Expansive rainforests, tropical beaches, and historical routes peppered with stories of pirates. Panama offers it all and more.
Whether you want a holiday full of activity and diverse adventure or to unwind while you take in the sun and sea, this Central American country will exceed your expectations.
Panama is a beautiful destination year-round. While the rainy season is the less popular option, visiting from May to December has perks. The rain breaks the day's heat, and the landscape is a vibrant green.
Peak season in Panama is between December and April. While avoiding heavy rainfall, you will experience crowded beaches and tourist sites. But the water is clear and warm, and if you want to visit the mountain regions and cloud forests, the dry season is the time to do so.
Getting Around in Panama
Bus
We found that the bus system in Panama is the cheapest and most popular way to travel, especially if you are traveling long distances.
Private firms or individuals own most bus services, and although buses are frequent, schedules are variable. The cities and larger towns have bus terminals and in smaller towns buses leave from the town square or main street.
Car
Driving in Panama is straightforward, but we experienced some poorly maintained roads. You may need a 4WD in remote rural areas and during the rainy season. Still, we think it's the best way to see parts of the country that are poorly served by public transport. At the same time, car rental in Panama is costly.
Plane
Air Panama serves the cities and larger towns with regular flights. You can buy flights online or over the phone using a credit card. Flying is expensive, and most destinations are close to Panama City. It is often only worth the cost of a flight if you have tight time restraints on your travels.
Taxis
Taxis are easy to come by and generally inexpensive. Overall, our experience using taxis was good but we need to include a word of caution here. Panamanian taxis have no meters, and you must haggle over the price before your trip.
Boats
Scheduled ferries run from Panama City to the archipelagos of Bocas del Toro, San Blas Islands, and parts of the Darién.
Dugout canoes, called piraguas, are a common means of water transport outside main tourist areas. They are usually equipped with outboard motors and life jackets.
Train
Panama has only one passenger rail line - the Panama Canal Railway. The route offers an excellent way to see the canal and surrounding rainforest.
The Panama Metro is an excellent option for transport in and about Panama City. It is a rapid transport system that links the metropolitan area's south and east to the city center.
