Panama Flag
Why visit Panama?
For the traveler seeking beaches, birdwatching, canal, colonial villages, coral reefs, culture, ecolodges, deep sea fishing, golf, hiking, historical sites, mountains, natural landscape, rainforests, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, whitewater rafting, and wildlife.
Panama Canal. Photo Credit: Andrea Spallanzani/Pixabay
At a Glance
- Souvenirs to Buy: Baskets, ceremonial masks, embroidery goods, hammocks, pottery, and wood carvings.
- Local Drink to Try: Cerveceria Nacional (beer). Seca Sour (cocktail).
Portobelo, Panama. Photo Credit: lapping/Pixabay
Fun Facts
- Sir Francis Drake, English Explorer (1540 - 1596) was buried at sea in a lead coffin.
- The popular Panama hats are actually made in Ecuador.
- Indingious from the central area are considered amongst Americas first to make pottery.
- Panama Canal connects the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean.
- Santa Catalina and Venao beaches host ISA World Surfing Games.
- Volcán Barú (11,401 ft) is the country's highest point.
- Home to Central America's most diverse wildlife.
- Gatun Lake was formerly the largest man-made lake in the world.
- Second country in Latin America.
- TransPanama Trail is a long-distance hiking trail to be built connecting Colombia to Costa Rica.
- Home to Central America's largest airport,Tocumen International Airport (PTY).
Panama City, Panama. Photo Credit: Mariel Nicosia/Pixabay
Special Holidays/Occasions
- Annual Events: (January) Flower & Coffee Festival, Panama Jazz Festival, (February) Carnival, (March) Boquete Jazz & Blues Festival, Feria de David, Holy Week, (April) Feria Internacional del Azuero, Orchid Festival, (June) Festival Corpus Christi, (July) Festival de la Pollera, Festival of Santa Librada, Festival Patronales de La Virgen de Santa Librada, (August) Festival del Manito, (September) Festival de La Mejorana, International Festival of the Sea, (October) Black Christ Festival, (November) Highlands Festival, (December) El desfile de Navidad, and Sobresaltos Dance Festival.
- Holidays: New Year's Day, Martyrs' Day, Carnaval, Good Friday, Labour Day, Flag Day, Colón Day, Independence Day, and Christmas Day.
Isla Diablo, Panama. Photo Credit: lapping/Pixabay
Good to Know
- Considered to offer the best roads in Central America.
- San Blas Islands are known for their unique ecosystem and indigenous population.
- Baru Volcano (Chiriqui) is an active and the most photographed location.
- Ancon Hill (Ancon) overlooks Panama City with a beautiful view.
- The Pacific beach area tends to be rougher.
- Mosquito Gulf area is very remote.
- Colon, Chiriqui province, and Panama City are considered the highest crime areas.
- Carry your passport and entry stamp with you at all times.
- Lago Gatun waters are renowned for peacock bass.
- Isla Coiba offers world-class diving.
- Panamanian Spanish is the local language.
- Darien region is traveled by air, foot or by boat due to the lack of roads.
- Scuba diving along Blas Islands is not permitted.
- Prevalent diseases: Dengue, Chikungunya, Malaria, Travelers’ Diarrhea, Tuberculosis, and Zika.
- Panama City has a Special Tourism Police Force.
- Avoid night explorations.
- Requires return ticket to home or onward destination.
- Mercado de Mariscos is a popular fish market.
- Venomous snakes exist in grassland areas.
- Rainy Season is May - November.
- Along Bocas Del Toro, Chiriqui provinces, and Pacific Ocean tides tend to be strong
- U.S. coins and dollars are widely accepted.
- Tourism industry is unevenly regulated, therefore safety inspections do not commonly occur.
- Medical facilities outside Panama City are limited.
This international destination requires:
- A valid passport with three months of validity and one blank page for entry stamp.
- Yellow Fever Vaccination required from select countries.
- Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.
Panamá Viejo (AKA: Panamá la Vieja), Panama City, Panama. Photo Credit: lapping/Pixabay
- Best Time to Visit: December - April
- Coldest Months: February & March
- Hottest Months: March & April
- Peak Season: December - April
Panama Canal. Photo Credit: artes2franco/Pixabay
Your Must-See & Do
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Casco Viejo, Chagres and Fort San Lorenzo, Coiba, Darién National Park, Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama: Portobelo-San Lorenzo, La Amistad International Park, Panama City, Panamá Viejo, and Portobelo.
Photo Credit: DEZALB/Pixabay
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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.
