Location: Central America, connecting Costa Rica to Colombia and bridging the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.
Capital: Panama City.
Currency: Panamanian Balboa (PAB) and US Dollar (USD), used interchangeably.
Language: Spanish (English widely spoken in cities and tourist areas).
Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC–5).
Best Time to Visit: Mid-December to mid-April (dry season).
Main Airport: Tocumen International Airport (PTY), located about 30 minutes from downtown Panama City.
Getting Around: Uber and taxis are reliable within Panama City. For day trips, hire a private driver or join a guided tour.
What to Expect
Panama City is a dynamic blend of old-world charm and modern marvels — where colonial streets meet glittering skyscrapers and one of the greatest engineering feats on earth. The city offers tropical heat, vibrant culture, and easy access to both rainforest and coastline. Visitors can explore its UNESCO-listed Casco Viejo, experience indigenous heritage, and witness the iconic Panama Canal in action.
Day 1 – Exploring Casco Viejo
- Arrive in Panama City (fly into Tocumen International Airport) and take an Uber to Casco Viejo, the city’s historic district — note that traffic can be slow.
- Check into the Sofitel Legend, a luxurious property blending French elegance with Panamanian charm.
- Stroll through Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with colorful colonial buildings, boutique shops, and lively plazas.
- Visit landmarks like the Metropolitan Cathedral, Palacio de las Garzas (Presidential Palace), and Plaza de Francia.
- Stop for coffee and croissants at Café Pepe or head to Sisu Coffee Studio for specialty brews — including the famous Geisha coffee — if you catch them before they close.
- Beat the heat by relaxing at your hotel pool or visiting the Museo de la Mola (MUMO), a free museum celebrating the vibrant textile art of the Guna women.
- In the evening, wander Casco’s cobblestone streets and enjoy a drink at Plaza Bolívar near Hotel Colombia.
- For dinner, book a table at Fonda Lo Que Hay, one of Panama’s most acclaimed restaurants — reservations are highly recommended.
Day 2 – Indigenous Culture & the Panama Canal
- Take a guided day trip to the Emberá Village in Chagres National Park (about 1 hour from Panama City). Travel by canoe up the Chagres River to reach the community and immerse yourself in traditional music, dance, and artisan crafts while learning about their connection to the rainforest.
- Have lunch inside the national park — if you’re lucky, you might spot turtles or crocodiles near the riverbanks.
- Return to the city and visit the Miraflores Locks, one of the most fascinating parts of the Panama Canal. Watch massive ships pass through the locks and explore the visitor center’s exhibits and short film on the canal’s history.
- Head back to Casco Viejo for dinner at Hotel La Compañía, where five different restaurants offer diverse cuisines around a stunning courtyard.
Day 3 – Agua Clara Locks & the Caribbean Coast
- Drive to the Agua Clara Visitor Center on the Atlantic side of the canal to see the new, expanded locks and panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest.
- Continue to Fort San Lorenzo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking the mouth of the Chagres River. Explore the fortress ruins, walk jungle trails, and enjoy sweeping views of the Caribbean.
- Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant serving Caribbean-inspired dishes — think fresh seafood and tropical flavors.
- Relax at one of the nearby Caribbean beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or simply soaking in the turquoise waters.
- Return to Panama City and close your trip with dinner at Maito, consistently ranked among Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants.
