Overview
Panama is a narrow isthmus connecting North and South America, bordered by Costa Rica to the west and Colombia to the east. Despite its small size — roughly 77,000 km² — it packs in extraordinary ecological and cultural variety: cloud forests, Caribbean and Pacific coastlines, Indigenous territories, and a cosmopolitan capital city.
The country's most famous landmark, the Panama Canal, has defined its identity and economy since 1914. A 2016 expansion added a third set of locks, and the canal continues to handle a significant share of global maritime trade. Beyond the canal, Panama draws travelers for its 980+ recorded bird species, island-hopping in Bocas del Toro, highland coffee farms around Boquete, and the UNESCO-listed Casco Viejo neighborhood of Panama City.
Panama uses the US dollar, which simplifies budgeting for North American and many international visitors. Infrastructure is generally solid in urban centers and main tourist corridors, though road conditions vary considerably in more remote provinces. The country sits outside the Atlantic hurricane belt, reducing but not eliminating the risk of severe storms.
Politically stable by regional standards, Panama has a well-established democratic tradition and a service-oriented economy anchored by logistics, finance, and tourism. It is a place where container ships, toucans, and gleaming skyscrapers can all appear in the same day.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Entry requirements depend on your nationality and can change without notice. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and verify current requirements with Panama's official immigration authority (Servicio Nacional de Migración) before booking. Many nationalities receive a tourist stay on arrival, but conditions and permitted durations vary.
Vaccinations and Health
No vaccinations are universally required for entry, but the CDC and WHO recommend being current on routine vaccines. Yellow fever vaccination may be required if arriving from certain countries. Malaria prophylaxis is worth discussing with a travel-medicine clinic if you plan to visit remote areas of Darién, Bocas del Toro, or Guna Yala. Dengue fever is present year-round; mosquito protection is advisable everywhere.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is strongly recommended. Quality private hospitals exist in Panama City, but care in remote areas is limited and evacuation can be expensive.
What to Pack
- Lightweight, quick-dry clothing suits most of the country year-round
- Waterproof layers and sturdy footwear for highlands and rainforest areas
- Sun protection (hat, reef-safe sunscreen) for coastal destinations
- Insect repellent with DEET or Picaridin for jungle and wetland areas
- A light sweater for air-conditioned buses, hotels, and the Boquete highlands
Getting There
By Air
Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City is the main international gateway and serves as a regional hub for Copa Airlines. It receives direct flights from cities across North America, South America, Europe, and the Caribbean. A second international airport, Enrique Malek (DAV), serves David in Chiriquí province and handles some regional connections.
By Land
Panama shares land borders with Costa Rica and Colombia. The crossing at Paso Canoas on the Pan-American Highway is the most-used southern Costa Rica entry point; the Sixaola/Guabito crossing connects to Bocas del Toro province. There is no road link to Colombia — the Darién Gap remains impassable by conventional vehicle — so overland travel between Panama and South America is not a practical option for most travelers.
By Sea
Cruise ships call at the Port of Balboa (Pacific) and Colón (Caribbean), and some vessels transit the Canal. A number of sailing and catamaran services operate between Cartagena, Colombia and the Guna Yala archipelago, typically taking several days and stopping at remote islands; verify operators and safety standards carefully before booking.
Getting Around
Domestic Flights
Air Panama and other small carriers connect Panama City (Albrook/Marcos A. Gelabert Airport, PAC) to regional destinations including David, Bocas del Toro, and the Guna Yala islands. For remote areas, light aircraft is often the most practical option. Schedules and availability should be confirmed directly with airlines, as service can be irregular.
Buses
An extensive intercity bus network links most provincial capitals. Long-distance coaches are generally comfortable and affordable. Within Panama City, the Metrobus system covers much of the metro area; a rechargeable card (Metro Card) is required. The Panama City Metro (two lines as of early 2025) is a fast, modern option for cross-city travel.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
InDrive and Uber operate in Panama City and some other urban areas. Street taxis are widely available; meters are not standard in all taxis, so agreeing on a fare before departure is advisable. In rural or island areas, informal boat taxis are a common mode of transport.
Car Rental
Renting a car is practical for exploring the Azuero Peninsula, the highlands around Boquete, or El Valle de Antón. A 4WD vehicle is recommended if venturing onto unpaved roads. Driving in Panama City requires patience; traffic congestion is significant during peak hours. Verify license requirements and insurance coverage with your rental agency.
Boat
Boat transport is essential for reaching Bocas del Toro (water taxis from Almirante), the Guna Yala islands, and parts of the Darién coast. Conditions on open water can change quickly; always use licensed operators and wear life jackets.
Things to See & Do
The Panama Canal
A visit to the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center offers close-up views of ships transiting the Canal and an informative museum covering its history and engineering. The Agua Clara Visitor Center near Colón provides views of the expanded locks. Partial or full Canal transits by boat can be booked through licensed tour operators — a unique experience that fills up quickly in high season.
Casco Viejo (Panama City)
The UNESCO-listed historic district of Panama City features colonial-era churches, plazas, and 19th-century architecture alongside restaurants, boutique hotels, and rooftop bars with views of the modern skyline. The Museo del Canal Interoceánico and the Biomuseo (designed by Frank Gehry) are both worth dedicated visits.
Bocas del Toro
This Caribbean archipelago offers snorkeling, surfing, wildlife watching (including sloths, red poison-dart frogs, and nesting sea turtles seasonally), and a laid-back island atmosphere. Isla Colón is the hub; day trips reach more remote cays. Water quality and coral health vary by site — ask locally for current conditions.
Boquete and the Chiriquí Highlands
Located in the cool mountains of western Panama, Boquete is a base for hiking trails including the Sendero Los Quetzales, white-water rafting on the Chiriquí River, coffee farm tours, and birdwatching. The rare resplendent quetzal has been reliably spotted here during nesting season (approximately January–April).
Additional Highlights
- Soberanía National Park — Accessible from Panama City; excellent birding on Pipeline Road, one of the most species-rich birding routes in the world
- San Blas (Guna Yala) — Semi-autonomous territory of the Guna people; pristine islands, molas (traditional textiles), and strict visitor protocols; arrange visits respectfully
- Darién National Park — A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most biodiverse places on Earth; requires careful advance planning, guides, and awareness of security conditions near the Colombian border
- El Valle de Antón — A town set in an ancient volcanic crater; good for hiking, a weekend market, and hot springs
- Azuero Peninsula — The heartland of Panamanian folk traditions, festivals, and handicrafts such as pollera dresses and carved masks
Food & Drink
Panamanian Cuisine
Panamanian food is hearty, varied, and regionally distinct. The national staple is rice, served alongside beans, lentils, plantains, and a protein. Common dishes include sancocho (a slow-cooked chicken and vegetable soup considered the national dish), ropa vieja (shredded beef in tomato sauce), ceviche, patacones (fried green plantains), and arroz con pollo. Tamales are popular during festive seasons.
Where to Eat
Panama City has a sophisticated restaurant scene spanning Panamanian, Peruvian, Japanese, Middle Eastern, and international cuisines. The Casco Viejo and Marbella neighborhoods concentrate many well-regarded restaurants. In smaller towns and rural areas, fondas (simple local eateries) offer affordable home-cooked meals. Street food — including raspados (shaved ice), corn on the cob, and fried snacks — is widely available and generally fine to eat at busy stalls with visible food handling.
Drinking
Tap water is generally safe to drink in Panama City and most urban areas, though bottled or filtered water is advisable in rural and island locations — verify locally. Chicha is a traditional fruit drink made from local fruits like tamarind or hibiscus. Seco Herrerano, a sugarcane spirit from the Azuero Peninsula, is Panama's most distinctive local liquor. Cerveza Balboa and Cerveza Panama are the main domestic beers. Colombian and Guatemalan coffees are common, though Boquete produces excellent single-origin Panamanian coffee, including some of the world's most expensive Geisha varieties.
Dietary Needs
Vegetarian options have become easier to find in Panama City and tourist towns, though menus in rural areas are meat-heavy. Seafood is abundant along both coasts. Travelers with allergies should communicate needs clearly, as kitchen practices vary.
Shopping
What to Buy
Panama offers a range of authentic craft traditions. The most distinctive items include:
- Molas — Reverse-appliqué textile panels made by Guna women; sold in Guna Yala, Panama City markets, and craft shops. Quality and price vary significantly.
- Pollera accessories and hats — The sombrero pintado (painted hat) woven in the Azuero Peninsula and Coclé province is considered one of the finest hats in Latin America. Authentic examples can take weeks to make; verify origin before purchasing.
- Tagua nut carvings — Intricate figures carved from the seed of the tagua palm, produced in Emberá Indigenous communities and craft markets.
- Coffee — Boquete Geisha and other highland coffees make excellent gifts; specialty roasters in Panama City and Boquete sell well-packaged retail options.
Where to Shop
The Reprosa store in Panama City stocks quality reproductions of pre-Columbian gold ornaments. The Mercado de Artesanías (Albrook area) and the IPAT-backed craft markets near the Canal offer a broad selection. Shopping malls are extensive in Panama City for everyday goods. Bargaining is not standard in formal shops but may be appropriate at informal markets — read the context.
Customs and Export
Exporting pre-Columbian artifacts, protected wildlife products (including feathers, shells, and live animals), and certain plant materials is prohibited. Verify regulations with Panamanian customs (Autoridad Nacional de Aduanas) before purchasing anything that could be questioned at the border.
Practical Information
Money
Panama uses the US dollar; this eliminates currency exchange concerns for US travelers and simplifies budgeting for others. ATMs are widely available in Panama City and larger towns; carry cash when heading to rural areas, islands, or smaller communities. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, mid-range and upscale restaurants, and larger stores, but less reliably in remote areas.
Communications
SIM cards from local providers (Claro, Tigo, Movistar) are available at Tocumen Airport and shops throughout the country. Coverage is generally strong in urban areas and the Pan-American Highway corridor but can be limited in Darién, remote Bocas del Toro islands, and parts of Guna Yala.
Electricity
Panama uses 110V/60Hz with Type A and B plugs (the same standard as the United States and Canada). Travelers from Europe, Australia, and other regions will need adapters.
Emergency Contacts
For emergencies, verify the current national emergency numbers upon arrival or check with your accommodation. The general emergency number widely cited in Panama is 911, but confirm this and the numbers for police (SNP) and fire services locally.
Tipping
Tipping is not legally mandated but is appreciated in the service industry. In restaurants where a service charge is not already included in the bill, 10–15% is common practice in Panama City. Tip guides, drivers, and hotel staff at your discretion.
Official Resources
For tourism information, consult the Autoridad de Turismo Panamá (ATP), Panama's official tourism authority. Always verify travel advisories with your own government's foreign affairs ministry before departure.
Safety
General Conditions
Panama City is broadly safe in tourist areas such as Casco Viejo, Miraflores, and the banking district, but like any large city it has neighborhoods with elevated crime rates. Petty theft — bag snatching, pickpocketing in crowded areas — is the most common risk for visitors. Avoid displaying expensive electronics or jewelry unnecessarily, and use hotel safes for passports and valuables.
Areas Requiring Extra Caution
The Darién region near the Colombian border is a serious security concern due to the presence of armed groups and narcotrafficking activity. Several governments advise against travel to specific Darién zones; check your own government's travel advisory for current guidance before planning any Darién itinerary. Colón city has areas with high crime rates that are best avoided unless traveling in an organized group.
Natural Hazards
Panama experiences heavy rainfall May–November. Flooding can affect roads and close attractions, particularly in the highlands and Darién. Pacific coastal areas are occasionally affected by tropical weather systems. Earthquakes occur, though major seismic events are uncommon. Ocean currents around Bocas del Toro and the Pacific surf coast can be strong; heed local warnings before entering the water.
Health Safety
Insect-borne illnesses (dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and malaria in specific zones) are present. Use repellent, wear long sleeves at dusk, and sleep under mosquito nets in rural areas. Seek medical advice promptly if you develop fever during or after your trip.
Travel Advisories
Always consult your national government's official travel advisory (e.g., the US Department of State, UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office, or equivalent) for the most current safety assessment before and during your trip.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Ethnic and Cultural Diversity
Panama's population reflects layers of Indigenous heritage, Spanish colonial history, African diaspora communities, and waves of immigration from China, India, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. This diversity is most visible in Panama City, where Chinatown, West Indian neighborhoods, and Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu communities have all left lasting cultural marks.
Indigenous Communities
Panama has seven recognized Indigenous peoples, including the Guna (Kuna), Ngäbe-Buglé, and Emberá. Some communities — particularly the Guna in Guna Yala — maintain significant political autonomy and cultural self-determination. When visiting Indigenous communities, ask about protocols in advance, seek permission before photographing people, purchase crafts directly from makers where possible, and follow any restrictions on movement or behavior. Tourism that directly benefits communities is preferable to intermediary-only operations.
Festivals and Traditions
The Carnival of Panama (held in the four days before Ash Wednesday) is one of the most celebrated events in the country, with the towns of Las Tablas and Chitré in Azuero being particularly renowned. Semana Santa (Holy Week) is observed widely and may cause business closures. The pollera — Panama's national dress — is worn at major festivals and considered a symbol of national identity.
Religion
The majority of Panamanians identify as Roman Catholic, though Protestant Christianity has a significant and growing presence. Religious observances are respected in public life. Dress modestly when visiting churches and be mindful of services in progress.
Social Norms
Panamanians generally value courtesy and a degree of formality in initial interactions. Greetings (a handshake or light cheek-kiss depending on familiarity) are important. Punctuality expectations vary — social events may start later than scheduled, though this is less true in business contexts. Public expressions of frustration or confrontation are generally frowned upon.
