Panama Travel Guide: Best Things to Do & Insider Tips

Overview: Discovering Panama’s Unique Allure

Stretching from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean, Panama is a captivating blend of vibrant cities, pristine nature, and rich cultural heritage. Famed for the Panama Canal—one of the world’s greatest engineering feats—this Central American gem offers more than iconic waterways. You’ll find lush rainforests, dreamy beaches, colorful wildlife, and dynamic city life, especially in Panama City where skyscrapers and colonial architecture coexist.

Whether you’re drawn to adventure travel, luxury escapes, family fun, or cultural deep-dives, there are countless things to do in Panama for every traveler.

How to Get There

• By Air: Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is the main gateway, located just outside Panama City, with direct connections to major hubs in the Americas and Europe.

• By Sea: Cruise ships often dock at ports like Colón or Fuerte Amador.
• By Land: Overland entry is possible from Costa Rica. Land crossings from Colombia are not advisable due to the Darién Gap.
• Getting Around: Domestic flights serve remote areas; buses, Metro, and taxis are popular in cities; car rentals suit countryside exploration.

Where to Stay in Panama

For Luxury Seekers

• American Trade Hotel, Panama City — Stylish boutique hotel in Casco Viejo.

For Budget Travelers

• Hostel Mamallena, Panama City — Great value and community vibe.

For Families

• The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort, Riviera Pacifica — Resort with kid-friendly activities and beach access.

Accommodation Tips: In Panama City, Casco Viejo offers charm and history, while the modern downtown caters to business and luxury travelers. For nature lovers, eco-lodges in Boquete or the Bocas del Toro archipelago are ideal.

Must-See Places in Panama

• Panama Canal & Miraflores Locks — Watch ships transit this marvel of engineering.
• Casco Viejo — Colonial-era architecture, cafes, and nightlife.
• San Blas Islands — 365 islands owned by the Guna Yala people; turquoise waters and cultural encounters.
• Boquete — Mountain town known for coffee plantations and hiking trails.
• Bocas del Toro — Laid-back Caribbean vibe, beaches, and diving spots.

Planning Your Trip: Panama Travel Guide

• Flights: Affordable direct flights from the U.S. and Latin America.
• Visas: Many nationalities can enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
• Budget: Mid-range travelers should budget $100–150/day.
• Safety: Stay alert in Panama City; coastal and nature areas are generally safe. Use official taxis or ride apps.
• Tours & Tickets: Book guided tours for the Canal, San Blas Islands, and jungle treks.

When to Go: Best Time to Visit Panama

• Weather: Dry season (mid-December to April) is ideal; wet season (May–November) sees daily showers.
• Festivals: Carnival in February is a spectacular celebration; Panama Jazz Festival in January draws international talent.
• Travel Tips: Visit during the shoulder season (late November or early December) for fewer crowds and lush scenery.

Must-Do Experiences in Panama

• Cross the Panama Canal on a partial or full-day transit cruise.
• Snorkel and island-hop in Bocas del Toro.
• Hike the Sendero Los Quetzales trail near Boquete.
• Explore rainforest wildlife at Metropolitan Natural Park in Panama City.
• Sip world-class Geisha coffee at a plantation.

Panama Travel Guide: Explore Panama’s Culture & History

Panama’s culture reflects a blend of indigenous, Spanish, Afro-Caribbean, and modern influences. The country’s strategic location fostered its development as a global crossroads. Casco Viejo’s streets echo colonial history, while modern Panama City pulses with entrepreneurial energy. Indigenous groups like the Guna maintain traditional ways of life on their island territories.

Panama Travel Guide: Nature & Beach Adventures

• Coiba National Park — UNESCO site with exceptional marine life; ideal for diving.
• Barú Volcano — Panama’s highest peak; sunrise views over both oceans.
• Gamboa Rainforest — River cruises and canopy walks reveal abundant wildlife.

Top Photo Spots & Viewpoints in Panama

• Ancon Hill — Panoramic views over Panama City.
• Amador Causeway — City skyline and ocean vistas.
• Casco Viejo Rooftop Bars — Sunset photography and city lights.

Where to Eat & Drink: Panama Food Guide

• Signature Dishes: Sancocho (chicken stew), Ropa Vieja (shredded beef), Ceviche.
• Street Food: Empanadas, plantain chips, chicha (fruit drink).
• Where to Go: Mercado de Mariscos (Seafood Market) in Panama City; fine dining in Casco Viejo.

Panama Travel Guide: Getting Around Panama

• Public Transit: Panama City Metro and MetroBuses are modern and affordable.
• Taxis & Ride Apps: Uber and inDriver operate in major cities.
• Domestic Flights: Connect Panama City to Bocas del Toro and David (for Boquete).
• Rental Cars: Recommended for exploring remote regions.

Secret Finds: Hidden Gems in Panama

• Isla Taboga — Quick ferry ride from Panama City; known as the “Island of Flowers.”
• El Valle de Antón — Crater town with waterfalls, hiking, and a famed Sunday market.
• Portobelo — Historic Caribbean port with Spanish fort ruins and vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture.

Travel Tips & Safety: Panama Travel Guide Essentials

• Safety: Avoid certain Panama City neighborhoods at night; safeguard belongings.
• Etiquette: Friendly greetings are appreciated; tipping 10% is customary.
• Health: Use mosquito repellent in coastal and jungle areas; tap water in Panama City is generally safe to drink.

Easy Day Trips from Panama City

• Taboga Island — Beaches and hiking within an hour by ferry.
• Gamboa Rainforest — Half-day trips to explore the Chagres River and canalside jungle.
• Portobelo — Historic sites and beach access within 2–3 hours.

Explore Countries Near Panama

• Costa Rica — Combine your trip with Costa Rica’s Pacific or Caribbean coast.
• Colombia — Flights from Panama City to Cartagena or Medellín take about an hour.

Practical Tips for Visiting Panama

• Packing: Lightweight clothing, rain jacket for wet season, good hiking shoes.
• Money: U.S. dollars are used (officially called the Balboa).
• Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is common in hotels and cafes; consider a local SIM.

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