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Panama is best known for the Panama Canal but there is so much more to this country. You will also find an old town next to modern skyscrapers, tropical rainforests, volcanoes, waterfalls, black sand and pearl-white sand beaches, and world-known Geisha coffee. Panama is also known for its amazing wildlife including Toucans, sloths, monkeys, sea turtles, and humpback whales. Continue reading this Panama travel guide including the top things to do in Panama.
Panama receives almost 2 million tourists each year. Planning international travel can be overwhelming and time-consuming while working full-time. Use this Panama travel guide and the following Panama travel blog posts to plan your perfect vacation. The top destinations in Panama are Panama City, San Blas Islands, and Bocas Del Toro.
Top Panama Destinations
Why Visit Panama City
Panama City is the capital of Panama and the most modern city in Central America. The Panama Canal, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, is located in Panama City. You will also find historic neighborhoods and an old town next to modern skyscrapers, a jungle, and a beach an easy 30-minute ferry ride away.
READ Things to Do in Panama City, a Stopover Itinerary
Why Visit San Blas Islands
San Blas Islands are beautiful. They are surrounded by white sand beaches and warm turquoise water with the third largest reef in the world. San Blas includes 378 mostly uninhabited islands under the control of the Guna indigenous people that can only be visited with a guide. Getting to San Blas is an adventure in itself and makes for a long day trip. It is possible to spend the night in a hut or tent with limited electricity and no Wi-Fi.
Why Visit Bocas Del Toro
Bocas del Toro is made up of three main islands next to jungles, forests, and mangroves. The area is best known as a backpacker destination for snorkeling and surfing.
What You Need to Know When Planning a Trip to Panama
Where is Panama?
Panama is in Central America with a population of almost 4.5 million. The country connects Central America to South America, with the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other. The country has 1,800+ miles of coastline and over 1,400 islands and cays. It is bordered by Colombia and Costa Rica.
Note: Copa Airlines offers a free stopover program making a stop in Panama easy and affordable! Consider adding on a trip to nearby Cartagena Columbia or any South American destination.
What is the language is spoken in Panama?
Spanish is the primary language in Panama and it is often heavy with slang. English is not widely spoken. It is important to at least try to speak the common language before resorting to English. FluentU offers a helpful list of common words and phrases to learn before you travel. You will also find tutorials on YouTube.
Do I need a visa to visit Panama?
US citizens do not need a Visa to travel to Panama for a visit of less than 6 months. Passports must have one unused page and be valid for 6 months after the date you leave Panama. You must carry your passport (or copy) with you at all times. You will be required to provide the name, phone number, and address of your accommodation in Panama City and proof of departure ticket. There are no mandatory vaccines to enter Panama.
What is the currency in Panama?
The US Dollar and Panamanian Balboa are both accepted and have equal value but the dollar is more prevalent. Counterfeit money is a problem in Panama City. Carry small dominations, nothing over a $20 bill, most stores will not accept larger bills. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. Don’t be fooled by ‘0 commission’ money exchangers because the ‘service fee’ is high. Be sure to download a free currency calculator before you arrive.
Can I use credit cards and ATMs in Panama?
ATMs are available throughout Panama. Avoid large fees by using your bank’s international partner in Panama and google its location before you travel. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Panama, you will need a 4-digit PIN from the bank. American Express and Discover may be accepted. Save money on fees with a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees and make purchases in dollars. It is always a good idea to carry some cash.
How much should I budget per day in Panama?
According to Budget Your Trip, the average daily cost of traveling in Panama City is $86. Expect to pay $ 1,211 + airfare for a one-week trip for 2.
When is the best time to visit Panama?
Temperatures average 86-91 F year-round with high humidity. Panama is north of the equator and tropical rainstorms are frequent. The dry season is between December and April; this is also the high season. Mid-April to early December is off-season, expect rain and overcast days. The hurricane season lasts from June to November. Carnival is held in July.
What type of transportation is available in Panama?
The Tocumen International Airport is located in Panama City 22 miles from downtown. Panama City’s public transportation system includes buses and a metro. Uber is widely used by travelers. Always check the fare. Uber drivers have been known to not close out the fare and overcharge. Taxi drivers are also known to overcharge, and agree upon the price beforehand. The best way to travel the country is by bus.
What kind of adaptor do I need in Panama?
The plugs in Panama are types A and B. The standard voltage is 120 V, and the standard frequency is 60 Hz. US citizens do not need a power plug adapter in Panama. However, there is some inconsistency and voltage may be 220 at times. I suggest using your international setup to protect your electronics ‘just in case’.
What should I pack for Panama?
Panama is a tropical destination; it is hot and humid. Pack lightweight, light-colored clothing and wear a hat and sunscreen at all times. Bring sandals, sunglasses, swimsuits, cover-ups, water shoes, a floating dry bag, reef-safe sunscreen, and bug spray for beach excursions. Pack activewear, an umbrella, a raincoat, and a day pack for rainforest hiking tours. Pack a nice outfit if you plan a meal in a nice restaurant.
Is Panama a safe country for solo travelers?
According to Travel Safe Abroad, there is medium risk in Panama due to its high crime rate. Pickpockets and purse snatching are common. Do not carry valuables, just the cash and credit card you need for the day. Avoid Calidonia and Eol Chorillo, both areas are known to be dangerous. Be aware of common scams such as a tap on the shoulder or getting something spilled on you to distract you and rob you. Also, credit card skimming is common. Solo female travelers may receive unwanted attention from men, so be prepared. Dial 911 for an emergency, 104 for police, and 103 for an ambulance or fire. Contact the US Embassy for non-urgent emergencies, such as a lost passport.
What food do I need to try in Panama?
Foods to eat while in Panama include chuletas en salsa de piña (pork with pineapples), ceviche, empanadas (corn flour shell stuffed with ground meat or shredded chicken), carimañolas de carne (similar to empanadas but shell is made from root vegetables), tamales, yuca frita (similar to French fries but made from root vegetable), patacones (deep-fried plantains), almojábanos (fried milled corn and cheese), carne entomatada (beef stew in tomato sauce), raspados (shaved ice treat), cocadas (coconut macaroon-like cookie).
Panama Travel Guide Tips
- The water in Panama City is safe to drink.
- Panama Bay is a dump for untreated sewage and often smells.
- A 10% tip is often added to the bill in restaurants.
- Marijuana is illegal and even a small amount may result in years in prison.
- You may come across crocodiles and Boas in the ocean, stay alert.
- Most tours and activities begin early in the morning and the afternoon sun is very hot.
- Wear sunscreen and drink 1-2 liters of water a day.
- Protect yourself against insect-transmitted disease, use insect repellant with at least 20% DEET.
- Buy a Panama hat or sandals as souvenirs.
Top 10 Things to See and Do in Panama
- See the Panama Canal
- Sail the San Blas islands
- Hike through the cloud forest at Baru Volcano
- Tour a coffee plantation near Boquete and try Geisha coffee
- Spend the night in an overwater bungalow in Bocas del Toro
- Take a jungle hike to incredible waterfalls in the Chiriqui Province
- Search out wildlife in Darien National Park
- Visit the howler monkeys on Gatun Lake
- Go surfing at Santa Catalina
- Visit the Emberá Indigenous Community
Be sure to check the Panama Board of Tourism for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Panama Travel Guide Interesting Facts
- Panama connects two oceans and is the southernmost country of North America.
- The lowest Panama Canal toll paid was $0.36. It was paid by Richard Halliburton who swam across it in 1928.
- Panama City is the only world capital with a tropical Jungle within its limits.
- Panama is the only place in the world where you can see the sunrise on the Pacific and set on the Atlantic.
- It is the first country outside of the US that sells Coca-Cola.
- The U.S. dollar became the official currency in 1904.
- The Panama hat is actually from Ecuador.
- Edward Murphy Jr., known for Murphy’s law, was born in Panama.
- Seven out of ten Panamanians haven’t heard of the song “Panama” by Van Halen.
- Panama celebrates two independence days, one from Spain and one from Colombia.
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Booking Resources for Panama
Panama Travel Guide Books
Pick up a Panama Travel Guide from Amazon.com to browse on the plane.
Book Your Accommodation in Panama Now
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Panama Attractions and Day Tours
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Travel Essentials
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Have a great vacation!