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Panama Travel Guide

Zach Cary -
Last Updated: July 15, 2025

Overview

Panama is a bucket-list destination packed with lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and the iconic Panama Canal. Beyond the canal, this Central American gem offers colonial charm in Casco Viejo, wild adventures in Darién National Park, and paradise islands like Bocas del Toro and San Blas. Whether you’re exploring Casco Viejo’s colonial charm, trekking through Darién National Park, or island hopping in Bocas del Toro, this Central American gem has something for every traveler.

Quick Facts About Panama

Language

Spanish

Currency

US Dollar (USD) & Panamanian Balboa (PAB)

Visa

Visa free for most nationalities (90-day stay)

Power Plugs

Type A/B (same as USA)

Religion

Predominantly Catholic

Capital

Panama City

Climate

Tropical; hot & humid. Best time to visit Panama? Dry season (Dec-April).

Apps

Uber, Didi, Waze

Flight Information for Panama

Your main airport is Tocumen International (PTY) in Panama City, with direct flights from Miami, New York, and Madrid. For beach trips, fly into:

  • David (DAV) Gateway to Boquete
  • Bocas del Toro (BOC) Best for island hopping
  • San Blas (domestic flights only)

Pro Tip: Use Skyscanner or Google Flights for the best deals.

Safety Information You Should Know Before Visiting Panama

Panama is one of Central America’s safest countries, but petty theft happens in crowded areas. Stay safe by:

  • ✔ Avoiding flashy jewelry in cities
  • ✔ Using Uber at night
  • ✔ Booking guided tours for remote areas like Darién National Park
  • Keeping an eye on your belongings in tourist spots

Some remote areas (like parts of Darién) are best visited with a guide due to rugged terrain and wildlife.

Climate

Panama has a tropical climate hot and humid year-round.

  • Dry season (Dec-April): Best for beaches & hiking
  • Rainy season (May-Nov): Lush greenery, short showers

Panama has a tropical climate, meaning it’s hot and humid most of the year. The dry season (Dec-April) is the best time to visit, with sunny days perfect for beaches and hiking. The rainy season (May-Nov) brings afternoon showers, but mornings are usually clear plus, everything is lush and green.I visited in February warm but comfortable with coastal breezes!

Budget

Panama is cheaper than the US but pricier than Southeast Asia. Expect:

  • Hostels: Approx $10-$20/night
  • Meals: Approx $3 (street food) to $20 (restaurants)
  • Transport: Buses Approx ($1-$5), Uber (affordable)
  • Mid-range hotels: Approx $50-$100 USD
  • Street food/local meals: Approx $3-$7 USD
  • Restaurant meals: Approx $10-$20 USD

If you’re heading to San Blas, keep in mind it’s cash only and prices are higher due to its remote location.

Final Tips

  • Try Panama’s world class coffee!
  • Pack breathable clothes humidity is intense.
  • Carry small USD bills many places reject large notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Panama safe for solo travelers?
Yes, stick to tourist areas and avoid deserted streets at night.
Do I need Spanish?
Helpful, but English works in tourist spots.
Best way to get around?
Buses (cheap), Uber (cities), domestic flights (long distances).

Zach Cary

Editor in Chief & General Manager

Zach Cary writes travel tips and budget travel guides for Travel and Diaries. His beat is the practical layer of every trip: what to pack for three climates in one country, how to avoid card fees abroad, which SIM to buy at the airport, and how to stretch a daily budget without making the trip worse. Zach's guides favor specifics over platitudes real price ranges, named apps, and tips tied to actual local rules rather than generic advice recycled across the internet. If a tip wouldn't survive contact with a real border, a real bus station, or a real currency exchange counter, he doesn't publish it.

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