Major city · Panama
Gualaca
Stop in Gualaca for a quick look (2–3 h), then continue to Bocas del Toro or Boquete; no need to stay more than a night.
Gualaca is a small district town in Chiriquí, serving as a bus hub between David, Boquete and Bocas del Toro. Its main draw is the short hike to cloud‑forest scenery; most travellers pass through on the way to other destinations.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- PAB
- Best months
- Jan–Apr (dry season)
- avoid May–Oct (rainy)
- Airport
- DAV
- Nights
- 1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 6Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua (CA-4) giv…
- Central America ↗Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua (CA-4) give one shared entry allowance, usually 90 days in total; leaving for Belize, Costa Rica or Mexico and coming back does not always reset it — check with immigration before a long stay.
- Central America ↗Cross land borders in daylight and early in the day; many posts close or empty of transport by late afternoon, and the approaches are where robberies happen.
- Central America ↗Several borders charge entry, exit or municipal fees in US dollars (Belize exit, Nicaragua entry and exit, Honduras entry); carry small, clean US notes and ask for a receipt.
- Panama ↗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.
- Panama ↗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.
- Panama ↗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.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Gualaca104 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Gualaca, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?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.Panama-wide
- SIM or eSIMMás Móvil, Tigo and Digicel SIMs at Tocumen and in malls; passport required.Panama-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in Panama City and most towns; drink bottled on the islands and in Bocas.Panama-wide
- TippingRestaurants: 10% if not added.Panama-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Panama-wide
- SafetyGenerally safe; stay alert for petty theft in bus stations and keep valuables out of sight.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets; basic outhouses on San Blas islands.Panama-wide
- Emergency numbers104 police · 103 fire and ambulance · 911 General emergency
- Sundays & holidayscheckCarnival and the November holidays close offices; Miraflores Locks open daily (check hours).Panama-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportDAV Enrique Malek International Airport (David) (About 45 km (28 mi) north, taxi or bus to Gualaca).DAV Enrique Malek International Airport (David) (About 28 mi (45 km) north, taxi or bus to Gualaca).
- Getting aroundDavid‑Changinoula bus runs every 30 min, $2–$3 per ride; Gualaca‑Hornito line same price.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Sit-down mealCommunal dinner at hostel$6
- Metro or bus rideLocal bus ride$2–$3
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personPAB 20
- Mid-range bedResort double room, a night, per roomPAB 150
- High-end bedResort double room, a night, per roomPAB 150
A day, not counting the bed: Budget PAB 30 · Mid PAB 55 · High PAB 80
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- DAV Enrique Malek International Airport (David) (About 45 km (28 mi) north, taxi or bus to Gualaca)DAV Enrique Malek International Airport (David) (About 28 mi (45 km) north, taxi or bus to Gualaca)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Feb
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Mar
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Apr
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
May
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jun
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jul
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Aug
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Oct
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Nov
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Dec
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Best: Jan–Apr. Avoid: May–Oct. Month by month →
Warmest Mar (31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)), coolest Jan (22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C) low), wettest Jul (15 rain days), driest Jan (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Gualaca: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
5 rd
Feb
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
5 rd
Mar
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
6 rd
Apr
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
7 rd
May
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12 rd
Jun
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
14 rd
Jul
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
15 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
15 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
13 rd
Oct
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
9 rd
Nov
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
6 rd
Dec
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
David‑Changinoula bus runs every 30 min, $2–$3 per ride; Gualaca‑Hornito line same price. Walks in town are short; hikes start from road stops.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Hornito cloud forest
goDoor to door: ≈1 h total
Take the Gualaca‑Hornito bus, then a 20‑min hike
Easy trail, good for birdwatching; bring rain gear.
Reserva Forestal de Fortuna
cautionDoor to door: ≈1.5 h total
Bus north on Highway 10, then walk or local taxi
Limited facilities; check opening status.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Lost and Found Hostel
Dorm $20/night; 20‑min hike to cloud‑forest; communal dinner $6
Horizonte Resort
$150/night; 500 m from Los Planes; pool and hot tub
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $30–$45 excl. bed
- Mid
- $45–$70 excl. bed
- High
- $70+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hostel dorm bed1 × 1 night × PAB 20 | PAB 20 |
| Food, local transport, entries1 × 1 day × PAB 30 | PAB 30 |
| David‑Gualaca bus (round trip)1 × PAB 3 · check schedule | PAB 3 |
| Hornito hike guide (optional)1 × PAB 10 · check availability | PAB 10 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | PAB 6 |
| Trip total≈ PAB 69 per person per day, bed included | PAB 69 |
Lost and Found Hostel
2026 estimate; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Local bus ride | $2–$3 |
| Dorm bed (Lost and Found) | $20 per night |
| Resort room (Horizonte) | $150 per night |
| Communal dinner at hostel | $6 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Buses may be delayed in heavy rain; check schedule at the terminal.
- Nighttime temperatures drop; bring a hoodie for cloud‑forest stays.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 104
- Fire and ambulance
- 103
- General emergency
- 911
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
GualacaGualaca
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police104
- Fire and ambulance103
- General emergency911
Embassy
US consulate in Panama City; other embassies also in Panama City.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- David → Gualaca bus: about $3, runs every 30 min (check)
- Gualaca local bus: $2–$3 per ride within district
Say or show
- Disculpe — Excuse me / Sorry (dis‑kool‑pe)
- Gracias — Thank you (gra‑see‑as)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (kwan‑to kwes‑ta)
- ¿Dónde está la parada del bus? — Where is the bus stop? (don‑de es‑ta la pa‑ra‑da del bus)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Gualaca. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jan–Apr (dry season) · avoid May–Oct (rainy) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 2 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
Ask about Gualaca
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