Plan Your Panama Trip
Everything you need to know before your visit — from weather and transportation to local culture, practical tips, and recommendations from people who live here.
The essentials, sorted in minutes.
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A small country with a big personality.
What we'd tell a friend visiting for the first time.
Best Place to Watch Ships Transit the Canal
Atlantic Side — Agua Clara and Gatun.
Best Time to Explore Casco Viejo
Mornings are best for museums, churches, and history, while late afternoons offer cooler temperatures, beautiful light, and sunset views.
Best Local Breakfast
Hojaldres, carimañolas, corn tortillas, corn empanadas, yuca, patacones, eggs, and a good cup of Panamanian coffee. Local favorites often include stewed sausage, fried beef, and fresh tropical fruits like pineapple and papaya.
Best Souvenir to Bring Home
Panamanian coffee, molas, sombrero pintao, handmade crafts, locally made products, and traditional Picante Chombo — a local favorite with a rich Afro-Caribbean heritage and a story we'll be happy to share.
Most Underrated Destination
Colón. From the Atlantic side of the Canal and historic fortifications to Caribbean culture, beaches, nature, and local communities, it offers some of the most authentic experiences in Panama.
Follow your appetite — Panama rewards it.
Foods to Try
Sancocho, ropa vieja, arroz con pollo with potato salad and platano en tentación, fried fish with patacones, hojaldres with stewed sausage, pulpo a la costeña, patí, plantinta, torrejitas de bacalao and traditional desserts like queque are just a few of the local favorites we recommend trying while exploring Panama.
Coffee Culture
Panamanian coffee is recognized worldwide for its quality. The highlands of Boquete produce some of the country's finest specialty coffees, including the famous Geisha variety, known for its exceptional aroma, flavor, and international reputation.
Seafood Favorites
Corvina, pargo, kingfish, octopus, shrimp, lobster, squid are local favorites. Whether served fried, grilled, al escabeche, in coconut sauce or as a fresh ceviche, seafood is one of the highlights of Panama's coastal cuisine.
Local Drinks
From a cold Balboa or Panamá beer to the world-renowned Ron Abuelo, Seco Herrerano, chicheme, arroz con piña, limón con raspadura, saril and fresh pipa (coconut water), Panama offers local flavors enjoyed across generations.
Small details that make a big difference.
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The traditions and celebrations that shape the year.
Martyrs' Day (January 9)
A national holiday that commemorates the events that helped shape Panama's sovereignty and history. One of the country's most important civic observances.
Festival de las Mil Polleras
Held on the second Saturday of January in Las Tablas, this cultural celebration showcases Panama's national dress and traditional folklore.
Congo Culture
Beginning on January 20th (Day of Saint Sebastian) and continuing through Ash Wednesday, Congo communities celebrate their Afro-Panamanian heritage through music, dance, storytelling, and traditions recognized by UNESCO.
Carnival
Four days of music, culecos, parades, Carnival Queens, and celebrations leading up to Ash Wednesday. Las Tablas hosts the country's most famous Carnival.
Holy Week (Semana Santa)
One of Panama's most important religious observances, bringing processions, traditions, and family gatherings throughout the country.
Corpus Christi
A centuries-old tradition celebrated throughout Panama, especially in the Azuero Peninsula, featuring dances, masks, and cultural expressions recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Festival Nacional de la Mejorana
One of Panama's most important folkloric festivals, celebrating traditional music, décimas, rural culture, and the heritage of the Panamanian countryside.
The Black Christ of Portobelo / El Nazareno
Every October 21st, thousands of pilgrims travel to Portobelo to honor one of Panama's most beloved religious traditions.
Patriotic Month (November)
A month of parades, flags, school bands, and national celebrations commemorating Panama's independence, separation, and key moments in the country's history.
Mother's Day (December 8)
One of the country's most important family celebrations and an official national holiday observed throughout Panama.
Christmas & New Year
A festive season filled with family gatherings, celebrations, traditional meals, fireworks, and holiday traditions across the country.
Free Panama Visitor Guide
Our local team's favorite recommendations, practical travel tips, foods to try, and useful information to help you make the most of your visit.
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