Panama

Panama is where I finished one of my favorite trips: a sailboat crossing from Cartagena, Colombia, through the San Blas islands. I made the trip in June 2023, with a night in Panama City at the end.

What I did

• Sailed from Cartagena to Panama on a multi-day sailboat trip.

• Island hopped through San Blas, swimming and snorkeling in clear water.

• Spent a few nights on remote islands far from any phone signal.

Where to stay

• Casco Viejo: The restored old town, with rooftop bars and the best atmosphere in the city.

• Calle 50 and Obarrio: Central and business-oriented. I stayed at the Riu Plaza Panama here for an easy night before my flight.

• Bella Vista: Close to the Cinta Costera bayfront path.

• San Blas: Sleep on a sailboat, or in a simple Guna-run cabana on a small island.

Getting there and around

• Tocumen airport is 30 to 45 minutes from the city by Uber, much longer in rush hour.

• The sailing route from Cartagena crosses open sea for a day and a half, then island hops through San Blas before landing at a mainland port, often with a 4x4 transfer to Panama City.

• Casco Viejo is 10 to 15 minutes from Calle 50 by Uber.

• Domestic flights go to Bocas del Toro and Boquete's nearby airport, and ferries run to Taboga and the Pearl Islands.

What to eat

• Sancocho: Chicken soup with culantro, the national dish.

• Ceviche: Corvina ceviche in little cups at the Mercado de Mariscos.

• Patacones: Fried green plantains with almost everything.

• Carimanolas: Fried yuca stuffed with meat.

• Fresh lobster and fish: In San Blas, bought straight from Guna fishermen.

What to drink

• Coffee: Geisha coffee from Boquete is among the most famous in the world. Try it at a specialty cafe in Casco Viejo, or visit the farms in Boquete.

• Spirits: Ron Abuelo is Panama's well known rum, and Seco Herrerano is the local sugarcane spirit, often mixed as seco con leche.

• Beer: Balboa and Panama are the local lagers, and craft options are growing in the city. A cold one on a San Blas beach is hard to beat.

• Cocktails: Rum based drinks are the thing here, and Casco Viejo has good rooftop bars with views over the skyline.

• Juices: Fresh juices like tamarind, soursop and guanabana, plus coconut water on the islands.

Don't miss

• The San Blas islands, also called Guna Yala, for white sand and turquoise water.

• Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal. Time it for a big ship.

• Casco Viejo on foot, ending with a rooftop drink at sunset.

• The Amador Causeway by bike, and the Biomuseo.

• Bocas del Toro for beaches and snorkeling.

• Boquete for coffee farms and the Volcan Baru sunrise hike.

Day trips and side trips

• The Panama Canal by boat from Gamboa.

• Taboga Island by ferry.

• Portobelo forts on the Caribbean side.

• An Embera village visit in Chagres National Park.

• Panama Viejo ruins.

Festivals and events

• Carnaval: Panama City and Las Tablas, usually in February or March. Four days of parades and water fights.

• Black Christ Festival: Portobelo, on October 21. Pilgrims walk in purple and honor the Black Christ statue.

• Corpus Christi: La Villa de Los Santos, usually in May or June. Devil dances and colorful costumes.

• Independence Days: Panama City, in November. Parades and fireworks.

• Boquete Flower and Coffee Fair: Boquete, usually in January.

• Panama Jazz Festival: Panama City, usually in January. Concerts across the city and in Casco Viejo.

• Festival de la Mejorana: Guarare, usually in September. Folk music and dance.

Music and dance

• Tipico and cumbia: Folk music with accordion, heard at village fiestas in the interior.

• Salsa and Latin: Casco Viejo has live salsa bars, and Panama is the home of Ruben Blades.

• Reggae en espanol and reggaeton: Born in Panama and heard all over, especially in the city.

• Congo and Afro Caribbean: Colon and Portobelo keep the Afro Panamanian traditions alive.

• Dance: The tamborito is the national folk dance, and you can see folkloric shows in Panama City. Casco Viejo has salsa bars where you can dance or find a class.

Photography spots

• San Blas: Midday sun is good for the turquoise water from above. Golden hour is best for palms and silhouettes.

• At sea: Sunrise, sunset and the night sky far from any light.

• Panama City: The skyline from the Cinta Costera or Casco Viejo at blue hour.

• Miraflores Locks: Afternoon for side light.

• Drones: Registration is required, flights near Tocumen and the canal are restricted, and in Guna Yala you need the Guna's permission. Check current drone rules.

My experience

The sailing trip was the best part. Days at sea, then waking up anchored beside a tiny palm island with no signal, felt like a real break from everything. Panama City was a calm contrast for the last night. I would recommend the route to anyone who is flexible on time and wants more than a flight between Colombia and Panama.

Cost of living

• Overall: Panama City, Boquete and Bocas del Toro: $$, about 35% cheaper than New York. Panama City is the priciest, and Boquete and Bocas are cheaper.

• Coffee: about $3

• Local lunch: about $7

• Dinner for two at a nice restaurant: about $70

• Beer or cocktail: about $3 / $6

• Ride across town: about $6

• Mid-range hotel: about $90 a night

• Furnished one-bedroom in a good area: about $1,300 a month in Panama City's Punta Pacifica or Costa del Este, $800 in Boquete

• Daily budget: about $60 budget, $140 comfortable, $300+ luxury in Panama City, less in Boquete

Panama City is moderately priced, and it uses the US dollar, which keeps things simple. The San Blas islands are inexpensive and basic, with most costs bundled into the trip. Prices are approximate in US dollars as of 2026.

Working remotely

• Wi-Fi: Good in Panama City, often 50 to 200 Mbps. It is limited or absent on San Blas and in remote areas.

• Coworking and cafes: Best nomad cities are Panama City for coworking, flights and fast internet, Boquete for cool mountain weather and a long-standing expat community, and Bocas del Toro for a Caribbean island base with improving Wi-Fi.

• Time zone: UTC-5 with no daylight saving, same as US Eastern in winter and 1 hour behind in summer.

• Visa for longer stays: US citizens get up to 180 days visa-free. Panama has a Short Stay Remote Workers Visa for longer stays. Check current rules.

• Nomad rating: 4 out of 5. Dollar economy, good internet, easy flights and a growing expat scene.

Good to know

• Language: Spanish, and the Guna language in San Blas. English is common in tourist areas and hotels, and less so elsewhere.

• Currency: The US dollar. Bring small bills and cash for San Blas, where cards do not work.

• Plugs: Type A and B, the same as the US.

• Entry for US citizens: No visa for tourism. You may be asked for proof of onward travel and funds. Check current rules.

• Best time to visit: The dry season runs from mid-December to April. May to November has afternoon storms.

• Getting around: Uber works in Panama City. In San Blas you go by boat.

• Tipping: About 10 percent at restaurants if it is not included. Tip boat crews, guides and drivers.

• SIM/eSIM: Mas Movil, Tigo or Digicel. Expect little to no signal at sea and in San Blas.

• Apps: Uber, Cabify and InDrive for rides, and Uber Eats and PedidosYa for delivery.

• Water: Tap water is generally safe in Panama City. Use bottled water in San Blas and on the islands.

Useful phrases

• Hello: Hola

• Please: Por favor

• Thank you: Gracias

• How much?: Cuanto cuesta?

• The check, please: La cuenta, por favor

Nightlife

Panama City is the main nightlife hub, with a good mix of rooftops, lounges and clubs. I only had one night in the city at the end of my sailing trip, so I did not see much. Expect Latin energy, later nights than in the US and a strong rooftop culture.

• When people go out: Dinner is usually around 8 pm, bars fill after 10 pm, and clubs get busy after midnight on Friday and Saturday.

• Where the action is: Casco Viejo has rooftop bars and cocktail lounges in the old quarter, and Calle Uruguay is the busy bar and club strip in the modern city. Bocas del Toro is the main beach party town.

• The music: Reggaeton, salsa and Latin pop, with house and electronic music in the bigger clubs.

• Good to know: Covers are common at clubs, and drinks are cheaper than in the US. Dress is smart casual, and clubs often refuse shorts or sandals. Use Uber or a radio taxi, avoid walking at night outside Casco Viejo and Calle Uruguay, and watch your drink.

Meeting people

• Social scene: Panama City is the best base for meeting people, with coworking spaces, expat groups and a mix of travelers in Casco Viejo. Bocas del Toro and Boquete are very social with hostels and tours.

• Apps: Tinder, Bumble and Hinge are used in Panama City. Facebook groups, Meetup and WhatsApp groups for expats and nomads are good for events.

• Etiquette: A handshake is standard, and a single cheek kiss is common among friends. Plans start late and flex easily. Splitting the bill is normal, and the person who invites may offer to pay.

• Stay smart: Meet in public, watch your drink, and avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar neighborhoods outside Casco Viejo and the main tourist areas.

Staying safe

• Casco Viejo, Obarrio, Bella Vista and the Cinta Costera are easy to walk. Avoid El Chorrillo and parts of Colon at night.

• Pick an established sailing operator, because the open-sea leg can be rough.

• Wear a life jacket on the boat and use reef-safe sunscreen in the islands.

• Ask the Guna before photographing people.