Located in Central America, Panama is the only place in the world where you can see the sun rise on the Pacific and set on the Atlantic. The country has a rich history with a variety of historic sights, diverse wildlife and many many rums for you to delight. Additionally, the Old City of Panama, known as Casco Viejo, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and boasts charming colonial architecture and historic landmarks.
Why Visit Panama
HISTORIC SIGHTS
Panama was discovered in 1501 by Rodrigo de Bastidas. However, many indigenous tribes inhabit the territory beforehand. The country became the principal shipping point to and from South and Central America in colonial days. There are still remains of its colonial era, and many architectural sites for you to visit and discover its history, like the Panama Canal, the Casco Viejo and its vibrant capital, Panama City, one of the most cosmopolitan urban centers in Central America.
WILDLIFE
Wildlife enthusiasts will love exploring Panama’s rainforests, which are home to an incredible variety of plant and animal species, including toucans, monkeys, sloths, and jaguars. Some of the best places to see wildlife in Panama include the Soberania National Park, the Bocas del Toro archipelago, and the San Blas Islands.
WEATHER
Panama has a tropical weather, with only two seasons: dry and rainy, making it a year round destination. It is also outside of the Atlantic hurricane belt, so there is very little risk of tropical storms and hurricanes.
PACIFIC AND CARIBBEAN
Although many countries in Central America are located between the two, It is relatively easy to get from one side of the country to the other in one day, meaning you can enjoy the sunset in the Caribbean side (with crystalline waters) and watch the sun set in the Pacific.
RUM
Panama is also famous for its rum, which is considered some of the best in the world. The country has a long history of rum production, and visitors can tour distilleries and taste different varieties of rum. Some of the most popular rum brands in Panama include Ron Abuelo, Ron Cortez, and Ron Panama Pacifico.
Located in Central America, Panama is the only place in the world where you can see the sun rise on the Pacific and set on the Atlantic. The country has a rich history with a variety of historic sights, diverse wildlife and many many rums for you to delight. Additionally, the Old City of Panama, known as Casco Viejo, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and boasts charming colonial architecture and historic landmarks.
Why Visit Panama
HISTORIC SIGHTS
Panama was discovered in 1501 by Rodrigo de Bastidas. However, many indigenous tribes inhabit the territory beforehand. The country became the principal shipping point to and from South and Central America in colonial days. There are still remains of its colonial era, and many architectural sites for you to visit and discover its history, like the Panama Canal, the Casco Viejo and its vibrant capital, Panama City, one of the most cosmopolitan urban centers in Central America.
WILDLIFE
Wildlife enthusiasts will love exploring Panama’s rainforests, which are home to an incredible variety of plant and animal species, including toucans, monkeys, sloths, and jaguars. Some of the best places to see wildlife in Panama include the Soberania National Park, the Bocas del Toro archipelago, and the San Blas Islands.
WEATHER
Panama has a tropical weather, with only two seasons: dry and rainy, making it a year round destination. It is also outside of the Atlantic hurricane belt, so there is very little risk of tropical storms and hurricanes.
PACIFIC AND CARIBBEAN
Although many countries in Central America are located between the two, It is relatively easy to get from one side of the country to the other in one day, meaning you can enjoy the sunset in the Caribbean side (with crystalline waters) and watch the sun set in the Pacific.
RUM
Panama is also famous for its rum, which is considered some of the best in the world. The country has a long history of rum production, and visitors can tour distilleries and taste different varieties of rum. Some of the most popular rum brands in Panama include Ron Abuelo, Ron Cortez, and Ron Panama Pacifico.
- Name: Republic of Panama
- Capital: Panama City
- Official Languages: Spanish
- Currency: Balboa and United States dollar
- Time Zone: UTC−5
- Name: Republic of Panama
- Capital: Panama City
- Official Languages: Spanish
- Currency: Balboa and United States dollar
- Time Zone: UTC−5
Bucket List
Check the Panama Canal
Explore the Colonial Old Town of Casco Viejo
Hit the sun in the San Blas islands
Try some panama Rum
Watch the skyline of Panama City
Go hiking in Boquete
Go on a day trip to Parque Nacional Coiba
Swim in the River at Los Cangilones
What to expect
LANGUAGE
Spanish is the official language in Panama. However, the country also recognized other 14 languages, including those spoken by the indigenous groups. About 14% of the population will speak English fluently. Learning some basic words in Spanish will be helpful when visiting.
ELECTRICITY
In Panama the standard voltage is 110 V and the frequency is 60 Hz. That’s the standard voltage in the american continent; If you are traveling from the EU you will need an adaptor.
CURRENCY
The currency in Panama is the Panamanian balboa, but the US dollar is also widely accepted, with a fixed exchange rate of 1:1. This makes it easy for tourists to manage their finances during their trip. ATMs are widely available in major cities and towns, and credit cards are accepted in most places.
CLIMATE
Panama has a tropical climate, typically hot and humid all year round, slightly cooler in mountain areas. The country has two seasons: wet or “winter” season and the dry “summer” season.
SAFETY
Panama is generally safe, one of the safest countries in Central America. However, pick-pocketing and mugging is common in Panama City, exercising caution is encouraged, especially in crowded areas as train and bus stations and/in public transport.
How to get around
Getting around Panama is relatively easy, with several options available for travelers. Here are some ways to get around Panama:
- Taxis: Taxis are widely available in Panama City and other major towns. You can flag one down on the street or ask your hotel to call one for you. Taxis are generally affordable, but make sure to agree on the fare before starting your journey.
- Buses: Buses are a popular mode of transportation in Panama. They are cheap and can take you to many destinations around the country. However, they can be crowded and uncomfortable, so be prepared for a potentially bumpy ride.
- Metro: Panama City has a modern and efficient metro system that runs from north to south. It’s a great way to get around the city quickly and cheaply.
- Car rental: If you’re planning to explore the countryside or go on a road trip, renting a car can be a good option. However, be aware that driving in Panama can be challenging, with narrow roads and heavy traffic in some areas.
- Domestic flights: If you’re short on time or want to travel long distances quickly, consider taking a domestic flight. Panama has several airports around the country, and many airlines offer flights to popular tourist destinations.
No matter which mode of transportation you choose, be sure to keep your belongings safe and secure, especially on public transportation.
Visa Policy
Panama has a relatively open visa policy, allowing citizens of many countries to enter without a visa or obtain a visa upon arrival. Citizens of some countries, however, will need to obtain a visa in advance. Here is a breakdown of the visa policy for Panama:
Visa-free entry: Citizens of the following countries can enter Panama without a visa for up to 180 days: European Union countries, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and most Latin American countries.
Visa on arrival: Citizens of the following countries can obtain a visa upon arrival in Panama, which is valid for 30 to 90 days: Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Fiji, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Israel, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nauru, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Oman, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Suriname, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, and Venezuela.
Electronic travel authorization: Citizens of China and India can apply for an electronic travel authorization to enter Panama. This allows for a stay of up to 30 days.
Visa required: Citizens of the following countries will need to obtain a visa before traveling to Panama: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Palestine, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Yemen, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
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