country
PanamaPanamá
First trip: Panama City 3 nights (Canal and Casco Viejo), then one region by short flight or bus, either Bocas del Toro 3–4, Boquete 3 or the San Blas islands (Guna Yala) 2–3; never plan the Darién.
Panama is a narrow isthmus with a major air hub at Tocumen (PTY), which makes it an easy add-on or stopover. Trips break on transfer time to the islands and on the Darién: there is no road through to Colombia, and the region is dangerous. Base in Panama City, pick one region reached by a short flight or a day's travel, and treat Guna Yala as autonomous Guna territory with its own rules and fees.
All regions, cities and parks in Panama (Atlas) →
Regions
Casco Viejo, Miraflores Locks, Gamboa rainforest
3–4 nights
Caribbean islands; reached by short flight from Panama City
3–4 nights
Boquete coffee farms, Volcán Barú, cloud-forest hikes
2–3 nights
Island stays in simple Guna-run lodges; 4x4 plus boat from Panama City
2–3 nights
Arrive
PTY
Tocumen International (Panama City)
Copa Airlines hub for the Americas; 30–60 minutes to the city depending on traffic
PAC
Albrook "Marcos A. Gelabert" (Panama City)
Main domestic airport for Bocas del Toro and David
Time math
- 3 days
- Panama City 3 (Canal locks, Casco Viejo, Gamboa) as a stopover
- 7 days
- Panama City 3 + fly to Bocas del Toro 4
- 10 days
- Panama City 3 + San Blas 2 + Boquete 3 + back via David 2
Country rules
- Check entry rules for your passport with Panama's National Migration Service or a Panamanian consulate; proof of onward travel and funds may be asked for.
- Do not travel independently in the Darién; the UK and other governments warn against parts of it, and there is no road crossing to Colombia.
- Guna Yala (San Blas) is governed by the Guna people: visitor fees apply, and photography of people usually needs permission and payment. Book through Guna-run or licensed operators.
Etiquette
- Greet with buenos días and a handshake.
- Dress in Panama City is smarter than beachwear: cover up away from the beach.
- Respect Guna rules in San Blas: ask before photographing and follow community guidance.
- Carnival (four days before Ash Wednesday)
- National party; Panama City and Las Tablas packed and many offices closed.
- November national holidays
- Several patriotic holidays in early and late November; parades and closures.
- Rainy season (May–November)
- Heavy afternoon rain on the Pacific side.
Money & passes
Cash necessity: 2/5
- Currency is the balboa (PAB), fixed 1 to 1 with the US dollar; US dollar notes are the paper money in use, with Panamanian coins.
- Cards work in Panama City; Bocas, Boquete and especially San Blas need cash.
- $50 and $100 notes are often refused; carry small bills.
Before you fly: eSIM before you fly · Visas and entry
Safety
- The Darién region and parts of Guna Yala near the Colombian border are dangerous: check official advice and do not go without authorisation and guides.
- Petty crime occurs in parts of Panama City and Colón: use taxis at night and keep phones out of sight.
- Boat transfers to islands can be rough; choose operators with life jackets.
- Rip currents on many beaches; swim where locals do.
Panama City is the main air hub linking North, Central and South America and the Caribbean.
Sources
- UK FCDO travel advice: Panama (official)
- Wikivoyage — Panama (secondary)