Panama
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Panama

The Crossroads of the Americas

Currency: USD / Balboa
Budget: $50 - $100/day
Best Time: Dec - April
Safety: High
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“Panama is where the First World meets the jungle. You can have breakfast in a skyscraper, lunch on a Caribbean island, and dinner in a cloud forest.”
— The Modern Explorer
The Go List

Where to Go

Islands, mountains, and the city.

San Blas Islands (Guna Yala)
Paradise

San Blas Islands (Guna Yala)

365 stunning islands owned and governed by the indigenous Guna people. No massive resorts, just coconuts, pristine water, and sleeping in hammocks.

Why Go The most beautiful beaches in Central America.
Getting There 4x4 Jeep + Boat from Panama City.
Where to Stay Stay on an island (Cabins/Camping).
☀️ Tip: Bring cash. There are no ATMs in paradise.
Bocas del Toro
Surf & Party

Bocas del Toro

A Caribbean archipelago with a distinct vibe. Surf taxi boats, overwater bungalows, and a nightlife that goes until sunrise on Filthy Friday.

Why Go Starfish Beach, Red Frog Beach, and partying.
Getting There Flight from Albrook or Bus/Boat.
Where to Stay Bambuda Lodge (Slide into ocean) or Selina.
☀️ Tip: Don't stay in Bocas Town if you want sleep.
Boquete
Highlands & Coffee

Boquete

Panama's retirement haven and coffee capital. Cool mountain air, epic hikes (Volcan Baru), and some of the most expensive coffee in the world (Geisha).

Why Go Hiking, Coffee Tours, and cooling off.
Getting There Bus from David.
Where to Stay Mamallena Hostel or Coffee Estate Inn.
☀️ Tip: Hike the Lost Waterfalls trail.
The Avoid List

What to Skip

Save your time and sanity.

Soul Crushing

Panama City Traffic

It is worse than LA. Attempting to cross the city during rush hour (7-9am, 4-7pm) will cost you hours of your life. Use the Metro where possible.

Dangerous

Colon

The city of Colon (on the Caribbean side of the canal) is widely considered unsafe for tourists. Even cruise ship passengers are bussed directly out. Skip it.

Tourist Trap

Overpriced Canal Tours

You don't need a $150 full transit tour to see the canal. Go to the Miraflores Locks visitor center for $20. You see the same ships go through.

Reality Check

Boots-on-the-Ground Tips

It Uses the US Dollar

Panama uses the USD as its official paper currency (they call it the Balboa, but it's just US bills). They mint their own coins which are 1:1 with US coins.

Bring a Jacket

Panama City is hot, but the AC in malls/buses is set to 'Artic'. And Boquete gets genuinely cold at night. Don't pack only swimsuits.

Book Your Adventure

Tours & Activities

Discover and book unforgettable experiences across Panama

Panama Travel Guide: More Than Just a Canal

Panama often gets skipped by backpackers breezing through Central America, which is a mistake. It is the most developed country in the region, offering a level of infrastructure that feels like Miami, but with sloths in the city parks.

Safety: City Smarts Required

**Panama City** is generally safe in the tourist zones (Casco Viejo, El Cangrejo, Punta Pacifica). However, neighborhoods like *El Chorrillo* (right next to Casco) are "no-go" zones. Don't wander across the invisible lines. Ask your hostel reception where not to walk.

Transport: The Hub of the Americas

Panama City (PTY) is the major air hub. Flights are cheap. Domestically, Air Panama flies to Bocas del Toro and David (for Boquete).

**The Metro (Subway)** in Panama City is shiny, safe, and costs 35 cents. Use it to dodge the horrific traffic. Uber works everywhere and is reliable.

Cost: The Dollar Economy

Because it uses the US Dollar, it is more expensive than Nicaragua but cheaper than Costa Rica. Street food is cheap ($4-5), but a craft cocktail in a rooftop bar in Casco Viejo will cost you NYC prices ($15+). Budget accordingly.

Ready to explore?

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