Panama is smaller than most of its neighbors, but it’s packed with variety. You can wake up in the rainforest, have lunch in a glassy high-rise, and watch the sun set over the Pacific, all in the same day. The Panama Canal is worth a look, but don’t stop there. You’ll find Caribbean culture in Colón, cloud forests in Boquete, and some of Central America’s best surf in Santa Catalina. Bocas del Toro does beach bars and boat taxis, while Panama City mixes street food stalls with rooftop views. It’s hot, humid, and loud in all the right ways. These Panama travel tips will help you skip the rookie mistakes and get to the good stuff faster.
The best time to visit Panama depends on what you’re after: sunny beaches, jungle treks, or fewer crowds in the city. With a tropical climate and two coasts, Panama doesn’t have four seasons. What it does have is a dry season, a wet season, and a few in-between weeks that locals wish lasted longer. Here’s how to plan it right.
What to pack: Lightweight, quick-drying clothes and a proper rain jacket. Flip-flops for the coast, hiking shoes for the highlands, and bug spray that actually works. It’s humid everywhere, so leave the jeans at home.
Panama isn’t dirt cheap, but it offers solid value, especially if you skip the flashy resorts, eat where locals eat, and avoid hopping on a domestic flight every other day. Costs creep up fast in beach towns and island hubs, but smart choices go a long way.
A visit to the Panama Canal’s Miraflores Visitor Center costs around $17(about €16), and that’s just the viewing platform. Want to actually cruise the canal? Tours range from $70 to $150 (€65-140), depending on how much of the canal you cover. Domestic flights to Bocas del Toro or the Darién are quick but pricey, especially if booked last-minute.
More to spend? Panama has some surprisingly slick luxury options. Think overwater bungalows in Bocas, jungle lodges near Gamboa, or private yacht charters to remote islands. It’s high-end, but still cheaper than most Caribbean or North American equivalents.
Darien jungle, Panama © Shutterstock
Yes, Panama is generally safe, especially in popular destinations like Panama City, Boquete, and Bocas del Toro. Most travelers get around without trouble, but this is still a country where a bit of street smarts goes a long way. From city corners to coastal islands, here’s what to keep in mind.
Petty theft is the main concern. Pickpockets work public buses, busy markets, and crowded areas like Albrook Mall or the Cinta Costera. Violent crime is rare in tourist spots, but certain districts in Panama City (like El Chorrillo or parts of San Miguelito) are best avoided entirely.
Solo travelers, including women, usually do fine, especially in touristy areas. But outside the main routes, things can feel more conservative. Dress modestly, avoid flashy gear, and trust your instincts.
To stay safe:
Panama is politically stable, but protests and road closures do happen, usually over fuel prices, mining, or local grievances. These can block major roads, including the Pan-American Highway, and sometimes shut down public transport or ferry routes.
They’re not usually dangerous for travelers, but they can wreck your itinerary. Always check local news or social media for updates, and build in buffer time if you’re crossing provinces.
Panama’s real risks come from the elements. Tropical heat, rough sea conditions, and jungle terrain can catch you off guard if you’re unprepared. In places like the Darién, you’ll want a trusted Panama guide, this isn’t a DIY kind of destination.
Before heading into remote areas:
Panamanians are friendly, but you’re still a guest. Be polite, ask questions, and don’t assume everyone speaks English, especially outside the capital.
Probably not, but it depends on your passport and your plans. For most travelers, Panama keeps the process refreshingly simple: show up, get stamped in, and go enjoy the beaches, jungles, and canal crossings. Still, it’s worth checking the rules before you book. Here’s what you need to know.
Citizens of the US, UK, EU countries, Canada, Australia, and dozens of other countries can enter Panama without a visa for up to 90 or 180 days, depending on your nationality. You’ll need a passport valid for at least three to six months beyond your arrival date (rules vary slightly by country).
You might be asked to show:
They don’t always check, but when they do, you’ll want to be ready.
There are no tourist visa extensions. If you want to stay past your allowed time, you’ll need to leave Panama and re-enter. Some travelers do a quick hop to Costa Rica or Colombia, but immigration officers can deny re-entry if they think you're gaming the system.
Planning to work, study, or volunteer? That’s a different story. You’ll need to apply for the correct visa in advance through a Panamanian consulate or embassy.
Panama doesn’t use entry cards, but you’ll get a passport stamp on arrival. Double-check that the number of days matches what you expect; it’s usually 90, but it can vary. Overstaying your visa can result in fines of $50 (about €47) per month, and you might be barred from re-entry if you push your luck.
Tropical seashore with solar powered beach house and coconut trees, Caribbean, Bocas del Toro, Panama © Damsea/Shutterstock
Panama doesn’t make it hard to stay healthy, but the tropical climate, street food, and remote areas all come with their own challenges. You’re swapping altitude for humidity, and jungle treks for island-hopping, but you’ll still want to pack smart, prep a little, and take a few precautions along the way.
Panama City has good hospitals and private clinics, many with English-speaking staff. Outside the capital, standards vary. In towns like Boquete or David, you’ll find decent care. On the islands or in rural areas? Expect basic facilities, long waits, or no access at all. Travel insurance with emergency evacuation is a smart move, especially if you’re heading into the jungle or the Comarca regions.
Pharmacies are everywhere, and many common medications (including antibiotics) are sold over the counter. Staff may speak limited English, so it helps to know the name of what you need. Bring any prescriptions you rely on, plus extras for stomach bugs, allergies, and motion sickness – especially if you’ll be taking boats or buses.
No vaccines are required for entry into Panama, but some are strongly recommended, especially if you’re heading into jungle zones or rural areas:
Malaria is low risk in most of Panama, but can be present in the Darién and parts of the Caribbean coast. Dengue, Zika, and chikungunya are more common, all mosquito-borne. There’s no vaccine, so prevention is key: use repellent and cover up.
Tap water in Panama City and larger towns is usually safe, but stick to bottled or filtered water if you’re unsure, especially in rural areas and on islands. Most travelers avoid drinking tap water across the board, including for brushing teeth.
Panama’s food scene leans toward fried, flavorful, and filling, but some dishes can be rough on the stomach. To play it safe:
Embera Indian in Panama © Shutterstock
Panama is laid-back on the surface, but there are unspoken rules you’ll want to respect. It’s a country where personal space, politeness, and presentation matter more than you might expect. A few simple Panama travel tips will help you avoid missteps and connect more easily with locals.
In Panama City, you’ll see everything from business suits to beachwear, sometimes on the same block. But outside urban areas, especially in the interior provinces and Indigenous communities, modest dress is important.
Light, breathable clothing that covers your skin isn’t just respectful, it also protects you from the sun and mosquitoes.
Panamanians are friendly but formal at first. A simple “Buenos días” or “Buenas tardes” is expected when entering shops, cafes, or even elevators.
If you’re invited to someone’s home, bring something small: fruit, pastries, or even a cold drink. Being five to ten minutes late is fine. Just don’t show up early.
Panama is more conservative than it seems, especially outside the city.
Mealtimes are often social, especially lunch. People take pride in their food, even at roadside stalls, so don’t rush through it.
Panama is mostly Catholic, but there’s also a strong mix of Indigenous, Afro-Caribbean, and evangelical traditions. Festivals and religious events are important community moments, not tourist entertainment.
In places like Guna Yala, ask permission before taking photos of people or homes, and be prepared to offer a small tip if allowed.
Tipping isn’t expected everywhere, but it’s a kind gesture that goes a long way, especially in tourist areas.
Pearl Islands, Panama © Shutterstock
Absolutely, if your family’s idea of a good time includes boat rides through mangroves, island beaches with no cars, and sloths hanging out in the trees. Panama with kids is less about theme parks and more about real-world adventures: wildlife, culture, and tropical landscapes packed into a country you can actually cross in a day. Just be ready for heat, some long drives, and a few logistical curveballs.
Panama isn’t very stroller-friendly; sidewalks can be narrow or broken, and you’ll often find yourself on dirt paths or docks. A baby carrier is more useful, and older kids should be good walkers.
Domestic flights (like to Bocas) save time but aren’t always cheap. Renting a car gives you flexibility, especially in places like the Azuero Peninsula or Chiriquí. For long drives, bring snacks and plan bathroom breaks; roadside facilities vary widely.
Accommodation runs the gamut from big-name hotels with pools in the city to family-run eco-lodges and beach cabanas. Many places to stay in Panama welcome families, but don’t always advertise it. Call ahead if you need extra beds or kid-friendly features.
Panamanian food is easygoing and kid-friendly. Think rice and beans, fried fish, grilled chicken, patacones (fried plantains), and lots of fruit. Spice levels are mild, and you’ll find comfort-food options like pasta and burgers almost everywhere.
Restaurants are generally family-friendly, even if not specifically geared toward kids. Meltdowns are met with smiles, not side-eyes.
San Blas, Panama @ Shutterstock
Panama isn’t just about the canal. This small country crams in two coastlines, rainforest, mountains, and a city skyline that rivals Miami. Whether you’re into wildlife, waves, or winding colonial streets, there’s more here than most travelers expect. These are the best places to visit in Panama, and why they’re worth your time.
Blue-gray Tanager (Thraupis episcopus), Soberania national Park, Panama © Shutterstock
Panama may look small on the map, and it is, but don’t let that fool you. Two coasts, rainforest, highlands, and a surprisingly big-city capital all mean that even short distances can take time. Boat transfers, weather delays, and winding mountain roads slow things down in all the right ways. Whether you’re here for the beaches, wildlife, culture, or canal, how long you spend in Panama shapes your whole experience.
Ask yourself:
Planning a trip to Panama means embracing variety. One day you’re in a highland cabin sipping coffee from the farm next door; the next, you’re boating through mangroves or watching the sun go down over the Pacific. A good Panama itinerary isn’t about cramming everything in; it’s about leaving space to pause. That might be for a jungle trail detour, a surprise sloth crossing the road, or just a long lunch with a sea view. Go too fast, and you’ll miss what makes Panama special.
Love nature and wildlife?
Want to relax?
Curious about culture and local life?
Transport in Panama is better than you might expect, but country’s geography means you’ll need to plan smart.
Kuna Yala Panama @ Shutterstock
Panama isn’t just a country to pass through on your way from Colombia to Costa Rica. It’s a place that makes more sense when you slow down. It’s in the conversations with your boat driver, the three-hour lunch that turns into a hammock nap, or the morning mist hanging over a highland trail. If you want more than snapshots and highlights, slow travel in Panama is the way to go.
Don’t treat the capital as a quick stopover. Settle into a café in Casco Viejo, wander without a plan, and watch cargo ships inch through the Canal from the Miraflores locks or a jungle path in Gamboa. Bike the Cinta Costera, catch a local baseball game, or just sit in the shade and watch the city hum.
In Boquete, skip the checklist of hikes and tours. Walk slow. Talk to farmers. Try the local coffee at the source. Rent a cabin and listen to the cloud forest come alive at dawn. Trails like Pipeline or El Pianista aren’t about conquering summits, they’re about noticing birds, bugs, and the rhythm of the trees.
The best way to travel in Bocas del Toro or San Blas? Let go of schedules. Boats run when they run. Meals take time. Bring a book, lose the Wi-Fi, and listen to the sea for a few days. Stay on a quieter island like Isla Bastimentos or with a Guna family in a thatched-roof hut. Let the slowness shift your sense of time.
Bus rides in Panama aren’t always fast. but they’re full of real life. You’ll pass through roadside fruit stands, jungle hillsides, and sleepy towns with loud music and slow lunches. Drive the Azuero Peninsula at your own pace. Stop for festivals, detour to quiet beaches, or just pull over when you see something weird and wonderful.
Instead of hopping from coast to coast, spend more time in fewer places. Volunteer at a wildlife center. Learn a few words of Ngäbere or Guna. Visit the same bakery each morning until they know your order. These aren’t just “authentic experiences”, they’re the stuff that sticks with you.
Approaching one of the many islands in Panama
Panama’s economy runs on the US dollar, which locals call balboas (though you’ll rarely see actual balboa coins). This makes things easy if you're coming from the States, no exchange rate math, no conversion fees at every corner. But there are still a few things to know before you start swiping or spending.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Panama City, major hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and larger tour companies. But once you leave urban areas, cash is still essential. Street vendors, colectivo drivers, and small-town shops rarely take cards.
Always carry some cash, especially in:
Some places charge an extra fee for using a card, usually 3-5%, or set a minimum purchase.
You’ll find ATMs in all cities and most towns. Stick to machines at major banks like Banco General, Banistmo, or Multibank. ATMs inside malls, gas stations, or supermarkets tend to be more secure.
Fees vary depending on your home bank, but most local machines charge $3-5 per withdrawal. Choose to be charged in USD, not your home currency, for the best rate.
In remote areas, ATMs may not exist, may run out of cash, or might not work with international cards. Don’t get caught short.
Panama officially uses two currencies: the US dollar and the Panamanian balboa, but they're 1:1, and in practice, it’s all USD. You’ll get US dollar bills and a mix of US and Panamanian coins.
There’s no need to bring euros or exchange foreign currency; just withdraw USD from ATMs, or bring dollars with you. Currency exchange houses exist, but the rates aren’t great, and they’re mostly used by travelers coming from South America.
Canopy Tree Trek in Boquete, Panama © Shutterstock
Panama is generally safe and welcoming, but anywhere with a steady stream of tourists is bound to attract a few hustlers. Most scams here are small-time, more annoying than dangerous, but they can still cost you time, money, or patience. These Panama travel tips will help you avoid the traps and focus on the good stuff.
Women in the national pollera dress, Panama © Nori Jemil
Panama offers wild nature, rich cultural traditions, and some of the most diverse communities in Central America, from Afro-Caribbean towns to Indigenous island villages. But with easy access comes responsibility. These Panama travel tips will help you explore with more care, less impact, and a deeper sense of connection.
The San Blas Islands, also known as Guna Yala, are not your typical Caribbean escape. This is an autonomous Indigenous territory, managed by the Guna people, with rules that protect both their culture and the environment. There are no resorts, no high-speed Wi-Fi, and no luxury buffets. What you will find are palm-lined beaches, basic cabins, and the chance to disconnect completely.
Respect matters here. Dress modestly when you're not on the beach. Ask before taking photos of people, and leave your drone at home unless you have permission. Bargaining over prices is considered rude. Meals are simple and shared, electricity is limited, and water is precious. If you're expecting a polished beach holiday, you’re in the wrong place. But if you’re open to a slower, more grounded experience, this is one of the most memorable places in Panama.
In Panama City, you can use cards almost everywhere, from restaurants to ride apps. But the moment you head to the islands or smaller inland towns, you’ll need cash. Many places simply do not accept cards, and even when they do, the machines often fail or lose signal. ATMs are hard to find in places like Bocas del Toro or Guna Yala, and they sometimes run out of money entirely. Bring enough cash before you leave a major town, and carry small bills.
Breaking a fifty-dollar note at a roadside shop or on a water taxi is nearly impossible. Local buses, beach cafés, and market stalls all expect cash payments. It is not dramatic, but running out of cash in the middle of a multi-island trip is a mistake you only make once.
Panama might be in the tropics, but the weather can change completely depending on where you go. In the lowlands and coastal areas, it is hot and humid. In the highlands around Boquete, mornings can be chilly and evenings downright cold. If you're hiking Volcán Barú or exploring cloud forests, you will need warm layers and a waterproof jacket. Jungle areas like Soberanía or Gamboa are humid year-round, with heavy rain even during the so-called dry season.
Umbrellas are mostly useless in tropical downpours. Quick-drying clothes and solid walking shoes are more useful than sandals or flip-flops. Locals tend to dress neatly, even in the heat, so it helps to bring clothes that are comfortable but not too casual. If you're covering both coast and highlands, pack as if you’re visiting two different countries.
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Panama
