Page Menu
Smile. You’ve LANDED in Panama.
The junction between Central and South America, this country has a unique S-shape, and it’s filled with misty peaks and lush coastal plains. You can hike through orchid-filled cloud forests in the morning and swim with dolphins in the afternoon. Panama vacations are truly an adventure-seeker’s dream come true.
CAPITAL PANAMA CITY
LANGUAGE SPANISH
CURRENCY BALBOA
READ THE PATH BETWEEN THE SEAS
SIP & TASTE SECO & GUACHO
EXPERIENCE SAILING THE SAN BLAS ISLANDS
Start your journey today
Speak with one of our travel designers and let us create a tailored itinerary for you.
Destinations
Where to go in Panama
San Blas Islands
Also known as Kuna Yala, this archipelago of mostly uninhabited islands were made for a day of sailing, followed by relaxing on beaches with white sand, shady palms, and coral reefs. Owned by the nearby Kuna community, you can learn more about the traditions from the locals in the few villages on the islands.
Read More
Panama City
This gleaming capital city isn’t just the cosmopolitan capital of Central America–it has a storied past with pirates! While it’s no longer the richest city in the area after being sacked by Captain Henry Morgan and his crew, it still has a wealth of cultural treasures, including fine restaurants, unparalleled shopping, and plenty of access to local beaches, islands, and rainforests.
Read More
Coastal Chiriqui
Surrounded with crystal clear waters, secluded island retreats, and miles of sparkling shoreline looking out onto the Pacific Ocean, Coastal Chiriqui is a real-life paradise. With beautiful beaches and reefs unspoiled by the outside world, it’s an incredible place for active adventures and laid-back leisure alike.
Read More
Adventures You Can't Miss
Go Snorkeling In The Caribbean
With more than a dozen sunny islands with unspoiled beaches and reefs, Bocas del Toro has plenty of room to enjoy an exciting day out at sea. Snorkelers and divers can observe colorful starfish, sponges, sharks, and rays.
Read More
Delve Into Panama’s Wild Frontiers
Take an expedition to the Darien National Park, where you’ll find the untamed jungle and traditions of the indigenous people who live there. You’ll be able to experience the culture of Kuna and Embera villages with their food, dance, and traditional crafts.
Read More
Watch The Ships Come In
Visit the famous Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal. Here you will witness the raising or lowering of a ship as it passes through this impressive engineering feat completed in 1914. For those looking to have the full experience, live a partial transit of the Panama Canal by private boat!
Read More
Stop By El Valle’s Sunday Market
El Valle de Anton–known locally as El Valle–is one of Panama’s most popular weekend getaways. Stop in at the weekly Sunday market, where you’ll find fresh produce from local farmers and handicrafts, such as soapstone figures, straw hats, and handmade textiles, made by the indigenous Ngöbe-Buglé community.
Read More
Luxury accommodations in Panama
Albums & Stories
Want a deeper look into the vibrancy and beauty of Panama? Take a look at our collection of family photos, or learn more about Panama with our articles and podcasts covering the history, geography, culture and more to help prepare for your trip!
FAQ
When should I go to Panama?
Whenever you can get some precious time off. Panama can be visited year-round with comfortable temperatures. Some of the central regions are 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 travelers 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.
What language is spoken in Panama?
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.
What should I pack for Panama?
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).
How safe is Panama?
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.
How do you reach Panama?
Panama is closer than you might think. Fights to Panama City’s international airport from Miami take just over three hours. Fights from Houston last four hours, and flights from New York arrive in about five hours. Trips to Panama can be combined with extensions to Costa Rica (one hour), Ecuador (two hours), and Peru (under four hours).
When should you visit Panama?
Panama is situated less than 10° north of the equator. Although the country has at least a dozen distinct microclimates, temperatures generally range from the low-90s to high-70s year-round near the coast. The rainy season typically extends from May to November.
