
The Panamenian Pacific coast
Is the home of the Coiba national park and is nick-named the Panamanian Galapagos for its unique, aquatic life!
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Bocas del Toro
Panama is famous for its endless coastlines along both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, its lush rainforest, it's biodiversity and its extravagant surfing. The deserted islands off the coast of Panama and the chilled out vibe of the Caribbean are synonymous with Panama as are the bigger surf waves on the Pacific coast. The diving is fantastic, the snorkelling is spectacular and swimming with sea turtles is incredible and that is just on the coastal area! Further inland, zip line through the tree canopies, hike in the remote mountains, visit the spectacular waterfalls; the country is a nature-lovers' paradise, replete with activities, and wild……in a good way! With land borders at Costa Rica and Colombia, the country has its native indigenous people as well as descendants of the Spanish conquistadors, making it's culture-rich and diverse. The country gained independence with the help of US backing in 1903. The US interest was all about the Panama Canal, which was finished in 1914 by the Americans and connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. The Panama Canal is the countries most prominent feature and a primary economical source for the country. Panama City, the capital, is home to over half of the whole population of Panama, which is just over 4 million people. With so many activities and beautiful destinations to visit, a year-round tropical climate and surrounded by turquoise oceans, it's no wonder that tourism is increasing in this fascinating little country!
Explore Related Tours: Discover More with VA Expedition
Panama’s lush dense jungles and pristine coastlines are home to some incredible ecosystems, which means that it has some of the richest marine and terrestrial
Panama’s lush dense jungles and pristine coastlines are home to some incredible ecosystems, which means that it has some of the richest marine and terrestrial
Panama’s lush dense jungles and pristine coastlines are home to some incredible ecosystems, which means that it has some of the richest marine and terrestrial
Coiba National Park is one of the most beautiful paradises on earth. Found on the Azuero Peninsula, this archipelago is internationally recognized as the third-largest
Panama’s lush dense jungles and pristine coastlines are home to some incredible ecosystems, which means that it has some of the richest marine and terrestrial
Panama’s lush green rainforests and pristine, idyllic coastlines are home to some incredible ecosystems, which means that it has some of the richest marine and
This incredible excursion not only visits some of the most spectacular beaches and coral reefs on the planet, you will have the whole authentic “Survival”
Panama’s lush dense jungles and pristine coastlines are home to some incredible ecosystems, which means that it has some of the richest marine and terrestrial
Discover remarkable landscapes, historic cities, and iconic landmarks across the region.
Explore monthly average temperatures across major regions to help plan your adventure.
| City | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veraguas | 26°C | 27°C | 28°C | 28°C | 27°C | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C | 266°C | 25°C | 25°C | 26°C |
| Boquete | 18°C | 18°C | 18°C | 19°C | 19°C | 19°C | 19°C | 19°C | 19°C | 18°C | 18°C | 18°C |
| Bocas del toro | 28°C | 29°C | 29°C | 30°C | 30°C | 30°C | 29°C | 30°C | 30°C | 30°C | 29°C | 29°C |
| Boca chica | 27°C | 28°C | 29°C | 28°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C | 27°C |
| Panama City | 31°C | 32°C | 32°C | 33°C | 31°C | 30°C | 31°C | 31°C | 30°C | 30°C | 30°C | 31°C |
Real stories and authentic feedback from travelers who explored with VA Expeditions.
Everything you need to know before visiting Panama: local customs, safety guidelines, currency, health advice, and practical tips.
Panamanians love their parties. They like to dance, celebrate and generally have a decent time! They do air on the conservative side, however. They will enjoy family get-togethers and there is an almost small-town feel to the whole country.
Unlike most other countries in Latin America, Panamanians tend to like baseball and not football. Though the country will become paralysed when the national team is playing! A popular activity is a local baseball match, boxing match or horse racing.
Expect a kiss when someone says Hello. This is customarily on the right cheek, or even in the air. Men to men usually shake hands as opposed to a kiss. There is a lot more body space however than in other Central American countries.
The culture of Panama is a wonderful mixture of native American Indian, Afro Caribbean, Spanish and North American, making for a diverse ethnic combination and a melting pot of cultures. People generally have an issue trying to say no to something and always want to appear helpful and polite. People tend to be punctual in business-related issues but a lot more "Latino" when it comes to parties or other social events.
It is common that your business is everyone else's business too and unfortunately, gossip can be not only talked about but elaborated on! The common phrase is "I need to see it to believe it" is a typical phase in Panama!
Most countries do not need a visa to visit Panama. You will need a valid passport from your country with at least 3 months of validity and empty pages for stamps. You will also require an ongoing or return ticket to your country. You will be given a 30 day entrance permit which can be extended at the immigration office. You may be required to show sufficient funds for travelling, it is a requirement but not always asked for on entrance to the country. Check with your consulate to see if your country requires a visa.
The currencies in Panama is the Balboa and the US dollar. The US dollar is probably more commonly used in Panama and is classed as an official currency.
ATMs are found in all cites and dispense dollars. Smaller towns may not have an ATM and it is better to use cash in these remote regions, especially on the San Blas islands.
Tipping is expected in Panama, with 10% being considered an appropriate tip.
Bargaining is largely unacceptable, unlike other Central American countries.
Panama has a decent standard of health care and clinics in the capital. Luckily, from most destinations, you can get to Panama City within 1 hour due to the size of the country. In general, the usual travel vaccinations are enough. While there are not any fatal diseases endemic in Panama, mosquito-borne illnesses are common such as Zika, dengue, leptospirosis and malaria. The best way to avoid these is to not get bitten if you can help it! Protect yourself!
Water is generally safe except for on the Caribbean coastal areas and bottled water is widely available to buy. The main types of illnesses will have something to do with something you ate or drank. Germs are different in every country, so try and stick to purified water and cooked veggies if you are staying for a short period of time. In more rural areas take the usual precautions, boil and filter your water, just in case!
We recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes health cover for all destinations and Panama is no exception. A decent insurance policy will cover you for any emergencies and should include repatriation should it be necessary. It will also cover loss or theft of any of your personal items while travelling.
Accommodation in Panama, are as varied as its flora and fauna and there is something for everyone. With luxury top-end hotels in the cities as well as more boutique options in the Casco Viejo, the cities have it all. Even Trump has a hotel here!
Further out of the capital, there are a range of hotels of all different styles. They are in general a little more rustic than in the capital but still some gems to be found.
If you are planning to stay for any length of time, then holiday rentals are widely available.
Hostels are a popular option in the capital, more-so for the social aspect more than anything.
Camping is safe and a wonderful option for a night under the stars, although there are not too many designated campsites outside of the national parks.
There are not usually any problems for minority groups in Panama. Bocas del Toro, San Blas and Panama City are gay friendly, with no issues. Panama is a conservative country where the catholic church has a lot of influence, however, to expect more conservative norms outside of these places. Homosexuality was only legalised in 2008, so although the country is advancing, there are still some remnants of older belief systems in the community, especially in more rural regions.
Panama is one of the safest countries to visit in Central America and has a relatively decent economy. The population are friendly and diverse; however, in the cities, like any other large city, the socio-economic problems can mean petty crimes are more common. Panama City, Colon and Chiriqui are the cities most affected so take extra precautions. There has recently been an increase in gang-related activities, usually involving younger citizens of the country, which is why the government placed a curfew for under 18's. This has helped to avoid gang-related thefts and kidnapping. There are isolated incidents in Darien where there are still guerrillas and drug-related operations in the rainforest near the Colombian border.
Otherwise, take the usual safety precautions as in any big city in the world.
Sancocho de gallina Panameño
Is a hearty yet light chicken soup and is the national dish of Panama. The chicken is cooked with cilantro, plantains and sometimes corn depending on the region. Originally from the Azuero region of the country, it's is quite often used as a colloquialism for the racial diversity in the country, meaning each ingredient is important yet distinct and forms the sum of its parts to make a delicious dish.
Panameñan tortillas
These delicious thick corn cakes are an indigenous delicacy in Panama and resemble a Colombian arepa. This staple central American delight is usually topped with melted cheese or scrambled eggs and served for breakfast.
Carimañolas
Are made from yucca and cooked like chipped potatoes. They are soft in the middle and crispy on the outside. These are often served as an accompaniment and even stuffed with cheese sometimes…delicious!
Tamales (Panameñan style)
Each central American country has its variation of the tamal. These are not wrapped in a leaf, but jam-packed into a cooking dish and stuffed with chicken, capers, onions, bell peppers and olives amongst other ingredients, these are an incredibly delicious version of the classic.
Bistec Picado
Strips of beef, chilli's, onions, peppers and tomatoes all fried up and served on a bed of rice or salad. You can't go wrong with this simple yet tasty stir fry.
Sopa Borracha
Don't even get this dish mixed up with a soup; this is actually a dessert and a delicious, if not boozy one at that! It consists of a traditional spongy rum cake, drizzled in syrup, rum and raisins…. The definition of how to kill two birds with one stone, sweet yet deliciously boozy!
Mamallena
Is a traditional variety of a bread pudding but a little softer and mushier in texture. This is what home food is all about and this popular dessert can be found everywhere in Panama bakeries.
Ron Ponche
Is the archetypal Panameñan cocktail. This traditionally drunk around Christmas time and is somewhat similar to the eggnog that we drink but made from egg yolks, cinnamon, rum, vanilla, nutmeg and evaporated milk.
Raspadas
Are grated ice with a brightly coloured syrup, made of a variety of different fruits of your choice and then drizzled with condensed milk. Perfect for the hot and sticky Panameñan weather!
Everything you need to know before and during your travel experience in Panama.
You can check our safety protocols in the following link: https://www.visitpanama.com/information/travel-guidelines/
We suggest that you speak with your doctor to ensure that you are up-to-date with the recommended vaccinations when traveling to the destination. In any case, a negative Coronavirus Molecular Test (PCR) is needed to enter the country.
As in any city in the world, there can be pickpockets in crowded places. We suggest being vigilant at all times, but if you are in a group you will always be safer.
Yes, hotels will charge the cost of a double room as standard, so a single supplement will be charged if you are traveling alone.
Each trip is customizable, but there may be additional restrictions and expenses in each case. We suggest contacting your sales representative for more information.
Yes, you can add additional or optional services to your regular tour. We appreciate contacting your sales representative for any changes you wish to make.
We work with a maximum group size of 12 passengers for sustainability reasons and a more personaized experience.
We suggest consulting with your embassy to review any documents, tests or special visa you need for your trip.
Yes, we cater for all special dietary requirements. Please let us know at the time of booking if you have any allergies or special dietary needs.
Tips are not included in the cost of the tour. You should plan to tip 10% in restaurants and for your guided services, however, tipping is never required.
This depends on each itinerary, and will be indicated in the detail of the day. However, our itineraries always usually include free times to offer more flexibility to our guests.
At VA Expeditions we believe that every action we take should generate a positive impact on the communities and the environment of our entire production chain, which is why we carry out various activities focused on this objective. An example of our sustainable projects you can do: Visit to Indigenous Communities
Aerial Tram in Gamboa
Gatun Lake Expedition
Rappel in Chame
Visit to the Bayano Caves
Trekking & Bird Watching in the Soberania National Park
Whale Watching excursion during season
This depends on each itinerary, but generally is a ratio of one guide for every nine guests.
The tours are carried out by an expert team that has determined the optimal times of visits to make the most of our guests' time, without rushing. All our programs are customizable, so if at any time at the destination you want to adjust the pace of the trip, you can ask your guide to reach a consensus with the whole group in case you need to make adjustments to the pace of the trip.
Yes, you can safely store any luggage at your hotel.
In the mountains and remote places there is no Internet connection. Hotels and public places usually have WIFI available.
It depends on each itinerary, please contact your sales representative to give you the specific altitude information of your itinerary.
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We do not include travel or health insurance and we strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance for any unexpected circumstances. This is not obligatory, however. An full travel insurance policy that covers cancellations and delays as well as medical insurance.
We suggest that you speak with your doctor to ensure what medications you will need to bring to the destination. Pharmacies and drugstores are common in all cities, however, it is not certain that you will be able to find a specific drug that you can find in your country of origin.
We do not include the cost of any domestic or international flight in any of our programs. These services must be booked independently by each guest.
VA Expeditions is supported by Valencia Travel, a company with more than 12 years of foundation with a solid financial position. We have insurance from the insurance company La Positiva, that supports us and protects our guests from any eventuality at the destination, covering our guests for more than 5 million US dollars.
Yes, in addition to multi-day programs, we offer half-day experiences and excursions without overnight, which you can purchase as additional services. In case you wish to purchase one of these services, you can ask your guide, the transfer representative or your sales representative to provide you with the support you need.
Yes, you can travel with children and we have many activities to do as a family, however, depending on your itinerary, some experiences can be a bit demanding for young children. As a recommendation, we suggest that you ask your sales consultant if the tour you wish to book is suitable for children.
We suggest making your reservations at least one month before your trip in order to reserve the best hotels, transportation and services for your travel dates, however, in last minute cases, we can reserve up to 15 days in advance.
The official currency in Panama is The balboa (PAB) and is along with the United States dollar, one of the official currencies of Panama . In large cities there is a good chance that you will find ATMs or ATMs, however, we suggest that you do not rely entirely on this solution, as it may not be enabled to work with your bank.
As a sustainable travel company, we are in constant search of how we can improve the sustainability of our operations, that is why we carry out the following activities to generate a fair and sustainable development in our areas of operation: We work with indigenous communities in Panama and support them in different social programs.
• We support the Calicanto Foundation and offer the Fortaleza Tour to our clients which is a visit to Casco Viejo guided by ex-members of gangs that today work in tourism ( we do not get commission over this excursion)
Cultural norms vary within each Latin American country, even within each city within the country, however, we recommend the following measures to have a pleasant visit in each destination: Latin American culture in general tends to be closer and more informal than in others cultures, so there is usually always a friendly approach in all conversations, and going directly to the point could be considered offensive to some people. Personal space can be much shorter as well, but without being interpreted as sexual in nature.
The schedules are also usually more relaxed and informal, however, this is not the case of VA EXPEDITIONS, since we will always respect the hours indicated in your itinerary. This may be different for other appointments that you can book on your own at other locations.
For any emergency, we appreciate contacting the following number: +507 6202 6013
All our guests have 24/7 support for any type of emergency or eventuality. For emergencies you can contact the following number: +507 6202 6013. For general inquiries, you can write to us at the following email: info@valenciatravelcusco.com
This depends on the type of the type of Travel insurance that the passenger has. We recommend that you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy for better care and hospital facilities.
Each trip is customizable, but there may be additional restrictions and expenses in each case. We suggest contacting your sales representative for more information.
For city tours, there are public bathrooms available, in remote destinations bathroom facilities are more sparse.
In cities and tourist centers you will have good telephone reception. In remote areas, there may be no cell phone reception.
We suggest that you bring a refillable water bottle or purchase bottled water if necessary. We provide a bottle of water per person during excursions and at various points on your trip there will be places where you can fill your water bottle.
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