Senior travel: Panama City
An easier pace for an older traveller: how many stops fit in a day, which places are step-free, and what the guide says about getting around, medicines and stairs.
Was this useful?
Pace for a day
About 2 stops a day. 5 h out − 45 min rest, divided by an average visit of 71 min (from this city’s guide) + 30 min to move.
Places, easiest access first
- Plaza de FranciaStep-free: yes · about 30 minLevel plaza; steps to the sea wall in places.
- BiomuseoStep-free: yes · about 120 minRamps and lifts; a wide, level entrance.
- Miraflores LocksStep-free: yes · about 120 minLifts and ramps; the terraces are level.
- Iglesia de San José (Golden Altar)Step-free: partial (check before you go) · about 20 minLevel entrance in most cases; cobbled street outside.
- Metropolitan CathedralStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 25 minSteps at the entrance; check the side ramp.
- Panama Canal Museum (Museo del Canal Interoceánico)Step-free: partial (check before you go) · about 80 minSome steps at the entrance and between floors; check the lift.
- Panamá Viejo ruinsStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 100 minFlat paths; uneven stones among the ruins and steep steps in the tower.
Getting around in Panama City
Casco Viejo has cobbles, high kerbs and uneven pavements; the Biomuseo, malls, the Canal visitor centre and newer hotels are step-free. A car is the workable route between areas.
- Streets:
- Cobbles, high kerbs and narrow pavements in Casco Viejo; better pavements in newer districts.
- Public transit:
- The Metro is step-free but does not reach Casco Viejo or the locks; use a car.
- Hotels:
- Modern hotels have lifts; boutique hotels in old buildings may not.
- Sights:
- The Biomuseo and the locks have lifts and ramps; the ruins are uneven.
Medicines and health on the ground
The Panama guide lists no medicine paperwork. Check the official customs page for your medicines.
- Heat and humidity:
- Drink water, rest in air conditioning every 60 to 90 minutes and wear light clothes.
- Water:
- Tap water in the city is treated and commonly drunk; many visitors use bottled water.
- Mosquitoes:
- Dengue is present; use repellent, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Vaccines:
- Check the yellow fever and routine vaccine advice for your route.
- Insurance:
- Private care is good but dear; buy travel insurance with medical cover.
More: how much medicine to pack, medicine times across time zones.
Ask your insurer
Age limits and prices differ by policy and the guides do not hold them, so put these to the insurer before you buy.
- What is the oldest age the policy covers, at purchase and on the last day of the trip?
- Does the price or the cover change after a certain age?
- Are existing conditions covered, and what must be declared?
- Does the cover include medical evacuation and trip interruption?
Not medical advice. This page does not know anyone’s health. Ask a doctor before the trip, and carry a list of medicines and conditions.