Travel landscape in Panama
Panama flagRoutaya · Country guide

Travel guide to Panama

Panama, a natural crossroads between North and South America, is renowned for its canal, lush biodiversity, and rich cultural history.

Photo by Rodolfo Quirós · Pexels

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Information is provided as a travel-planning aid. Confirm entry, health and safety requirements with official authorities before departure.

Quick facts

Official languages
Spanish
Time zones
UTC -5 (Panama Time)
Electrical outlets
110 V, 60 Hz, uses type A and B plugs
Climate
Tropical climate, hot and humid year-round with a dry season from December to April and a rainy season from May to November.

Health

Consult your doctor before travel. Bring a basic first aid kit and mosquito protection.

Travel health advice

  • Drink bottled water
  • Use insect repellent
  • Avoid raw foods in high-risk areas

Recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A; Typhoid; Tetanus; Yellow fever (if arriving from endemic areas)

Required vaccines:

Money

Currency: Panamanian Balboa (used alongside US Dollar) (PAB / USD)

The US Dollar is widely accepted and serves as official currency along with the Balboa.

Credit cards are accepted in major cities. ATMs are common in Panama City and tourist zones.

Safety

Most tourist areas are safe, but increased caution is advised in some neighborhoods and at night.

  • Do not display valuables openly
  • Avoid isolated areas after dark
  • Use official or pre-arranged taxis

Areas to check before travel: Outskirts of Panama City; Certain parts of Colón

Regions

Panama City — travel guide
Region

Panama City

Modern capital, economic and cultural hub, famous for the canal and historic old town.

Colón and the Caribbean Coast — travel guide
Region

Colón and the Caribbean Coast

Important port area with access to Isla Grande National Park and Caribbean beaches.

Chiriquí Province — travel guide
Region

Chiriquí Province

Mountainous region with volcanoes, coffee plantations, and natural sites like Boquete.

San Blas Archipelago (Guna Yala) — travel guide
Region

San Blas Archipelago (Guna Yala)

Group of idyllic islands managed by the indigenous Guna people.

Veraguas Province — travel guide
Region

Veraguas Province

Diverse region with beaches, mountains, and Coiba National Park.

Darién Region — travel guide
Region

Darién Region

Dense forest area with exceptional biodiversity, mainly accessible for ecotourism.

Cities

Panama City — city guide
City guide

Panama City

Dynamic metropolis blending modern skyscrapers and colonial heritage.

  • Panama Canal
  • Casco Viejo (old town)
  • Biomuseo
  • Avenida Balboa
  • Metropolitan Park
Colón — city guide
City guide

Colón

Historic port city and gateway to the Caribbean coast.

  • Colón Free Zone
  • Fort San Lorenzo
  • Isla Grande National Park
David — city guide
City guide

David

Second largest city and gateway to Chiriquí and Boquete.

  • Local market
  • David Botanical Garden
Boquete — city guide
City guide

Boquete

Mountain town renowned for its cool climate and coffee plantations.

  • Hiking Volcan Barú
  • Caldera hot springs
  • Artisan market
Bocas del Toro — city guide
City guide

Bocas del Toro

Archipelago known for beaches, diving, and Afro-Caribbean culture.

  • Playa Bluff
  • Marine National Park
  • Lively nightlife
Puerto Armuelles — city guide
City guide

Puerto Armuelles

Coastal town close to Costa Rica, popular for fishing.

  • Sport fishing
  • Quiet beaches
Santa Catalina — city guide
City guide

Santa Catalina

Fishing village turned surfing spot and gateway to Coiba Island.

  • Surfing
  • Diving in Coiba National Park

Highlights

Panama Canal — travel guide
Must-see

Panama Canal

Engineering marvel linking Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Casco Viejo — travel guide
Must-see

Casco Viejo

Historic district of Panama City with colonial architecture and cobblestone streets.

Boquete — travel guide
Must-see

Boquete

Mountain destination for nature, coffee, and adventure.

San Blas Archipelago — travel guide
Must-see

San Blas Archipelago

Exotic islands managed by the indigenous Guna community, perfect for relaxation.

Coiba National Park — travel guide
Must-see

Coiba National Park

Marine reserve with rich biodiversity, ideal for diving.

Biomuseo — travel guide
Must-see

Biomuseo

Museum focused on Panama’s biodiversity, designed by Frank Gehry.

Volcan Barú — travel guide
Must-see

Volcan Barú

Highest peak in Panama offering views of both oceans.

Nature & other places

Coiba National Park — travel guide
National Park

Coiba National Park

One of the largest marine reserves in the Pacific with rich coral reefs.

Darién National Park — travel guide
National Park

Darién National Park

Large tropical forest home to diverse wildlife and indigenous communities.

Metropolitan Natural Park (Panama City) — travel guide
Nature Reserve

Metropolitan Natural Park (Panama City)

Large forested area in the city center, perfect for hiking and birdwatching.

Isla Grande (Colón) — travel guide
Island

Isla Grande (Colón)

Island with tranquil beaches and Caribbean atmosphere.

Barú Volcano and Mountains — travel guide
Mountain

Barú Volcano and Mountains

Mountainous area popular for hiking and panoramic views.

Gulf of Chiriquí — travel guide
Coastal Area

Gulf of Chiriquí

Protected area with islands, mangroves, and palm forests, ideal for ecotourism.

Travel conditions can change. Always consult official government travel advice and health authorities shortly before your trip.

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