Panama travel guide
Panama Tourism | Panama Guide
You're Going to Love Panama
With its beautiful beaches, Panama is the perfect destination for visitors that are interested in snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, and just lounging by the ocean.
Whether you would like to explore the region's modern art scene or go ziplining throughout the rainforest, you are sure to have the time of your life on your trip.
What to do in Panama
1. Enjoy the Ocean
To enjoy some snorkeling, sailing, and swimming, head to the San Blas Islands, which can be found just off the coast of Panama.
2. Visit a Museum
If you would like to learn more about the country's rich history and see one of its most famous monuments, pay a visit to the Panamá Viejo, as it dates back to the 1600s and now contains a small museum for visitors.
3. Go on a Hike
Volcán Barú is known for being the tallest mountain in Panama and for providing guests with a selection of challenging and scenic hiking trails.
4. See Some Wildlife
For those that would like to see some of the country's wildlife, you may be interested in going to Starfish Beach, an area that is known for having particularly calm waters, as well as a variety of fish.
5. Learn About Ecosystems
To visit a museum during your trip and learn more about the region's ecosystems, you won't want to miss the Biomuseo, as it was designed by the famous architect Frank Gehry and contains a series of exhibits related to Panama's biodiversity.
When to visit Panama
When traveling to Panama, you will find that the best time to visit is between the months of December and March, as this is the country's dry period.
How to Get to Panama
Entry Requirements
Citizens of most countries do not need to have a special visa to travel to Panama and can simply enter the country for up to 180 days with a valid passport.
Plane
The most common way for visitors to arrive in Panama is by plane, with Tocumen International Airport being one of the most popular airports.
Car
If you would like to arrive in Panama by car, it is possible to drive from Costa Rica. However, there are no roads that connect the country with Colombia.
Bus
For those that will be taking the bus from Costa Rica, there are three potential entry points for you to arrive in Panama, which are Paso Canoas, Panaline, and Ticabus.
Boat
Cruise ships will often bring their guests to Panama, and it is also possible to take a banana boat from Ecuador, Venezuela, and Colombia.
Popular airlines serving Panama
Where to stay in Panama
In large cities, such as Panama City, you will find a selection of chic high-rise hotels for you to choose from. In more remote areas, there are many small and charming hotels that are situated almost directly on the beach.
Where to stay in popular areas of Panama
Most booked hotels in Panama
How to Get Around Panama
Public Transportation
For those that will be staying in Panama City, it is possible to take a local bus that will bring you to various points in the city for approximately 0.25 PAB (0.25 USD). In other cities, it is easiest to use the local bus, as they are cheap and run frequently.
Bus
Panama has buses that can bring visitors to many destinations that are located along the Pan American Highway, with most cities having several pick-up and drop-off times per day.
Car
Visitors are able to rent a car from most international rental companies in Panama as long as they have a valid driver's license. As the country is shaped linearly and has the Pan American Highway, it is very easy to drive between different regions.
Plane
It is also possible to fly between major cities in Panama, with the average one-way ticket costing approximately 85 PAB (85 USD). If you plan on booking a plane, consider flying with Copa Airlines, as they provide many daily domestic flights.
The Cost of Living in Panama
When dining in a standard restaurant, you will find that an average meal will cost you between 3-10 PAB (3-10 USD). In grocery stores, 2 lb of apples will cost you around 3-3.50 PAB (3-3.50 USD), while 16 oz of the local cheese will cost you approximately 5.70-6 PAB (5.70-6 USD). Although most restaurants, hotels, and shops in large cities accept credit and debit cards, stores in smaller cities often only accept cash.