Sports and leisure activities Panama

Budget & Tips

In the capital, you can exercise in the public parks (Parque Omar, Parque Natural Metropolitano, Cerro Ancón for its climbing...), but above all on the coastal promenade of the Causeway and the Cinta Costera: joggers and cyclists rush there from 5 am and in the evening when the heat falls. You can even play soccer or basketball on the prepared fields.

For hiking in the rainforest or in the Cordillera, maps are rare. Applications such as Wikiloc can give you suggested routes, but it is recommended to use the services of an official guide. It is indeed easy to get lost, we are far from the French GR markings. Moreover, the guide will be able to give you a lot of information about the fauna, the flora and the local culture.

What's very local

Panamanians are fervent fans of boxing, soccer, basketball and, above all, baseball! The "national sport" has been played since the 1870s, and is far more popular than soccer, especially in the provinces. The Panamanian league has a dozen teams, and many Panamanian players have been recruited by US teams. Some have become true stars, like Mariano Rivera, considered "the best pitcher of all time", who finally retired in 2013 after 19 seasons with the New York Yankees.

Another local specialty: dominoes! In certain strategic locations in the capital (Parc Santa Ana or Avenida Central, for example), or elsewhere, men of all generations like to get together for long games which, beneath their improvised appearances, are serious and well-organized. Square tables are set up and judges appointed. Regulars and novices alike are invited, as long as the rules are respected. For while there's plenty of laughter, it's not unusual to get into a shouting match! It's a real codified show: some people wave to each other and all raise their hand before slamming their domino piece down hard on the table.

Your documents please

As everywhere, if you want to practice diving, a certified diver's card issued by an approved organization must be presented to the center that takes you. Make sure that the center has the recognized certifications, such as PADI. Please note that scuba diving is not allowed in the comarca of Guna Yala, only snorkeling can be practiced in the turquoise waters of San Blas.

To be booked

Reservations more than one or two days in advance are of little use for outdoor activities in Panamá, whether you want to join a diving, hiking or rafting group, or rent a surfboard... On the other hand, if you'd like to take a tour with a French-speaking guide, it's best to plan ahead: there aren't many of them, and they're much sought-after by tour operators.

Main events

There is no particular sporting event of note, but to get a feel for the beisbol atmosphere, try watching a game at the Rod Carew National Stadium (nicknamed "El Coloso de Cerro Patacón"), between the clubs Colón, Bocas del Toro, Chiriquí or Panamá Metro, who have been sharing the titles in recent years.