Planning a trip to Panama? Start in Panama City for the Panama Canal, Casco Viejo, modern skyscrapers, and tropical nature; travel to Guna Yala for Caribbean islands and Guna culture; head to Bocas del Toro for beaches, snorkeling, surfing, and island life; or visit Boquete and the Chiriquí Highlands for hiking, waterfalls, cooler mountain weather, and some of the world’s most celebrated coffee.
Panama offers much more than its famous canal. This narrow Central American country stretches between the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean and is home to tropical rainforests, mountains, islands, beaches, wildlife, Indigenous cultures, historic towns, and remarkably diverse landscapes.
This Panama travel guide will help you decide where to go, when to visit, how to get around, how much to budget, and what you need to know before you arrive. You’ll also find practical information about entry requirements, currency, transportation, weather, electrical outlets, safety, food, packing, and local travel tips.
Visiting Panama for the first time? Panama City and the Panama Canal are natural starting points. With more time, add the islands of Guna Yala, the Caribbean archipelago of Bocas del Toro, or Boquete and the Chiriquí Highlands.
Panama’s relatively small size can be deceiving. Mountainous terrain, remote islands, domestic flights, boat transfers, and long road journeys mean it’s better to choose a few regions and experience them properly rather than trying to see the entire country in one trip.
Panama Travel Guide at a Glance
Planning your first trip to Panama? Here are the essential things to know before you go:
Capital: Panama City
Currency: Panamanian Balboa (PAB) and U.S. Dollar (USD)
Official Language: Spanish
Emergency Number: 911
Driving: Panamanians drive on the right
Power Outlets: Type A and B, 120V, 60Hz
Best Time to Visit: December–April for generally drier weather; the rainy season offers greener landscapes and fewer peak-season visitors
Popular First-Time Destinations: Panama City, Panama Canal, Guna Yala, Bocas del Toro, and Boquete
Getting Around: Domestic flights, buses, private transfers, rental cars, taxis, metro in Panama City, and boats for island destinations
Visa Requirements: U.S. tourists currently do not need a visa for stays of less than 180 days
Best Known For: Panama Canal, tropical rainforests, Caribbean islands, Pacific beaches, wildlife, Indigenous cultures, coffee, and biodiversity
Don’t Miss: The Panama Canal, Casco Viejo, tropical wildlife, Panamanian food, and at least one destination outside Panama City
First-time Panama travel tip: Don’t underestimate travel times. Getting between Panama’s mountains, islands, Caribbean coast, Pacific coast, and remote communities can require combinations of road transportation, boats, and domestic flights.
Best Places to Visit in Panama
Panama City: Best for First-Time Visitors, History and the Panama Canal
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
San Blas Islands: White Sand Beaches
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.
Bocas del Toro: Best for Island Hopping, Snorkeling and Surfing
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 Colombia, or any South American destination.
What 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 U.S. Citizens Need a Visa to Visit Panama?
Current U.S. government guidance says American tourists don’t need a visa for stays of less than 180 days, need a return/onward ticket, and need a passport valid for at least three months beyond arrival. 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 Currency Does Panama Use?
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 You 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 Does a Trip to Panama Cost?
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 February or March.
How Do You Get Around 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 Power Adapter Do You 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.
What Should You 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 Safe for Solo Travelers?
As of August 19, 2026, the U.S. State Department lists Panama at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime. More importantly, it specifically says Do Not Travel to the Mosquito Gulf and designated parts of the Darién Region.
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 Panamanian Food Should You Try?
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, check for a service charge.
- 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 water.
- 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
- Explore Casco Viejo in Panama City
- 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
- Visit the howler monkeys on Gatun Lake
- Go surfing at Santa Catalina
- Visit the Emberá Indigenous Community
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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