Panama Travel Guide
I think many people associate Panama with just the canal and high finance, but the truth is that the country has much more to offer and is undoubtedly one of the emerging destinations in Central America in terms of tourism.
In just a few days, you can go from ocean to ocean, visit mountains and rainforests, learn about indigenous culture, and enjoy one of the most modern cities on the continent.
Moreover, for many backpackers embarking on a journey through Central America, it is the ideal place to start or finish. In this guide, you will find a lot of useful information and tips to help you better plan your trip.
Quick menu
- When to visit Panama
- Documents and vaccinations to enter Panama
- What to do and see in Panama
- Suggested Panama itineraries
- How to get around Panama
- Backpacking Panama: costs
- Backpacking Panama: safety
Zapatillas island, Bocas del Toro.
When to visit Panama
Being located within the tropics, Panama has a classic tropical climate with two distinct seasons.
The dry season runs from late December to late April. During this period, blue skies characterize most days, especially along the coast overlooking the Pacific. This period, which also coincides with the Christmas holidays, is the costliest of the year in terms of flights and hotels.
The rainy season, which runs from May to December, is more pronounced in the mountainous regions and on the Caribbean coast, while along the Pacific coast, rainfall, although frequent and intense, rarely lasts more than a few hours.
Along the Caribbean coast, the two seasons are less pronounced, and it can be rainy throughout the year. Here, from December to mid-February, trade winds make the sea rough, and some islands far from the coast become inaccessible. The driest months, on the other hand, are March and October.
The best time to visit Panama is February and March when there is little rainfall throughout the country and lower prices than in December and January. That said, I was there in June during the rainy season and still had plenty of sunny days.
Barù volcano summit.
Documents and vaccinations to enter Panama
Most passport holders receive a 180-day tourist visa upon entering the country. It is possible to renew the visa for another 180 days simply by leaving the country for even just one day, the so-called “visa run.” This is the official Panamanian immigration website. Note that proof of exit within the limits of one’s visa is required when entering the country. This is not a problem for those with a return flight or a flight to another country, but it could be for those with a one-way ticket and plans to leave Panama by land or sea without having a definite date or booked tickets. Checks are at the discretion of the border officer. For example, I was not asked for anything, but I met a couple of people who were asked for proof of exit. Check out this article to learn more.
Panama officially requires yellow fever vaccination if you are coming from an at-risk country. Coming from Brazil (a risky country), in my experience, the certificate was not asked for by the immigration officer but rather by the airline operator at the time of check-in for the flight to Panama. This check also seems to be discretionary, but getting this vaccination is advisable, along with Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccinations.
What to do and see in Panama
In this guide, prices are expressed in the local currency. Panama’s official currency is called “Balboa,” but it has been equal in value to the U.S. dollar since 1904. This is why the U.S. dollar is used in Panama; only the coins are minted by the Panamanian government. The exchange rate at the time of publication of this article is €1 = $1.17. For the current exchange rate, I suggest you check online.
N.b. Several times throughout the guide you will find links to https://www.alltrails.com/. If you want to use offline navigation directly from the Alltrails app you need to upgrade to the pro version. However, you can get around this by downloading the coordinates from the desktop version of the site in “Google Earth KML” format and then uploading them to Organic Maps, which is by far one of my favorite travel apps.
Panama City
Panama City is the most modern city not only in the country but in all of Central America, so much so that it was recently given the title of the Dubai of Latin America. Honestly, it is not one of my favorite cities, but it is worth stopping for a day or two.
What to do and see in Panama city
The Panama Canal
In my opinion, one cannot leave Panama City without visiting the famous canal. The Miraflores Visitor Center (Google Maps) is modern and well-structured. It has a movie theater showing a short and interesting documentary on the history of the canal, a museum, and an observation platform from where you can watch passing ships from a few meters away. Admission includes access to all these facilities and costs $17, payable by card.
The cheapest way to get to the Miraflores Visitor Center is to take a bus from the Albrook bus terminal (Google Maps) bound for “Esclusas Miraflores” ($0.25). The visitor center is at the last stop and is impossible to miss. The bus station is also well connected to the subway network. Alternatively, a taxi from the center should cost about $6. I strongly recommend going early in the morning before 8:30 a.m. or after 2 p.m. because most ships cross the channel during these time slots.
Panama Canal.
Casco Viejo and Ancon Hill
Casco Viejo (Google Maps) is the old part of town with numerous buildings dating back to colonial times. It is a nice neighborhood to walk around, although not at the level of other colonial towns in Latin America. From Casco Viejo, I recommend climbing nearby Ancon Hill (Google Maps). The walk is short, pleasant, and almost completely shaded. Once you get to the top, you have a beautiful view of the city on one side and the harbor on the other. On the way up, I even saw monkeys!
Amador Causeway
The Amador Causeway (Google Maps) connects three islets facing the city to the mainland. From here, there is an excellent view of the city and the Puente de las Americas. The causeway is popular with locals for jogging, biking, or just walking. It is possible to rent a bicycle for about $3.50 per hour. At the beginning of the causeway, you can visit the Biomuseum (Google Maps), a new museum dedicated to biodiversity.
Panama City view from Ancon Hill.
Where to sleep in Panama city?
Zebulo Hostel is a good budget hostel in the new part of the city within walking distance of the metro station, air conditioning in the dorms, nice and spacious common area, relaxed atmosphere, recommended. Another popular option is Hostal Panama Experience.
How to get to Panama city?
From Tocumen Airport the cheapest way to get to downtown is of course to take a bus, but unfortunately the city buses only work with a prepaid card (not sold at the airport or on the bus, June 2017). You could ask someone to pay for you and give cash or as I did: once you get to the bus stop (just follow the signs outside the airport) cross the traffic circle in front of you and take one of the buses that goes across the street, these are “private” buses that can be paid for with cash, either way the cost is $1.25 versus $25-$30 for a cab.
Update: I was told by a reader (May 2023) that you can buy the prepaid card from those at the airport who have the sim card sales booth. They sell it for $5, with a $2 credit.
Note: From Colombia, it is impossible to cross the border by land. The quickest and cheapest way is to take a flight from Cartagena to Bogota or, as many do, participate in a boat tour via the San Blas Islands. The latter is undoubtedly the most expensive option. Here is a great article with all the options for crossing the border besides the ones just mentioned. Some are really adventurous!
Portobelo
The small town of Portobelo was a key port during colonial times from where the Spanish exported Peruvian silver. Pirates subsequently raided it, and it later came under British control. In 1980, the ruins of the fortifications and the nearby fort of San Lorenzo became a UNESCO site.
What to do and see in Portobelo
Portobelo is a decidedly un-touristy, sleepy town with not much to do except visit the fort ruins (Google Maps). The atmosphere is really relaxed, and if you’re looking for a place to unplug for a few days, it’s probably not bad at all. From Portobelo, you can also arrange your boat transfer to Colombia via the San Blas Islands, probably saving something compared to the prices offered in Panama City, or reach Carti by land from where boats leave for Puerto Obaldia (on the border with Colombia).
Fuerte San Rolando, Portobelo.
Where to sleep in Portobelo?
Hostal Portobelo is not the best as far as facilities but the atmosphere is great and the owner is more than willing to give you all the information you need to continue your trip to Colombia and if necessary organize it.
How to reach Portobelo?
From the Albrook terminal in Panama City, take a bus to Colon (45 minutes, $2.50) and get off at Sabanitas in front of the Rey supermarket. From here, there are buses running every 20 to 30 minutes to Portobelo (1 hour, $1.30).
San Blas Islands
The San Blas Islands are among the most spectacular and pristine in all of Central America. Populated and ruled by the indigenous Kuna people, the islands are independent of Panama in some respects.
I have not personally visited the archipelago as it is too expensive for my budget, but I have met many people who have done the classic boat tour from Panama to Colombia, passing through islands described as a real paradise. There are a lot of options, but the two most common are:
Sailboat or Catamaran: According to many, this is the best option. You sleep aboard the boat. The price is around $500-550, all-inclusive for a 5-day tour. I recommend checking out ColombiaPanamaSailing for a lot of details.
Speedboat: This option is slightly less expensive; you will travel aboard motorboats, sleeping on the islands. The cost is approximately $400 USD all-inclusive for a four-day tour. Unlike the sailboats that arrive directly in Cartagena, these boats stop in Sapzurro, just inside the Colombian border. The most popular company offering this service is San Blas Adventure.
For both options, it is better to book in advance, but it is also possible to arrange everything once in Panama City. If you choose this option, be prepared to wait a few days for the right boat to leave.
In May 2023, a reader provided the following information: “For our visit to the San Blas Islands, we relied on San Blas Dreams, which offers various options for day trips to one or more islands from Panama or overnight stays. A day trip is not worthwhile due to the lengthy travel time (approximately 4 hours from Panama City) and the relatively high cost (starting at $120 each), whereas a two-night stay with an excursion costs $200. We were picked up at our hostel in Panama City. If you plan to stay overnight, they request that you bring only a small amount of luggage, so it’s advisable to confirm that your hostel offers luggage storage for nights spent outside of the city. The drive to the port of Chari, where passports are checked, takes about 3 hours. It’s important to note that during peak season, you may encounter delays at the border. We stayed on Yani Island, which was approximately a 45-minute boat ride from the port. As mentioned during the booking process, it’s essential to bring your own water, beers, and snacks since these items are expensive on the island and there are no stores. However, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in the price.”
San Blas.
El Valle de Antón
El Valle de Antón is a small mountainous town surrounded by lush forest. The village is positioned within the crater of an ancient volcano, one of the largest on the American continent.
What to do and see in El Valle de Antón
The small town, called simply El Valle by the locals, has no major attractions but there are many waterfalls (El Macho the most famous) and trails nearby. I recommend the one that leads to the top of Cerro Cara Iguana, about an hour from the town center (All Trails).
There is also a serpentarium (Google Maps), an “El Nispero” zoo (Google Maps) and an orchid nursery (Google Maps) where more than 100 species are kept, many of them native to Panama. Admission costs $2 and includes a mini-guided tour of about 20 minutes.
Valle de Anton market.
Where to sleep in El Valle de Antón?
Bodhi Hostel at $15 a night is slightly expensive by country standards but breakfast is included and the facility is really nice, a great hostel.
How to reach El Valle de Antón?
There are frequent departures from the Albrook terminal in Panama City, $4.75, about 3 hours.
Santa Catalina
Santa Catalina is a popular destination for surfers, with several world-class surf spots. It is also the main departure point for trips to Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich marine life and pristine beaches. You can go diving, snorkeling, or take a boat tour to explore the park. I did not go to Santa Catalina, I’m not a surfer and the national park did not seem appealing to me. You can find a very detailed guide about Santa Catalina on this page.
Santa Catalina.
Where to sleep in Santa Catalina?
Bodhi Santa Catalina is a good budget option.
How to reach Santa Catalina?
From Panama city take a direct bus to Sona, about a 5-hour trip, 5-6 daily departures. From Sona there are fairly frequent connections to Santa Catalina, in any case I recommend leaving early in the morning to avoid getting stuck in Sona.
From Boquete or Bocas del Toro take a bus to David first. From there take a bus to Santiago getting off at the terminal near Los Tucanes, a restaurant from which you reach the Terminal de Transporte de Santiago (10-minute walk or take a cab) departure point for buses to Sona.
N.b. There are direct tourist shuttles, bookable from any hostel, going to Boquete, one departure per day (5 hours) and to Bocas del Toro (8 hours). Obviously, public transportation is much cheaper.
Boquete
Boquete is a tranquil town surrounded by rainforest, located at the foot of Barú Volcano—the highest mountain in Panama at 3,475 meters. The relaxed atmosphere, combined with a pleasant year-round microclimate (at 1,200 meters above sea level), has led to significant immigration since the early 2000s, particularly from retired Americans seeking a quiet and affordable place to live.
What to Do and See in Boquete
Boquete is a popular destination for exploring the numerous coffee plantations, hiking, and engaging in various outdoor activities such as rafting, horseback riding, and zip-lining. Personally, I have only done a few trails, climbed Barú Volcano, and visited the hot springs, but there are plenty of activities to choose from if you wish.
Trekking in Boquete
As mentioned above, there are numerous trails in the surrounding area, some of the most popular are the one to the Tres Cascadas (All Trails), a nice well-mapped trail that takes you to see three different waterfalls in the forest. Access to the trail costs $10 while the minibus that leaves at the side of the main plaza costs $2.5 one way, to return you just have to wait for the first minibus back to Boquete, which runs every half hour or so.
Another trail to do that is very nice is the one called “pipeline trail.” As the name implies, it follows a pipeline (All Trails) and ends at the foot of another waterfall. Entry costs $3 and the trail is easy to follow. Again there are minibuses that serve the area and arrive where the trail begins, costing one way $2.
Unfortunately, I was not able to do the Quetzal Trail (All Trails) where there is said to be a good chance of spotting the beautiful and rare Shining Quetzal. I was there during the rainy season, a time when the trail is very muddy. Update: The trail seems to be closed at the moment.
There are many other trails in the area of varying lengths. The hostel I stayed at, like most accommodations in Boquete, provided information about the various trails and minibus schedules. You can also just check on All Trails.
Quetzal.
Caldera Hot Springs
They are certainly not the most beautiful hot springs (Google Maps) I have ever been to, but they are undoubtedly the most authentic. The tour to visit them should cost about $30 to $40 but they can also be reached by public transportation and by walking a short distance, which I obviously did.
Buses to Caldera leave about every hour (it’s best to ask at your hostel/hotel) and cost $2. Although the driver will guess where you are headed, it is always best to tell him or her. You will be dropped off at the beginning of a dirt road that you have to follow for about 40 minutes, there are directions here and there but to be safe you can always download organic maps. Once you arrive at your destination, there are a couple of natural pools where you can soak in the water. Additionally, the river is just a stone’s throw away, perfect for cooling off. The entire experience is quite rustic, and entry costs $3.
Barú Volcano
As mentioned earlier, Barú Volcano is the highest mountain in the country, and its summit is the only place in the world where you can see both oceans on a clear day. You can ascend by jeep, although it costs around $150 per person, or you can hike up, as I did. The hike is typically done at dawn when the chances of clear skies, and thus seeing both oceans, are highest.
To get to the top of Barú Volcano, a shuttle departs from Mamallena Hostel (Update: The hostel has been closed, you should still be able to easily organize a shared taxi at any hostel.) every night around 11:30 p.m. and arrives at the park entrance around midnight. From the entrance, where the ranger station is located, it is about 13 km with an elevation gain of 1,700 meters (All Trails). While the hike is not easy, it is not that hard either. There is a well-defined dirt road leading to the top of the volcano, so a guide is not necessary.
I recommend climbing slowly because walking too quickly may result in reaching the summit while it is still completely dark. At 3,475 meters, it can get quite cold. Check the sunrise time and adjust your pace accordingly. The ascent typically takes between 4 to 7 hours, depending on your pace, while the descent took us 3 hours at a brisk pace.
Once back at the park entrance, the ranger will be there to collect the $5 entry fee. The ranger was also kind enough to call us a taxi back to Boquete.
This was, without a doubt, the most beautiful experience of my trip to Panama. The unforgettable sunrise makes it highly recommended.
Volcano Barù summit.
Where to sleep in Boquete?
Mostly out of laziness, I stayed at the Mamallena hostel (It has been closed) which is located in the main square a stone’s throw from the bus stop coming from David, and the minibus station. The hostel is nice and I recommend it but La Jungla Experience slightly out of town has been recommended to me by numerous travelers as well as Bambuda Castle, a truly luxurious castle for the price of a hostel, winner of the best hostel in Panama award on hostelworld.
How to reach Boquete?
By public transportation, you must always go through David, which has direct buses to all major cities in Panama. From David, there are frequent connections to Boquete, departing about every 45 minutes, with the journey taking approximately an hour.
Boquete is also served by the tourist shuttle service I mentioned earlier from Bocas del Toro and Santa Catalina. However, public transportation is much cheaper.
The Lost and Found Hostel
A small parenthesis: along the road from David to Almirante (Bocas del Toro) is a hostel nestled in the rainforest of the Fortuna Nature Reserve, overlooking Barú Volcano (official website). Although I haven’t been there myself, I have heard stories from many travelers and seen photos and reviews that make it look like a truly spectacular place. The hostel offers a variety of group activities, excursions, and games.
To reach the hostel, you have to walk about 15 minutes into the forest. However, the family who owns the small fruit and vegetable store near the trailhead can help with luggage in exchange for a few dollars. I’ll leave the link here. One thing to note is that the food at the hostel restaurant is not very cheap, so if you are on a tight budget, you might consider bringing some food with you. The Lost and Found Hostel
Lost & Found Hostel.
Bocas del Toro
This Caribbean archipelago near the Costa Rican border is undoubtedly one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. Bocas Town, located on the main island, is by far the largest settlement in the archipelago. Here, you’ll find plenty of accommodation options, supermarkets, banks, various stores, and even an airport.
However, Bocas Town is only a small part of the archipelago. Other easily accessible islands include Isla Bastimentos, home to the famous “Playa Rana Roja,” (Google Maps) and Isla Solarte, which is almost completely uninhabited except for a few lodges, including the renowned Bambuda Lodge Hostel, which won the best hostel in the country in 2016 (book well in advance!).
I recommend staying on the main island for activities and tours, and if you’re looking for nightlife, consider Bastimentos and Solarte. Many people choose to spend a few days on the main island for its activities and nightlife and then move to the other islands for a more relaxed atmosphere.
On the tour to Zapatillas islands.
What to do and see in Bocas del Toro
There are plenty of activities to enjoy in Bocas Town, with various tour agencies offering a wide range of options. During my stay at a hostel, I participated in an excellent tour that cost $20. It included visits to Dolphin Bay, where spotting dolphins is virtually guaranteed, the stunning Zapatillas Islands (two uninhabited atolls that epitomize paradise islands), an island inhabited by sloths, and some snorkeling. The tour was fantastic, and I highly recommend it. This itinerary is quite common and offered by many agencies.
An update: I’ve been informed that the official price for this tour is now $30. However, if you walk along the main street around 9:30 a.m., when boats need to fill up (they all depart around 10 a.m.), you can usually negotiate the price down to $25.
A few months later, I got my scuba certification in Honduras, so unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to dive in Bocas del Toro. Nevertheless, I’ve heard it’s really worth it, and the prices are quite reasonable.
Another popular activity is taking a boat ride ($1) to Carenero Island, just across from Bocas Town, where the beaches are more beautiful and perfect for swimming. While there, I recommend visiting Acqua Lounge Bar, a waterfront venue that features a pool, trampolines, swings, and more.
Dolphins bay.
Where to sleep in Bocas del Toro?
I stayed at Spanish by the Sea, which besides being a hostel is also a Spanish school! Relaxed atmosphere, large and spacious kitchen, in short I had a great stay especially thanks to the other student and nonstudent kids who were there at the time. There are definitely nicer facilities by the sea but i would still recommend it.
How to reach Bocas del Toro?
From Boquete or Santa Catalina you must first reach David. From here departures to Almirante are frequent (4-5 hours) once you arrive at the Almirante terminal you can walk to the port (10-15 minute walk) or take a cab ($1). From the port there are boats that shuttle to Bocas Town for $6 one way or 10$ return.
From Panama city there is a company that offers direct buses even at night for about $30; tickets are sold by some agencies on the island or at the Albrook terminal in Panama City.
From Puerto Viejo in Costa Rica take the direct bus to Sixaola (border town with Panama). Once over the border you can take the direct bus to Changuinola and then change buses to Almirante. There are also many taxis waiting at the border, if shared it is not much more expensive than taking the bus and significantly faster.
N.B. There are direct tourist shuttles bookable from any hostel to and from Boquete ($30) and Santa Catalina (8 hours, $60), obviously public transportation is much cheaper.
If you found this article helpful, please consider purchasing your travel insurance through one of the links on this site, doing so supports my work at no additional cost to you. For EU & UK Residents, i recommend True Traveller. For everyone else i recommend HeyMondo (5% discount). Thanks!
Suggested Panama itineraries
Below I list possible itineraries of 10 days, 2 and 3 weeks. Obviously there is no perfect itinerary given a time frame, so considering what you have read so far, take what follows as inspiration and modify the itinerary according to your interests/budget!
10-day itinerary in Panama
Ten days is not a lot of time so I recommend focusing on only 3 destinations so that you can make the most of your already tight time without constantly moving around. If your budget allows, consider visiting the more expensive San Blas archipelago instead of Bocas del Toro.
Panama City (2 nights)
Day 1:
Recover from the jet lag, explore the city center.
Day 2:
Visit the Panama Canal in the morning, Casco Viejo and Ancon Hill in the afternoon.
Boquete (4 nights)
Day 3:
Transfer to Boquete.
Day 4-5-6:
As described in the section What to do and see in Boquete there are a lot of activities available. Among many things I strongly recommend the ascent to Barú Volcano but in case you are not interested you can choose shorter treks, visit some coffee plantations or whatever is of interest to you.
Bocas del Toro (4 nights)
Day 7:
Transfer to Bocas del Toro.
Day 8-9-10:
Again it depends a lot on your interests, something that in my opinion you absolutely cannot miss is a boat tour that includes the beautiful Zapatillas Islands. On the last day take the overnight bus to Panama City.
2 or 3 week itinerary in Panama
If you have a couple of extra days, consider exploring additional destinations beyond those in the two-week itinerary. If your budget permits, you could include a visit to the San Blas Islands, perhaps via Portobelo, or make stops in Valle de Antón or Santa Catalina before reaching Boquete. Spending a few days at the Lost and Found Hostel before heading to Bocas del Toro is also a great idea.
For those with 2-3 weeks to spare, some might think about including Costa Rica in their plans. Personally, I am not a fan of cramming too many destinations into a short period, as it can lead to spending excessive time on buses without truly enjoying the trip. However, the choice is yours!
How to get around Panama
Buses in Panama
Buses are by far the cheapest and most popular way to travel within the country. Along the Panamericana and major cities, buses are comfortable and modern: two types are often offered, the regular type and the express type, which is faster because it stops less frequently. For short distances the famous “chicken buses” are still used.
To see bus schedules I recommend this site.
Some popular tourist destinations are covered by mini buses/shuttles that work exclusively with tourists. Definitely faster, they pick you up directly at your accommodation and do not make intermediate stops but they are much more expensive. They definitely cover the Santa Catalina – Boquete and Boquete – Bocas del Toro routes.
In Panama, for some strange reason, it is impossible to buy bus tickets online, but rides are frequent and you just have to show up at the terminal early to secure a seat, or at best wait for the next ride.
For departures from Panama City you can always go to the terminal the day before to secure a seat for the next day. By subway the trip is quick and cheap. You can find some buses listed on this page.
Note: At the Albrook terminal, there is a $0.10 transit fee that must be paid before boarding the bus. This fee can only be paid with a public transportation card, but, for some strange reason, it must be the one purchased at the terminal and not the one bought at the metro station, which works for all other occasions (including buses). I politely asked someone else to pay it for me by offering cash.
Chicken Bus.
Taxis in Panama
Taxis do not use meters and I strongly recommend negotiating the price before boarding so as to avoid surprises. Perhaps ask your hostel/hotel for the right price for a particular route. In Panama City use Uber, which is cheaper and more efficient than regular taxis.
Domestic flights in Panama
AirPanama offers several domestic flights to David, Bocas del Toro and other destinations within the country, however, buses are far cheaper. CopaAirlines offers only Panama City – David flights.
Hitchhiking in Panama
Hitchhiking seems to work more easily in rural areas than in busy ones where it is advisable to wait at gas stations by talking directly to truck drivers.
Backpacking Panama: costs
How much does a trip to Panama cost?
Panama after Costa Rica is probably the most expensive country in Central America but still fairly cheap by European standards.
Cost of transportation in Panama
Road transportation is really cheap especially along the main roads where on average you pay $1-2 per hour of travel. Domestic flights, on the other hand, are really expensive, the Panama City-David route costs about $100 versus $15 by bus.
Cost of accommodation in Panama
A bed in a dormitory costs on average between $10 and $15 while for a double room expect to pay about $30. Hostels often include breakfast as well. For a cheap hotel room expect to pay about $20 if you want something more luxurious at least $40.
Bambuda Castle Hostel.
Cost of food in Panama
Eating in a local restaurant the typical dishes that almost always include chicken, rice and beans costs very little, $2-4. For a somewhat more fancy restaurant expect to pay at least $10.
In conclusion, although Panama is among the most expensive countries in Central America, a budget of about 40 euros per day should be enough for most backpackers, as long as you sleep in hostels or at least in inexpensive accommodations and cook a few meals. In my opinion, the only thing that can deeply affect the budget of a trip to Panama is a tour to the San Blas Islands.
Backpacking Panama: safety
Is Panama safe? Yes! As mentioned at the beginning of this guide, Panama is one of the safest countries in Latin America. Aside from a few neighborhoods in Panama City, you should have no problems whatsoever. The rural areas are extremely safe, and the people are friendly and curious. Remember to get travel insurance to cover any unforeseen events, and you will find that you will be just fine.In any case, I recommend you check out my article with tips and tricks for safe travel.
Are you planning a trip to Panama? Check out these posts:
Do you have any questions? Updated information? Feel free to leave a comment or message me on Instagram!
If you found this article helpful, please consider purchasing your travel insurance through one of the links on this site, doing so supports my work at no additional cost to you. For EU & UK Residents, i recommend True Traveller. For everyone else i recommend HeyMondo (5% discount). Thanks!
For donations/pizzas and virtual beers 🙂
Did you like the post? Pin it!
