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Click on a topic to
jump to the answer or simply scroll down to read all of our
information on Panama. Additional general information can be
found in our Panama Info
section.
How’s the weather?
What time is it there?
When are high and low
season?
What is the local language?
What is the geography
of Panama?
What is the
population and ethnic makeup?
What type of
wildlife can I see in Panama?
Where
are the best areas for spotting wildlife?
How is the local economy?
Is the government stable?
Is Panama safe for
tourists?
What
type of food can I expect when dining out?
Are there modern
medical facilities?
Is the sun really
intense in Panama?
What do I do in
case of emergencies?
Are there many mosquitoes?
Do I
need to take malaria pills or vaccinations?
Can I drink the water?
Identification /
Entry Requirements
What should I pack in
my suitcase?
How are the roads?
Is the electricity standard North American (110) voltage?
What
are the transfer times between destinations?
Where can I take
domestic flights?
Where can I exchange money?
How much money should I
bring?
Where is
the best fishing in Panama?
Where is the best
golfing in Panama?
Where is the
best snorkeling and scuba?
Where are the nicest
beaches?
What sort
of souvenirs and gifts can I find?
How much do I tip?
What are your
normal business hours?
How’s the weather?
Panama has a humid, tropical climate. Temperatures are around
80-90 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 25-30 degrees Celsius).
Nights are always cooler. The average annual rainfall is 1,500 mm
along the pacific coast and 2,500 mm on the Caribbean side. The
highlands enjoy spring-like climate with cool nights. See more
about Panama Weather.
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What time is it there?
Panama is on Eastern Standard Time (EST) except during daylight
savings months, then we are on hour behind EST.
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When are high and low
season?
Many people ask what the general time periods of high and low
season are. While every hotel defines this slightly differently, it
usually corresponds with the dry / green season months. The dry
season usually begins in late November and continues through
mid-April. The rains here begin in late November and grow heavy in
August, September and October.
While the months of August and September can be exceptionally wet
(though some travelers do not mind at all), the beginning and end
of the green season are, in our opinion, some of the best months
to travel to Panama. Prices are down, the foliage is green and
there are fewer tourists.
Most hotels will have price breaks in May, June, July, August,
September and October. During these months you can count on rain
in the evenings with occasional mid-day cloud bursts, though it is
usually still beautiful from 7am to 2pm. Green season mornings are
breathtaking.
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What is the local language?
Spanish is the official language of Panama. Some indigenous
tribes still speak their own language but most speak some Spanish.
Most hotel workers, tour guides and even some taxi drivers will
speak English. As tourism grows in Panama so does the
percentage of Panamanians who speak English. Knowledge of
Spanish is not essential for travel in Panama, but can help quite
a bit if you are doing a trip on your own. In every case
possible we attempt to match our clients with guides and drivers
that speak their language. In some of the more remote parts of the
country, this is still difficult.
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What is the geography
of Panama?
Panama is the southernmost of the Central American countries
bordered on the west by Costa Rica, on the east by Colombia, on
the north by the Caribbean coastline and on the south by the
Pacific coastline. The total land area is 78,046 sq km. The Panama
Canal, which is about 80km long, divides the country into eastern
and western regions. There are about 480 rivers in Panama that
drain into the Pacific Ocean or Caribbean Sea, and 1518 islands
off the coasts. The two main island groups, both in the Caribbean,
are the San Blas and Bocas del Toro Archipelago. Barro Colorado
Island in Gatun Lake is home to a world renowned rain forest
research station operated by the Smithsonian Tropical Research
Institute. Gatun is a large manmade lake in the middle of the
Panama Canal. See more in our maps of
Panama.
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What is the
population and ethnic makeup?
The population of the country is 2.8 million people of diverse
origins: Spanish descendants, blacks, Indians, immigrants from
North America, Europe, Asia, East India and other countries.
Panama is truly a melting pot of races. Nearly 49% of the
population lives in urban areas. Panama City has an estimated
population of 825,300. Density of 30.8 persons per square
kilometer. There are 5 indigenous groups in Panama: Kunas in the
San Blas Islands on the Caribbean; Chocoe (divided linguistically
into 2 groups-Embera & Wounaan) in the province of Darien;
Guaymies (Ngobe Bugle) in the provinces of Chiriqui, Bocas del
Toro & Veraguas; and Teribes & Bokotas (Buglere) in Bocas del Toro
province.
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What type
of wildlife can I see in Panama?
With its huge expanses of tropical rainforest, the Isthmus of
Panama is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world.
Its unique ecology stems in part from its connection to two
continents. Birds are a primary indicator of biodiversity and
Panama takes a grand prize: it has 936 species of birds, more than
the United States and Canada combined. Until 1996 Panama held the
Audubon Society's world record for identifying the most species of
birds in a single day - 357 species were counted in one 24-hour
period. There are 125 animal species found only in Panama, and
many kinds of animals can be seen including: tapirs, caiman,
monkeys, sloths, jungle cats, deer, bats, possums, etc. Panama is
also privileged to be home to the Smithsonian Tropical Research
Institute (STRI), the world's primary tropical scientific
investigation center, which has been cataloging and monitoring
this vast ecological heritage for nearly a century.
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Where
are the best areas for spotting wildlife?
Barro Colorado Island, Monkey Island, Pipeline Road, Plantation
Road, Soberania National Park, Friendship Park in Chiriqui (on the
border with Costa Rica), Pearl Islands, Coiba National Park and
Island and elsewhere.
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How is the local economy?
Panama has developed over the last 20 years into a
service-oriented economy, with most of its GNP growth in banking,
re-export through the Colon Free Zone and legal services. A good
portion of the country’s wealth is in agriculture, with crops like
bananas, shrimp/seafood and coffee on the export list. Recent
regional economic trends have affected Panama’s economy, stunting
growth and employment.
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Is the government stable?
Panama is a democratic and independent republic presided over by a
President, the recently elected Martin Torrijos, and two Vice
Presidents. The U.S. presence in Panama has been strong throughout
its history. After the completion of the canal, the U.S. stationed
troops in the country to protect the waterway and has frequently
intervened to control political events in Panama. That's what
happened in the 1989 invasion that dislodged General Manuel
Noriega, who had appointed himself head of the country and was
believed to be involved in drug smuggling. (Noriega is now serving
a 40-year prison sentence in Florida for money laundering.) On the
last day of 1999, the U.S. relinquished control of the canal to
Panama, an agreement reached in 1978. Today, Panama's government
is a shining example of democracy and one of the most stable in
Latin America.
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Is Panama safe for
tourists?
Panama is one of the safest tourist destinations in the region.
Taxi robbery is unheard of and purse snatching rare. However, with
the downturn of the economy in recent years, crime has increased
(particularly in the poor areas of town) so caution is recommended
whenever on the street or in crowded public spaces or bars. Always
avoid carrying your travel documents or large amounts of money in
your purse or wallet.
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What
type of food can I expect when dining out?
Panama City has every kind of cuisine, from Chinese and Thai to
Mexican and nouvelle gourmet. Elsewhere food is of good quality,
but more variety is more limited. Panamanians eat a staple diet of
rice, beans and meat with a variety of local vegetables and fruits
such as yucca, squash, papaya, banana and watermelon.
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Are there modern
medical facilities?
Panama has excellent and reasonably-priced health care. At
Paitilla Hospital in Panama City most doctors speak English (and
were trained in the US) and medical services are of high quality.
The Hospital San Fernando is also very good, as is the Hospital
Nacional. In other cities, hospitals may not have the latest
equipment, but doctors will be well trained and professional (and
probably speak English).
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Is the sun really
intense in Panama?
The equatorial sun is intense and all travelers should use
sunscreen of 30 or above during their stay in Panama. However, the
forest canopy will take the edge off the sun and, during the low
season, clouds will give you some protection.
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What do I do in
case of emergencies?
Contact your tour operator or the hotel manager or call our
emergency cel phone number. For medical emergencies in Panama
City, contact Paitilla Hospital, where English is spoken and there
is excellent medical service. Emergency information will be
available in your Panama Vacations welcome kit. The
Police emergency # is 103 from any standard phone.
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Are there many mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes may be bothersome at dusk if you are traveling outside
the city, so definitely plan on bringing bug repellent. Repellent
can be purchased throughout the country in case you forget yours.
Besides the evening hours, mosquitoes are not a problem.
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Do I
need to take malaria pills or vaccinations?
Only in the event that you will be traveling in remote, jungle
areas such as the Darien (border with Colombia). Elsewhere,
including Panama City, El Valle, Bocas del Toro and Chiriqui, no
medication or vaccinations are necessary. For anyone with health
risks, hepatitis A & B vaccinations are recommended along with any
other shots your doctor advises. Please consult your physician as
well as the CDC's website for the latest updates when planning
your trip to
Panama.
http://www.cdc.gov/travel/camerica.htm
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Can I drink the water?
The water quality in Panama City is excellent and can be consumed
from the tap. Outside the city, water quality is generally very
good, however, travelers should drink bottled water to avoid any
possible illness.
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Identification /
Entry Requirements:
Passport and tourist card, which can be purchased for $5.00 at
your departure gate. Some countries outside the U.S., Canada and
Europe may require a tourist visa, so please check with your local
Panamanian consulate.
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What should I pack
in my suitcase?
Panama is in general a casual city, with formal attire being used
on special occasions. The highland areas can be cold, and a
sweater is recommended. For the lowland areas light, loose-fitting
shirts and pants are essential. If you plan to hike in the
national parks bring boots and a hat or cap. Sunscreen,
binoculars, repellent, sunglasses, etc. recommended.
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How are the roads?
Panama’s infrastructure is excellent. In fact, many of the
country’s principal highways were built by the U.S. during their
100-year stay in the country. Many small airports were also built
by the U.S. Outside the highway system road quality varies, but is
generally very good except in the most remote areas.
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Is the electricity standard North American (110) voltage?
Yes.
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What
are the transfer times between destinations?
Panama City-Costa Blanca: 1 ˝ hours in bus.
Panama City-Contadora Island: 15 mins. by plane.
Panama City-San Blas Islands: 30 mins. by plane.
Panama City-Isla Grande: 2 hours in car or bus.
Panama City-Bocas del Toro: 1 hour by plane.
Panama City-Boquete: 1 hour flight to David, then 1 ˝ hour drive.
Panama City-Anton Valley (El Valle): 2 hours in bus or car.
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Where can I take
domestic flights?
Contadora Island (Pearl Islands), Bocas del Toro, Changuinola,
David, Colon, La Palma/Sambu/El Real/Yaviza/Jaque (Darien), Chitre,
Santiago, Pinas Bay, Isla San Jose, Achutupu/Aligandi/Povenir/Playon
Chico/Ustupu (San Blas Islands).
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Where can I exchange
money?
Panama uses the US dollar as its currency. To change to dollars,
go to a bank or the money change office at the airport.
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How much money should I
bring?
Travel in Panama is not expensive and most restaurants and hotels
accept major credit cards. We suggest bringing a combination
of cash, credit and debit cards. If you are tempted to bring
a lot of cash, bring traveler's checks instead. Depending on
where you are staying, you should calculate your meals per day,
possible transport or taxis, tips and exit tax ($20) into possible
needs for cash allowance.
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Where
and when is the best fishing in Panama?
Best fishing is at Pinas Bay and the Pearl Islands (Pacific
Coast).
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Where is the best
golfing in Panama?
Summit Golf Course (near Gamboa Resort), Coronado Resort, Horoko
(Panama City).
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Where is the best
snorkeling and scuba?
San Blas Islands and Bocas del Toro on the Caribbean coast.
Great coral reefs and visibility. Pacific spots like the
Pearl Islands also offer some snorkeling but less reef and
normally lower visibility.
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Where are the nicest
beaches?
On the Pacific: Pearl Islands, Playa Blanca, Santa Clara and Las
Lajas. On the Caribbean: Isla Grande, San Blas Islands, Bocas del
Toro.
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What sort
of souvenirs and gifts can I find?
Indigenous made bracelets, tapestries, Panama hats, baskets and
pre-colombian jewelry.
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How much do I tip?
Some tips are included in the bill, but standard is around 10% of
the total.
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What are your
normal business hours?
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Panama Time. Panama is on EST (New York
City) except during Daylight Savings, then we're one hour back.
We keep our cel phone on until 8AM to 8PM for emergencies.
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Additional general information can be found in our Panama Information
page.
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