Boarder crossing from Costa Rica to Panama

The boarder crossing from Costa rica to panama was an experience all in itself. I would recommend taking the local bus shuttles from Puerto Viejo to Bocas del Toro. They make the experience easy and it is super cheap. The price was about $70 for the both of us and includes the 4 hour van ride, and the boat ride to bocas. When you get to the immigration in Costa Rica it takes about 10 minutes to get stamped out then you cross over a beautifully broken bridge which once was an old railroad bride. This is a little shady because there are gaps in the bridge which you could easily fall though (probably to your death or a very mangled body provided you don't drown or get diphtheria when you fall into the river). But the views are amazing and the people are friendly. These are a few photos of us crossing the bridge.

Once you get to Panama it's a different world. First you must go get stamped in. I believe it was $3 to get your stamp. Then you walk down the road to immigration. Be warned you will need documented proof of leaving the country, we used our plane itinerary and it was fine. Then you get back on the van. Panama is different from Costa Rica. Be prepared for beggars some aggressive and road blocks by the government and local authorities. The views aren't as pretty. You will be passing a lot of garbage thrown onto the side of the road and poor sanitation. Next you will stop at the public boat docks, you will be given a ticket and you wait until your name is called to board the boat. While waiting you can snack on empanadas and pickled tortoise eggs (which I'm pretty sure are illegal here in the states). They are sold by locals toting them around in coolers. Don't be surprised if you are offered drugs here as well. Once you ate on the boat you may want to shield your mouth from the water spray until you reach the ocean, since all the septic systems flow into the water. From there it's a 10 minute speed boat ride to bocas.

This is a picture of is waiting on the docks with the local food vendor.

This is the crowded boat to bocas.