SUNDAY'S
All destinations
Panama landscape
North AmericaCentral America

Panama

Best time: Dec – Apr
Safety Level 2
Big CitiesNature

OVERVIEW

Canal engineering marvel and Bocas del Toro islands. As part of Central America in North America, Panama suits travelers drawn to big cities and nature. Use this guide to plan where to go, when to visit, and how to structure your days.

WHEN TO GO

Recommended window: Dec – Apr

December through April is dry season in Panama, ideal for Panama City skyline, Canal transits, Bocas del Toro Caribbean islands, and Boquete highland coffee tours. Pacific coast sees offshore winds and sunny beach weather.

Typical weather

  • Panama City

    Dec-Apr
    • highs 30-32°C (86-90°F)
    • lows 23-24°C (73-75°F)
    • 30-50 mm rain

  • Boquete highlands

    • 22-28°C (72-82°F)

  • Bocas Caribbean slightly wetter but driest now

  • Dec-Jan peak; Carnival (Feb-Mar) festive nationwide.
  • May-Nov rainy season; still green and visitable with morning sun.
  • Canal transit bookings need advance planning year-round.
  • Shoulder Dec and Apr balance weather and rates.

SEASONAL TRAVEL COSTS

Flight, hotel, and tour prices in Panama shift with demand, holidays, and weather. These windows usually mark the biggest savings and the steepest premiums.

Most affordable

May – Nov

Rainy green season offers Panama's lowest Panama City and Bocas del Toro rates when canal-view hotels and Caribbean lodges discount heavily.

  • Panama City hotels discount 30-40% in wet season.
  • Bocas del Toro island lodges cut rainy-season rates.
  • Boquete coffee country guesthouses offer green-season deals.
  • Canal transit tours cheaper with lower cruise-ship traffic.

Most expensive

Dec – Apr

Dry-season peak fills Panama when canal tourism, Bocas islands, and Pacific coast resorts see highest demand from North American winter escape travelers.

  • Panama City hotels premium Dec-Jan with minimum stays.
  • Bocas del Toro lodges sell out at peak dry-season rates.
  • Carnival (Feb-Mar) spikes nationwide hotel demand.
  • Canal partial transit bookings cost more in dry peak.

BEST KNOWN FOR

Panama City

Capital

The canal, rainforest within city limits, and a skyline beside Casco Viejo make the capital the essential Panama stop.

  • Panama Canal Miraflores Locks ship transit
  • Casco Viejo restored colonial quarter
  • Bocas del Toro Caribbean island hopping
  • San Blas Guna Yala indigenous islands
  • Sancocho chicken stew and ceviche corvina

TOURIST HOT SPOTS

The regions and landmarks travelers visit most in Panama, with typical visit times, booking windows, and links to official tickets.

Panama City

4 highlights

  • Panama Canal Miraflores Locks

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.

    Find official tickets

  • Casco Viejo

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.

    Find official tickets

  • Biomuseo

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.

    Find official tickets

  • Ancon Hill

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.

    Find official tickets

Bocas del Toro

4 highlights

  • Red Frog Beach

    Typical visit: 2-4 hours

    Book ahead: No ticket required; arrive early in peak season for parking and space.

    Find official tickets

  • Starfish Beach

    Typical visit: 2-4 hours

    Book ahead: No ticket required; arrive early in peak season for parking and space.

    Find official tickets

  • Bastimentos National Marine Park

    Typical visit: 4-8 hours

    Book ahead: Book park permits or safari slots 1-7 days ahead in peak season.

    Find official tickets

  • Isla Colón

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.

    Find official tickets

San Blas

4 highlights

  • Guna Yala Islands

    Typical visit: Half day to full day

    Book ahead: Book ferries or boat tours 3-7 days ahead in peak season.

    Find official tickets

  • Chichime Island

    Typical visit: Half day to full day

    Book ahead: Book ferries or boat tours 3-7 days ahead in peak season.

    Find official tickets

  • Dog Island

    Typical visit: Half day to full day

    Book ahead: Book ferries or boat tours 3-7 days ahead in peak season.

    Find official tickets

  • El Porvenir Island

    Typical visit: Half day to full day

    Book ahead: Book ferries or boat tours 3-7 days ahead in peak season.

    Find official tickets

Boquete

4 highlights

  • Volcán Barú Summit Trail

    Typical visit: 3-6 hours

    Book ahead: Check permit rules; popular trails may need booking 1-4 weeks ahead.

    Find official tickets

  • Boquete Tree Trek

    Typical visit: 3-6 hours

    Book ahead: Check permit rules; popular trails may need booking 1-4 weeks ahead.

    Find official tickets

  • Finca Lerida Coffee Estate

    Typical visit: 1-2 hours

    Book ahead: Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.

    Find official tickets

  • Lost Waterfalls Trail

    Typical visit: 3-6 hours

    Book ahead: Check permit rules; popular trails may need booking 1-4 weeks ahead.

    Find official tickets

PHRASES TO GET AROUND

Ten useful Spanish phrases with pronunciation guides and English translations. Save or screenshot this list before you go.

Spanish

  • Please

    Por favor

    Pronunciation: por fah-BOR

  • Thank you

    Gracias

    Pronunciation: GRAH-syahs

  • Yes

    Sí

    Pronunciation: see

  • No

    No

    Pronunciation: noh

  • How much?

    ¿Cuánto cuesta?

    Pronunciation: KWAHN-toh KWES-ta

  • Where is the nearest restaurant or bar?

    ¿Dónde está el restaurante o bar más cercano?

    Pronunciation: DOHN-deh es-TAH el res-tow-RAHN-teh oh bar mahs ther-KAH-no

  • Where is the airport?

    ¿Dónde está el aeropuerto?

    Pronunciation: DOHN-deh es-TAH eh-ay-ro-PWER-toh

  • I need help

    Necesito ayuda

    Pronunciation: neh-seh-SEE-toh ah-YOO-dah

  • I need a hospital

    Necesito un hospital

    Pronunciation: neh-seh-SEE-toh oon o-spee-TAHL

  • Call the police

    Llame a la policía

    Pronunciation: yah-MAH a la po-lee-SEE-ah

LOCAL CUSTOMS & ETIQUETTE

Panama mixes Afro-Caribbean, Spanish, and indigenous Guna cultures with canal commerce cosmopolitanism. Casco Viejo expects neat dress; San Blas islands follow Guna rules on photography and dress. U.S. dollar is official currency.

Local customs

  • Guna Yala islands require modest dress and photo fees for community visits.
  • Siesta still slows some provincial towns midday.
  • Queuing is loose but pushing is frowned upon.

Do

  • Greet with buenos días in shops and diablos rojos bus zones.
  • Tip 10 percent if service charge is not included.
  • Use Uber or official taxis in Panama City at night.
  • Ask Guna hosts before photographing people and islands.
  • Carry small bills for rural colectivos.

Do not

  • Do not photograph Guna communities without paying agreed photo fees where required.
  • Do not drink tap water without filtration confirmation.
  • Do not fly drones over canal locks without permission.
  • Do not wear beach attire in Casco churches.
  • Do not leave bags visible in rental cars.

AIRPORTS

Tocumen International Airport in Panama City is the regional hub.

  • Tocumen International Airport

    PTY

    Panama City

    From city center: 24 km (15 mi) east of central Panama City

    Getting in: Metro and taxis reach Casco Viejo

GETTING AROUND

Panamanians use Metro de Panamá, intercity buses, and the Panama Canal Railway; Uber operates.

Trains

Panama Canal Railway

Scenic rail linking Panama City with Colón.

Tickets & use: Buy at railway station or online.

Visit Panama Canal Railway

Subways & metro

Metro de Panamá

Panama City metro.

Tickets & use: Use Metro card at station gates.

Visit Metro de Panamá

Buses & public transit

Panama Bus

Public transit

Intercity coaches across Panama.

Tickets & use: Buy at Albrook Terminal.

Visit Panama Bus

Ride share & taxi apps

Uber

Ride share

Ride-hailing in Panama City.

Tickets & use: Book via Uber app.

Visit Uber

PRACTICAL TIPS

Before you book, read our Safety travel tips. That guide explains how to read U.S. State Department advisories (including Level 2 for Panama), register for STEP alerts, get embassy help abroad, and what to do if family at home cannot reach you.

  • Use the Metro and registered taxis in Panama City because traffic across the canal corridor is heavy at rush hour.
  • Carry U.S. dollars and small balboa coins because Panama uses the dollar and change can be scarce in buses.
  • Book San Blas island day trips with operators that include Guna Yala permit fees in the quoted price.

MOVING OR STAYING LONGER

Visa rules and money basics for U.S. citizens thinking about a longer stay in Panama. Confirm current requirements with official immigration and consular sources before you move.

Visa & residence

U.S. citizens may enter Panama visa-free for up to 180 days for tourism. Friendly Nations visas, pensionado visas, and work permits provide residence pathways when financial or employment criteria are met. Panama updates visa income thresholds and qualified investor programs periodically, so verify with the National Migration Service.

Official sources

Currency

Panamanian balboa (PAB · B/.)

Carry some panamanian balboa in cash for taxis and markets; card acceptance is strongest in major cities and tourist areas.

Convert USD to PAB

POPULAR ITINERARIES

Five ready-made day-by-day routes through Panama: classic highlights, beaches, countryside, and top monuments. Mix and match segments to fit your schedule.

5 daysBest for: Weekend warriors and short trips

Panama Highlights Express

Panama City · Bocas del Toro · San Blas

  • Day 1: Arrive in Panama City

    Land in Panama City, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Panama trip.

  • Day 2: Explore Bocas del Toro

    Dedicate the day to Bocas del Toro: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.

  • Day 3: San Blas and farewell

    Spend your final day in San Blas visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.

Full day discovering Panama CityFull day discovering Bocas del ToroFull day discovering San Blas

Sample route for Panama. Adjust pacing to match your travel style and season.

7 daysBest for: Outdoor lovers and slow travel

Classic Panama

Panama City · Bocas del Toro · San Blas · Boquete

  • Day 1: Arrive in Panama City

    Land in Panama City, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Panama trip.

  • Day 2: Explore Bocas del Toro

    Dedicate the day to Bocas del Toro: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.

  • Day 3: Explore San Blas

    Dedicate the day to San Blas: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.

  • Day 4: Boquete and farewell

    Spend your final day in Boquete visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.

Cover Panama City and Bocas del ToroExplore San BlasExplore Boquete

Sample route for Panama. Adjust pacing to match your travel style and season.

5 daysBest for: Sun seekers, swimmers, and coastal road trips

Panama Beaches & Coast

Panama City · Bocas del Toro · San Blas

  • Day 1: Arrive in Panama City

    Check in near the shore and take a relaxed walk along the waterfront. Swim or sunbathe if conditions allow, then settle into a seaside dinner in Panama City.

  • Day 2: Bocas del Toro coast

    Spend the day on Bocas del Toro's shoreline: Red Frog Beach, Starfish Beach, Bastimentos National Marine Park, with time for cafés, boat trips, or sunset views.

  • Day 3: San Blas and farewell

    Enjoy a final beach morning in San Blas, visiting Guna Yala Islands, Chichime Island, Dog Island before you depart Panama.

Coastal day in Panama CityCoastal day in Bocas del ToroCoastal day in San Blas

Sample route for Panama. Adjust pacing to match your travel style and season.

5 daysBest for: Nature lovers, hikers, and slow travel

Panama Countryside

Bocas del Toro · San Blas · Boquete

  • Day 1: Arrive in Bocas del Toro

    Reach Bocas del Toro, drop bags at a rural stay, and take a short walk through nearby villages or trails to get oriented.

  • Day 2: San Blas countryside

    Explore San Blas at an easy pace: Guna Yala Islands, Chichime Island, Dog Island with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.

  • Day 3: Boquete and farewell

    Wrap up with a slow morning in Boquete, stopping at Volcán Barú Summit Trail, Boquete Tree Trek, Finca Lerida Coffee Estate before heading home.

Rural stop: Bocas del ToroRural stop: San BlasRural stop: Boquete

Sample route for Panama. Adjust pacing to match your travel style and season.

7 daysBest for: Sightseeing, history buffs, and first-time landmark hunters

Panama Monuments & Hot Spots

Panama City · Bocas del Toro · San Blas · Boquete

  • Day 1: Icons of Panama City

    Start in Panama City with Panama Canal Miraflores Locks, Casco Viejo, Biomuseo, buying timed tickets ahead when possible and finishing with a walk through the historic center.

  • Day 2: Bocas del Toro monuments

    Focus on Bocas del Toro's tourist favorites: Red Frog Beach, Starfish Beach, Bastimentos National Marine Park with breaks for local food between sights.

  • Day 3: San Blas monuments

    Focus on San Blas's tourist favorites: Guna Yala Islands, Chichime Island, Dog Island with breaks for local food between sights.

  • Day 4: Boquete landmarks and farewell

    Catch any remaining must-sees in Boquete, including Volcán Barú Summit Trail, Boquete Tree Trek, Finca Lerida Coffee Estate, before your departure.

Must-see: Panama Canal Miraflores LocksMust-see: Casco ViejoMust-see: Red Frog Beach

Sample route for Panama. Adjust pacing to match your travel style and season.