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Panama
Welcome to your ultimate travel guide to Panama – a country where modern cityscapes meet wild rainforests, and the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans are connected by one of the greatest feats of engineering, the Panama Canal. This Central American destination offers a rich mix of nature, culture, history, and adventure, making it an ideal spot for every kind of traveller.
Discover Panama
Panama is more than just a transit route between oceans. It’s a place of incredible geographic diversity, with cloud forests, coral reefs, highlands, and two stunning coastlines. Panama City, the country’s capital, offers a dynamic mix of ultra-modern skyscrapers and the charm of Casco Viejo—a historic district with colonial architecture, lively plazas, and local markets. The city is also home to world-class restaurants, rooftop bars, and exciting nightlife.
Outside the capital, nature dominates the landscape. From the volcanic highlands of Boquete to the laid-back islands of Bocas del Toro and the untouched shores of the Darién Gap, Panama invites exploration and adventure.
Best things to see and do in Panama
- Panama Canal: Visit the Miraflores Locks to witness massive ships navigating this iconic waterway.
- Casco Viejo: Explore Panama City’s colonial heart with its cobbled streets, boutique hotels, and vibrant art scene.
- Bocas del Toro: Discover white-sand beaches, overwater bungalows, and some of the best snorkeling in Panama.
- Boquete: Hike to the summit of Volcán Barú, tour coffee plantations, or try ziplining through cloud forests.
- Soberanía National Park: Perfect for birdwatching, this park is home to toucans, monkeys, and over 500 bird species.
- San Blas Islands: A pristine archipelago managed by the Guna Yala people, ideal for cultural immersion and beach getaways.
Travel tips for visiting Panama
- Best time to visit: The dry season (December to April) is ideal for travel, especially for beach and outdoor activities.
- Currency: Panama uses the US Dollar (locally called the Balboa) making it convenient for international visitors.
- Language: Spanish is the official language, though English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Transport: Domestic flights and buses connect major destinations. In Panama City, use the Metro or Uber for easy travel.
Why choose Panama
Panama is a destination where biodiversity meets cosmopolitan flair. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, beach lover, or cultural explorer, Panama offers something unique. Few countries let you start your day in the mountains, visit a rainforest in the afternoon, and enjoy a cocktail overlooking the ocean by sunset.
Its welcoming people, rich heritage, and diverse landscapes make it a top choice for travellers looking to experience authentic Central America. With this travel guide to Panama, you’re set to uncover one of the region’s best-kept secrets.
Know before you go
CAPITAL: Panama City
LANGUAGE: Spanish & English
COUNTRY CODE: PA
ELECTRICITY: 120V, 60Hz
To power any electrical item an international adapter or a three pin plug is required
POPULATION: 4.3 million
CURRENCY: Panamanian Balboa
DIALLING CODE: +507
TIME ZONE: GMT/UTC -5
Panama Climate
Panama has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season, which runs from December to April, is considered the best time to visit, as the weather is warm and mostly rain-free. During this period, temperatures typically range between 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F), making it ideal for outdoor activities.
The wet season, from May to November, sees frequent rainfall, especially in the afternoons, but temperatures remain warm. Despite the rain, Panama’s lush greenery and lower tourist crowds can still make the wet season an appealing time for some visitors.
Safety advice for Panama
Most visits to the country are trouble-free. Personal attacks, including sexual offences, are rare but there have been some in recent years. Robberies at restaurants have been on the increase in some of the more popular areas of the city like Obarrio, San Francisco and El Cangrejo (Via Argentina).
Be vigilant and watch out for muggers, particularly in the main shopping areas of Via España and Avenida Central, the area of Calidonia, the old town (Casco Viejo) in Panama City, the old Panama ruins (Panama Viejo), the Madden Dam area – off the main road to Colon road and the city of Colon, where rates of unemployment, street crime and drug use are high.
Use registered taxi companies. Picking up multiple travellers is common practice, but you should insist that taxi drivers does not do this.
If you travel to the Darien province you should do so only with an organised group to destinations under the surveillance of the Panamanian police.
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in across the country, attacks can’t be ruled out.
Information provided by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office www.fco.gov.uk 
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