Panama

Whenever you can get some precious time off. Panama can be visited year-round with comfortable temperatures. Some of the central regions and cool throughout the year, with temperatures and humidity similar to spring-time in North America and Northern Europe.

Although Panama lies below the hurricane belt, rain is likely between May and November. If you want to avoid heavy rains, the best months to travel are January, February, and March, when sunny skies prevail.

Some of the rainier months have their own benefits. For example: July and August are the best time to observe nesting sea turtles in Bocas del Toro. Humpback whales can be observed from July to October in Coastal Chiriqui. Consider that Panama’s Caribbean Coast receives twice as much rain as its Pacific Coast.

Want to know which options are right for your Panama vacation? Since 2006, we’ve been helping traveler of all sorts (e.g. adventurous singles, honeymoon and empty-nest couples, families with young children, and multi-generational families) explore Panama in style. Speak with one of the Panama travel experts at LANDED today. 801.582.2100.

Spanish is the official and predominant language in Panama. English is spoken in locations frequented by foreign visitors and in larger cities, but in rural areas it’s almost all Spanish. Panama is also home to several indigenous communities who still maintain their native languages. Best known are the Kuna communities, found on the Caribbean Coast and inland lakes. Most local communities are eager to teach their local traditions.

Want to visit Panama? Speak (English) with one of our Panama experts today, at 801.582.2100. We’re here to help answer all of your travel questions.

What to pack for your trip to Panama depends on which destinations you’ll visit, how long you’ll be away, what you’ll be doing in Panama, and the time of year.

Still, here are some essentials to help you get started:

• Money Pouch (neck or belt type)
• Passport. Lock the original in the hotel safe and keep a copy (say, a photo of the passport’s photo page) with you at all times.
• US cash in small denominations (clean, un-torn bills). These are widely accepted as tips. Local currency can be obtained at hotels and through ATMs.
• ATM and credit cards. ATM’s are available and major credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and hotels. Please confirm your travel dates and destinations with your card issuers before you leave the USA.
• Airline ticket information
• Prescription medications
• Sun protection (sunblock, sunhat and sunglasses). Even on cloudy days the tropical sun can burn skin rapidly.
• Camera and data cards or film, batteries
• Binoculars
• Insect repellant (higher quality repellants—especially those with DEET—are difficult to find locally)
• Anti-itch antihistamine spray (e.g. Benadryl spray)
• Rain jacket (or rain repellent shell)
• Synthetic fleece jacket
• River shoes or river sandals
• Swimwear
• Light, informal clothing for dining and hotel or in cities (it’s amazing how versatile a charcoal grey sweater can be). Evenings can be cool in Chiriqui and on the coast.
• Comfortable walking / hiking shoes (preferably waterproof)
• A small power strip / surge protector, and electrical adapters. Although the official electrical standard in Panama is 110V 60Hz (the same as in the USA), many outlets do not accept grounding pins. Accordingly, we recommend bringing an adaptor for devices that require a grounding pin (the third, round peg).

Most of our clients leave the travel logistics to us. Doesn’t that sound better? Speak with one of our Panama experts today, at 801.582.2100. We can assist you through all the stages of your travel—from travel planning and booking to your return flight.

Panama is generally quite safe; however, common-sense precautions are still important. Bag snatchers and pickpockets target public transportation hubs and tourist areas. As a general rule, you should not be out in the streets alone after dark. Stay in well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings. Most incidents occur in the street. Keep your travel documents (e.g. passports) in the hotel safe or concealed in a zippered pocket. Leave that flashy wristwatch at home or in the hotel security box. Your guides and the hotel concierge can provide additional guidance.

In rural areas and national parks, you should not hike, bike, or take other excursions alone. Follow your guide’s advice. Stick together. Secure and be aware of your valuables. These regions are best explored in the company of an expert local guide.

Want to know which options are right for your Panama vacation? Speak with one of our Panama travel planning experts today, at 801.582.2100.

Panama is open for travel from all US states, though there are some requirements for entry. Here are the current entry requirements for Panama:

• All passengers must present a negative result of a COVID-19 RT-PCR or Antigen test performed up to 72 hours prior to boarding the flight, OR show proof of a complete COVID-19 vaccination certificate, with the last dose administered at least 14 days prior to travel.
• If unvaccinated travelers do not present a negative test, a COVID-19 test will be administered at the airport for a fee of USD50 per passenger.
• Unvaccinated travelers arriving from a high-risk country* are required to undergo a 72-hour mandatory quarantine upon arrival to Panama.
• Unvaccinated travelers are required to take another COVID-19 test taken 72 hours after arrival to Panama to end the mandatory isolation. The cost of this test must be covered by each traveler.
• Children under the age of 12 are exempt from presenting a COVID-19 test and/or quarantining if traveling with a companion who complies with the above requirements.
• Passengers entering Panama must submit an Electronic Sworn Affidavit and present it to the airline at check-in. This form can be downloaded at the following link: https://www.panamadigital.gob.pa/RegistroPacoViajero. The Affidavit can only be completed within 72 hours of arriving in the country.