Panama Quick Guide

A Panama Travel Guide will help you discover all the attractions of the country. Panamanians love to tell the stories of their fascinating country, so be prepared to learn a lot about Panama. They are proud of their canal, which separates the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean. The Panama Canal is a marvel of modern human engineering, cutting through its middle to make an important shipping route across the country.

In Panama City, the rainforests of Natural Metropolitan Park and old-growth rainforests along the borders of the Panama Canal and the Caribbean are a sight to see. Google Images brings photos of rainforests and nature reserve in Panama City to your screen. The National Assembly Building and Parque de las Teresitas in Panama City also bring pictures of lush rainforests and the Panama Canal to your computer screen.

If you are planning a small country holiday, you must not forget to include Panama City in your list. The Panama City outskirts are full of trendy cafes, discos and hotels. There is an international airport and bus service to take you almost anywhere in the city. And you can reach the top towns by taking a taxi or a ride a bicycle.

One of the things that impresses visitors about Panama City are the skyscrapers. The skyline of Panama City stretches on for miles. The modern skyline is dominated by tall sky scrapers-a few of them have been converted into high-rise office buildings. The view from the top of these sky scrapers is worth a trip to Panama City.

If you want to see the true colors of Central America, visit Panama City. In this small city in Central America, you will find all the variety and charm you ever wanted. Aside from its charming small-town vibe, you can also experience the pulsating nightlife on Calle El Conde, one of the main streets in downtown Panama City.

In your Panama travel guide, you will learn the history of Panama City as well as the popular places to visit. You can include a tour of the Panama canal and its Historic Center. Or you may want to visit the Tocantins, a small village located on the western portion of Panama City. Here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the Tocantins viewpoint. Other places worth visiting include the district of San Jose del Carmen, the district of Miraflores, and also the district of Colon. You will definitely have an unforgettable experience in each one of these places.

Your Panama travel guide also lists the major sights in Central America that will take you to Panama City. Among the most popular places you can visit is the tripartite Rainforest National Park. This park is home to a wide variety of species including the imperiled rubber tailed monkey, the giant anteater, as well as many other animals. Other parks you can visit include the Caribbean Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary, the Panama Canal National Park, or the Guilleray National Park. Panama's wildlife is diverse yet beautiful, so it is no wonder why the tourists who go to Panama love to spend time here.

A trip to Panama would not be complete without a stopover at one of Panama's many islands, especially if you are a fan of the rainforests. You will want to include a visit to the Cayo Coco, which is just over an hour from Panama City. In this little island, you can find all sorts of marine life and even some prehistoric figures. Some of the more prominent islands that Panamanians like to visit include Boquerizo Moreno, Iguazu, and Isla Grande. These are just a few of the interesting destinations, you will be able to find in your Panama Travel Guide.

What vaccinations do I need?

Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to Panama are available from the NHS Fit for Travel website.

Is it safe to travel?

Best time to visit?

Best time to visit Panama. Panama experiences a dry and wet season and the best time to visit the country is during the short dry season, which falls between December and March. At other times of year rain is likely most days.

Do I need a Visa?

British nationals don't need a visa to visit Panama except if arriving by sea. You must have a return or onward ticket and the equivalent of US$500 or a credit card.When transiting the Panama Canal, if you disembark the ship, your passport will be stamped by the immigration authorities.

See which forms you may need for entry into Panama.

What currency do i need?

The official currency of Panama is the Balboa (PAB). If you're looking to transfer or spend money in Panama you can grab amazing Balboa deals via Wise.com (GBP to PAB).

What about the wildlife?

The jungle canopy is home to two-toed sloths, marmosets and capuchins along with howler, squirrel and spider monkeys. Geoffroy's tamarin, a black and white primate, lives only in Panama and Colombia.

What is the traditional food?

Spanish food? Panama's national dish is a chicken stew called Sancocho. Chicken and vegetable soup and is one of the most typical dishes in Panama. It's said to be a great hangover cure! Savory pastries (empanadas) – Deep fried, savory corn or flour pastries, with meat and a boiled egg stuffed inside.

What Languages are spoken?

Spanish is the official language, but other languages are spoken in pockets aroundPanama. The country's seven indigenous groups speak a variety of dialects of Wounaan, Teribe, Emberá, Kuna, and Ngöbe-Buglé (Guayamí), the latter two being the most common given that they are the largest indigenous communities in Panama. You can learn some basic Spanish before you travel to Panama and really impress the locals!

How much do you tip?

The currency in Panama is the Balboa (Bellhops and maids expect tips only in more expensive hotels, and £1-£2 per bag is the norm. You should also give a tip of up to £10 per day to tour guides.).

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Useful Numbers

  • Police: 911
  • Ambulance: 911
  • Fire: 911
  • UK Embassy: +507 297-6550

Time Difference

The GMT time difference is -5 hours

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Learn Spanish

Learn some Spanish before your trip to Panama


Panama Guidebook

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