Panama is a fascinating country filled with a variety of stunning landscapes, steeped in rich cultural traditions and home to an abundance of wildlife. However, due to the dominance of the Panama Canal and past political instability, it can be said that tourism is in its infancy and for this reason, Panama may not suit everybody.  Even other countries within Central America are considerably more developed and professional in terms of general standards.

 

It should be noted that English is not widely spoken around the country, especially in the remote regions such as San Blas. A basic grasp of Spanish will be beneficial (and appreciated by the locals) although you can still enjoy the country without it.

 

Currency
The US dollar is the official currency in Panama although it is referred to as the Balboa. The Balboa has exactly the same value and appearance as the US dollar (approximately $2 to the £1) and the two are completely interchangeable.

 

Visas
UK passport holders do not require visas to visit Panama for stays up to 3 months. Ensure you have at least 6 months to run on your passport from the time of arrival into Panama.

 

Language
Spanish is the official language. There are 14 local languages and dialects.  English is not widely spoken outside Panama City although communication with Panamanians is not normally difficult as they will often go out of their way to help.

 

Vaccinations / Health
Typhoid, Tetanus, Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A and Diptheria vaccinations are advisable, as well as a course of anti-malaria tablets. You should always check with your doctor for the latest health requirements no later than four weeks prior to departure and/or refer to the Centre for Disease Control website >

Reduce mosquito bites by using good skin repellent and wearing long sleeve shirts and trousers to cover otherwise exposed part of your body. We also recommend use of a sun block to protect your skin against the strong tropical sun. In places such as San Blas and Bocas del Toro, it is advisable to wear a hat and 100% sun block as the sun is very intensive and many journeys are made in open-top boats.

The heat and humidity of the tropics makes you sweat profusely and can also make you feel lethargic – to avoid cramps and heat exhaustion it is important to maintain a high fluid intake and ensure your food is well salted. Although it is claimed that water in Panama is potable, we recommend you use bottled water (even for brushing your teeth) with a seal that has not been broken.

 

Food & Drink
Panamanian cuisine reflects its ethnic diversity comprising a mixture of Latin American staple foods, such as rice and beans, combined with West Indian flavours and European, Chinese and Indian influences.  Panama’s national dish is Sancocho, a spicy chicken and vegetable stew.  Pasties (empanadas) and deep-fried yucca, stuffed with chicken or beef (carimanolas), are delicious and often sold on the roadside. Fish is in abundance, and rice and plantains are served with most dishes. The average cost of a three course meal is approximately $25 per person excluding drinks, although dining in more decadent restaurants can cost anything up to $50 per person. Panamanian restaurants, across the country, serve good inexpensive set meals (comida corriente) for only $3 to $4 per person.  The national alcoholic drink is Seco con leche, rum distilled from sugarcane, served with milk and ice. Excellent local lagers include Soberana or Panama.  Expect to pay about $1 for a beer. Exotic fruit juices are plentiful in addition to delicious fresh coconut juice.

 

Accommodation
Wherever possible, we have sought to include the more characterful, charming, locally-owned properties in Panama. However, it should be noted that the country has a limited supply of good hotels / lodges. They are mostly simple properties offering basic facilities and a service which can, at times, be slow and indifferent. For example, don’t always expect a smile or information to be given to you at check-in. This is not due to a lack of friendliness, but rather a reflection of their reserved nature and lack of training.

 

The archipélago of San Blas is a unique, fascinating and beautiful area, a region that really should not be missed, but do bear in mind that the lodges are generally wooden, thatched constructions, cooled only by sea breezes, with no hot water (and note that water pressure is very low) and limited electricity supplies.

 

Naturally, there are some exceptions including the luxurious hotel, Villa Camilla, and the boutique aqua-lodge of Punta Caracol. However, Panama is not a suitable country to choose if you are looking for mostly luxurious accommodation.

 

Hotel Gradings  
There is no official class or star system for accommodation.  The standard of accommodation in Panama is generally basic but the properties featured by us are of an acceptable European level.   Where more basic accommodation is used, this is pointed out in the individual property descriptions.

 

Weather / When to go
Panama has a tropical climate which varies according to altitude, location and season.  With the exception of the highlands, it has an average year-round temperature of 30°C and a high level of humidity (average 80%).  The best time to visit Panama is during the dry season from December to April, although short heavy downpours are always to be expected on the Caribbean side during this time. The average rainfall is 1,500mm along the Pacific coast and 2,500mm on the Caribbean side.

 

The Panama Province enjoys hot sunny days, clear blue skies and little (if any) rain during the dry season.  The Azuero Peninsula has a hot and dry climate during the dry season with an average temperature of 27°C.  El Valle boasts a year-round, spring-like climate with an average temperature of 18°C, plenty of sunshine and frequent but light showers.  Similarly Boquete, set in the Cordillera Central mountain range (at approximately 2000m above sea level), enjoys a very comfortable, humidity-free climate year-round. The average temperature is 18°C and nights are cool. There is no need for air-conditioning or heating in this region. The climate in the Chiriquí archipélago is mostly sunny with temperatures from 24-31°C during the dry season. Between April and mid December, expect afternoon showers. The climate on the Caribbean Coast, including Bocas del Toro, Colón and San Blas, is more inconsistent and there is not such a clear distinction between the dry and wet seasons. The dry season fluctuates between several days of sustained sunshine with several days of rain. February, March, September and October are the drier months in this region.

 

Time
Panama is five hours behind Greenwich Mean Time.

 

Driving
Self-drive is recommended in the western regions of Panama allowing greater flexibility to visit the surrounding areas of El Valle, the Azuero Peninsula and Boquete. The main roads are in good condition and some of the best we have seen in Central America. The roads are generally asphalted and potholes are few and far between. Signage is generally poor but you will be provided with full directions from our ground agent upon collection of the vehicle.  There are occasional tolls on the Pan-American Highway (approximately $1/vehicle). There is relatively little traffic once outside the cities of Panama City and Colón. Note that driving in Panama City centre is not advisable as it is heavily congested and driving is very aggressive. Elsewhere, driving is generally civilised although do watch out for the brightly coloured, ‘Red Devil’ buses (Los Diablos Rojos), which have a reputation for driving erratically and at high speed. Fuel is inexpensive at approximately $2.43/gallon.

 

Recommended Reading
Panama guides published by Footprint and Lonely Planet provide useful tips and insight into the country. Also, the Panamanian Tourist Board offers useful information on its website.