Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Panama Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Panama – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
US Dollar (USD) £1 ≈ US$1.33 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 4/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted in Panama, especially in larger cities and tourist areas.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is common in Panama, with 10% being the usual amount in restaurants. Taxis and hotel staff appreciate small tips. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is prohibited in Panama. Alcohol consumption is allowed only in licensed venues or private spaces. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is allowed in designated areas, but smoking indoors in public spaces is generally restricted. |
| Independence Day (3 November) |
Celebrating Panama’s independence from Colombia |
|---|
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Uber |
| Other: | Panama is known for its Panama Canal, rich biodiversity, and vibrant culture. The country offers a mix of urban and natural attractions. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Panama, Panama
Climate varies by region: Pacific side and Panama City dry mid-December to April, Bocas del Toro and the Caribbean coast driest February to March and September to October, highlands around Boquete cooler and misty year-round
Humpback whale season off the Pacific coast (Pedasí, Coiba, Las Perlas) runs July to October, with whales from both hemispheres
Carnival is held the four days before Ash Wednesday (February or March), biggest in Las Tablas and Panama City, with many shops and services closed
Don't miss
- 🚢 Watch massive ships cross the Panama Canal from Miraflores Locks
- 🏘️ Wander through the cobblestone streets of Casco Viejo
- 🌿 Hike through rainforest trails in Soberanía National Park
- 🏝️ Relax on the white-sand beaches of the San Blas Islands
- 🛶 Take a boat tour through Gatun Lake’s wildlife-rich waters
- 🐟 Sample fresh seafood at Panama City’s Mercado de Mariscos
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Panama?
Panama's appeal lies in its remarkable diversity packed into a relatively small country. It boasts stunning natural landscapes including tropical rainforests, beautiful beaches along both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts and unique wildlife. The country serves as a land bridge between North and South America, resulting in incredible biodiversity. Beyond the natural beauty, you'll find a fascinating blend of cultures, from indigenous communities to colonial influences, alongside modern urban experiences in Panama City. However, travelers should be prepared for certain challenges. The climate can be extremely hot and humid, with temperatures regularly exceeding 30°C (86°F) and humidity levels often above 80%, especially during the rainy season from May to November. Heavy rainfall during this period can disrupt travel plans and outdoor activities, particularly in October which sees the highest precipitation. While major tourist areas have good infrastructure, facilities in more remote regions can be basic.
🏙️Cities & Regions
-
1
Bocas del Toro
This island community in Bocas del Toro offers stunning beaches, vibrant culture and lush rainforests. It's a tranquil Caribbean haven known for its colorful architecture, friendly locals and easy access to nearby islands and marine life. -
2
Panama City
Capital city on Panama's Pacific coast, known for its skyline and historic Casco Viejo district. The Panama Canal’s entrance lies nearby, offering maritime history and vibrant nightlife amid a tropical climate with a rich cultural scene.
🏯Places worth seeing
-
1
Panama Canal
This massive waterway connects the Atlantic and Pacific, cutting through the Isthmus of Panama. The canal features locks, lakes and historic ruins spanning several kilometers of engineering marvels and natural landscapes. -
2
El Valle
-
3
Portobelo
-
4
San Blas Islands
-
5
San Felipe
-
6
Isla Barro Colorado
-
7
Cerro Viejo
-
8
Parque Nacional Coiba
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Panama Jazz Festival
-
Carnival
-
Festival de Congo
-
Panama Film Festival
-
Feria Internacional de Azuero
-
Feria de las Flores y del Café
-
Independence Day celebrations
-
Festival Nacional de la Mejorana
-
Corpus Christi
-
Panama Black Weekend
Knowledge before you go
- Carry some cash; many rural areas don’t accept cards.
- Pack layers: steamy coasts and cool highlands can happen on one itinerary.
- Learn basic Spanish greetings; English is common in hotspots, not everywhere else.
- For San Blas (Guna Yala), expect indigenous-run logistics and cash-only payments; respect local rules and photos.
How to travel to Panama
Most international visitors arrive in Panama through Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, which serves as a major hub for connections throughout the Americas. Direct flights are available from major cities in the United States, Europe and Latin America. Cruise ships also dock at ports on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, particularly at Colón and Panama City. Overland entry is possible from Costa Rica and Colombia, though the Darien Gap makes land travel to Colombia challenging and is not recommended for safety reasons. As of March 2025, many nationalities can enter Panama visa-free for up to 180 days, though it's advisable to check current requirements before traveling.
Access summary
- Panama City & Canal: Fly to PTY from Americas, Europe; taxis, Uber.
- Bocas del Toro: Fly via PTY to Bocas (BOC) or boat from Almirante.
- Boquete/Chiriquí: Fly to David (DAV) via PTY; buses from Costa Rica border.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Panama
Panama offers accommodations for every budget, from luxury high-rises in Panama City to eco-lodges in rainforest settings and beachfront resorts along both coasts. In Panama City, you'll find international hotel chains alongside boutique properties in the historic Casco Viejo district. For nature enthusiasts, eco-lodges in areas like Boquete, El Valle and Bocas del Toro provide immersive experiences. Budget travelers can find hostels in tourist areas, while mid-range options are widely available. During the dry season (December-April), accommodations in popular destinations should be booked well in advance.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Panama
Getting around Panama varies by region. In Panama City, taxis, Uber and the Metro are convenient options for urban travel. For intercity journeys, comfortable long-distance buses connect major destinations, while domestic flights save time when traveling to remote areas like Bocas del Toro or the Darien. Rental cars provide flexibility for exploring at your own pace, though road conditions can vary significantly outside major highways. For accessing certain island destinations like San Blas or Bocas del Toro, water taxis and small boats are common transportation methods.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Panama are around 44% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to USD) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Panama is generally safe for tourists in popular areas, though exercise caution in certain parts of Panama City and Colón. Petty theft can occur in crowded areas. The Darien region bordering Colombia should be avoided due to security concerns.
Health & Medical
Major cities have good quality private healthcare facilities, though services may be limited in rural areas. Dengue fever and other mosquito-borne diseases are present. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended. Stomach issues can affect travelers, so be cautious with food hygiene.
Accessibility
Accessibility varies widely across Panama. Panama City has some accessible infrastructure, but historical sites and natural areas often present challenges for mobility-impaired travelers. Public transportation and many buildings lack proper accessibility features.
Tap water
Tap water is generally safe to drink in Panama City and major towns, though many visitors prefer bottled water for taste. In rural areas and islands, stick to bottled or purified water. Bottled water is widely available and inexpensive.
Packing recommendations for Panama
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
🚰
Reusable water bottle
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🧥
Waterproof jacket
🕶️
Sunglasses
🪰
Insect repellent
🩱
Swimwear
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
👒
Sun hat
for sun protection
📃
Travel insurance
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
🛁
Quick-dry travel towel
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
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