Remarkable  Panama holidays & tours

The best time to visit Panama is the driest season, from January to mid-April. Temperatures stay relatively consistent year-round in this tropical country, averaging 30C, but you’ll find different climate conditions depending which coast you visit. The wet season on the Pacific Coast runs from May to November, while on the Caribbean coast you can expect short downpours almost every day year-round, interspersed with brilliant sunshine. 

UK citizens do not need a visa for stays of up to three months in Panama, if you arrive by land, air or on a cruise ship, although you must have at least six months remaining on your passport before expiry. You don’t need a visa if you are travelling through the Panama Canal either. Different regulations apply if you are arriving by sea on a vessel that is not a cruise ship. Requirements can change, though – for the most up-to-date information on visas, please use the quick-check tool on our visa requirements page. 

No Panama holidays are complete without a stay in the capital, Panama City, where you can enjoy the buzz of the modern city, discover the original 16th century settlement, and the attractive old town. For many, it’s a stop before sailing through the Panama Canal, one of the world’s engineering wonders, set amid lush rainforest that’s home to some of Panama’s protected wildlife. But that’s only the beginning of what you can see on a Panama tour, including the chance to visit historic Portobelo, a vital trading port for centuries, where Inca wealth was shipped back to Spain, and the colonial buildings of Pedasí. There are two beautiful coasts to discover, including the idyllic San Blas archipelago and Bocas del Toro islands, not to mention a string of surf beaches on the Pacific coast and snorkelling and sunbathing on the Caribbean side. Or head into the hills at Chiriqui, where there’s hiking and white-water rafting to discover, as well as indigenous culture.

The biggest risk for most visitors to Panama is pickpocketing or bag-snatching, especially in busy areas and on buses or at bus stations. Avoid carrying valuables with you where possible or keep them hidden otherwise. While foreign nationals do need to carry ID, a copy of your passport should be acceptable. If you are withdrawing cash, try to use an ATM inside a bank or shopping centre, which are safer and take sensible precautions such as avoiding isolated areas after dark. Some areas are also unsafe for swimming, while it’s also not advisable to hike in the hills around Boquete and the Province of Chiriqui without a guide. If you’re joining a guided Panama tour, your tour manager can advise of any specific risks.

The official currency of Panama is the balboa but the currency is tied to the US dollar, which is legal tender in the country. Panama does not print any paper currency, so if you’re using notes, the only option is to pay with US dollars. The balboa divides into 100 cents, which come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50, and which are the same size, weight and colour as US coins. You can use either currency interchangeably, and you’ll see prices marked in B (for balboa) and $, but both have the same value. Credit cards, especially Mastercard and Visa, are usually accepted in cities, although smaller restaurants and shops may only take cash. Outside cities and major tourist centres, you’re likely to need cash in small denominations to pay, and there may not be ATMs easily available. It’s best to exchange money to US dollars for your Panama holidays before you arrive.

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to the best beaches in Panama, with two separate coasts to choose from, including relaxed Caribbean coves, surfing on the Pacific coast, and secluded islands to escape to. The idyllic pale sand and astonishingly clear turquoise waters of the San Blas Archipelago are easily some of the loveliest – with 365 islands, you won’t be short of options but Isla Perro, Isla Banedub, Chichime, Isla Robeson and El Porvenir are among the most popular. Further north on the Caribbean coast, the Bocas del Toro islands are equally lovely – Playa Estrella is known for the starfish living in its translucent waters. On the Pacific coast, the wide expanse of sand at Playa Blanca, near El Farallón del Chiru, is home to some of the country’s main beach resorts, while nearby Playa Santa Clara is popular with families. For a more active day at the beach, the swells off the black sands of Playa Venao are perfect for surfers, including novices. Or if you’re hoping to snorkel, it’s hard to beat the beaches at the Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park, which has one of the largest reefs in the Pacific.

With everything from hiking to rafting, not to mention activities at the coast, it’s easy to plan plenty of days outdoors during your Panama holidays. Walkers will love hiking in the Chiriqui Highlands, or some of the easier trails at El Valle, passing waterfalls cascading in the forests. There’s also whitewater rafting on the rivers in Chiriqui province; the Majagua and Gariche Rivers tend to be a little calmer. Or explore the rainforests around the Panama Canal, including the Soberania National Park, where the birdlife is astonishingly rich. You’ll also find surfing, snorkelling and diving along the coasts.

There’s no rail network in Panama – Panama City has a metro system, and there’s a train which runs from the capital to Colon, but otherwise you’ll need to use buses to get around the country. The extensive intercity bus network connects most major cities and destinations; expect just a couple of dozen seats aboard, freezing air con and loud music as you go. Otherwise, driving outside Panama City is relatively easy, although roads aren’t always well maintained. There are also boats to take you along the country’s waterways, including powered canoes to the San Blas archipelago, small passenger boats to the other islands such as Bocas del Toro, as well as some ferries. While there are domestic flights, they tend to be more expensive than getting around by road, and planes are only necessary for a few more remote regions. You can also join a guided Panama tour if you’d prefer not to arrange your own bus travel.

The bridge between North and South America, Panama has been a crossroads and a meeting-point for cultures and peoples across the centuries, and you can still discover indigenous heritage, particularly of the Guna tribe, during your Panama holidays. In Panama City, Casco Antiguo (or Casco Viejo, the old quarter) dates back to 1673 and the UNESCO World Heritage site is fascinating to walk around, home to the city’s cathedral and the Church of San Jose with its golden altar. The area also houses a string of museums, including the Museo del Canal. Or Panama Viejo, the remains of the country’s original capital dating back to 1519, was the first permanent European settlement on the Pacific Ocean. You can explore the Old Panama Cathedral, as well as a chance to walk through Old Panama, whose layout has stayed much the same for centuries. Outside the capital, Portobelo was a vital port from the 16th century on, where you can see the ruins of forts built to defend against pirate attacks. Or one of Panama’s most unusual cultural attractions is Biomuseo; designed by Frank Gehry, the eight galleries look at the area’s biodiversity, including human history, marine life and the country’s ecosystems.

Panama’s tropical climate means you can expect it to be hot and humid year-round, so lightweight fabrics are a good option when you’re packing for your Panama holidays. And while you won’t be expected to cover up completely (unless you’re visiting a church or religious site), Panama is generally relatively conservative so avoid anything too short or revealing. Outfits in Panama City tend to be more stylish than elsewhere in the country, where casual outfits are most common. If you’re heading into the hills for hiking, you’ll also need additional layers, especially for early mornings, as well as sturdy footwear. Always bring a lightweight raincoat and umbrella, as heavy rain is common throughout the year, along with high factor SPF and a hat against the strong sun. High-strength mosquito repellent is also essential, particularly in the countryside and rainforests, as dengue fever is present (although there’s little risk of malaria). For more tips, check out our packing guide.