Panamanian Cuisine & Must-Try Dishes
Panamanian Hospitality
Panamanians are known for their warm, community-oriented nature, where sharing a meal or coffee is a social ritual that can last an hour, fostering connections in vibrant markets and making travelers feel instantly welcomed.
Essential Panamanian Foods
Ceviche
Savor fresh seafood marinated in lime juice with onions and cilantro, a staple in coastal areas like Bocas del Toro for $8-12, paired with patacones.
Must-try during fresh catch seasons, offering a taste of Panama's maritime heritage.
Sancocho
Enjoy hearty chicken and yam stew, available at street vendors in Panama City for $5-8.
Best fresh from markets for the ultimate comforting, indulgent experience.
Arroz con Pollo
Sample rice cooked with chicken and vegetables in rural eateries, with portions for $6-10.
Each region has unique spices, perfect for food enthusiasts seeking authentic flavors.
Patacones
Indulge in twice-fried green plantains served with toppings, starting at $3-5 in local fondas.
Traditional side dish with shops throughout Panama offering variations.
Ropa Vieja
Try shredded beef stew with peppers, found in Panamanian taverns for $10-15, a hearty dish perfect for gatherings.
Traditionally served with rice for a complete, flavorful meal.
Yuca Frita
Experience fried cassava with sauces at markets for $4-6.
Perfect for snacks in parks or pairing with local beers at cafes.
Vegetarian & Special Diets
- Vegetarian Options: Try plantain-based dishes or bean stews in Panama City's veggie-friendly spots for under $8, reflecting Panama's growing sustainable food scene.
- Vegan Choices: Major cities offer vegan restaurants and plant-based versions of classics like patacones and sancocho.
- Gluten-Free: Many restaurants accommodate gluten-free diets, especially in Panama City and David.
- Halal/Kosher: Available in Panama City with dedicated restaurants in multicultural neighborhoods.
Cultural Etiquette & Customs
Greetings & Introductions
Shake hands and make eye contact when meeting. A kiss on the cheek is common among friends and family.
Use formal titles (Señor/Señora) initially, first names only after invitation.
Dress Codes
Casual dress acceptable in cities, but modest attire for rural areas and churches.
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting indigenous communities or cathedrals.
Language Considerations
Spanish is the official language. English widely spoken in tourist areas like the Canal Zone.
Learn basics like "gracias" (thank you) or "por favor" (please) to show respect.
Dining Etiquette
Wait to be seated in restaurants, keep hands visible on table, and don't start eating until everyone is served.
Service charge often included, but round up or add 10% for excellent service.
Religious Respect
Panama is predominantly Catholic. Be respectful during visits to churches and festivals.
Photography usually allowed but check for signs, silence mobile phones inside churches.
Punctuality
Panamanians have a relaxed sense of time, especially in social settings.
Arrive 15-30 minutes late for casual events, but be on time for business.
Safety & Health Guidelines
Safety Overview
Panama is generally safe with efficient services, low violent crime in tourist areas, and good public health systems, making it ideal for all travelers, though petty theft requires awareness.
Essential Safety Tips
Emergency Services
Dial 911 for immediate help, with English support available in major cities.
Tourist police in Panama City provide assistance, response times are quick in urban areas.
Common Scams
Watch for pickpocketing in crowded areas like Casco Viejo during events.
Verify taxi meters or use apps like Uber to avoid overcharging.
Healthcare
Yellow fever vaccine recommended for rural areas. Bring travel insurance.
Pharmacies widespread, bottled water advised, hospitals offer good care in cities.
Night Safety
Most tourist areas safe at night, but avoid isolated spots after dark.
Stay in well-lit areas, use official taxis or rideshares for late-night travel.
Outdoor Safety
For hiking in Boquete, check weather forecasts and carry maps or GPS devices.
Inform someone of your plans, trails can have sudden rain changes.
Personal Security
Use hotel safes for valuables, keep copies of important documents separate.
Be vigilant in tourist areas and on public transport during peak times.
Insider Travel Tips
Strategic Timing
Book dry season (Dec-Apr) visits months in advance for best rates.
Visit in green season for fewer crowds, ideal for rainforest hiking.
Budget Optimization
Use public buses for affordable travel, eat at local fondas for cheap meals.
Free walking tours available in cities, many parks free entry year-round.
Digital Essentials
Download offline maps and translation apps before arrival.
WiFi abundant in cafes, mobile coverage good in urban and coastal areas.
Photography Tips
Capture golden hour at Panama Canal locks for dramatic ship passages and lighting.
Use wide-angle lenses for Bocas islands, always ask permission for indigenous portraits.
Cultural Connection
Learn basic Spanish phrases to connect with locals authentically.
Participate in communal meals for genuine interactions and cultural immersion.
Local Secrets
Seek out hidden beaches in San Blas or secret coffee farms in Boquete.
Ask at guesthouses for undiscovered spots locals love but tourists miss.
Hidden Gems & Off-the-Beaten-Path
- Boquete: Mountain town in Chiriquí with coffee plantations, hiking trails, and thermal springs, perfect for a peaceful escape.
- San Blas Islands: Indigenous Guna Yala archipelago for pristine beaches away from tourist crowds, set in turquoise waters.
- El Valle de Antón: Crater village with unique market and birdwatching, ideal for relaxed exploration without crowds.
- Contadora Island: Quiet pearl-diving spot near Panama City for secluded beaches and snorkeling in pearl bays.
- Portobelo: Historic coastal town with colonial forts, famous for Black Christ festival and Congo traditions.
- Santa Catalina: Surfing haven with black sand beaches and nearby Coiba National Park for marine life spotting.
- David: Western hub with vibrant markets, indigenous crafts, and gateway to cloud forests.
- Emberá Village: Riverside indigenous community near Panama City for cultural immersion and river canoe trips.
Seasonal Events & Festivals
- Carnival (February/March, nationwide): Water-soaked street parties with parades and cumbia music in cities like Panama City and David.
- Panama Independence Day (November 3, Panama City): Parades, fireworks, and cultural shows celebrating separation from Colombia.
Fiesta de la Pollera (October, various towns): Traditional dress festival with folk dances, music, and artisan markets honoring national costume.- Feria de Las Flores y el Café (January, Boquete): Flower and coffee fair with parades, tastings, and highland celebrations.
- Portobelo Black Christ Festival (October, Portobelo): Religious procession drawing pilgrims, with music and coastal vibes.
- Semana Santa (Holy Week, April, nationwide): Processions and indigenous rituals in rural areas like Pesé.
- Drum Festival (March, Portobelo): Congo drum beats and dances showcasing Afro-Panamanian heritage.
- National Folklore Festival (September, Guararé): Competitions in music, dance, and poetry preserving rural traditions.
Shopping & Souvenirs
- Molas: Buy Guna indigenous textile art from certified cooperatives in San Blas, handmade pieces start at $20-50 for authentic quality.
- Coffee: Purchase Geisha or Boquete beans from specialty roasters, pack carefully for travel or ship home.
- Panama Hats: Traditional toquilla straw hats from El Valle artisans, genuine ones from $30-100.
- Devil Masks: Handcrafted from Parita workshops, iconic for festivals, find in Azuero Peninsula markets.
- Emberá Baskets: Woven indigenous crafts from Chagres River communities, available at Panama City artisan fairs.
- Markets: Visit Sunday markets in Panama City or David for fresh produce, spices, and local crafts at reasonable prices.
- Jewelry: Tagua nut carvings and coral pieces from coastal shops, research ethical sourcing before purchasing.
Sustainable & Responsible Travel
Eco-Friendly Transport
Use Panama's buses and ferries to minimize carbon footprint.
Bike rentals available in cities like Panama City for sustainable urban exploration.
Local & Organic
Support local farmers markets and organic coffee farms, especially in Chiriquí's sustainable scene.
Choose seasonal tropical produce over imported goods at markets and shops.
Reduce Waste
Bring reusable water bottle, opt for filtered water stations in eco-lodges.
Use fabric shopping bags at markets, recycling limited but growing in urban areas.
Support Local
Stay in community-owned eco-lodges rather than international chains when possible.
Eat at family-run fondas and buy from indigenous artisans to support communities.
Respect Nature
Stay on marked trails in Darién or Soberanía, take all trash with you when hiking or beachcombing.
Avoid disturbing wildlife and follow park regulations in protected rainforests.
Cultural Respect
Learn about indigenous customs and Spanish basics before visiting Guna or Emberá areas.
Respect community protocols and seek permission for photos or entry.
Useful Phrases
Spanish (Nationwide)
Hello: Hola
Thank you: Gracias
Please: Por favor
Excuse me: Disculpe
Do you speak English?: ¿Habla inglés?
Guna (San Blas Islands)
Hello: Suaye
Thank you: Guna
Please: Inna
Excuse me: Bila
Do you speak Spanish?: ¿Habla español?
Emberá (Darién Region)
Hello: Bua
Thank you: Ena
Please: Awa
Excuse me: Bila
Do you speak Spanish?: ¿Habla español?