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North America / Central America

Panama

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.

Panama

Start exploring.

Best time to visit: Dec – Apr

Panama City

Panama City pairs well with nearby highlights on a Central America route through Panama.

Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro pairs well with nearby highlights on a Central America route through Panama.

San Blas

San Blas pairs well with nearby highlights on a Central America route through Panama.

Boquete

Plan at least a full day in Boquete to enjoy its main sights, local food, and surrounding scenery.

What it is known for
facts
  • 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
key City
name
Panama City
label
Capital
why
The canal, rainforest within city limits, and a skyline beside Casco Viejo make the capital the essential Panama stop.
Places to visit
  • area
    Panama City
    attractions
    • name
      Panama Canal Miraflores Locks
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Casco Viejo
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Biomuseo
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Ancon Hill
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
  • area
    Bocas del Toro
    attractions
    • name
      Red Frog Beach
      duration
      2-4 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; arrive early in peak season for parking and space.
    • name
      Starfish Beach
      duration
      2-4 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; arrive early in peak season for parking and space.
    • name
      Bastimentos National Marine Park
      duration
      4-8 hours
      book Ahead
      Book park permits or safari slots 1-7 days ahead in peak season.
    • name
      Isla Colón
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
  • area
    San Blas
    attractions
    • name
      Guna Yala Islands
      duration
      Half day to full day
      book Ahead
      Book ferries or boat tours 3-7 days ahead in peak season.
    • name
      Chichime Island
      duration
      Half day to full day
      book Ahead
      Book ferries or boat tours 3-7 days ahead in peak season.
    • name
      Dog Island
      duration
      Half day to full day
      book Ahead
      Book ferries or boat tours 3-7 days ahead in peak season.
    • name
      El Porvenir Island
      duration
      Half day to full day
      book Ahead
      Book ferries or boat tours 3-7 days ahead in peak season.
  • area
    Boquete
    attractions
    • name
      Volcán Barú Summit Trail
      duration
      3-6 hours
      book Ahead
      Check permit rules; popular trails may need booking 1-4 weeks ahead.
    • name
      Boquete Tree Trek
      duration
      3-6 hours
      book Ahead
      Check permit rules; popular trails may need booking 1-4 weeks ahead.
    • name
      Finca Lerida Coffee Estate
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Lost Waterfalls Trail
      duration
      3-6 hours
      book Ahead
      Check permit rules; popular trails may need booking 1-4 weeks ahead.
Itineraries
  • title
    Panama Highlights Express
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Panama City
    • Bocas del Toro
    • San Blas
    highlights
    • Full day discovering Panama City
    • Full day discovering Bocas del Toro
    • Full day discovering San Blas
    best For
    Weekend warriors and short trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Panama City
      description
      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
      title
      Explore Bocas del Toro
      description
      Dedicate the day to Bocas del Toro: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      San Blas and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in San Blas visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Classic Panama
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Panama City
    • Bocas del Toro
    • San Blas
    • Boquete
    highlights
    • Cover Panama City and Bocas del Toro
    • Explore San Blas
    • Explore Boquete
    best For
    Outdoor lovers and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Panama City
      description
      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
      title
      Explore Bocas del Toro
      description
      Dedicate the day to Bocas del Toro: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Explore San Blas
      description
      Dedicate the day to San Blas: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      4
      title
      Boquete and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Boquete visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Panama Beaches & Coast
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Panama City
    • Bocas del Toro
    • San Blas
    highlights
    • Coastal day in Panama City
    • Coastal day in Bocas del Toro
    • Coastal day in San Blas
    best For
    Sun seekers, swimmers, and coastal road trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Panama City
      description
      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
      title
      Bocas del Toro coast
      description
      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
      title
      San Blas and farewell
      description
      Enjoy a final beach morning in San Blas, visiting Guna Yala Islands, Chichime Island, Dog Island before you depart Panama.
  • title
    Panama Countryside
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Bocas del Toro
    • San Blas
    • Boquete
    highlights
    • Rural stop: Bocas del Toro
    • Rural stop: San Blas
    • Rural stop: Boquete
    best For
    Nature lovers, hikers, and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Bocas del Toro
      description
      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
      title
      San Blas countryside
      description
      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
      title
      Boquete and farewell
      description
      Wrap up with a slow morning in Boquete, stopping at Volcán Barú Summit Trail, Boquete Tree Trek, Finca Lerida Coffee Estate before heading home.
  • title
    Panama Monuments & Hot Spots
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Panama City
    • Bocas del Toro
    • San Blas
    • Boquete
    highlights
    • Must-see: Panama Canal Miraflores Locks
    • Must-see: Casco Viejo
    • Must-see: Red Frog Beach
    • Must-see: Starfish Beach
    best For
    Sightseeing, history buffs, and first-time landmark hunters
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Icons of Panama City
      description
      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
      title
      Bocas del Toro monuments
      description
      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
      title
      San Blas monuments
      description
      Focus on San Blas's tourist favorites: Guna Yala Islands, Chichime Island, Dog Island with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      4
      title
      Boquete landmarks and farewell
      description
      Catch any remaining must-sees in Boquete, including Volcán Barú Summit Trail, Boquete Tree Trek, Finca Lerida Coffee Estate, before your departure.
When to go & typical weather
summary
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.
details
  • 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.
most Affordable
period
May – Nov
summary
Rainy green season offers Panama's lowest Panama City and Bocas del Toro rates when canal-view hotels and Caribbean lodges discount heavily.
details
  • 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
period
Dec – Apr
summary
Dry-season peak fills Panama when canal tourism, Bocas islands, and Pacific coast resorts see highest demand from North American winter escape travelers.
details
  • 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.
Airports & arrivals
summary
Tocumen International Airport in Panama City is the regional hub.
airports
  • name
    Tocumen International Airport
    code
    PTY
    location
    Panama City
    distance From Center
    24 km (15 mi) east of central Panama City
    transfer Note
    Metro and taxis reach Casco Viejo
Getting around
overview
Panamanians use Metro de Panamá, intercity buses, and the Panama Canal Railway; Uber operates.
trains
  • name
    Panama Canal Railway
    description
    Scenic rail linking Panama City with Colón.
    ticketing
    Buy at railway station or online.
ferries
    subways
    • name
      Metro de Panamá
      description
      Panama City metro.
      ticketing
      Use Metro card at station gates.
    public Transit
    • name
      Panama Bus
      kind
      public
      description
      Intercity coaches across Panama.
      ticketing
      Buy at Albrook Terminal.
    ride Share
    • name
      Uber
      kind
      rideshare
      description
      Ride-hailing in Panama City.
      ticketing
      Book via Uber app.
    Currency
    code
    PAB
    name
    Panamanian balboa
    symbol
    B/.
    note
    Carry some panamanian balboa in cash for taxis and markets; card acceptance is strongest in major cities and tourist areas.

    Convert your travel budget ↗

    Visas & official entry links
    Local customs
    summary
    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.
    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.
    dos
    • 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.
    donts
    • 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.
    Useful travel phrases
    language
    Spanish
    phrases
    • english
      Please
      local
      Por favor
      pronunciation
      por fah-BOR
    • english
      Thank you
      local
      Gracias
      pronunciation
      GRAH-syahs
    • english
      Yes
      local
      Sí
      pronunciation
      see
    • english
      No
      local
      No
      pronunciation
      noh
    • english
      How much?
      local
      ¿Cuánto cuesta?
      pronunciation
      KWAHN-toh KWES-ta
    • english
      Where is the nearest restaurant or bar?
      local
      ¿Dónde está el restaurante o bar más cercano?
      pronunciation
      DOHN-deh es-TAH el res-tow-RAHN-teh oh bar mahs ther-KAH-no
    • english
      Where is the airport?
      local
      ¿Dónde está el aeropuerto?
      pronunciation
      DOHN-deh es-TAH eh-ay-ro-PWER-toh
    • english
      I need help
      local
      Necesito ayuda
      pronunciation
      neh-seh-SEE-toh ah-YOO-dah
    • english
      I need a hospital
      local
      Necesito un hospital
      pronunciation
      neh-seh-SEE-toh oon o-spee-TAHL
    • english
      Call the police
      local
      Llame a la policía
      pronunciation
      yah-MAH a la po-lee-SEE-ah
    Longer stays
    visa Summary
    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.

    Practical tips.

    • 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.
    More travel tips ↗

    Locate Panama.

    Location map of Panama

    Before you go.

    Check current entry requirements and travel conditions with official sources before booking. Read the current U.S. State Department advisory for Panama ↗