Why travel to
Panama is a great destination to travel to because it offers a little bit of everything to travelers. It has both a Caribbean and Pacific coastline, amazing beaches, rainforest hikes and wildlife, a vibrant nightlife in Panama City, and well-preserved colonial architecture in Panama City and Casco Viejo. Its variety of attractions and activities make it the perfect spot for a fun and exciting adventure.
Cost of living
The cost of living in Panama depends on the lifestyle and location desired. Generally speaking, items such as rent, food, transportation, utilities, and entertainment can be found at relatively affordable prices. Expats may find it more expensive to live in the more affluent areas, such as certain parts of Panama City.
Places to visit
- Panama Canal (Panama City): Also known as the 8th Wonder of the World, the Panama Canal is a man-made 82 km-long waterway that stretches across Panama. It was opened in 1914 and connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, allowing for ships to travel from the East coast of the United States to California in just 2 weeks what was formerly a 3-month journey.
- Casco Viejo (Panama City): Panama’s cultural and historical epicentre, Casco Viejo is the oldest neighborhood in Panama City and the former site of Old Panama. Here, you will find the UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Felipe, the colonial gem lined with cobblestone streets and beautifully preserved buildings from the 16th and 17th century and La Cinta Costera, which is a vibrant city park.
- Emberá Village (Chagres National Park): If you’re looking for an adventure, be sure to check out the Embera Village, an indigenous community located within the Chagres National Park. Offering an array of interactive cultural interactions, this tour provides an insight into the fascinating customs and crafts of the Emberá people.
- Bocas del Toro Archipelago (Bocas del Toro): Consisting of nine islands, the idyllic archipelago of Bocas del Toro is ideal for those chasing sun, sand, and surf. Here, you can relax on the white-sand beaches, explore mangrove forests, or surf renowned spots such as Playa Bluff.
- Portobelo (Colon Province): Located in the Colon Province, the Portobelo area is one of the most picturesque parts of Panama. Reminiscent of a 16th-century European village, Portobelo was once an important hub for trading goods, much of which was housed in its famous fortresses, San Felipe and Santiago.
Safety
Yes, it is generally safe to travel to Panama. The country has seen a decrease in crime in the last few years and the level of crime is lower than it was in the past. There are still some areas that are unsafe, so it is important to exercise caution and stay aware when travelling.
Food to try
- Carimañolas: Fried croquettes stuffed with minced beef, potatoes, and spices.
- Empanadas Caribeñas: Fried dough pockets stuffed with a variety of ingredients, such as seasoned beef, plantains, vegetables, and cheese.
- Arroz con Pollo: A traditional Panamanian dish made with chicken, rice, bell peppers, garlic, and onions.
- Yucca Frita: Crispy fried pieces of yucca root served with a garlic-parsley dipping sauce.
- Ceviche: A seafood dish prepared with fresh raw fish marinated in citrus juices, onions, tomato, peppers, and cilantro.
- Tamales: Corn dough steamed with a variety of fillings, such as chicken, pork, vegetables, and potatoes, inside a banana leaf.
- Sancocho de Gallina: A stew made with chicken, potatoes, pumpkin, yuca, and plantains.
Souvenirs
- Panama Hat – A key symbol of Panamanian culture, the Panama hat is a lightweight, woven hat made from the raffia palm tree that is perfect for the tropics.
- Embera Baskets – One of the oldest crafts in Panama and the best place to buy them is in the feria indigena markets in Panama City and in the comarca Embera villages on the roads to San Blas.
- Ceramic Mola – A colourful and intricate cloth art with brightly layered patterns made by the indigenous Kuna people.
- Woodcarvings – Unique art pieces crafted from local trees like cedar, mahogany, and ziricote.
- Artisan Jewelry – Handcrafted pieces made from local materials like seeds, shells, stones, and pearls.
- Panama Coffee – Some of the best coffee in the world, naturally sweet and flavorful, pest and environment friendly.
- Cocobolo Wood – Handcrafted wood products made from sustainable cocobolo, a dark reddish-brown tropical hardwood.
- Panama Flags – Show your pride with traditional or modern Panamanian flags, perfect to wave while celebrating or hang as a decoration.
- Ceramics – Pottery, sculptures, and decorative items crafted from clay by local artisans.
- Panama Beer – Enjoy refreshing craft beer from Panama’s most popular breweries, such as Balboa and Atlas.