First of all, congrats on choosing Panama! It is a great tropical destination with a bounty of refreshing experiences that will not disappoint. On the contrary, it will surprise you at every step of the trip with an unbelievable collection of lush tropical forests and endless perfect white beaches. The number of wildlife species found here is mind blowing and very unique. Continue reading to get a brief view of Panama and what it offers.
People
The people of Panama are very friendly! They are the most welcoming people in Central America and they take great pride in teaching you about the history, significance and facts of the region. If you speak Spanish, then you are in for a great trip as you can learn a lot more about the places you visit than just what you see. Another great feature of Panamanians is that they love trying to practice and learn English with you, so you don’t have to hesitate to speak in English. Also, they will gladly teach you some common Spanish words.
Language
The official and widely-spoken language here is Spanish. Only fourteen percent of the population speaks English, which is mostly only in Panama City. The Spanish spoken here varies slightly from the one spoken in Spain and is called Panamanian Spanish. This type of Spanish is common in the Central American coastal countries like Costa Rica and Dominican Republic. Apart from English, Panamanian Spanish is influenced by native languages like the Kuna and Ngabere languages. Although it is not necessary, it is always better to pick up a few Spanish words before heading to the country. Also check out this article to learn some important words and phrases you will need to know.
Cuisine
One of the aspects of traveling that we all look forward to is the cuisine. Panamanian cuisine is a unique mixture of Spanish, Afro-Caribbean and Native American cuisine. Most of the dishes largely consist of seafood, fresh tropical fruits and vegetables, rice and protein-rich pulses. Yucca, is a type of bread made from the cassava plant and it is a typical breakfast item in the Caribbean. If you are not from Central America, then almost all the dishes will be relatively new to you and you will have a surprise for each meal. You will find plenty of street vendors selling fresh juice and coconut water and make sure you try them as they will not only cool down your body, they also have an authentic rich flavor as the fruits are unadulterated. The desserts are also tasty, especially cakes and pies. Some places, especially the beaches, offer unbelievable deals on alcohol with happy hours, freebies and legendary cocktails, so happy drinking!
You will find American and Asian food in some places, but try the local cuisine as much as you can. There are 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 heading to those places.
Climate
Panama has a typical tropical climate and just two seasons – the wet and dry seasons. The sun is out throughout the day so even the winter season in other parts of the world will mean heat here. The dry season is usually between December to April and the rainy season from May to November. You don’t have to worry about the rainy season much as it does not rain throughout the day; there will be 2-3 hours of showers in a day and then the sun shines as usual.
Currency
The United States dollar is accepted everywhere in the country. There are online mentions of the Panamanian Balboa as a form of currency as well, but the most dominant one in circulation is the dollar. However, you don’t have to worry about the dual currency as the value of the dollar and the balboa are the same. The balboa bills are not printed and only coins are minted. These coins will not be usable in the U.S., so make sure you spend them here.
Exotic Experiences
Apart from the capital, Panama City, all the other towns and islands are relatively untouched by urbanization. Life goes on at a slow and relaxed pace, devoid of blaring vehicle horns. From a natural perspective, Panama has plenty to offer. The rainforests here are thousands of years old and unchanged by humans; they house an infinite collection of exquisite species of flora and fauna. The forests and mountains offer amazing trails for hiking and trekking. There are several waterfalls and hot springs as well. The beautiful sandy shores are endless and the waters are perfectly crystal clear beneath which a mesmerizing underwater world awaits. You can have great expeditions of snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing and kayaking. The countless groups of islands are best for island-hopping. Adding to this, there are several indigenous villages with natives still living the traditional way of life.
Traveling 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 there to several places nearby.
You will also find taxis in the bigger towns and cities. However, it is common for drivers to charge more when they know you are tourists, so make sure you negotiate to the right amount before getting into the taxi. There is Uber in Panama City.
In the coastal areas, the best option is to travel by water taxi and this is a great option if you want to go island-hopping. However, note that some islands that are relatively far from the mainland will be expensive. Some of the areas like the 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.
Safety
Panama is a safe destination to visit, but you must be careful of pickpockets in crowded areas as they are known to prey on tourists. Do not venture deep into places like Darien, especially near the Colombian borders, as the Darien Gap stands as the most dangerous jungle in the world. Human trafficking, drugs, kidnapping and Colombian guerillas are what happens here and you must steer clear of this place. Also, while you are in the forests, make sure you don’t venture alone as wild animals are in plenty. Apart from this, you need not worry about any other place. As long as you heed the instructions and travel with a guide in remote locations, you will not face any issue on your stay.
What Not To Do
- Never take pictures with or of the indigenous people without their consent.
- Always carry a valid ID with you, but NOT your passport; keep your passport extremely secure.
- Do not indulge in any activity or gestures that might offend the locals.
- Don’t venture alone into the wilderness, especially at night.
Hot Spots In Panama:
