Central AmericaPanama lies at the southern end of Central America, between North and South America. It offers the Panama Canal, tropical forests, beaches, mountains and historic city areas.
Why go
Watch ships pass through the Panama Canal.
Explore Panama City's historic areas, Panama Viejo and Casco Viejo.
Visit tropical forests for hiking and birdwatching.
Explore beaches and islands on the Caribbean and Pacific coasts.
Head to the western highlands around Boquete for mountain scenery.
Best time to go: December to March is the most popular time, with little rain and less humidity. The dry season runs from December to April, and the rainy season runs from May to November.
Getting there
By air
- Tocumen International Airport, airport code PTY, is about 32 km east of Panama City. It has many connections across the Americas.
- David Airport receives flights from Costa Rica on AirPanama.
- You can also fly between Costa Rica and Bocas del Toro.
By land
- Road crossings from Costa Rica are at Paso Canoas, Rio Sereno and Sixaola/Guabito.
- Paso Canoas closes at 11 PM Panama time, which is 10 PM Costa Rica time. The offices are scattered, so a border helper may be useful if you do not speak Spanish.
- Panaline and Ticabus run buses from San José in Costa Rica to David or Panama City. The trip takes about 18 hours.
By sea
- Many cruise lines include the Panama Canal in their routes. Tours are available in Panama City and Colón.
- Private sailboats travel between Cartagena in Colombia and Panama. The source gives fares of US$450–700 for about five days and five nights, including a three-day stop in the San Blas Islands.
Customs
- The source says travellers must have a return ticket that starts within Panama. A flight starting in another country does not meet this requirement.
- Keep your vehicle papers in order when crossing by car. Police at Rio Sereno can be strict.
- Private aircraft must arrive at a place equipped to handle customs and immigration.
Getting around
Highway buses
Buses run frequently from Panama City's main terminal along the Pan American Highway. Most have air conditioning. Buses can pick you up or drop you off along their route. Trips starting in Panama City require a ticket. To stop a bus, hold out your arm and point toward the ground. To get off, say "parada" or tell the driver in advance. Ask local people about the fare before boarding and carry exact change. The source warns that drivers may round up the price if you ask them. The main terminal is at Albrook Mall. Highway fares are roughly US$1 per hour of travel, with higher charges from Tocumen airport.
City buses
Metrobuses are Panama City's city buses. They replaced the older buses known as Diablos Rojos, or Red Devils.
Driving
Drive on the right. Carry your home country's driving licence; the source also recommends an international driving licence. Panama City has heavy traffic, poor street signs and unpredictable driving. Stay alert and drive defensively. The Pan American Highway is paved, but roads can have deep potholes and sharp bends without warning. Check your route and carry a road map. The stated speed limits are 40 km/h in cities, 80 km/h outside cities and 100 km/h on highways. Fuel stations are widespread, and many stay open around the clock.
Domestic flights
AirPanama runs scheduled flights from Albrook Marcos Gelabert Airport in Panama City, airport code PAC. FlyTrip and Blue Skies Panama offer charter flights from Albrook. A charter flight is a plane hired for a particular trip. For a charter plane, check that its registration has letters after the numbers, such as HP-0000TD. The source says this shows approval and insurance for public charter work.
What to see and do
Miraflores Locks
See ships use the older Panama Canal locks near Panama City. The museum explains how the canal works.
Agua Clara Visitor Center
See the expanded canal near Colón, on the Caribbean side.
Panama Viejo
Explore the site of the first Spanish city of Panama, founded in 1519 and destroyed in 1671.
Casco Antiguo, also called Casco Viejo
This historic district has Spanish colonial, Caribbean, French and Art Deco buildings. It also has bars, restaurants and art events.
Panama City
The capital is Panama's largest city and its main economic and cultural centre.
Take a canal boat trip
A partial crossing takes about four hours, while a full crossing takes about eight. The source recommends a guide who knows the canal's history.
Food and drink
Fondas
These small eateries serve affordable meals near schools, sports grounds and workplaces. A common plate includes rice, beans, chicken and salad.
Simple family restaurants
Meals may include chicken, pork, beef, fried fish or mondongo, which is beef stomach. Rice, beans, salads and fried plantains are common sides.
Patacones
These are fried green plantains, often served with meals.
Seafood and local dishes
Seafood and beef are common outside the cities. Coconut rice, squash and culantro, a herb with a stronger taste than coriander, often appear in local cooking.
International food
Larger cities have many choices, including French, Japanese, Arabic, Italian, Chinese, Indian and Mexican food.
Chichas
These drinks mix fruit, water and sugar. Flavours include tamarind, passion fruit, mango and papaya.
Money
United States dollar (USD) and Panamanian balboa (PAB). US dollar notes are used, and Panamanian coins have the same value as matching US coins.
- Carry smaller notes because many businesses refuse US$50 and US$100 notes.
- Businesses that accept large notes may ask for your passport and record your details and the note's serial number.
- You may receive a mix of US and Panamanian coins as change. Both can be used in Panama.
- Mall prices vary widely. Albrook is described as cheaper, while Multiplaza has expensive designer shops.
Typical costs
- Highway buses: about US$1 per hour of travel, sometimes less.
- A meal in a simple family restaurant: US$1.25–5.
- A full lunch at a fonda, a small local eatery: about US$4–8, plus a drink.
- A higher-end meal with drinks: US$8–30 in some places.
- Beer: from US$0.30 per 12-ounce supermarket can, or US$0.50–2.50 in bars.
- Around Boquete, the source lists hostels from US$5 per night and luxury hotels at US$300 or more.
Language
- Spanish is the main language.
- A small minority on the Caribbean coast speaks an English-based Creole.
- Some communities speak Indigenous languages.
- Parada
- Stop; call this out when you want to get off a bus.
- Invierno
- Winter; the local name for the rainy season.
- Verano
- Summer; the local name for the dry season.
- Fonda
- A small local eatery.
Staying safe
- Most of Panama is described as safe, and people in rural areas are often friendly and helpful.
- Avoid the border region with Colombia. Rebel groups and drug traffickers make it extremely dangerous.
- Most of Colón is described as dangerous. The source also identifies El Chorrillo, Curundu and El Marañón in Panama City as areas with crime problems.
- In Casco Viejo, use caution at night when heading north along Avenida Central toward El Chorrillo.
Local customs
Do
- Ask permission before photographing people in traditional clothing.
- Use the term Indigenous peoples or a community's own name, such as Guna, Emberá or Ngäbe.
- Dress neatly and conservatively in towns, banks and public institutions. Long trousers and collared shirts are common for men.
- Approach discussion of the 1989 US military invasion with care, especially with older people.
- Remember that direct speech or an impatient manner in Panama City may not be intended as rude.
Don't
- Do not point at people because of their traditional clothing.
- Avoid calling Indigenous people "Indian", as this can cause offence.
- Avoid using local labels such as moreno, chombo or chino for other people. Their use by visitors may be misunderstood.
- Do not assume beach clothing is suitable everywhere. Shorts may be frowned upon or prohibited in some urban settings and public institutions.
Staying healthy
- Mosquito-borne illnesses include dengue, malaria and yellow fever. The source identifies Darién as an area of particular concern for dengue.
- The source recommends yellow fever vaccination for visitors over nine months old travelling to Darién, Kunayala or Panama province, excluding the Canal Zone.
- The source reports malaria risk in rural Bocas del Toro, Darién and San Blas, with no risk in Panama City or the former Canal Zone. It says chloroquine is no longer effective in San Blas.
- Tap water is described as safe in almost all cities and towns. Use bottled water in Bocas del Toro.
Phone and internet
- WhatsApp is the most widely used app for calls and messages. Both people need the app installed to communicate through it.
- Telegram is also used, though less widely.
- Apps such as Viber can offer cheaper calls home than international phone calls. Phone rates vary by company and destination.
- Panama's country calling code is +507. Mobile numbers have eight digits and start with 6; landlines have seven digits and no regional prefix.
Where to stay
- Panama City has luxury high-rise hotels and smaller bed and breakfasts, including some in former military barracks.
- Casco Viejo has boutique hotels and short-term apartment rentals.
- Bocas del Toro has small hotels and island cabins, some directly over the water.
- Chiriqui has small island hotels and a nature reserve at Chorcha where visitors can sleep in jungle hammocks.
Outdoor adventures in Panama
Panama has rainforest walks, mountain trails and beaches on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. You can watch wildlife, dive, snorkel, raft and kayak, with many outdoor activities around Boquete and the Gulf of Chiriquí.
Coiba National Marine Park diving and snorkelling
Scuba divingPacific coast
Visit Coiba National Marine Park to dive or snorkel. Transport and booking details are not specified.
Quetzal Trail
HikeBoquete, Chiriquínear Boquete
EasyHike the trail on your own or hire a guide in Boquete. A guide can help you spot the resplendent quetzal.
- Stay on the marked trail if walking without a guide.
Barú Volcano National Park
HikeChiriquí
Visit Barú Volcano National Park for Panama's highest peak. Summit route and transport details are not specified.
- Bring a heavy, rainproof jacket for the summit.
- The summit is 3,475 metres high, and the route takes you above 3,000 metres.
Bocas del Toro diving and snorkelling
Scuba divingCaribbean West
Head to Bocas del Toro on the Caribbean coast for diving and snorkelling. Specific operators and departure points are not specified.
- Drink bottled water in Bocas del Toro.
Gulf of Chiriquí marine activities
More to doChiriquínear David
From David, take a five-minute taxi ride to the port of Pedregal for access to the gulf.
San Blas Islands
BeacheGuna Yala, Eastern Panama
Visit the San Blas archipelago in Guna Yala. Transport and visitor arrangements are not specified.
Pearl Islands
BeachePacific coast
Visit the Pearl Islands archipelago on the Pacific coast. Transport details are not specified.
Taboga trails and beaches
Hikenear Panama City
Visit Taboga as a nearby getaway from Panama City. Crossing details are not specified.
Parque Soberanía, Parque Chagres and Parque Metropolitano rainforest walks
HikeCentral Panamanear Panama City
Explore the rainforest parks around Panama City. Many park trails can be walked independently, and guided treks are also available.
- Stay on marked trails when walking without a guide.
Pipeline Road birdwatching
WildlifeGamboa, Central Panamanear Gamboa
Go birdwatching along Pipeline Road at Gamboa. Hiring a guide can improve your chances of spotting birds.
- Stay on the marked route when exploring without a guide.
Barro Colorado Island educational tours
WildlifePanama Canal area
Take an educational visitor tour offered by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute.
Madden caves
CaveCentral Panama
Visit the caves at Madden in the rainforest area around the Panama Canal. Access and tour arrangements are not specified.
Chagres River rafting
RaftingCentral Panamanear Panama City
Usually possible year-round; water is highest in November and lowest in May.Travel from Panama City to the Chagres River, about one to two hours away. Specific rafting operators are not named.
- River levels change through the year.
- Rapid ratings describe how difficult the rough water is. Panama's ratings can understate rainy-season difficulty compared with US ratings.
Río Chiriquí Viejo rafting
RaftingChiriquí
Usually possible year-round; water is highest in November and lowest in May.Raft the Río Chiriquí Viejo in Chiriquí Province. Boquete has many rafting outfitters, but a specific operator for this river is not named.
- River levels change through the year.
- Panamanian class III rapids during the rainy season can be comparable to US class IV rapids.
Río Grande rafting
RaftingCoclé
Usually possible year-round; water is highest in November and lowest in May.Head to the Río Grande in Coclé Province for rafting. Specific operators and departure points are not named.
- River levels change through the year.
- Panamanian class III rapids during the rainy season can be comparable to US class IV rapids.
Chiriquí river kayaking
KayakingChiriquínear Boquete
Use Boquete as a base to find outfitters for river kayaking in Chiriquí.
Boquete basalt rock climbing
ClimbingChiriquí highlandsnear Boquete
Head to the volcanic basalt rocks in the Boquete highlands. Specific booking and access arrangements are not given.
Zip-line canopy adventures
More to doPanama City, Coclé, Bocas del Toro and Boquete
Join a zip-line canopy activity in Panama City, Coclé, Bocas del Toro or Boquete. Specific operators are not named.
Dolphin Bay and Boquete horseback riding
More to doBocas del Toro and Chiriquí
Choose beach riding near Dolphin Bay in Bocas del Toro or mountain riding around Boquete. Specific riding operators are not named.
Volcán hot springs
Hot springChiriquínear Volcán
Travel about 30 minutes from Volcán to springs on the northern side of Barú volcano.
Boquete-area hot springs
Hot springChiriquínear Boquete
Use Boquete as a base for the area's hot springs. Individual access details are not specified, apart from Caldera.
Caldera hot spring
Hot springBoquete region, Chiriquínear Caldera
Reach the spring in a four-wheel-drive vehicle. It is on a local landowner's property.
- Access is difficult and requires four-wheel drive.
Piñas Bay and Zane Gray Reef sport fishing
More to doPacific coast near Colombia
Head to Piñas Bay and Zane Gray Reef for sport fishing. Tropic Star Lodge is in Piñas Bay; specific fishing packages are not described.
- The Panama–Colombia border region is described as extraordinarily dangerous.
Gatun Lake fishing
More to doPanama Canal area
Go fishing on Gatun Lake in the Canal area. Specific guides, boat arrangements and departure points are not named.
Panama City and Canal-area boating
More to doCentral Panamanear Panama City
A partial Canal crossing takes four hours; a full crossing takes eight hours.Find boating options at Flamenco Resort and Marina, Balboa Yacht Club, Diablo Spinning Club, Club de Yates y Pesca or Miramar Marina. Boat trips also cross part or all of the Canal.
Airports, metros and trains in Panama
Airports with scheduled flights
- PTYTocumen International AirportTocumenMain international airport
Metro and subway
- Panama CityPanama Metro33 stations41.2 kmsince 2014
Trains
- Rail network
- 355 km
People and safety in Panama
Religion
Most people are Christian. Mostly one faith.
- Christian93%
- No religion5%
- Muslim<1%
LGBT+ travellers
Legal
- Same-sex couples can form civil unions, but not marry.
- Legal gender change is recognised.
- Some laws protect against discrimination.
Women travellers
Ranked #86 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.
54% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Who can visit without a visa
Travellers from 118 of 198 countries can visit Panama easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Visa not required118
- Visa required80
Who can visit easily, by part of the world
For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Oceania14 of 14 countries
- Europe44 of 46 countries
- Americas30 of 34 countries
- Asia21 of 50 countries
- Africa9 of 54 countries
Questions
When is the best time to visit Panama?
December to March is the most popular period, with little rain and less humidity. The rainy season lasts from May to November.
What money should I bring?
US dollar notes are used, alongside US and Panamanian coins of equal value. Bring smaller notes because many businesses refuse US$50 and US$100 notes.
Can I get around without renting a car?
Yes, buses serve most areas along the Pan American Highway. Local flights also connect several destinations.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
Spanish is by far the most common language. A good understanding of Spanish will make getting around easier.
Can I drink the tap water?
The source describes tap water as safe in almost all cities and towns. Bottled water is recommended in Bocas del Toro.
Where can I watch ships on the Panama Canal?
Visit Miraflores Locks near Panama City for the older locks. Agua Clara Visitor Center near Colón overlooks the expanded canal.
Where can I find a cheap local meal?
Try a fonda, a small eatery often found near schools, sports grounds or workplaces. The source lists a full lunch at about US$4–8, plus a drink.
What clothes should I pack?
Panama is generally hot and humid, but highland places such as Boquete can be chilly at night. Bring layers and a waterproof jacket for the mountains, and neat clothing for urban settings.
Which number should I call in an emergency?
Call 911 for medical emergencies, 103 for the fire department or 104 for police. Medical emergency coverage is mainly in and around Panama City.
Can I travel overland from Panama to Colombia?
There is no road or bus connection through the Darién Gap. The border region is extremely dangerous because of armed groups and drug traffickers.
Reviewed by @snuck