Destination Guides
Panama
Hanging bridge, Boquete
Panama offers more than the canal that made it famous, Panama City's striking modern skyline sits beside a well-preserved colonial old town, while Bocas del Toro's Caribbean islands and the cloud forests around Boquete give the country genuine range. The dry season (mid-December to mid-April) brings the most reliable weather for both the canal and the islands. A 7-9 day trip allows Panama City plus one other region, most commonly Bocas del Toro for beach time or Boquete for mountains and coffee. Because Panama's regions require either a domestic flight or a fairly long drive to connect, an advisor's help choosing the right second stop for a traveler's interests makes for a much more satisfying trip than trying to squeeze in too much.
Local Etiquette & Cultural Tips
Panamanian culture is warm, relaxed, and shaped by the country's role as a genuine global crossroads.
Friendly greetings: A handshake is standard, a cheek kiss between women and mixed pairs who are acquainted.
Dress respectfully: Beachwear stays at the beach, smart casual for Panama City dining.
Dining times: Lunch is often the largest meal, dinner from 7:30-8:30pm.
Local customs: The Panama Canal remains a genuine source of national pride, a canal transit or visitor center stop is worth the time even for travelers not otherwise interested in engineering.
Transportation and timing: A domestic flight is the easiest way to reach Bocas del Toro, a rental car or driver works well for Boquete.
Practical tip: Panama City's heat and humidity are fairly constant, plan indoor midday activities like the Biomuseo or canal visitor centers to break up outdoor sightseeing.
Souvenirs
For the Foodies: Panamanian coffee, especially from the Boquete region, prized among specialty roasters.
For the Fashionistas: A handwoven mola textile, a traditional craft of the Guna Indigenous community.
For the Home: A genuine Panama hat, woven, despite the name, in Panama's highlands using traditional techniques.
Suggested Gratuities
Private Tour Guides: $20-25 per person for a half-day tour
Shared Group Tour Guides: $10 per person
Taxis/Rideshares: Round up the fare
Restaurants: 10% where not already included
Private Drivers: $15-20 per trip
Housekeeping: $2-3 per night
Porters: $1-2 per bag
Practical Travel Notes
Currency: US Dollar (alongside the Panamanian Balboa)
Language: Spanish
Transportation: Domestic flights to Bocas del Toro, rental car or driver for Boquete
Weather: Warm and humid year-round, dry season mid-December to mid-April is most reliable
Walking: Panama City's old town (Casco Viejo) is walkable, Boquete's cloud forest trails involve elevation