Costa Rican – Panamanian Border
Friday, March 5th, 2010
Panama on your left, Costa Rica on your right.
The border between Panama and Costa Rica is very appealing, as borders go, an example of how neighbors can coexist with dignity, peace, and brotherhood. There are no fences, hi-tech surveillance equipment, or gates to herd people into lines. Driving down a dirt road toward Puerto Armuelles, turning left takes you into a Panamanian driveway while turning right allows you access to a Costa Rican driveway. It’s that simple.
When it’s time to officially exit one country for the other, passports can be presented at the appropriate immigration desks for processing. The Paso Canoas crossing is amidst a free trade zone. Visitors amble back and forth shopping, dining, and visiting friends and families without having to present any identification, unless planning to go into the interior.
When headed to the interior, first-time visitors have to look to find the proper immigration desk, because they are not situated in a linear this side/that side fashion. This is so refreshing compared to the US-Mexico border, which is uncivilized to the point of being hostile. You can actually process out of Panama, stop for tacos and pick up some supplies in town, and then process into Costa Rica, or vice versa. The town is united, not divided.
The town of Paso Canoas is not much too look at. It is more like a Wild West town. However, the people are friendly and there is good food and decent lodging. Everyone accepts U.S. dollars and Panamanian merchants accept Colónes.
There is another border crossing at Sixaola and Guabito which is also wild, an off-the-beaten track border post that mostly sees visitors to and from International Park Amistad. Amistad is Spanish for friendship and the park, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, is in both Panama and Costa Rica. A bridge facilitates the crossing. Here again, formalities are relaxed but there are limited hours, few stores and bars, and no lodging or dining options.
