Panama
Your complete travel companion for exploring Panama
Why We Love Panama
After three visits to Panama, we still discover something new each time. That's the beauty of this destination—it evolves with you. First-time visitors will be enchanted, but repeat travelers will find an even deeper connection. It's a place that grows with your travel experience.
Explore Panama on the Map
Get familiar with the area before your trip. Zoom in to explore neighborhoods, find landmarks, and plan your itinerary.
Click on the map to explore. Use street view to virtually walk around before your trip!
Insider Travel Tips
These are the things we wish we knew before our first visit—straight from our experience and conversations with locals:
Beat the Crowds
Visit major sights at opening. Beaches and ruins are quieter in the morning.
Money Saving Secret
Eat at local markets and comedores. Pay in local currency for better rates than USD in tourist spots.
Learn Key Phrases
Basic Spanish (or Portuguese in Brazil) goes far. "Gracias," "por favor," and numbers help with bargaining.
Best Time to Visit
Dry season is peak; shoulder months offer good weather with fewer tourists and better prices.
What to Expect in Panama
From our travels and feedback from fellow travelers, here's what you can realistically expect:
Cultural Richness
Vibrant culture, nature, and history. Mix of cities, coast, and rainforest.
Value for Money
Good value in local currency. Tourist areas can be pricier; venture local for better deals.
Safety & Comfort
Generally safe with normal precautions. Stick to well-known areas and use common sense.
Food & Dining
Excellent local cuisine. Street food and regional dishes are highlights.
Realistic Budget Planning
Based on our experience and current pricing, here's what daily costs actually look like in Panama:
Typical Cost Breakdown (Mid-Range Traveler)
Best Time to Visit
Peak Season
Peak dry season: best weather and busiest. Book accommodation and tours ahead.
Shoulder Season
Good weather with fewer tourists. Often the best value and comfortable for exploring.
Off Season
Varies by region: wet season in some areas, cooler in others. Cheapest and quietest.