Travel guide: Panama
Adam Reeder/ via Flickr
Whether you’re wondering what to pack, what foods to try, or anything else, our Panama travel guide has you covered.
The basics
- Weather: Fall 72–86° F | Winter 72–88° F | Spring 75–90° F | Summer 73–88° F
- Language(s): Spanish
- Currency: US Dollar $$
- Cash or card: Cash
- $5 will buy you: A meal from a food stand—they usually come with chicken, rice, beans, and a drink!
- $ to bring per day: $20
Packing
- Packing list: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, beach towel, bug spray, quick-drying clothes, light raincoat/poncho, waterproof shoes, bathing suit, activewear, sneakers/hiking shoes
- We wish we packed: A rain poncho—not stylish, but more practical than a raincoat when it’s so warm and the rain is heavy
- We wish we left behind: A flimsy umbrella—unless your umbrella is sturdy, it won’t be any help in the downpours
Cecilia Rodrigues/ via Flickr
The Food
- Average cost of lunch: $10–$15
- Tipping: 10% at restaurants
- Atmosphere: Relaxed, but not slow
- You HAVE to try: Ropa vieja, plantains, yuca frita, ceviche
- Other advice: A lot of the food is very Americanized, but it’s definitely worth seeking out the local food!
Rita Willaert/ via Flickr
Everything else
- Total spend on souvenirs: $30–$50
- Coolest thing you bought: A woven basket and a mola
- Best cheap/free thing to do: Check out the fish market!
- Best part: Taking hand-carved canoes on the river and meeting locals
Topics:
Destination guide, Panama
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