How to plan a trip to Panama

Loaded with special things you probably didn’t know you could do, Panama is an utterly exhilarating destination. Encompassing a rich range of incredible landscapes — lush rainforests that are ripe for adventure and wildlife watching, sublime beaches, and old colonial cities — here’s everything you need to know about how to plan a trip to Panama. Designed to furnish you with inspiration for places to include in your itinerary, here we also also share practical detail on everything from when to visit and visa information, to what to pack.

When’s the best time to visit Panama? 

Deciding when to go to Panama will depend on what you most want to do, and your budget, the latter coming into play as a result of some increased costs in the high season.

Overall, the optimal time to visit Panama is during the dry season, which runs from December to mid-April. This is, however, also the high season for tourism.

Here’s an overview of Panama’s seasons so you know what to expect around the year:

Dry season (December to April)

The December to April dry season is the best time to visit Panama for all kinds of activities — beach vacations on the Caribbean coast, surfing the Pacific coast, wild outdoor adventures in the jungles, and exploring cities.

Rainy season (May to November)

While the May to November rainy season in Panama sees smaller crowds and lower costs, bear in mind that conditions are less ideal for hiking.

Shoulder season (April to June, November to December)

Panama’s shoulder seasons — April through June, and November through December — strike a balance between pleasant weather, fewer crowds and lower prices. Just come prepared for occasional rains.

How many days are enough in Panama?

How much does a trip to Panama cost? 

The cost of a trip to Panama depends on what type of travel style you’re in the market for — budget, mid-range or luxury.

In good news, Panama is generally an affordable destination, with even pretty luxurious accommodation and high-end activities often pleasing even the most budget conscious travelers. 

Bearing in mind that costs can vary a lot, here’s an estimate of what a 10-day trip to Panama might cost, excluding international flights

• Accommodation: expect to spend around $50 per night for a comfortable double-occupancy room in a mid-range hotel or local resort.
• Food and drink: eating street food and eating out in mid-range local restaurants, could cost around $400 in total.
• Transport: a mix of local buses and taxis, plus a couple of longer journeys, could total $300, depending on how much you move around, of course. 
• Activities and sightseeing: expect entrance fees for National Parks and attractions, plus a few guided tours and adventure activities to total $400 across a 10-day trip.
• Miscellaneous expenses: again, depending on your travel style, you might want to budget $100 for souvenirs and tips. 

Total: $1700

Do I need a visa to visit Panama?

Good news — travelers flying from many countries, including the US and UK, don’t need a visa to enter Panama.

US citizens can stay up to 180 days, and UK citizens can stay for up to three months.

However, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended date of departure from Panama, and you might also be asked to show proof of financial solvency through, for example, having at least $500 (or equivalent) in cash or a credit card.

Proof of onward or return travel is also necessary.

Also note, if you’re arriving by sea on that vessel that isn’t a cruise ship, you might need a visa. Check this with the Embassy of Panama or your government official government sources while planning your trip.

For more practical information, read our Panama travel advice.

• What are the best places to visit in Panama for different kinds of vacations?
• How can I get around Panama?

Best places in Panama for nature, wildlife and adventure

Chiriquí Highlands: located in western Panama, the Chiriqui province as a whole is renowned for its biodiversity. Its cloud forests are excellent for spotting hundreds of bird species, with coffee plantation tours another must-do activity around these parts.

Parque Nacional Soberanía:accessible by public transport from Panama City, Parque Nacional Soberanía offers several hiking trails through lush tropical forest. Keep an eye out for tropical birds, such as trogons and toucans, and monkeys messing around in the canopy, 

Boquete: nestled in the Chiriquí Highlands, Boquete is the place to come for hiking, white-water rafting and zip-lining adventures.

Santa Catalina: located in Veraguas province, the coastal town of Santa Catalina is popular with surfers, and also serves as a gateway to Coiba National Park, where diving adventures await.

Wild about nature and (ahem) wildlife? Read our beginners guide to the Panama rainforest.

Best places in Panama for culture

Panama City: don’t overlook spending time in Panama City before heading off for adventures in nature or the beach. Panama’s capital deserves a least a couple of days of your time so you can explore the historic Casco Viejo district — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal, at the very least.

San Blas Islands: home to the indigenous Guna Yala community, the sublime San Blas Islands offer insights into traditional Panamanian culture, and they’re also ideal for idyllic beach vacations…

Best places in Panama for blissful beach breaks and surfing

San Blas islands: boasting crystal-clear waters and loaded with white-sand beaches, Panama’s San Blas Islands are the epitome of a tropical paradise.

Bocas del Toro islands: located on Panama’s Caribbean side, the Bocas del Toro islands boast lush islands with numerous surf breaks and consistent swells, especially during the dry season. 

Playa Venao: located on the Pacific coast, Playa Venao is renowned for its quality beach breaks, with waves for all experience levels.

How to get around Panama

When it comes to getting around Panama, you’ll want to plan your journeys ahead of your trip to make sure you’ve factored journey times into your itinerary.

Here’s an overview of how to get around Panama

Panama City 
While in the capital, make use of the affordable modern metro system.

Serving Panama City and its suburbs, the Metrobus network operates over 140 routes. To use it, buy a pre-paid Metrobus Card from metro stations and authorized retailers. 

Intercity buses
Comfortable and cost-effective, these buses connect major cities and towns, with the Albrook Bus Terminal in Panama City serving as the central hub for departures.

Domestic flights
For longer distances, or to reach remote areas, domestic flights are efficient. For example, Air Panama operates routes that connect Panama City to regions like Bocas del Toro, and the Pearl Islands. Be sure to book early, though. 

Car rental

With providers plentiful in major cities and airports, renting a car offers flexibility. Just be prepared for congested urban traffic, tricky rural roads, and make sure you have adequate insurance coverage.

Several U.S. cities offer direct flights to Panama City. For example, United Airlines run direct flights from cities like Houston and Newark, American Airlines operate direct flights from Miami, and Copa Airlines run flights from Miami, Los Angeles and New York.

The flight time is 4-6 hours, depending on your departure city.

Traveling from the UK?  Currently, there are no direct flights from the UK to Panama, so you need to choose from several one-stop flights that connect through European or American hubs.

For example, Air Europa operates flights from London Stansted to Panama City Tocumen International Airport with a layover in Madrid, while KLM offers flights from London Heathrow with a connection in Amsterdam.

Expect a total travel time of 13-15 hours, depending on the layover duration and connecting city.

Where to stay in Panama

Accommodation in Panama covers everything from basic hostels through to business hotels in the likes of Panama City, and everything in between. Read on for a few recommended places to stay in popular Panama destinations.

Panama City

Accommodation in different Panama City neighborhoods all have their own distinct vibe, with Casco Viejo coming out on top for first-timers and culture vultures. It’s packed with boutique hotels, restaurants, rooftop bars and attractions.

If you’re in the market for an upscale experience, places to stay in Punta Paitilla and Punta Pacifica are largely of the swanky skyscraper variety and offer sweeping sea views. 

San Blas Islands

Accommodation on the San Blas Islands also covers all tastes and budgets — from solo backpackers on a budget, to couples seeking romance.

If you’re trying to cut down costs, Isla Perro Chico boasts a lively backpacker vibe, and plenty of affordable basic accommodation in stunning natural settings.

Looking for a romantic escape? Check out places to stay on Isla Chichime, or a luxurious eco-stay on the private Isla Coco Blanco.

Bocas del Toro

Accommodation in Bocas del Toro is similarly varied, with Isla Colón’s Bocas Town being an affordable and convenient place to stay.

For beachfront luxury and eco-friendly accommodation, focus your search around Red Frog Beach on Isla Bastimentos.

Meanwhile, Isla Solarte has several stunning secluded eco-lodges, with luxury options like Nayara Bocas del Toro offering upscale villa accommodation.

Internal flights: planning to transfer to Bocas del Toro or Pearl Islands by plane? Booking flights in advance is advisable, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Island excursions: staying on the island theme, if you want to spend time with the San Blas Islands’ indigenous Guna Yala community, it’s best to pre-book your experience. Tours typically transport, meals and accommodation, which might affect other plans.

Meanwhile, island-hopping tours are popular over on the Bocas del Toro archipelago. Usually including snorkeling, dolphin watching, and stops at pristine beaches, it’s aadvisable to secure an advance slot on these trips.

Hikes and nature tours: while many trails can be explored independently, it's often worth hiring a guide if you want to do a deeper dive into local flora and fauna.

Panama Canal tours: to get up close to the canal, per-book a transit tour. 

Tours of Panama City: to better understand the city’s history, book a guided walking tour through Casco Viejo.

Travel insurance is 100% recommended for peace of mind wherever you travel — trips don’t always go to plan. 

Look for a policy that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage, giving yourself enough time to compare options a few months ahead of your trip.

Should I bring cash to Panama?

Yes, for sure. While cards can be used in bigger hotels, restaurants and stores in urban areas, cash will be essential in rural areas. 

You’re likely to get a better rate exchanging currency back home before traveling than using ATMS or local exchange services. Shop around before taking the plunge.

Also be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes for exploring cities and villages, and decent hiking boots if you have plans to nature trails.

Insect repellent and plenty of sunscreen are also must-haves.

Step 7: Enjoy the fruits of your how to plan a trip to Panama journey!

Having carefully planned your trip as outlined above, you’ll be well placed to enjoy a vacation to remember. 

Alternatively, to forgo all the hassle of planning, have our local travel experts curate your perfect Panama itinerary. 

That way, all the work of booking transfers, accommodation and tours will have been handled for you, and you’ll have access to support throughout your trip.