A land bursting with life, colors and authenticity. Panama is a country where north and south meet, where new and old coexist. A narrow patch of land that separates the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and where wild nature meets cosmopolitan cities.
"Panama is not a destination, but a journey," it says on the tourist brochure website of the country, which promises unforgettable memories and true Central American hospitality. Despite its small geographical area, the country is full of diverse landscapes, interesting towns and idyllic beaches and islands. The highlands in the hinterland are home to coffee plantations and waterfalls and a wide variety of animal species, and its diametric opposite is the cosmopolitan capital Panama City. There you can also find the most famous landmark – Panama Canal.
When to Panama?
We recommend visiting between January and April, during the dry season of the year, when you avoid tropical downpours and wet weather. On the other hand, many travelers are convinced that even a little rain does not hurt if it means that they will witness many festivals and various events during the rest of the year.
What should I see in Panama?
Panama's biggest attraction is the Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and the Pacific. During the day, many huge ships full of colorful containers cross the canal, revealing the true scale of this technological masterpiece. You can also go on a canal cruise and experience it from the other side. The best vantage point to admire the canal is the Miraflores Locks, just under half an hour's drive from Panama City. While exploring Panama City, don't forget the picturesque streets of Casco Viejo with its colorful buildings and historical points.
There is no shortage of beaches in Panama either. On the land side, they border the sea, and the most famous beach is without a doubt Bocas del Toro on the Caribbean side. The small island on the border with Costa Rica is famous for its soft sand and azure waters. The destination is very popular with travelers, so many decide to stay for several months. It's also budget-friendly, although you can find some luxury accommodation as well.
The Sunset Coast is also something special, where you can admire the sunsets and escape from the tourist resorts for a few days. In this part of rural Panama you will find a series of small villages and forgotten beaches. Escape the summer heat to Boquete, a popular weekend getaway for many Panamanians, with great restaurants and tons of activities. As the center of coffee plantations, it is also an excellent starting point for hiking and bird watching.
It is an extremely popular spot on the Pacific coast among surfers Santa Catalina, with its calm atmosphere, also suitable for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts. You can also opt for guided tours on horseback, which are a good way to discover the country. It is one of the biggest attractions of the area Isla Coiba, part of the Coiba National Park, with untouched biodiversity, rich in crocodiles, turtles, snakes and birds. The area is also frequented by cetaceans, which can be observed during diving trips.
How to explore Panama?
Panama is a small country with an excellent public transport network. Drives are usually short, roads in good condition. The central link is the Interamericana, connecting east to west. The most convenient way to explore the country is by bus, for more distant parts you can also choose between internal flights. Some tourists also decide to rent a car, but to drive you need a valid driver's license from your home country and a passport.
How much is a plane ticket to Panama?
With the airlines KLM and Air France, you can fly to Panama from Ljubljana for around 500 euros. You can search for flight tickets according to your vacation date HERE.
Covid-19 restrictions in Panama
Panama is open to tourists, but if you do not have a vaccination certificate, you must show a negative test result before entering. If your country is on the list of those with a high risk of infection, an additional 72 hours of hotel quarantine will be required. Check all current information about Covid-19 restrictions HERE.
Accommodation in Panama
Tryp by Wyndham Panama Centro
The property is located just a kilometer away from the center of Panama City and a few minutes drive away from the airport. It offers guests an outdoor pool and fitness center, as well as a lively restaurant with a Mediterranean flair. The rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with a refrigerator and a coffee machine.
Magnolia Inn
Accommodation in a renovated French-style colonial mansion is located in the old part of Panama City. Due to its central location, many restaurants and attractions are just steps away, and the local airport is only a 15-minute drive away.
