Visit the undiscovered paradise known as “The Bridge of the Americas” where history, culture, nature and adventure are at your fingertips from cosmopolitan Panama City.

The main attractions include Panama City, The Panama Canal, Exotic Beaches, Private Islands, National Parks (25% of the country is set aside as national parks), Accessible Rain Forest, World Class Bird Watching, Indigenous Culture and Villages, Mountain Retreats and much more.

We recommend Panama either as an extension to your Costa Rica itinerary (minimum 4 nights) or a completely separate trip (minimum 7 nights).

Most International flights arrive at Panama City’s Tocumen Airport with the first night spent in Panama City, Playa Bonita or Gamboa. We recommend at least 1 night in Panama City for great historical attractions (including the nearby Panama Canal), shopping, excellent restaurants and nightlife.

Panama City and Canal: The 500 year old city is not only rich in history, but also is the most sophisticated city in Central America. The colonial old town area Casco Viejo is a great place to see the museums, old churches and enjoy the numerous cafes and restaurants. The Panama Canal is very close to downtown Panama City making it an easy day tour to the Miraflores Locks or even a transit of the canal by boat.

Gamboa Rain Forest Resort at the Panama Canal: Located about a 45 minute drive from the Panama City International Airport Gamboa Resort offers one of the most accessible rain forest experiences in the world. The resort is adjacent to Gatun Lake which is about halfway across the isthmus and the center section of the Panama Canal. The eco-friendly Gamboa Resort features several restaurants, spa, swimming pool area, aerial tram, numerous nature exhibits and a private marina (for boat tours on the canal, to monkey island and fishing). Other sights in the area include Soberania Rain Forest National Park, Summit Botanical Gardens and Zoo, Golf Course, Rio Chagres, Embera Indians Tribe, and Canopy Tower (one of the Audubon Society’s top 10 locations for bird watching in the world).

Bocas del Toro Caribbean Hideaway: Located on the Northern Caribbean Coast of Panama this laid back resort area is about a 1 hour flight from Panama city. Emerald islands, pristine beaches, turquoise waters, dense forests, remote rivers, extensive coral gardens, mangrove channels and exotic wildlife make this one of the top tourist attractions. Must see sights include Bocas del Drago Beach, Swans Cay Island, Dolphin Bay, Red Frog Beach, Starfish cove, Colorful Bocas Town and Isla Bastimentos National park. The best accommodations are found at the Punta Caracol Aqua Lodge offering South Pacific Style private over water bungalows. Note: flights are now available from San Jose, Costa Rica directly to Bocas del Toro.

San Blas Islands: Over 400 islands make up this archipelago off of the Eastern Coast of Panama. The islands offer picture perfect beauty and an opportunity to visit the villages of the Kuna Indians to learn about their culture and way of life. The Kuna are one of the most fascinating and intact cultures in the Americas. The all-natural native lodgings offer simple, comfortable cabins whose roofs and walls are made from thatched palm. Activities include island village tours to meet the Kuna people, boat tours to endless deserted islands, amazing snorkeling, and lounging in a hammock. A new upscale lodge has opened located north of San Blas, called Coral Lodge, offering upscale private over water bungalows with excellent scuba diving opportunities.

Playa Bonita Pacific Beach Resort: Also located about a 45 minute drive from the Panama City International Airport the Intercontinental Playa Bonita Resort is nestled on a secluded tropical beach. Highlights of the resort include all ocean view rooms with private balconies, a 10,000 sq foot holistic spa, 3 restaurants, expansive swimming pools all located beach front for water sports, boat tours, and in close proximity to Panama City and the Gamboa area.

Islas Secas Private Island: A comfortably-appointed eco-resort, a string of 16 virtually untouched islands with five-star service, six private casitas just 12 miles off the Pacific coast of West Panama. Privately owned and limited to only 14 people at a time to preserve the islands’ eco-structures, this little bit of heaven is perfect for anyone who wants to escape the rush, noise, and heat of the city, hang onto a few comfortable amenities, enjoy outdoor activities, and see nature as it existed centuries ago. Recommended by Islands Magazine.

Pearl Islands: This archipelago consists of over 200 Pacific Islands only located only 15 minutes from Panama City by plane or a few hours by boat. The Pearl Islands was recently the location of the reality show Survivor. The islands are covered by lush forest, thousands of white sand beaches and surrounded by coral reefs attracting colorful fish, sea turtles, moray eels, reef sharks and manta rays. The second largest island in the archipelago (San Jose Island) is the private island resort called Hacienda del Mar. This is the most exclusive option in the Pearl Islands. The hotels 14 cabanas each with private balcony blend island charm and modern comfort such as air conditioning. The clubhouse features a restaurant, pool, gym and sports bar. The resort offers tours for ATV exploring through 60 miles of thick jungle, deep sea fishing, jet skiing, night safari tours and bird watching.

Chiriqui Province: West Panama’s most famous attractions are its two highland national parks- La Amistad International Park (which is half in Panama and half in Costa Rica) and Volcan Baru National Park. The Chiriqui highlands are famous for their near perfect climate, quaint villages, friendly folk, flower fairs, coffe farms, orchid farms, extraordinary birding, hiking and the panoramic mountain views.

Darien National Park: The rainforest in the Darien National Park is so thick that it is the only place where the Panamerican highway running Alaska to Patagonia, does not penetrate. This truly wild and nature-dense region is heaven for adventurers, birders and nature lovers. It is home to the Harpy Eagle, the world’s largest predator bird, once in danger of extinction and now on its’ way back thanks to Panamanian conservationists and the Pelegrine Foundation.

GENERAL INFORMATION

MONEY: Since 1904, the United States dollar has been the legal currency in Panama. Traveler cheques and credit cards are widely accepted. The International departure duty is US$20.00, payable in the airport. The hotel tax is 10%. The added tax value to products and services, with the exception of food and medicines is 5%.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: U.S. Citizens are required to have a valid passport and a $5.00 tourist card. Tourist cards may be bought at the airline counter at the time of departure.

CUSTOMS: United States and Canadian citizens need only a valid passport and tourist card to visit Panama. Tourist cards cost about five dollars and are available both on your arrival in Panama from the immigration authorities and through most airlines. A tourist card gives you an automatic 30-day stay, and is extendable for another 60 days. Travelers from other countries should consult with the Panamanian consulate or embassy in that country to obtain the latest information on entry requirements. When entering the country, you may only bring up to one carton of cigarettes and 3 bottles of liquor. Like other countries, you may be fined and charged for leaving Panama with products made from endangered species.

LANGUAGE: Although the official language in Panama is Spanish, English is spoken and understood in Panamá City.

CLIMATE: The country enjoys an agreeable tropical climate and an average daytime temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with cooling in the evenings. The average humidity is 70%. The rainy season goes from May to December. Throughout the dry season, trade winds keep the air continuously cool. In the mountains, the average temperature is between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

CLOTHING: Light clothes are recommended. Business clothing is formal. A light jacket for men and a tailored suit or a two-piece pants suit for women is recommended. A wide-brim hat and sun glasses are a good idea.

TIME ZONE: Panama time is the same as the United States Eastern Standard Time (GMT-5).

ELECTRICITY AND PUBLIC SERVICES: The current is 110w - 60hz and 220w. Telephone and international cable services in Panama are excellent. The country code is 507. There are no guest phones on the islands.

TOURISTOFFICES/EMBASSIES: The national tourist agency Instituto Panameño de Turismo (IPAT) has its headquarters in the Centro Atlapa on Via Israel in Panama City. IPAT also has an information counter located at the airport. In addition, there are many tourist centers dispersed throughout the country. The IPAT offices found throughout Panama are there to answer questions and help visitors explore the country. More than 50 foreign embassies and consulates are located in Panama City

HEALTH/WATER: No vaccines or pills are necessary prior to visiting our country. Remember, the tropical sun can be strong; so it’s wise to take protective sunglasses and sunscreen with you. Although Panama is indeed a tropical country, mosquito control is effective. Exceptions would include hiking and over-nighting in the jungle, in which case you should use protective insect repellant. Panama is the only country in Latin America where you can drink water straight from the tap.

DANGERS: Panama was given the highest ranking (along with the United States) for tourist safety from the Pinkerton Intelligence Agency. But as with any foreign destination, it is not advisable to walk around the streets flashing your money or valuable belongings. Reports of people being pick pocketed in Panama are rare, but it’s best to assume that pickpockets are around. Just use common sense and your intuition to protect yourself. Remember that the less attention you draw to yourself, the less likely you are to have an unpleasant experience.

HOTELS: Click here for Hotels in Panama