Panama City
Basic Info
Panama offers diverse landscapes from tropical beaches to lush forests.. The official language is Spanish. English is also widely spoken in urban areas and tourist spots. The official currency of Panama is the Panamanian Balboa (PAB). However, Panama is unique because it is officially bilingual in terms of currency; the US Dollar (USD) is also accepted everywhere and is actually used more frequently in cash transactions.
For U.S. citizens traveling to Panama, a passport valid for at least three months beyond the date of entry is required. A visa is not required for stays of up to 180 days.
The best time to visit Panama is during the dry season, which runs from mid-December to mid-April. No vaccinations are required to enter Panama.
Electricity in Panama is 110 volts, AC at 60 Hz, which is the same as the United States, so you won't need a converter for your electronic devices if you're traveling from the US.
Day 1 Explore Casco Viejo
We flew into Panama City from Houston and then took an Uber from the airport to Casco Viejo (old city). It was a painfully slow ride due to traffic.
We had booked the Sofitel Legend- a luxurious hotel brand known for its iconic properties that blend local culture with French art de vivre, offering guests a timeless and elegant experience.. Depending on when you arrive, spend your day in Panama City's historic district. This UNESCO World Heritage site is filled with charming colonial buildings, quaint shops, and cafés. Key spots to visit include the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Palacio de las Garzas (Presidential Palace), and the Plaza de Francia.
Enjoy coffee at Cafe Pepe - has great coffee and croissants and other breakfast items. As an alternative try Sisu Coffee studio. They open only at 9AM and close early so we were not lucky to have it but it looked so good and I would love to go back just to have the coffee here. Might be a great place to try the Geisha Coffee.
Panama is pretty hot and humid so you can either enjoy the afternoon inside a museum or at the hotel by the pool.
The Museo de la Mola (MUMO) is a free museum located in Casco Viejo. This five-room museum celebrates the mola – vibrant textile art handcrafted by indigenous Guna women from the San Blas Archipelago. It is a great way to spend a hot afternoon!!!
Evening can be spent strolling in the old town again. Get drinks at Plaza Bolivar just in front of Hotel Colombia.
There are some excellent restaurants for dinner - Fundo Lo Que Hay is an excellent option. Dinner reservations are highly recommended.
Day 2: Cultural Depth and Engineering Marvels
Begin your day with a deeply enriching experience at the Emberá village. This visit offers a unique opportunity to step into the world of Panama's indigenous Emberá people. You’ll be welcomed with traditional music and dance, have the chance to explore their crafts, and learn about their connection to nature. It's a profound way to understand the diverse cultural tapestry of Panama. To visit the Emberá village, you typically start with a drive from Panama City to the Chagres National Park, which usually takes about an hour. From there, you'll embark on a picturesque canoe ride up the Chagres River.
Have lunch inside the national park at the only restaurant there. If you are lucky you might get to see some crocodiles and turtles.
After lunch, head to the Miraflores Locks, a key part of the Panama Canal. Here, you can observe massive ships as they meticulously pass through the locks, a testament to human ingenuity. The visitor center provides a detailed exhibition of the canal's construction and significance. Make sure to catch the short movie about the Panama Canal, which offers insightful commentary on how this monumental project transformed global trade.
Head back to Casco Viejo for dinner. I highly recommend getting a meal at one of the restaurants at Hotel La Compañia. You can choose from five different cuisines and the hotel has a beautiful courtyard that is to be seen to be believed.
Day 3: San Lorenzo & Agua Clara Locks
Begin your third day with a trip to the Agua Clara Visitor Center on the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal. This newer set of locks, larger and complementing the older Miraflores and Gatun Locks, allows the passage of bigger ships and offers a different perspective on the canal’s operation. The observation deck here provides a panoramic view of the canal and the surrounding rainforest.
Following your visit to the locks, take the opportunity to relax on a nearby beach along the Caribbean Sea. The golden sands and crystal-clear waters make for a perfect day. Whether you want to swim, sunbathe, or just stroll along the shore, the serene beaches.
Enjoy a lunch of Caribbean-inspired dishes at a local restaurant, where you can taste the fresh flavors that the coastal region has to offer.
Post-lunch, head to the historic Fort San Lorenzo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located at the mouth of the Chagres River. This well-preserved fortification offers not only a glimpse into the colonial history of Panama but also stunning views of the surrounding jungle and coastline. The area is also a fantastic spot for birdwatching, so bring your binoculars and keep an eye out for exotic species in their natural habitat. The hike to and around the fort through the lush trails provides a great way to end the day. For dinner I would highly recommend getting a table at Maito - ranked #6 in 2023 for Latin America’s 50 best restaurants.
