Panama

Country Information Panama

Nestled between the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, Panama is a vibrant country known for its unique blend of cultures, modern infrastructure, and biodiverse landscapes. From the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal to lush rainforests teeming with wildlife, Panama offers a mix of natural beauty and urban sophistication that appeals to travellers and explorers alike.

As the crossroads of the Americas, Panama is rich in historical significance, linking North and South America through its canal and making it a melting pot of cultural influences. Beyond its well-known urban hub of Panama City, Panama boasts national parks, pristine beaches, and diverse marine life that attract eco-tourists and adventure seekers. Whether visiting the charming colonial town of Casco Viejo, trekking through the dense jungles of Darien National Park, or exploring the crystal-clear waters of Bocas del Toro, Panama promises unique experiences for travellers interested in both relaxation and discovery.

Our Panama trips:

Volunteering Panama: Marine conservation and PADI Certification

Highlights in Panama

The iconic Panama Canal is a marvel of engineering and a must-see for visitors. It stretches 82 kilometres across the country, connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and allowing ships to transit between them. The Miraflores Locks offer an educational and exciting view of this world-famous waterway.

Geography of Panama

Covering approximately 75,000 square kilometres, Panama is bordered by Costa Rica to the west, Colombia to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the south, and the Caribbean Sea to the north. Its landscape is diverse, with lowland jungles, mountainous regions, and over 1,500 islands along both coastlines. The continental divide runs through Panama, creating distinct ecological zones, from tropical rainforests and savannahs to mangrove forests along its coasts. The Pacific and Caribbean coasts bring different experiences: the Pacific offers wide sandy beaches with strong tides, attracting surfers and ocean enthusiasts, while the Caribbean coast has calmer, clear waters suited to snorkelling and diving around vibrant coral reefs.

Inland, rainforests provide critical habitats for diverse wildlife, from jaguars and howler monkeys to a variety of bird species. These dense forests play an essential role in regulating the region’s climate and supporting biodiversity. Further, the country’s highland areas, such as Boquete, offer cooler temperatures and scenic views, popular for hiking and birdwatching. Panama’s topography creates opportunities for both coastal and mountain activities within a relatively small area, making it an appealing destination for nature-focused travel.

Traveling tips and interesting facts about Panama

- Buses: The main form of public transport, buses are affordable and well-connected between cities and towns. Modern Metro buses serve Panama City, while traditional 'diablo rojos' – generally repurposed school buses—operate around most of the country.
- Taxis: Taxis are a popular way to get around urban areas and are generally affordable. It's common to negotiate the fare in advance as most taxis don’t use meters.
- Car Hire: Renting a car provides flexibility for travellers who want to explore the countryside. However, road conditions vary, and careful driving is recommended, especially in remote areas.
- Domestic Flights: Several local airlines offer flights to various regions, including Bocas del Toro and David, making travel between popular destinations convenient.
- New Year's Day: January 1st
- Martyrs' Day: January 9th
- Holy Week (Semana Santa): variable dates (during the week leading up to Easter Sunday, so usually between late March and mid-April)
- Labour Day: May 1st
- Independence from Spain: November 28th
- Christmas: December 25th
Note: Public holidays are often celebrated with parades and festivities, especially around independence days, so booking in advance is advisable during these times.

Climate in Panama

Panama has a tropical climate with little temperature variation throughout the year, averaging between 25°C and 30°C. The rainy season lasts from May to November, while the dry season extends from December to April. Coastal regions are typically warm and humid, while the highlands offer a cooler, more temperate climate.

The rainy season transforms the landscape, bringing lush greenery, flowing rivers, and fewer crowds, making it ideal for nature lovers and photographers seeking vibrant, less-travelled environments—often at lower travel costs. The dry season, with its predictable weather and clearer skies, is perfect for beachgoers, hikers, and those exploring remote areas, as trails and roads are generally more accessible. Both seasons offer distinct experiences, allowing visitors to enjoy Panama’s natural beauty at any time of year.

Flora und Fauna in Panama

Panama’s biodiversity spans an impressive range of ecosystems, each teeming with unique species. The lowland rainforests of Darién National Park, one of the most biodiverse areas in Central America, host iconic species like jaguars, ocelots, tapirs, and howler monkeys, along with colourful birdlife such as harpy eagles and resplendent quetzals. In contrast, the cooler, misty cloud forests of the Chiriquí Highlands, especially around Boquete and El Valle de Antón, nurture unique plant species, including numerous orchid varieties and towering trees that create a habitat for species like the elusive umbrella bird and rare amphibians. These highland areas also provide critical watersheds for surrounding ecosystems.

The coastal and marine ecosystems are equally rich, particularly in the San Blas and Bocas del Toro archipelagos. Bocas del Toro is a biodiversity hotspot for marine life and offers a window into Panama’s vibrant underwater world. The surrounding coral reefs are home to a dazzling variety of species, including nurse sharks, eagle rays, parrotfish, and seahorses. Bocas del Toro is also a critical area for sea turtles—several species, including hawksbill and leatherback turtles, nest along its beaches. Dolphins, especially bottlenose dolphins, are frequently spotted in the calm bays, and the area’s mangroves provide essential nursery grounds for young fish, crustaceans, and marine invertebrates.

Further along Panama’s coastlines, extensive mangrove swamps serve as transitional habitats between land and sea, supporting an array of fish and bird species. The Pacific coast’s Isla Coiba Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a prime example of marine biodiversity with its healthy coral reefs and populations of larger marine animals, including humpback whales, hammerhead sharks, and massive schools of fish. Each of these regions contributes to Panama’s overall ecological richness, making it a significant centre for biodiversity conservation and is also a real paradise for nature lovers.

Cuisine in Panama

Panamanian cuisine is a vibrant blend of indigenous, African, and Spanish influences, with staple ingredients like rice, beans, and plantains. Sancocho, a beloved national dish, is a hearty chicken soup made with yucca, corn, and flavourful herbs. Along the coasts, fresh seafood is abundant, with ceviche and grilled fish being popular choices. Tasty street foods, such as empanadas and tamales, are widely enjoyed, as are fresh tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and papaya.

Other popular traditional dishes include ropa vieja, a savory shredded beef stew served with rice, and carimañolas, deep-fried yucca rolls stuffed with meat or cheese. Panama is also known for its high-quality coffee, grown in the Boquete highlands, and chocolate made from locally cultivated cacao.

Social geography in Panama

Panama has a population of around 4.5 million, with a large proportion of young people. Most Panamanians live in urban areas, especially in and around Panama City, which serves as the country's economic and cultural hub. The population is ethnically diverse, comprising Mestizo, Afro-Panamanian, and indigenous groups, including the Guna, Emberá, and Ngäbe-Buglé communities.
In Panama, Spanish is the official language and is spoken by most of the population. However, around 10-12% of Panamanians, primarily from indigenous communities, speak native languages. Indigenous languages such as Guna, Ngäbere, and Emberá are spoken within the respective communities, particularly in autonomous regions known as comarcas, as well as some rural areas. While these languages are less commonly spoken outside these communities, indigenous language preservation efforts are ongoing, and bilingual education programs exist in some areas to support both Spanish and indigenous language use. English is also widely understood, especially in urban centres like Panama City and tourist regions.
The main industries in Panama include finance, logistics, and international trade, driven largely by the Panama Canal, which is a critical global shipping route. Many Panamanians work in these sectors, especially in the capital, where jobs are often in banking, shipping, and port services. Tourism and agriculture are also significant, with agriculture more common in rural areas. Panama’s highland regions, like Boquete, are known for coffee production, while coastal areas engage in fishing and subsistence farming, supporting both the local economy and export markets.
Panama is politically stable, with democratic institutions and steady economic growth driven by the Panama Canal and key sectors like finance and logistics. While generally safe for travellers, visitors should exercise caution in certain urban areas, particularly at night, as petty crime can occur in specific neighbourhoods of Panama City. Rural areas are generally quieter and safer. The government prioritizes public security, but basic precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas and securing belongings, are recommended.
Catholicism is the dominant religion in Panama, with around 70% of the population identifying as Catholic, influencing many public holidays and cultural practices. Protestantism also has a significant presence, especially among certain indigenous and Afro-Panamanian groups. Indigenous communities often blend their traditional spiritual practices with Catholicism, creating a unique mix of beliefs that honour nature and ancestors while incorporating Catholic saints and rituals.