Know before you go: A basic guide to Panama
Popular destinations
Panama City: A modern metropolis and home to the Panama Canal, Panama City has plenty to keep you busy for a few days. Stroll along the Costa Cintera and take in views of the skyline, or walk around Casco Viejo admiring the colonial architecture. Make a day trip to Panama Viejo to see the ruins of the earliest Spanish settlements, or check out the Mercado Nacional de Artesanías for indigenous crafts.
Bocas del Toro: This archipelago on the Caribbean coast near Costa Rica is a popular destination for backpackers. With plenty of islands to explore by water taxi, plan to spend your days snorkeling, diving, fishing, or just relaxing on the beach. Popular spots include Isla Zapatillas, Playa de las Estrellas (Starfish Beach), and Isla Bastimentos.
Boquete: Located in the highlands, this region is known for its cooler climate, coffee plantations, and Barú Volcano National Park. Flowers and fruits blossom in the fertile soil, and nature-lovers will find all the hiking, rafting, and climbing they desire.
San Blas Islands: This cluster of 378 islands off the Caribbean coast of Panama are some of the most idyllic beaches in the world. Home to the native Kuna people, who have protected this area from major tourist development, these islands offer virgin beaches and a glimpse into indigenous life here. To get there, you can take a 4x4 jeep from Panama City to the Golfo de San Blas, and from there take a water taxi to the islands. Or, if you're heading to Colombia, you can do a multi-day sailing trip through the islands into Cartagena.
When to go
High season is mid-December through mid-April, with virtually no rain on the Pacific Coast. It's busiest around the holidays of Christmas, New Years, and Easter.
Low season is mid-April through early December. This is the rainy season, though some parts of the country remain relatively dry. Check regional conditions when planning your trip.
Currency exchange rates & affordability
(as of May 2018)
Panamanian Balboa and the US dollar
Panama uses both the balboa and the dollar, and the balboa is tied to the dollar.
$1 USD = $1 balboa
€1 = $1.18 balboa
£1 = $1.34 balboa
$1 CAD = $0.78 balboa
$1 AUD = $0.76 balboa
Panama, like Costa Rica, is more expensive than most Latin American countries, though deals can be found. To keep expenses low, plan to use public transit, opt for Airbnbs if you're not traveling solo, and prepare most of your meals at home.
Entry & exit requirements
US residents need a valid passport to enter Panama. While there is no entrance or exit fee, you must show proof of onward travel when entering Panama. While other countries like Costa Rica accept a bus ticket out of the country as proof of onward travel, Panama is exceptionally strict for Latin America. They require a plane ticket and specifically, depending on the immigration official, a plane ticket to your home country. Since this is unreasonable for most long-term backpackers, you may want to purchase a fully refundable airline ticket to avoid problems at the border (United Airlines has a 24-hour 100% cancellation policy). You may also be asked to show proof of sufficient funds ($500 USD) either in cash or with a credit card.
Getting around Panama
Panama has several major bus terminals throughout the country that connect most tourist destinations.
Local transportation
Panama City has a metro and bus system that connects most of the city. Simply purchase a metro card at the terminal for $2 USD and add fare onto your card to get around the city. In most of the country, taxis are plentiful.
Major grocery stores
For long-term travelers doing some cooking at home, Riba Smith, Rey, Super 99, and El Machetazo are grocery chains to look out for.
Staying healthy
It is safe to drink the water in Panama with the exception of Bocas del Toro and Comarca de Guna Yala.
Mosquitos can transmit illnesses like dengue fever, malaria, Zika, and chikungunya. Discuss your travel plans with a doctor to see if you need to take anti-malarials or need any vaccines. Typhoid fever and Hepatitis A vaccines are usually recommended in addition to routine vaccines. Applying sunscreen, insect repellent, and staying hydrated are always good ideas.