Refilling gas canisters or denatured alcohol in Central America (bike trip)

Hi there,

I’m planning a bike trip from Panama to Mexico and I’m looking for info on where to find gas canisters in Central America.

I have a stove that works with Primus bottles (or other brands except Campingaz).

I also have an alcohol stove, and I’d prefer that option if denatured alcohol or even 90% alcohol is easy to find.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Jean Marie

Hi there, not sure if this helps, but I have a multi-fuel stove, and yes, denatured alcohol lasts longer—basically, it burns more slowly.

Last time, I used some barbecue lighter fluid... it lasted nearly 40% longer than regular gasoline.

Hi, I have the same question as Jean-Marie for our upcoming bike trip. I'd like to know if the small screw-on gas canister stove is the right option? So, is it possible to find refills pretty much everywhere and fairly easily in the country? Thanks to everyone for your feedback. Gilles

You can find refills at Novey, Do It Center, which are present throughout the country. There’s also a Decathlon at Multiplaza Panama City.