Tocumen International Airport (PTY) The Aeropuerto Internacional de Tocumen is the most important airport in Central America and the hub of Copa Airlines. Located 24 km east of the city center. Direct flights from Europe: KLM from Amsterdam (approx. 11h) — the most direct connection from the German

Long-Distance Buses — The Backbone of Land Transport Panama's long-distance buses are modern, air-conditioned, and affordable. The central bus terminal is the Albrook Bus Terminal in Panama City — the largest bus station in Central America, right next to the Albrook Shopping Center (perfect for last

Visa Germans, Austrians, and Swiss do not need a visa for stays up to 180 days. Required are: Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond the planned stay. Return or onward flight ticket: Checked upon entry! Entry can be denied without proof of exit. When entering by land: have a bus or flight tic

Vaccinations No mandatory vaccinations for entry from Germany (exception: yellow fever vaccination when entering from a yellow fever area). Recommended are: Standard vaccinations: Tetanus, diphtheria, polio — refresh before the trip Hepatitis A: Recommended (transmission through food/water) Hepatit

General Security Situation Panama is one of the safest countries in Central America — significantly safer than Honduras, El Salvador, or Guatemala. The tourist regions are well protected, and the tourism police are present and helpful. Security Zones ZoneRatingNote Casco Viejo & Tourist Districts

Communication & Packing List

SIM Card & Internet A local SIM card is inexpensive and very practical for the trip: Providers: Claro (best network and coverage), Tigo, Digicel Price: $5–10 for a SIM with 3–10 GB of data, valid for 30 days Purchase: At the airport (Claro stand right after arrival) or in any mobile phone shop. Pas

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Travel Guide Panama

Your complete travel guide for the country between two oceans

Capital:Panama City

Language:Spanish

Currency:US Dollar (Balboa)

Best Travel Time:Dec–Apr (Dry Season)

Flight Time:11–12 hours from DE

Visa:Not required (180 days)

Last updated: 17 March 2026 · 12 Chapters · 40 Sections

RECOMMENDED

Route Suggestions

Classic Panama Tour

14–18 days

The grand tour covering all highlights: capital, canal, Caribbean islands, island paradise, highlands and back. Best with a combination of bus, domestic flight, and boat.

Panama CitySan BlasBocas del ToroBoqueteEl VallePanama City

Caribbean & Islands

10 days

For beach lovers and water enthusiasts: Panama City as a base, then the two most unique Caribbean experiences — San Blas for tranquility, authenticity, and Guna culture, Bocas del Toro for surfing, snorkeling, and parties.

Panama CitySan BlasBocas del ToroPanama City

Nature & Adventure

10–14 days

For nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts: Rainforest in Gamboa with birding on the Pipeline Road, cloud forest and Quetzal search in Boquete, summit ascent of Volcán Barú at sunrise, UNESCO park La Amistad and the volcanic crater El Valle de Antón.

Panama CityGamboaBoqueteVolcán BarúCerro PuntaEl Valle

Panama Express

5–7 days

The maximum in minimal time: 2 days Panama City (Canal + Casco Viejo + Gamboa), 2 days San Blas (Caribbean islands + Guna culture) and 2–3 days Boquete (coffee + Quetzal + optional Volcán Barú). Use domestic flights to save time!

Panama CitySan BlasBoquete

All Chapters

Planning· 3 Chapters

Chapter 1

Welcome to Panama

4 Sections

Chapter 2

Best Travel Time & Climate

3 Sections

Chapter 3

Budget & Costs

3 Sections

Regions· 4 Chapters

Chapter 4

Panama City & Canal Zone

5 Sections

Chapter 5

Bocas del Toro

4 Sections

Chapter 6

San Blas Islands (Guna Yala)

4 Sections

Chapter 7

Highlands & Chiriquí

4 Sections

Understanding· 3 Chapters

Chapter 8

History

3 Sections

Chapter 9

Culture & Society

2 Sections

Chapter 10

Food & Drink

2 Sections

Practical· 2 Chapters

Chapter 11

Arrival & Transport

2 Sections

Chapter 12

Practical A–Z

4 Sections

Discover More Travel Guides

Regions at a Glance

Panama City & Canal Zone

The cosmopolitan capital with its glittering skyline, the colonial Casco Viejo (UNESCO), the legendary Panama Canal, and tropical rainforest at the city's doorstep.

Panama Canal (Miraflores)Casco Viejo (UNESCO)Amador CausewayGamboa & Rainforest+1

Panama City

Bocas del Toro

Panama's Caribbean island paradise — turquoise waters, coral reefs, overwater bungalows, surfing at Bluff Beach, and the most relaxed atmosphere in the country.

Starfish BeachRed Frog BeachCayos ZapatillaSurfing & Snorkeling+1

Bocas Del Toro

San Blas Islands (Guna Yala)

365 palm islands of the indigenous Guna with crystal-clear waters, fresh lobster, and Panama's most authentic Caribbean experience — without Wi-Fi, without luxury, without mass tourism.

Paradise Palm IslandsGuna Culture & MolasSnorkelingPiscina Natural+1

San Blas

Highlands & Chiriquí

Panama's green mountain world with the Volcán Barú, top-notch coffee plantations in Boquete, cloud forests full of quetzals, and the UNESCO World Natural Heritage site La Amistad.

Boquete (Geisha Coffee)Volcán Barú (3,475 m)Quetzal TrailLa Amistad NP (UNESCO)+1

Boquete