![WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE](https://cdn.magzter.com/1397560380/1648815199/articles/q0xyoAKk21649679818971/WELCOME-TO-THE-JUNGLE.jpg)
You probably already know that Panama is a connector: of oceans, of trade routes, of North and South America. What the Backpacker team found out when we embarked on a five-day trek through Parque Internacional La Amistad-which straddles the provinces of Chiriquí and Bocas Del Toro on the western edge of the country-was a link to so much more: to a pristine jungle ecosystem, to Indigenous tribes who've called the land home for millennia, and to our wildest hiking dreams.
EMBRACE THE UNFAMILIAR
In Panama, I left my expectations behind.
By Amelia Arvesen
I'm in a hiking version of the floor is lava, hopping as gingerly as I can between mounds of grass with my 40-pound pack. Around me spreads the 800-square-mile Parque Internacional La Amistad (PILA) that encompasses the montane jungles of the Cordillera de Talamanca.
As I look in wonder and exhaustion at the ridgeline ahead, my right foot slips into a muddy hole carved out by cows that sometimes graze these pastures. I feel a sharp pinch in my ankle. Just what I need: an injury on the second day of our five-day trek. As I steady myself, I'm relieved to find that it doesn't hurt to walk, but I'm annoyed nonetheless. Our guide, Plinio, says camp isn't much farther.
Once at the shelter-a tin-and-wood hut for Indigenous shepherds who pass through these mountains with their flocks-I peel off my sopping shoes and socks. There's no swelling, but I do find blisters the size of quarters on the pads of my pruney toes. If I wrap them in dry bandages now, they'll only get wet again when I pitch my tent in the gentle but steady rain.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Spring 2022-Ausgabe von Backpacker.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Spring 2022-Ausgabe von Backpacker.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
![IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF HORROR](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6123/1201578/edwpGCIsv1675335002656/IN-THE-FOOTSTEPS-OF-HORROR.jpg)
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF HORROR
CANADA’S MOST REVERED BACKPACKING TRAIL WAS BORN OUT OF A GHASTLY MISFORTUNE
![TRUE NORTH](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6123/1201578/MtNUky6CG1675333520000/TRUE NORTH.jpg)
TRUE NORTH
In pictures, Greenland's backcountry ski terrain looks spectacular. In person? It's even better.
![WHEN THE FOREST IS AN ESCAPE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6123/1201578/V-ZqS3Mgb1675332061580/WHEN-THE-FOREST-IS-AN-ESCAPE.jpg)
WHEN THE FOREST IS AN ESCAPE
The Outdoors Is Powerful Medicine And The Refugee Women's Network Is Helping Displaced Hikers Get Back To It
![The Gear that Changed Backpacking Forever](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6123/1201578/LBe-L6-nA1675329799311/THE-GEAR-THAT-CHANGED-BACKPACKING-FOREVER.jpg)
The Gear that Changed Backpacking Forever
Trend-setters and trailblazers from the last 50 years
![Timeless Adventures](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6123/1201578/Z8H8z1oCs1675326731586/TIMELESS-ADVENTURES.jpg)
Timeless Adventures
In celebration of 50 years of trail beta and inspiration, we look back on our favorite spots through the moments we chose to capture.
![Let The Rivers Run Free](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6123/1025490/6IBHMqi-31659352580263/crp_American-waterways-Wild-and-Scenic-Rivers-Act-Backpacking-Destinations-Outdoor-Skills-Gear-Reviews-Camping-Lifestyle.jpg)
Let The Rivers Run Free
A set of 10 bills currently in Congress will protect 7,000 miles of American waterways— if they pass.
![Thru-Hiking, Canadian Style](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6123/1025490/ojB42e_NB1659353252688/crp_British-Columbia-Tin-Hat-Mountain-Sunshine-Coast-Trail-Hiking-Dolomites.jpg)
Thru-Hiking, Canadian Style
When the pandemic shut down my plans to hike Europe, I found a world-class trail right on my doorstep.
![Training Station](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6123/1008193/qumBjAX--1657693683585/crp_Backpacking-Destinations-Outdoor-Skills-Gear-Reviews-Camping-Lifestyle.jpg)
Training Station
There's a great new wearable for every kind of athletic goal
![CBD for Your Pain](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6123/1025490/9eUn-6HPU1659352627271/crp_Zebra-CDB-Knee-pain-Stress-Low-energy-Sleeplessness.jpg)
CBD for Your Pain
Everyone feels the hurt as we age, but CBD can help you deal with it.
![Home Base](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/6123/1008193/tpGJ6oy6y1657692567113/crp_Shelters-Big-Agnes-Wyoming-Trail-2-NEMO-Aurora-Highrise-4-REI-Wonderland-X-Backpacking-Destinations-Outdoor-Skills-Gear-Reviews-Camping-Lifestyle.jpg)
Home Base
These shelters score major comfort points