Panama Travel Guide:
Panama is the fourth largest country in Central America by land area. However, of all the countries on the subcontinent, only Belize has a smaller population.
Despite its relatively small size, Panama is home to many incredible natural wonders and one of the world’s most impressive manufactured engineering feats — the Panama Canal.
Martsam Travel offers a range of Panama tours showcasing everything this fun and fascinating country offers.
If you have any questions for our team, please contact us. We love going the extra mile to turn dream vacations into reality.
In the meantime, keep scrolling down for the Ultimate Panama Travel Guide.
Where is Panama?
You’ve probably heard of Panama because of the Panama Canal. But if you’re unsure exactly where it is on the map, we’ve got you covered!
Panama is the country on the S-shaped isthmus connecting Central and South America.
As such a long and narrow country, its Caribbean and Pacific coastlines are only 30 miles (48 km) apart at the narrowest point. This only rises to 115 miles (185 km) at the widest point.
As the base of the Central American subcontinent, Panama is a popular addition to multi-destination trips.
Are you thinking of traveling beyond Panama? Check out our other Central America Travel Guides. These handy resources contain helpful information to help plan an unforgettable adventure.
When is the Best Time to Go to Panama?
The answer to questions like “What is the best time of year to visit Panama?” is subjective. Put simply, it depends on what kind of holiday you want.
Generally speaking, however, the best time for most visitors to visit Panama is between January and mid-April.
This is the driest part of the year in a tropical country.
The hot, humid atmosphere is accompanied by a long rainy season. This lasts from May to December and brings with it anywhere between 250mm and 700mm of rain.
Given its location, Panama’s temperatures don’t vary much. Year-round, you can expect a steady average of around 86°F (30°C).
Traveling outside the dry season has numerous benefits if the rain doesn’t put you off. Prices are lower across the board, the tourist trail is less busy, the rainforest is lush, and there are multiple Panamanian festivals and events to enjoy.
How Safe Is Panama for Travel? (2022 Updated)
Every traveler has their ideas of what is safe and what isn’t. The influences on this feeling can range from gender to previous personal travel experiences.
With this in mind, we try to give personal advice individually instead of broad generalizations.
As a starting point, though, knowing that the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, and the EU regard Panama as generally safe is essential.
If you’re wondering, “How safe is Panama for tourists?” There’s no need to worry. You should take the same precautions here as in any other country.
You can rest assured that most places that attract tourists are safe and welcoming.
We advise planning your trip with plenty of time for the ultimate peace of mind. This allows you to research all the attractions and locations that interest you and other essential aspects, such as transportation.
You can also look into the most trusted and highly rated tour companies, like Martsam Travel.
What are the Visa Requirements for Panama?
When writing, a visa waiver program allows visa-free entry into Panama for anyone with valid passports from the US, Canada, the UK, the EU, Canada, Australia, and many more countries.
The general tourist visa lasts for a maximum of 90 days for most qualified people. However, visitors from the US and Canada can receive up to 180 days. The final duration granted is at the discretion of your customs agent.
Regardless of nationality, all passports with visitors must have a minimum validity of ton their passports to enter the country.
Panama entry restrictions are relatively strict, so you must also prove you are at least $500, be it cash, travelers’ cheques, or credit card statements, as well as evidence of an exit flight.
What Languages Are Spoken in Panama?
Spanish is the official language of Panama. For this reason, it’s the most widely spoken.
Around 15% of Panamanians also use English, and many are professionals in the tourist industry.
At Martsam Travel, we also speak English, so you won’t need to worry about communication when you join us on one of our Panama tours.
What Should I Pack for a Trip to Panama?
With so much to explore and discover and regional differences in climate, we can’t provide a perfect packing list for Panama.
But some of the essential items you must consider bringing on your trip include:
- Thin, lightweight clothing
- Athletic/casual wear
- Quick-drying clothing
- A thin rain jacket
- Swimsuit and beach towel
- Shorts and light pants
- Light dresses and skirts
- Waterproof bag
- Waterproof covers
- Waterproof phone cover
- Bug spray
- Hiking shoes
- Water shoes
- Sunhat and sunscreen
- First aid bag
Panama uses the dollar, so visitors from the US don’t need to exchange any currency.
If you are traveling from elsewhere, you should exchange money for dollars in your home country or at a bank when you arrive in Panama.
What are the Must-See Sites on a One-Week Trip to Panama?
What you want to see in Panama depends on your interests and preferences. Luckily, this fantastic country has something for everyone!
Just some of the must-see sites in Panama include:
- The Panama Canal, one of the greatest engineering marvels of the modern world
- Soberania National Park, 55,000 acres of rainforest renowned for its biodiversity
- Traverse the rainforest canopy on a series of suspension bridges
- The Lost Waterfalls, three picturesque falls set in deep, lush forest scenery
- Boquet is a charming town surrounded by cloud forests and known for its world-class coffee
- Bocas del Toro, where you can get off-grid at a tiny eco-resort on a tropical island
- Zapatilla Island is an uninhabited island with pristine white sand beaches
- Island-hop the hundreds of Cayes (islands) spread along Panama’s coast
The above list is a great introduction, but it’s only that. This list is far from exhaustive.
With outstanding bird watching, picture-perfect beaches, lush rainforests, turquoise seas, and much more, you’ll need over a week to see it all!
Our Classic Panama Tour is ideal for taking in this wonderful country’s many highlights.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Panama City?
The amount of time you want to spend in Panama’s capital city depends on the type of vacation you want.
For example, if you’re visiting to experience the natural beauty, you probably won’t stay too long.
However, the city can act as an excellent base for day trips in the area, allowing you to have a consistent place to return to over several days.
Panama City is a fascinating mix of old and new, rewarding explorers. It’s a bustling and modern city with areas that date back over 500 years — but more on that below.
Where to Stay in Panama City?
Our recommendation here is San Felipe, also known as Casco Viejo. This is Panama City’s Old Town and its beating heart.
This neighborhood is famous for its incredible dining and nightlife scenes. Rooftop bars, cocktail lounges, cobblestone streets, cozy cafes, boutiques, artisan craft stores, historic buildings — there’s nowhere in town quite like Casco Viejo!
Discover Authentic Panama with Our Carefully Curated Tours
We hope this Complete Panama Travel Guide inspired you to plan your trip!
Our pre-planned tours of Panama take you to all the must-see sites in this spectacular country.
If you want the ultimate freedom and flexibility, consider one of our Panama Custom Tours. Our local trip planners can tailor a bespoke itinerary to your group’s needs and preferences.
For more information about any of our tour packages, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
