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General Travel Guide: The Bridge of the World
Panama is the true crossroads of the Americas, a country where history and the future collide in the most spectacular way. It is a land of fascinating dualities: an ultra-modern capital with a skyline of skyscrapers rising next to a rainforest; a canal that links the two largest oceans in the world; and a culture that is a vibrant mosaic of global influences and ancestral roots. Traveling to Panama is navigating its history, exploring one of the richest biodiversity on the planet and relaxing on islands that seem straight out of a dream. Get ready for a trip that will connect your adventurous spirit with the natural beauty and warmth of its people.
Capital
Panama City
Population
4.314.767
Langue
Español
Sites du patrimoine de l'UNESCO
0
Indices de voyage
📊Indices de voyage
Le meilleur de Panama
Expériences uniques
Transit through the Panama Canal
Whether on a tourist boat that crosses the locks or visiting the Miraflores Visitor Center to see the enormous ships passing by just a few meters away, witnessing the operation of this engineering marvel is the quintessential Panamanian experience. It's a lesson in history, ingenuity, and global commerce in real time.
Get lost in the streets of the Old Town
This historic neighborhood, declared a World Heritage Site, is the soul of Panama City. Walking through its cobblestone streets is to discover charming squares, centuries-old churches, restored colonial buildings, and an incredible range of cafes, rooftop bars with spectacular views and haute cuisine restaurants.
Sail through the San Blas Archipelago
Escape to an earthly paradise in the autonomous territory of the Guna Yala region. It consists of sailing by sailboat or boat among hundreds of islands with white sand and palm trees, snorkeling in crystal clear waters and learning about the fascinating culture of the Guna people, who manage and protect this corner of the Caribbean.
Take a Coffee Route in Boquete
In the cool highlands of Chiriquí, one of the finest (and most expensive) coffees in the world, Geisha, is grown. Taking a tour of a coffee farm allows you to learn about the entire process, from cherry picking to the final tasting, all in an environment of lush natural beauty.
Visit an Embera Village
Enter the jungle for an authentic cultural immersion. It consists of a canoe trip along the Chagres River to reach a community of the Emberá people. There, they will welcome you with traditional dances, show you their crafts and share with you their way of life in harmony with nature.
Observe Wildlife in Gamboa
Just a short drive from the city, Soberanía National Park is a paradise for bird and wildlife watching. Ride the gondola at Gamboa Rainforest Reserve for a panoramic view of the rainforest and Canal, or take a boat tour of Gatun Lake to see monkeys, crocodiles and sloths in their natural habitat.
A Melting Pot of Tropical Flavors
Panamanian gastronomy is a reflection of its history and cultural diversity, a tasty mix of indigenous, Spanish, African, Afro-Antillean and Asian influences. It is based on rice, corn, bananas, chicken and a wide variety of seafood, resulting in a comforting, homemade cuisine full of flavor.
Panamanian gastronomy is a reflection of its history and cultural diversity, a tasty mix of indigenous, Spanish, African, Afro-Antillean and Asian influences. It is based on rice, corn, bananas, chicken and a wide variety of seafood, resulting in a comforting, homemade cuisine full of flavor.
La Fonda: The Heart of Homemade Food
A 'fonda' is a small, unpretentious local restaurant that serves cheap, hearty, home-cooked food. It is the best place to try authentic Panamanian cuisine on a daily basis, where the menu changes depending on fresh ingredients and where you can feel the true pulse of the country.
The Reign of Banana and Rice
White rice is the inseparable accompaniment to almost all meals. Along with it, the banana, in its multiple forms—green (patacones), ripe (tajadas) or in temptation—is a fundamental pillar that provides texture and flavor to the Panamanian diet.
Plats Iconiques
Chicken Sancocho
Considered the national soup and the remedy for all ills. It is a comforting and hearty broth made with backyard chicken, yams, cilantro and other vegetables. Each region has its variation, but it is always a dish that tastes like home.
Old Clothes
A dish of slow-cooked shredded skirt meat in a flavorful tomato sauce with peppers and onion. Its name comes from the 'old clothes' appearance that the meat has. It is usually served with white rice and slices.
Panamanian Ceviche
A fresh and popular appetizer. It is made with fresh sea bass cut into cubes and 'cooked' in lime juice, mixed with onion, celery and ají chombo (the local hot pepper). It is usually served with crackers.
Rice with Chicken
The essential dish at any celebration, from birthdays to national holidays. It is a tasty rice cooked with shredded chicken, vegetables such as peas and carrots, and seasoned with capers and olives, which gives it a characteristic flavor.
Carimañolas
A delicious fried food for breakfast or as an appetizer. They are a type of elongated croquettes made with a yuca dough, filled with seasoned ground meat and fried until golden and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Patacones
Twice fried green plantain pieces. They are first fried, then flattened and fried again until crispy. They are the perfect garnish for almost any dish, especially fried fish or ceviche.
Boissons typiques
Seco Herrerano
The national liquor of Panama. It is a spirit distilled from sugar cane juice. It can be drunk alone, but is more commonly mixed with milk ('Seco con leche') or in cocktails.
Chichas
Natural fruit drinks. They are very popular and are sold everywhere. The most common are passion fruit, tamarind, pineapple or saril (Jamaica flower) chicha.
Slide
A creamy and refreshing drink made from rice and barley, flavored with cinnamon and nutmeg. It is similar to horchata and is very popular to beat the heat.
National Beers (Atlas and Balboa)
The two most popular and consumed lager beers in the country. They are light, refreshing and the favorite option to accompany a meal on the beach or to socialize.
Desserts traditionnels
I scratch
The street dessert par excellence. It is ice shaved by hand from a large block, served in a glass and bathed with brightly colored fruit syrups (strawberry, grape, passion fruit) and a splash of condensed milk.
Drunk Soup
A festive dessert, especially at weddings and celebrations. It consists of a spongy sponge cake soaked in a rum and sherry syrup, and decorated with raisins and prunes.
Puff pastries
Although mainly consumed for breakfast, these fried doughs, similar to a soft, flat bun, are often sprinkled with icing sugar, making them a simple and delicious sweet.
Cocadas
A traditional sweet made of grated coconut cooked with sugar or scraping (panela). They can be harder and crunchier or softer and chewier, and are a burst of coconut flavor.
Que voir par thème
Panama is a country of surprising diversity, where in a single day you can be in the Caribbean, cross to the Pacific and have a coffee in the mountains.
Engineering, History and Urban Life
Panama City is the center of everything. Visit the Miraflores Locks to understand the Canal, explore the history in the ruins of Panama La Vieja and the charm of the Old Town, and marvel at the modernity of its skyline and the Biomuseo.
Caribbean paradises
The Caribbean coast offers two different experiences. The San Blas Archipelago (Guna Yala) is an unspoiled paradise of indigenous culture and natural beauty. Bocas del Toro, on the other hand, offers a more bohemian and festive atmosphere, ideal for surfers, backpackers and lovers of starfish beaches.
Highlands, Coffee and Adventure
Escape the heat in the mountains of Chiriquí. Boquete is the base for hiking, such as climbing the Barú Volcano (the highest point in the country), coffee tours, quetzal spotting, and enjoying spring-like weather.
Tropical Rainforest and Biodiversity
Panama is a biological bridge. Soberanía National Park and Darién National Park (for the more adventurous) are paradises for bird and wildlife watching. A boat excursion on Gatun Lake will allow you to see monkeys, sloths and crocodiles up close.
Pacific Islands and Marine Life
The Pacific side also has its jewels. The Pearl Archipelago is ideal for a luxury getaway and seasonal whale watching. Coiba National Park, a World Heritage Site, is a world-class diving destination, with incredible marine life.
Conseils de voyage
Currency
The official currency is the Balboa (PAB), but in practice it does not exist in banknotes. The United States Dollar (USD) is the legal tender and is used for all transactions. The balboa only exists in coins, which have the same value and size as US coins.
Transport
In Panama City, the metro and VTC services like Uber are efficient. To get around the country, there is a good bus network. The most striking buses are the 'Red Devils', former US school buses, although they are being replaced by a more modern fleet.
Climate
Panama has a tropical climate. It is hot and humid all year round. Wear light, breathable clothing. Don't forget a raincoat or umbrella, especially during the rainy season (May to December), as downpours can be intense but brief.
Tips
The tip is usually not included in the bill. In restaurants with table service, it is customary to leave between 10% and 15% of the total if you are satisfied with the service. It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers.
This guide is your gateway to a country that has it all: adventure, relaxation, culture, history and nature. Panama is an easy destination to explore but difficult to forget. We encourage you to design a trip that combines its many facets, from its iconic canal to its most remote corners, to discover why this small country is the great connector of the world. Enjoy your Panamanian adventure!
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