Every time you think of a Caribbean vacation, Costa Rica or West Indies probably comes to your mind. Well, Panama has been booming into a great Caribbean destination in recent times and once you know about the exotic experiences it offers, you will be booking flights and stays. If you think Panama is just about the legendary Panama Canal, you are terribly wrong!
Panama houses rich natural biodiversity with its infinite rainforests, mangroves, endless white-sand beaches, cozy hill towns, colorful and exquisite tropical animals and birds and a beautiful underwater kingdom. One of the best features of Panama, apart from its virgin natural system, is that it is free from typical tourist crowds. You can explore the lands at your own pace with ample privacy and quality time with yourself. In addition to arduous hiking, trekking, and underwater expeditions, you will also have the option to simply lie on the picture-perfect beaches or stroll through the abundant vegetation.
Simply put, Panama is a must-visit destination if you are a nature lover. The wilderness here is untouched and everything continues to thrive just as it has for centuries.
Panama is located in such a way that it acts as a natural bridge between the two continents, North and South America. The southern parts of the country share borders with Colombia while the western border is shared with Costa Rica. It is flanked by the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean on the other two sides. The geographical location of Panama has led to thriving biodiversity.
Before you plan a trip, you will obviously have a million questions in your mind and I have answered the most common ones here.
People, Language, and Lifestyle
Though Spanish is the official language, most people speak English as well as it is like a second language there. But make sure you learn some basic Spanish words or phrases to be on the safe side. A beautiful aspect of the Panamanian people is their warm and welcoming attitude. They love having tourists around and help them out gladly. With a lot of pride, they share stories, facts and the importance of the places. Apart from Panama City, all of the other towns have a slow pace of life. There will be no rush of vehicles and typical sounds of the city. You will love the relaxed and peaceful vibe. Panama has adopted the United States Dollar as its official currency and sometimes you might find it a little expensive.
Where Should I Go?
Of course, the first thing you need to sort out is your itinerary. Unlike other countries, getting around inside the country is easy and cheap as it is quite small and narrow. This is a great advantage as you can visit all parts of the country on your trip. Here are some of the top-rated places to visit in Panama that will give you a wholesome package.
§ Panama Canal
§ El Valle de Anton
§ San Blas Islands
§ Casco Viejo
§ Pearl Islands
§ Soberania National Park
§ Coiba Island National Park
§ Bocas del Toro
§ Portobelo
§ Boquete
For more information on the best places, check out this article.
When Should I Go?
The rainy season is between June to November and it is heavier on the Pacific side. February and March are great times to visit as it is the festive season with the Carnaval and the Holy Week of Easter. You will witness mesmerizing dances, colorful costumes, lively music and the entire town celebrating on the streets! December to March is the dry season and is the best time to visit.
How to Travel Around?
The best way to travel around the country is through local buses. Though major destinations have airports or runways, they are expensive, and as such, buses are a better option. As it is a small country, you will not find traveling on the road very tiring. Panama City, David, and Colon are major cities and you will find regular buses. Once you go to the coastal areas, the best option is to travel by water taxi. You can go island-hopping for extremely cheap rates. Some of the areas like Darien or Bocas del Toro will require you to take a short flight from Panama City as other options will be time-consuming and tiring. You can also rent bikes in certain towns and islands to travel around.
What Should I Carry?
Sunscreen. It is probably the first item you need to carry if you want to
survive the tropical heat. Moreover, there are numerous beach destinations and
it is best you carry your sunscreen everywhere. Next in line is insect
repellent. Panama has dense vegetation and forests, so repellents are a must.
If you are traveling to remote areas or sparsely populated areas, it is a must
to stock up on food and battery supplies.
§ Sunscreen and repellants are a necessity.
§ Pack light and loose-fitting clothing as the temperature here is warm throughout the year.
§ If you are planning to hike or trek, bring suitable jackets and boots.
§ Bring your DSLR! There are postcard-perfect settings here and exotic wildlife so you would greatly (See my article about choosing best cameras for a trip to Panama)
regret it if you leave your camera behind.
§ Carry binoculars (to spot wildlife!).
Read my article about packing for Panama.
Where Can I Stay?
Throughout the country, except remote places like some islands and in dense forest areas like the Darien, you will have a good number of options to choose from. You will also find the stays here much cheaper in comparison to other places. The popular islands like Isla Secas and Isla Colon have upscale all-inclusive resorts that offer a luxurious and memorable stay. In some places, you have to put up in basic hostels and dormitories. There are plenty of homestays and backpackers’ hostels. In addition to regular accommodation, you can also stay on the beaches in cabins or tents.
What Type of Food to Expect?
Panamanian cuisine is a mixture of Spanish, Afro-Caribbean and Native American cuisines. Most of the dishes largely consist of seafood and fresh tropical fruits and vegetables. Rice and protein-rich pulses are also common. Yucca is a type of bread made from the cassava plant and it is a typical breakfast item in the Caribbean. In most towns, you will find plenty of street vendors selling fresh juice and coconut water. Make sure you try them as they will not only cool down your body, but they have an authentic and organic flavor. They have tasty cakes as well. The beaches are the best place to try some of the legendary cocktails, which you can sip on watching the sunsets. Some places offer unbelievable deals on alcohol with happy hours and freebies, so have fun!
In some developed towns and cities, you will find American and Asian food as well.
You will find good eateries, especially in the coastal areas and towns. However, in remote areas like certain islands and the Darien province, you will not find restaurants and you have to stock up on food supplies before you head to those places.
What Should I Not do?
§ Do not flaunt your valuables in public as you might be at risk of getting robbed.
§ Do not take pictures of the indigenous communities without first asking permission.
§ Do not harm the natural ecosystem in any way as it is punishable by law.
§ Do not buy products made from reptiles or turtles, and do not buy live wild animals, either; it is a punishable offense.
What’s Hot In Panama?
