Panama Country
Central American country known for the Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is a marvel of engineering that draws tourists from around the world, but Panama has more to offer than just this iconic waterway. In Casco Viejo, the old town of Panama City, crumbling colonial architecture meets lively plazas, while the San Blas Islands tempt with untouched beaches and indigenous Guna culture. For those seeking nature, the lush rainforests of Soberanía National Park provide a verdant backdrop for birdwatching and hiking.
Stretching from the Pacific to the Caribbean, Panama is known for the Panama Canal, modern Panama City skyline, and biodiverse rainforests. Visitors come for canal tours, colonial Casco Viejo, and outdoor adventures.
Money & payments: Currency: Panamanian balboa (PAB) alongside US dollars-USD notes are used. Cards accepted in Panama City and Bocas del Toro; carry cash in rural areas. Tip around 10%.
Local customs & etiquette: Use basic Spanish greetings; handshakes and cheek kisses among acquaintances. Dress smartly for business and church in Panama City. Ask permission before photographing Guna Yala indigenous communities.
Getting around: Panama City has a Metro and Uber; taxis often unmetered. Long‑distance buses and BOA flights link David with Bocas del Toro. Use water taxis for San Blas.
Health & safety: Tap water is potable in Panama City; use bottled water in rural Darien. Vaccinations: routine, hepatitis A and typhoid; malaria risk in Darien. Watch for petty theft.
Digital nomads: Panama City, Boquete and Bocas del Toro have the best nomad infrastructure; many Selina locations and local coworking spaces in Casco Viejo. Buy Movistar or Claro SIMs.
Why Visit Panama#
Panama Canal
Seeing ships transit the Panama Canal at Miraflores Locks is as close to a cinematic engineering moment as you can get. Combine the viewpoint with the small museum and you’ll understand why this short slice of earth reshaped global trade - it’s short, intense, and genuinely memorable.
Casco Viejo
Casco Viejo’s narrow streets, rooftop bars and restored colonial buildings make Panama City’s old quarter ideal for evening strolls and meals. Pop into artisan shops, sample seafood in Plaza de la Catedral and time a rooftop for a sunset skyline view.
Boquete Treks
Boquete in the Chiriquí Highlands is a compact base for cloud-forest hikes, coffee farm visits and the challenging climb up Volcán Barú for a possible sunrise view over both oceans. The town has a relaxed expat scene and excellent trail infrastructure for independent hikers.
Guna Yala
The Guna Yala (San Blas) islands are tiny, palm-dotted cayes run by the Guna people and ideal for low-key island hopping and snorkeling. Bring cash and simple expectations - there are few facilities, but the clarity of the water and local culture make logistics worth it.
Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro mixes Caribbean colour with easy surf breaks, reef snorkeling and a relaxed archipelago vibe. Isla Colón and Isla Bastimentos offer nightlife, sea-star beaches and jungle trails, making it an easy multi-day escape from the city.
Who's Panama For?#
Casco Viejo’s colonial plazas and rooftop bars pair well with quiet island escapes in San Blas or Bocas for romantic sunsets and relaxed beachfront dining.
Family trips enjoy easy Panama Canal visits, wildlife boat tours and child-friendly beaches in Bocas del Toro; infrastructure is good for varied ages.
Bocas, Boquete and budget hostels cater well to backpackers; cheap buses and island-hopping keep costs down while supporting outdoor adventures.
Panama City and mountain towns like Boquete have solid wifi, coworking spaces and reasonable costs; Friendly Nations visa options aid longer stays for some.
Panama mixes Caribbean and Pacific flavors-fresh ceviche, seafood and hearty sancocho are local staples. Street markets and coastal eateries shine.
Surfing in Santa Catalina, cloud-forest hikes in Boquete and snorkeling in Bocas create diverse adventure options across land and sea.
Panama City clubs and Bocas’ beach bars offer lively nights, with rooftop lounges in Casco Viejo drawing a fashionable crowd.
From Darien’s rainforests to San Blas cays and cloud forests, Panama offers biodiversity hotspots for birding, snorkeling and jungle expeditions.
Regions of Panama#
Panama City
Panama City is a vibrant mix of shiny skyscrapers and narrow colonial streets, anchored by the world-famous Panama Canal. Wander Casco Viejo for nightlife and history, then watch giant ships at Miraflores. The city is also the main transit hub for domestic flights to beaches, mountains and islands.
Top Spots
- Casco Viejo - Colonial lanes, rooftop bars and cafés.
- Panama Canal - Miraflores locks and visitor centre.
- Amador Causeway - Views and seafood stalls.
Bocas del Toro
An archipelago on the Caribbean side, Bocas is all about reef snorkeling, reefside bars and hammock life. Colorful wooden houses, easy boat hops between cays and consistent surf make it a backpacker favorite. It’s warm, casual and best for relaxing or short diving excursions.
Top Spots
- Bocas Town - Laid-back Caribbean vibes and hostels.
- Isla Bastimentos - Red frog beach and coral snorkeling.
San Blas
San Blas (Guna Yala) is a chain of coral islands managed by the Guna people: low-impact tourism, white sand and one-night camp-style stays. Travel here for simple island-hopping, snorkeling and cultural encounters. Infrastructure is minimal; bring cash and accept basic dorms and hammock lodgings.
Top Spots
- Guna Yala islands - Indigenous-run cays and pristine beaches.
- Day trips - Snorkel and meet Guna communities.
Boquete
Highland Boquete is cool, green and prime for outdoor lovers: coffee tours, multi-day treks and birdwatching for resplendent quetzals. Small hostels and boutique lodges line the valley, and adventure activities like white-water rafting and canopy tours are easy to book from town.
Top Spots
- Coffee farms - Estate tours and tastings.
- Quetzal trails - Hiking in cloud forest.
Azuero Peninsula
The Azuero Peninsula is Panama’s cultural core, with colorful festivals, traditional dress and a slower coastal rhythm. Surf beaches, farming villages and charismatic small towns give a strong sense of local life. Visit during Carnival to catch exuberant parades and regional music.
Top Spots
- Pedasí - Surf breaks and a bohemian town centre.
- Las Tablas - Carnival traditions and Panamanian folklore.
Top Cities in Panama#
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Best Things to Do in Panama#
Panama Bucket List#
Panama Canal (Miraflores Locks) - Visit Miraflores Locks to watch transiting ships and explore the interactive canal museum.
Casco Viejo (Panama City) - Wander Casco Viejo’s plazas, colonial architecture, rooftop bars, and lively restaurants in Panama City.
San Blas (Guna Yala) - Sail Guna Yala’s San Blas islands to experience Guna culture and remote coral cay islands.
Bocas del Toro - Bocas del Toro archipelago combines Caribbean beaches, colorful architecture, and lively surf-and-dive culture.
Boquete - Boquete’s highland coffee farms and cloud-forest trails attract hikers, birders, and cooler weather seekers.
Coiba National Park - Coiba National Park offers world-class diving, large marine life, and remote island biodiversity on multi-day trips.
Portobelo and colonial forts - Portobelo’s Spanish colonial forts and church ruins recall Panama’s silver-route era and annual Congo festival.
El Valle de Anton - El Valle de Anton sits inside an extinct volcano, offering waterfalls, markets, hot springs, and trails.
Pipeline Road (Soberanía National Park) - Pipeline Road in Soberanía is legendary among birders for abundant rainforest species along old pipeline tracks.
Isla Escudo de Veraguas - Isla Escudo de Veraguas, isolated off Caribbean coast, shelters endemic mammals and primitive beaches, access requires boat.
Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge - Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge is a coral cay teeming with nesting seabirds and clear snorkeling reefs.
Santa Catalina - Santa Catalina’s surf breaks and laid-back hostels serve as the jumping-off point for Coiba diving.
Pan-American Highway (Panama City-David) - Pan-American Highway (Panama City-David) - roughly 470 kilometers, long multi-day drive crossing diverse landscapes and towns.
Panama Canal circuit (Panama City-Gatun Locks-Colón) - Panama Canal circuit: Panama City-Gatun Locks-Colón - day trip linking canal viewpoints, rainforest islands on Gatun Lake.
Chiriquí Highlands loop (David-Boquete-Volcán Barú) - Chiriquí Highlands loop (David-Boquete-Volcán Barú) - cool mountain roads, coffee estates, and Barú ascent.
San Blas island-hopping (Cartí to remote cays) - San Blas island-hopping (Cartí to remote cays) - multi-day sailing between Guna communities and palm-fringed atolls.
Planning Your Trip to Panama#
1 Week Panama Itinerary
See Panama City's Canal and Casco Viejo, sample Boquete coffee and hikes, and fit in a rainforest day trip for a mix of urban history and mountain nature within a week.
Show itinerary- Day 1 - Arrive Panama City; evening in Casco Viejo.
- Day 2 - Panama Canal Miraflores Locks visit and museum.
- Day 3 - Explore Amador Causeway and Biomuseo.
- Day 4 - Fly or bus to Boquete; coffee tour and hot springs.
- Day 5 - Hike in Baru Volcano area or cloudforest trails.
- Day 6 - Return to Panama City; evening in Casco Viejo.
- Day 7 - Day trip to Soberanía National Park or departure.
2 Weeks Panama Itinerary
Combine Panama City and Canal sights with island escapes to San Blas and Bocas del Toro, then head to Boquete for coffee, hikes, and cooler mountain air over two weeks.
Show itinerary- Day 1-2 - Arrive Panama City; Canal, Casco Viejo, and Amador Causeway.
- Day 3-4 - San Blas Islands overnight: Guna culture and island beaches.
- Day 5-7 - Fly to Bocas del Toro; snorkeling and island hopping.
- Day 8-10 - Return to mainland; travel to Boquete for coffee tours.
- Day 11-12 - Hiking around Volcán Barú and hot springs.
- Day 13-14 - Back to Panama City for museums and departure.
3-4 Weeks Panama Itinerary
Spend weeks between Panama City, San Blas, Bocas del Toro, and Boquete with island camping, jungle treks, coffee plantation stays, and cultural visits to Guna communities for broad exploration.
Show itinerary- Day 1-3 - Panama City immersion: Canal, Casco Viejo, Amador and museums.
- Day 4-7 - San Blas islands multi-day stay with local Guna visits.
- Day 8-11 - Bocas del Toro island hopping, snorkeling, and beaches.
- Day 12-15 - Travel to Boquete for extensive coffee tours and treks.
- Day 16-19 - Explore Darién or Soberanía with guided jungle excursions.
- Day 20-22 - Return to Panama City; day trips to nearby villages.
- Day 23-28 - Flex days for more islands, deeper jungle treks, or relaxation.
Best Time to Visit Panama#
Panama has a tropical climate with a well-defined dry season (roughly mid-December to April) and a wet season (May to November). Weather varies little in temperature at low elevations, but rainfall patterns strongly affect travel conditions, especially for rural and jungle routes.
January - April
24-33°C / 75-91°F
The dry season brings sunny, warm weather ideal for city sightseeing, beaches and jungle excursions; this is Panama’s busiest tourist period. Expect higher prices and crowded popular attractions, especially January-March.
November & December
24-31°C / 75-88°F
A transitional window where rainfall decreases and visitor numbers grow ahead of the dry season; prices can be moderate before the holiday rush. Good option for balance between better weather and value.
May - October
24-32°C / 75-90°F
The wet season with frequent afternoon and evening rain, higher humidity and lower tourist numbers; this period offers greener landscapes and lower prices. Be prepared for disrupted inland travel during heavy rains and monitor regional weather alerts.
| Month | Season | Temp | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | High Season | 24 to 31°C (75 to 88°F) | ||
| February | High Season | 24 to 31°C (75 to 88°F) | ||
| March | High Season | 24 to 32°C (75 to 90°F) | ||
| April | High Season | 25 to 33°C (77 to 91°F) | ||
| May | Low Season | 24 to 32°C (75 to 90°F) | ||
| June | Low Season | 24 to 31°C (75 to 88°F) | ||
| July | Low Season | 24 to 31°C (75 to 88°F) | ||
| August | Low Season | 24 to 31°C (75 to 88°F) | ||
| September | Low Season | 24 to 31°C (75 to 88°F) | ||
| October | Low Season | 24 to 31°C (75 to 88°F) | ||
| November | Shoulder | 24 to 31°C (75 to 88°F) | ||
| December | Shoulder | 24 to 31°C (75 to 88°F) |
High busiest & priciest · Shoulder in-between · Low quietest & cheapest. Tap a month for its weather map and details.
Panama City & Panama Canal (Central Lowlands): Hot, humid lowlands centered on Panama City and the canal; distinct wet season from May through November with a clear dry window mid-December to April. Mornings in the dry season are best for canal transits, while heavy afternoon rains dominate the wet months and can cause short urban flooding. Travelers should plan outdoor activities for the morning in wet months and expect comfortable but humid conditions in the dry season.
Pacific Coast & Gulf of Panama (Including Las Perlas): Warm to hot Pacific lowlands and islands with a clear dry season from December to April and a pronounced wet season May-November. Las Perlas and coastal towns enjoy calm seas and excellent boating in the dry months; the wet season brings afternoon storms and rougher seas, making island trips less reliable. Best to schedule boat-based activities in the mornings and expect lower prices and more rain during May-November.
Azuero Peninsula & Pacific South (Pedasí, Playa Venao, Tonosí): The Azuero Peninsula is Panama’s driest Pacific region with a strong dry season December-April, making it a favorite for beaches and festivals (Carnaval). Rainy season May-November brings afternoon storms and muddy rural roads, reducing some small-boat and rural travel services. Best months for beaches, surfing schools and festivals are January-April; bring sun protection in dry months and waterproof gear if visiting June-October.
Chiriquí Highlands (Boquete, Volcán, Cerro Punta): Cool, mountainous region with a marked altitude-driven climate - Boquete and Cerro Punta sit between roughly 900-2,400 m with daytime highs in the mid-teens to low 20s°C and chilly nights. Wet season runs roughly May-November with persistent cloud, mist, and muddy trails; dry season December-April offers clear mornings and the best hiking conditions. Pack warm layers, waterproof hiking gear, and expect variable microclimates between valleys and peaks.
Caribbean Coast & Islands (Bocas del Toro and San Blas/Guna Yala): The Caribbean side is windier and more influenced by northeast trade winds; conditions are drier Dec-Apr and wetter May-Nov but with more year-round rainfall in Bocas del Toro. San Blas (Guna Yala) benefits from steady winds that favor sailing in the dry months; Bocas is rainier and more tropical with persistent humidity. Plan island hopping and snorkeling in Dec-Apr; expect more cancellations and mosquitoes in the rainy season.
Darién & Eastern Rainforest (Darien Gap, Yaviza, Jaqué): Panama’s most remote, wettest region - tropical rainforest and lowland coasts with heavy rains concentrated May-November and the worst access problems during the peak wet months. The best travel window is roughly December-April when rivers are lower and boat travel is safer; still, travel in the Darién requires experienced local guides, robust gear, and awareness of rustic conditions. Expect intense humidity, many insects, and rapidly changing riverine conditions.
Key Festivals & Events#
Early January (annual week-long) · An international jazz festival centered in Panama City featuring local and global artists; good for live concerts and club shows across the city.
Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday (Feb-Mar, movable) · Panama’s biggest public celebration with parades, costumes and street parties; particularly lively in Las Tablas and Panama City.
Movable (March/April) · Religious processions and public holidays observed nationwide, with notable observances in Panama City and coastal towns.
Early August (usually first week) · A major folkloric festival in Guararé, Los Santos Province, showcasing traditional music, dance and regional costumes.
3 November (Separation from Colombia) and 28 November (Independence from Spain) · National holidays with civic ceremonies, parades and cultural events across the country, especially in Panama City and provincial capitals.
How to Get to Panama#
Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City is the main international gateway and a major hub for connecting flights across the Americas via Copa Airlines. Visitors also arrive at smaller domestic airports (e.g., David’s Enrique Malek International - DAV) or overland from Costa Rica at border crossings.
- Panama offers visa‑free entry to many nationalities (including EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia) for short tourist stays-lengths vary by nationality, commonly 90 days but can be up to 180 days for some passports.
- Visitors who require visas must obtain them before travel; check Panama's consular guidance for specific country rules.
- Passport should be valid for at least the duration of your stay; some airlines and border officials may expect 3-6 months validity beyond your entry date.
- Be prepared to show proof of onward travel and accommodation. Yellow fever vaccination may be required if coming from infected areas.
Border Crossings#
Costa Rica
Panama-Costa Rica is a busy land border with two widely used official crossings and routine bus and private‑vehicle traffic. The most popular international operator on the Costa Rica side is Tica Bus, which services Paso Canoas and other border towns; independent travelers also use local buses and taxis. Entry requirements depend on nationality - many nationals enter visa‑free for short stays but passports must be valid and, where required, a tourist visa or pre‑authorization obtained. Expect straightforward immigration and customs at the main crossings but carry documentation of onward travel and proof of funds.
Crossings
- Paso Canoas (Panama side - Costa Rica side) -
- Guabito (Panama) - Sixaola (Costa Rica) -
Colombia
There is no overland road through the Darién Gap; Panama-Colombia crossings are maritime or air only. For international travelers the established routes use small coastal boat services or occasional charter flights; do not attempt to cross the Darién overland because of dangerous terrain and security concerns. Immigration formalities take place at official maritime ports such as Puerto Obaldía on the Panamanian side; Colombian arrivals usually enter via Capurganá/Acandí or Necoclí on the Caribbean coast. Visa and vaccination requirements vary by nationality - check Panamanian and Colombian entry rules before travel.
Crossings
- Puerto Obaldía (Panama) - Acandí / Capurganá (Colombia) -
- Necoclí (Colombia) - boat connections to Capurganá then Panama -
How to Get Around Panama#
Domestic air travel connects Panama City with Caribbean and Pacific coastal destinations and islands. Air Panama operates many internal routes and connections to Bocas del Toro.
Short domestic sectors often cost USD $50-$200 one way depending on route and season.
Long‑distance buses link Panama City with David, Santiago and Chitré; services range from local colectivos to more comfortable intercity coaches. For city travel in Panama City, the public bus network (MiBus) covers most neighborhoods.
Intercity fares are economical-expect USD $2-$20 depending on distance and service.
Panama City has a modern Metro network (Line 1 and Line 2) that covers major corridors and is a fast way to avoid traffic during peak hours.
Single fares are inexpensive (a few USD cents to a couple dollars with a transit card); the metro integrates with some bus routes for combined journeys.
Ride‑hailing apps like Uber operate in Panama City and popular tourist areas; traditional taxis are also available but negotiate fares or insist on the meter.
Airport transfers via ride apps or private shuttles from PTY to central Panama City commonly range USD $25-$40.
To reach islands and archipelagos (e.g., Bocas del Toro, San Blas) you’ll use water transfers or short domestic flights. Charter boats and scheduled speedboats operate between island hubs and mainlands.
Expect boat transfers to Bocas or San Blas to cost roughly USD $20-$60 one way; private charters are more expensive.
Where to Stay in Panama#
$60-200 mid-range · $220+ luxury
Panama City is the hub for business and sightseeing; expect international hotels in the Centro and Casco Viejo. Coastal hubs Bocas del Toro and Boquete offer beachfront and mountain resort options respectively.
$8-30 / night
Backpackers use hostels in Panama City, Bocas del Toro and Boquete for social atmosphere and local tours. Guesthouses in Boquete supply coffee-farm visits and hiking guidance; book island beds early in high season.
$50-160 / night
Eco-lodges in Darién, Guna Yala (San Blas) and Bocas offer rainforest and island experiences with guides and boat transfers. They work well for wildlife-focused itineraries and multi-day excursions.
$600-1,500 / month
Expats and remote workers often choose furnished apartments in Casco Viejo or the banking district for month-long stays. Fast internet and coworking spaces are readily available; prices vary by neighborhood.
$5-40 / night
Simple beach bungalows and campsites are common on Bocas islands and some San Blas cays. Facilities are basic - bring water and insect protection - and transport schedules affect access.
Staying Connected in Panama#
Panama is well connected in Panama City and main urban areas with solid mobile and broadband options, while rural regions see more variable service. Mobile data is the easiest way to stay online when traveling across the country.
Panama City has many coworking spaces and reliable hotel and café Wi‑Fi, with day‑pass options. Outside the capital, connectivity drops and fixed broadband options are less consistent.
Money & Currency in Panama#
Panama uses the balboa (PAB) alongside the US dollar (USD) for banknotes-USD is the primary currency in everyday use. Card acceptance is strong in Panama City and tourist areas, though cash is useful in rural regions; ATMs are easy to find in urban centers.
- Tipping: A 10% service charge is often included in restaurants; if not, tipping ~10% is customary; small tips for drivers and porters are normal.
- Cards & Cash: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops; small vendors and some rural services prefer cash. Pricing and cash handling are commonly denominated in USD in many places.
- ATMs & Mobile Payments: ATMs are plentiful in cities and towns; banks and ATMs charge fees that vary by provider and your home bank. Apple Pay/Google Pay work at many vendors that support contactless payments.
Health & Safety in Panama#
Panama is a popular and generally safe destination in tourist areas, but travellers should avoid high-crime neighborhoods (Colón, parts of San Miguelito) and the Darién Gap. Main concerns are vector-borne illnesses, variable road conditions, and limited services in remote regions.
- Scams & Petty Crime - Pickpocketing and opportunistic theft occur in Panama City and tourist sites; use hotel safes, avoid flashing cash or jewelry, and be cautious in crowded markets and on public transit. Stick to licensed taxis.
- Violent Crime & Areas to Avoid - Some areas, notably parts of Colón, San Miguelito and the Darién region, have elevated violent crime and gang activity. Avoid the Darién Gap and follow local advice; organized tours are essential for border regions.
- Health Risks (Mosquito-borne & Yellow Fever) - Dengue and Zika circulate; malaria risk exists in rural Darien and some indigenous areas. Yellow fever vaccination may be required if arriving from affected countries. Use repellents, bed nets and seek medical advice on vaccinations.
- Road Safety - Driving can be challenging with aggressive drivers, variable road maintenance and limited signage in rural areas. Night driving is riskier. Use reputable bus companies or drivers, plan extra travel time, and secure luggage when travelling.
- Food & Water - Tap water in Panama City and many tourist areas is generally safe, but bottled water is safer in rural zones. Avoid street food that looks poorly handled, and practise basic food-hygiene measures to prevent traveller’s diarrhea.
- Natural Hazards (Tropical Weather) - Panama experiences heavy rains and localized flooding during the wet season (May-November). Coastal areas can see rough seas and erosion. Monitor weather alerts, avoid flooded roads, and have flexible plans for outdoor activities.
History & Culture of Panama#
Panama is defined by the isthmus and the Canal, with a multicultural society shaped by Indigenous groups, Afro‑Caribbean communities, Spanish heritage and international commerce. Travelers will notice a strong maritime identity, lively festivals, and distinct local crafts like Kuna molas.
History of Panama
Panama’s location as the narrow link between oceans has defined its history: Indigenous societies inhabited the isthmus for millennia, Spanish colonizers used it as a transit route between the Atlantic and Pacific, and the country’s modern identity grew around the construction and operation of the Panama Canal. In the modern era Panama separated from Colombia in 1903 with U.S. support, completed the Canal in 1914, and gradually asserted sovereign control over the waterway through late-20th-century diplomacy; visitors will see sites, museums and monuments tied to these chapters.
Notable Figures
- Vasco Núñez de Balboa - Spanish explorer credited with the first European sighting of the Pacific from the New World in 1513.
- Manuel Amador Guerrero - A physician and politician who became Panama's first president after separation from Colombia in 1904.
- Omar Torrijos - De facto leader in the 1970s who negotiated the 1977 Canal treaties that returned control to Panama.
- Rubén Blades - Musician, actor and former minister who is a prominent cultural figure in Panama and across Latin America.
Key Dates
- pre‑1500sIndigenous communities such as the Coclé, Ngäbe and Kuna inhabited the isthmus with established trade and craft traditions.
- 1513Vasco Núñez de Balboa crossed the Isthmus and sighted the Pacific Ocean, an event remembered in Panamanian history.
- 1821Panama declared independence from Spain and briefly joined Gran Colombia.
- 1903Panama separated from Colombia and established the Republic of Panama with U.S. backing.
- 1904-1914Construction of the Panama Canal transformed the country into a global transit hub.
- 1977Torrijos-Carter Treaties set the timetable for Panama to assume full control of the Canal.
- 1989U.S. military intervention removed General Manuel Noriega; the episode shaped late-20th-century politics.
- 1999Panama assumed full control of the Panama Canal and its adjacent areas.
Panamanian food mixes Spanish, Indigenous and Afro‑Caribbean influences with an emphasis on fresh seafood, starchy sides and flavorful soups.
Language
Spanish is the national language and widely used in the cities and tourist sectors; several Indigenous languages (Kuna, Ngäbere, Emberá, Naso) remain vital in their communities.
Useful Phrases
- Hello - Hola OH-lah
- Good morning - Buenos días BWEH-nos DEE-as
- How are you? (formal) - ¿Cómo está? KOH-moh ehs-TAH
- Where is…? - ¿Dónde está…? DOHN-deh ehs-TAH
- How much does it cost? - ¿Cuánto cuesta? KWAHN-toh KWEHS-tah
- One ticket for… - Una entrada para… OO-nah ehn-TRAH-dah PAH-rah
- The bill, please - La cuenta, por favor lah KWEHN-tah por fah-VOHR
- Enjoy your meal - Buen provecho / ¡Buen apetito! bwen pro-VEH-cho
- Water, please - Agua, por favor AH-gwah por fah-VOHR
- Help! - ¡Ayuda! ah-YOO-dah
- Call the police - Llame a la policía YAH-meh ah lah poh-lee-SEE-ah
- I need a doctor - Necesito un médico neh-seh-SEE-toh oon MEH-dee-koh
Responsible Travel in Panama#
Panama combines huge biodiversity with important indigenous territories, so choose community‑led and licensed operators, respect local rules and avoid unregulated access to fragile areas.
- Respect Indigenous Territories: When visiting Guna Yala (San Blas) and other indigenous areas ask permission before photographing people, follow local dress and landing rules, and pay community fees where required to support local governance.
- Protect Sensitive Wilderness: The Darién and other rainforest areas are ecologically and socially sensitive-travel only with reputable operators and avoid encouraging trail cutting or unregulated access that can harm habitats.
- Visit Coiba & Marine Parks Responsibly: Coiba National Park is a UNESCO marine site-book licensed boat operators and avoid bringing invasive species on gear; see management advice at the park’s UNESCO listing: Coiba National Park.
- Choose Community-Based Ecotourism: Support locally run ecolodges and certified guides in Boquete, Bocas del Toro and indigenous communities to channel tourism income to small enterprises and conservation projects.
Travel Resources for Panama#
Official
- Visit Panama (official tourism site) Official Tourism
- Government of Panama (official portal) Government
- Servicio Nacional de Migración (Panama) Visas/Immigration
Travel Advisories
News & Media
- The Panama News English
- Reuters: Panama coverage English
- La Prensa (Spanish) Spanish
Useful Apps for Panama
- Google Maps - Navigation and local business listings across Panama.
- Waze - Very useful for real-time driving and traffic in Panama City.
- Google Translate - Translate Spanish to English for travel situations.