in the south-central part at the Azuero Peninsula, which closes the Gulf of Panama. This area is home to the Pearl Archipelago, which consists of about a hundred small islands.

Panama enjoys a tropical climate with average annual temperatures ranging from 23° to 27°C in coastal regions. Inland, at higher altitudes, the average temperature is 19°C. The rainy season lasts from April to December.

San Blas Archipelago (Caribbean Sea)

Flora and Fauna

Panama has a great diversity of fauna and flora.

Panamanian jungles are world-renowned for hosting numerous and magnificent species: monkeys, pumas, jaguars, ocelots, armadillos, wild pigs, anteaters, rabbits, deer, and other native animals of the American tropics.

Sloth

Flock of birds

Due to its geographic position, Panama is a resting point for many bird species migrating north to south and vice versa.

There are more than 1,000 different bird species. Among the most beautiful are the toucan, macaw, and quetzal.

Panama is rich in marine life, as it is bathed by both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Off the Pacific coast, you can observe, between July and September, the passage of humpback whales on their way to their breeding grounds.

In Panama, the flora is a true paradise. The wonderful trees and plants that populate the country burst into a great festival of colors between April and June.

There are orchids of different varieties, with the “Holy Spirit Flower,” whose white petals resemble a dove, being the national emblem.

Its variety of forests with trees of various species is highly valued for timber production.

Choosing a Horseback Tourism Provider in Panama

If you love adventure, Panama becomes your paradise. Here you can enjoy horseback activities that will get your pulse racing.

The companies Boquete Outdoor Adventures and Panama Horseback Adventures offer various routes in this country that we invite you to discover.

Boquete Outdoor Adventures

Located in the highlands of Chiriquí province, in Boquete, this adventure tourism company offers a wide variety of activities, such as rafting, hiking, bird watching, and horseback riding.

Boquete is a cozy mountain town set in a fertile valley. It is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, bird watchers, backpackers, and those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Boquete

Their Horseback Routes
Small enough to be explored on foot, Boquete has much to offer when it comes to horseback adventures, with trails, paths, and corners full of history.

They offer 2 different routes. Before you start riding, you’ll have a short safety and horse-handling talk, and they will select the horse that best suits you.

Caldera Highlands Route

• This 1-day route is perfect for families with children, beginners, or experienced riders.
• The route passes through a low area in the Caldera region, which is generally warmer and sunnier all year round.
• You’ll spend a day on horseback riding through green hills, along pristine streams, and enjoying panoramic views of the valley.
• You must be in good physical condition and able to handle the horse on your own.

Totally Chiriqui Route

• This 5-day route combines different activities. Each day is a different activity: rafting, hiking, and horseback riding.
• You’ll also visit the islands of Panama and a coffee producer.
• You’ll have endless opportunities to take wonderful photos. Fun and adventure under the sun await you.
• Each day you’ll explore a different area, and in five days you’ll be able to say you discovered the soul of its people, its incredible landscapes, and the history of the place.

Find more information on their website: www.boqueteoutdooradventures.com.

Subscribe to the Ampascachi Community and access exclusive benefits and content. We also offer free advice on horses and equestrian tourism.

SUBSCRIBE

Panama Horseback Adventures

They are located on San Cristóbal Island, in the beautiful Bocas del Toro archipelago. It was founded by Dave Hopper and his wife, Molly, in 2009.

Dave has extensive knowledge and experience with horses and organizes group horseback rides around the island.

He has recently organized a new long-distance route for expert riders that goes from San Cristóbal to Dolphin Bay. These will be days of adventure and unique experiences in the middle of the jungle.

Individual lessons can be booked, and discounts are offered on all rides for groups of 10 or more riders. The routes are available with guides in Spanish or English.

Jungle

Their Horseback Routes
They have 4 one-day programs, in different parts of the island:

• Half-day route: Pick-up in the town of Bocas. The excursion includes 2 hours of horseback riding in the jungle and a stop at different viewpoints to enjoy incredible views. Ideal for beginners and children. Minimum of 3 people.
• Full-day route: This route includes transportation with pick-up and return to the town of Bocas. During the route, there will be a lunch stop at a restaurant in an indigenous village. The Local Handicraft Center is also visited. Minimum 2 people.
• Horseback route on San Cristóbal Island: The adventure begins with a boat trip from the town of Bocas. Then you’ll ride through the beautiful countryside of the island and the jungle.
• Expert riders’ route: You’ll discover the heart of the jungle of San Cristóbal Island. Lunch is at Dolphin Bay, at the \"Valle de Las Ranas\" restaurant, which belongs to a local indigenous community.

As you can see, with them you can enjoy a true adventure in the Panamanian jungle.

For more information, visit their website: www.panamahorseback.com.

In Panama, nature must be discovered. And if you do it on horseback, you’ll enjoy its hills, mountains, more than 500 rivers, and the paradisiacal views of the seas that bathe it. Discover the living nature, the flights of its birds, and the animals of the jungle.