Secure Cheap Flights to Panama and Experience the Best Central American Routes

This is the dry season, offering the most sunshine and perfect conditions for exploring the Panama Canal and Pacific beaches.

Late spring marks the transition to the green season, with warm temperatures and occasional refreshing afternoon showers.

The green season brings lush landscapes and lower prices, making it an ideal time for budget-conscious travelers and nature lovers.

November is the month of 'Fiestas Patrias,' filled with parades and national pride, despite being the peak of the rainy season.

Brazilians do not need a visa to enter Panama for tourism purposes for stays up to 90 days. You must present a passport valid for at least six months from your date of entry. Additionally, authorities often require proof of a return ticket and evidence of sufficient funds, typically at least 500 USD in cash or credit card statements. A critical requirement for travelers from Brazil is the International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever. You must receive the vaccine at least ten days before your departure. Ensure you have your digital or physical certificate ready at check-in and immigration. While not mandatory, travel insurance is highly recommended to cover unexpected medical costs or trip cancellations during your stay in Central America.

Panama City offers a modern and efficient Metro system, which is the first of its kind in Central America. To use the Metro and the comprehensive MetroBus network, you must purchase a rechargeable card at any station or major terminal. For longer distances, the Albrook Bus Terminal is the central hub for coaches traveling to provinces like Chiriquí or Veraguas. Taxis are plentiful but do not use meters; always agree on the fare before entering the vehicle. Ride-sharing apps are widely available in the capital and offer transparent pricing. If you plan to explore the interior or remote beaches, renting a car provides the most flexibility, though driving in the city can be congested. Domestic flights are the fastest way to reach destinations like Bocas del Toro or David.

Panamanian culture is a vibrant mix of Spanish, African, and indigenous influences. People are generally formal and polite; a friendly greeting like Buenos dias is expected when entering shops or small businesses. Dress codes in Panama City are more professional than in many other tropical capitals, with locals often wearing long pants and stylish attire despite the heat. However, beachwear is perfectly acceptable in coastal areas like San Blas. When dining, a tip of 10% is customary and sometimes included in the bill as Servicio. Unlike Brazil, where Portuguese is spoken, Spanish is the official language, though English is widely understood in business and tourist hubs. Respecting the pace of life, often referred to as Panama time, will help you enjoy the local atmosphere without frustration.

Panamanian food is flavorful and relies heavily on corn, rice, and fresh seafood. Sancocho is the national dish, a hearty chicken soup with starchy vegetables like yuca and otoe, often served after a night out. For breakfast, try Hojaldras, which are fried dough discs, paired with Bistec Picado. Seafood lovers should head to the Mercado de Mariscos in Panama City for fresh Ceviche, which is prepared differently than the Peruvian style, often using lime and onions. Unlike the heavy bean-based dishes common in Brazil, Panamanian side dishes frequently feature Patacones, which are double-fried green plantains. Don't miss the chance to try Geisha coffee, one of the most expensive and highly-rated coffee varieties in the world, grown in the highlands of Boquete. Tropical fruits like papaya and pineapple are exceptionally sweet here.