Horse Riding Holidays in Panama

Planning Your Trip to Panama 

Here's what you need to know before booking a horse riding trip to Panama — from entry requirements to getting to the highlands. 

Getting There 

International flights arrive into Tocumen International Airport in Panama City (PTY). From Panama City, the Santa Fe highland region is reached by domestic flight to Santiago followed by ground transfer, or by road — approximately 4 to 5 hours by car or bus. Transfer arrangements vary between itineraries, and your provider will help coordinate the most suitable option.

Visa 

Entry requirements vary by nationality. Citizens of many countries can visit Panama without obtaining a visa in advance. Check the latest requirements before departure. 

Vaccinations 

Some travelers may be required to show proof of vaccination depending on their country of origin or recent travel history. Proof of yellow fever immunization may be requested from visitors arriving from areas where the disease remains present. Check current requirements with your doctor or travel clinic before departure. 

Currency 

Panama uses the US dollar alongside the Panamanian balboa, which is pegged to the dollar at a 1:1 rate. Paying by card is generally straightforward in urban areas, though smaller communities often rely more heavily on cash transactions. In Santa Fe and rural areas, carrying some cash is recommended. 

Riding Season 

Panama has two seasons: a dry season from November through April and a rainy season from May through October. The dry season offers the most reliable trail conditions and is generally considered the best time to ride. The rainy season brings lush green landscapes and is still suitable for riding, though trails can be muddier and river levels higher. 

What to Pack 

Long pants, closed-toe shoes, lightweight clothing, a rain jacket, hat, sunscreen and insect repellent are the essentials. A small daypack or waist pack for personal items during rides is useful. Helmets are available on request. 

For a full month-by-month breakdown, see the Panama climate and weather page. 

Highlights Along the Route

The riding routes around Santa Fe pass through some of the most biodiverse and historically rich terrain in Central America — much of it best explored on horseback.

Santa Fe National Park

A 72,000-hectare protected tropical jungle in the Veraguas highlands, Santa Fe National Park is one of Panama's most biologically diverse protected areas. Riding routes follow the park's boundaries along narrow trails through dense forest, crossing rivers and streams on horseback.

Continental Divide 

The mountain crest of the continental divide runs through the highlands above Santa Fe, offering panoramic views of the Santa María River valley on one side and the jungle-covered slopes of the national park on the other. Riding along the ridge is one of the most rewarding sections of the full-day routes.

Bermejo Waterfall

Reached by horseback and a short jungle hike, the Bermejo waterfall has a deep clear-water pool for swimming and a hidden cave containing pre-Columbian carved petroglyphs — rock art associated with the region's indigenous cultures that predates Spanish contact.

Bulaba River

The Bulaba River runs alongside the stables and forms the starting point for morning rides. Trails cross the river multiple times, and the clear mountain water is a regular swimming stop on warmer days. The riverside landscape is home to a wide range of tropical birds and plants.

Local Organic Coffee Farm

A working organic coffee farm in the highlands above Santa Fe, run by enthusiastic local hosts. Rides pass through the farm's sustainable gardens, and riders can see the traditional coffee-making process from harvest to cup. It's one of the most grounded cultural encounters on the multi-day routes.

Santa Fe Village

Nestled in Panama's central highlands, Santa Fe enjoys a noticeably cooler climate than the country's coastal regions. The village has a small market, local restaurants and a relaxed atmosphere that reflects life in Panama's central highlands.