Panama Travel Specialists
Our Panama specialists are experienced and passionate about the country - between them they have spent many weeks a year researching new experiences and ensuring everything is of the highest standard. They know Panama inside out.
SarahPanama Specialist01993 838 623
The traditional woven 'Molas' from the Kuna on the San Blas islands or baskets from the Embera communities on the mainland make great souvenirs.
Panama travel specialist - Sarah
NickPanama Specialist01993 838 607
If you want to spot some wildlife whilst in Panama City, head to Metropolitan National Park just a few minutes from the centre, with its a pristine rainforest and plenty of walking trails.
Panama travel specialist - Nick
Practical Information
Panama can easily be combined with travels to Costa Rica or regarded as a destination in its own right – there certainly is enough to see and do to fill a couple of weeks.
The country also makes for an ideal and alternative stop on the way to or from South American destinations such as Peru, Ecuador or Venezuela.
Panama's infrastructure
Panama is still very much in the process of developing its visitor infrastructure and we keep a very close eye on new developments and opportunities as regions open up for travel.
Specialist knowledge
Whether your curiosity principally lies around the engineering feat of the Panama Canal or you wish to venture further afield on paths less travelled, our Panama specialists have the in-depth, on-the-ground knowledge to advise you.
Language
The official language is Spanish, although English is widely spoken.
Food and drink
The standard of food across Panama is good however menus are simple and basic with few choices. White rice is a staple part of restaurant menus and it is usually accompanied by meat, chicken and fish. Vegetarian dishes are hard to come by.
Money
The national currency in Panama is the balboa. Panama is one of the few countries in the world that doesn't issue paper money therefore US dollar banknotes are used exclusively and US dollar notes and coins are legal tender.
Tipping
When dining out restaurants may include a service charge in the bill however if they do not then tipping 10-15% is acceptable. Taxi drivers do not expect tips, any intended gratuity should be figured in with the pre-trip negotiated fare. Tipping individual hotel staff is at your own discretion, chambermaids are usually the most deserving of a tip and approximately $1 per day is appropriate.
Under The Skin
Listen
Panama has a wide variety of musical influences, from Cuban, jazz and blues, to salsa, reggae and rock.
Watch
'The Tailor of Panama'. Coerced into working for British Intelligence, a tailor living in Panama concocts a left-wing movement with the goal of luring the American military into an invasion of Panama, thereby nullifying the Panama Canal treaty.
Eat
Traditional Panamanian cooking is known as 'comida typica' and is similar to what you will find elsewhere in Central America - rice and beans or lentils served with chicken, meat or fish. Fresh fish on the islands is delicious.
Drink
Coffee in Panama is famous and made espresso-style. Chichas are are also very popular and are cheap cool drinks served with ice and tropical fruit juice. Don`t confuse these with chicha which is the alcoholic drink found all over Latin America made from fermented sugar-cane. Locally produced rum called Seco Herrerano (known as seco) is popular for a good night out. Carta Vieja and Abuelo are the most common brands.
Word
Buena leche! (Good luck!).
Trademarks
Beautiful islands, Panama Canal, stunning national parks, untouched rainforest and rare birdlife.
Traditional molas made by the Kuna Indians, wood carvings and baskets of the Emberá Indians and many other crafts are available in Panama City for purchase, not forgetting the famous Panama hat.