Panama Quick Facts
Location: Panama sits at the crossroads of North and South America, bordered by Costa Rica to the west and Colombia to the east, with coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
Capital City
Panama City — the most modern, cosmopolitan capital in Central America.
Population
Approximately 4.5 million people
Language
Spanish (official). English widely spoken in tourism areas.
Currency
U.S. Dollar (USD) for paper currency; Panamanian Balboa (PAB) for coins, pegged 1:1 with the USD.
Time Zone
Eastern Standard Time (EST) year round — Panama does not observe daylight savings time.
Climate
Tropical climate with warm temperatures year‑round.
- Dry Season: December–April
- Green Season: May–November
Temperatures typically range from 75°F–90°F depending on region.
Best Time to Travel
Panama is a year‑round destination, but the Dry Season (December–April) offers the sunniest weather and is ideal for beach vacations, Canal tours, and rainforest excursions. The Green Season (May–November) brings lush landscapes, fewer crowds, excellent wildlife viewing, and great value — especially for families and nature lovers.
Size of the Country
Panama is compact and easy to explore:
- Approx. 29,000 square miles
- Length: About 480 miles east to west
- Width: Narrowest point is only 30 miles across
This small size is one of Panama’s greatest advantages, Travelers can experience beaches, rainforest, mountains, and culture without long travel days.
Number of Provinces
Panama is divided into:
- 10 provinces
- 5 indigenous comarcas (autonomous regions)
Major Airports
- Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
Panama City - Enrique Malek International Airport (DAV)
David (gateway to Boquete and Chiriquí)
Getting Around
- Private drivers (most comfortable and recommended for travelers)
- Domestic flights (Panama City ↔ David for Boquete and Chiriquí)
- Well‑maintained highways connecting major destinations
- Boat transfers for Bocas del Toro and San Blas
Travel times are short, making multi‑destination itineraries easy and comfortable.
Regions Most Visited
- Panama City & Casco Viejo
culture, dining, Canal, museums - Panama Canal & Gatun Lake
engineering marvel, wildlife cruises - Boquete (Chiriquí Highlands)
cloud forest, coffee farms - Bocas del Toro (Caribbean)
beaches, snorkeling, island life - San Blas Islands (Guna Yala)
turquoise water, strong culture - Pacific Beaches (Playa Bonita & Riviera Pacifica)
resorts close to Panama City
Types of Accommodations
- Deluxe Hotels
- Luxury Resorts
- Boutique Hotels
- Eco‑Luxury Lodges
- Private Villas
- Exclusive Island Retreats
- Historic Hotels
- Rainforest Lodges
- Beachfront Resorts
Biodiversity
Panama is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world, home to more bird species than the U.S. and Canada combined.
Famous for
Panama Canal, pristine beaches, cloud forests, wildlife, world‑class coffee, cultural diversity, and modern infrastructure.
Best for
Luxury travel, multi‑generational families, senior travelers, adventure seekers, nature lovers, and cultural explorers.
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