Panama 2025: the destination where time stands still (and desires accelerate)

Traveling to Panama is unlike any other trip.

Traveling to Panama from Colombia in 2025 is easier than you think.
You don't need a visa if you're traveling for tourism, just your Colombian passport valid for at least six months . (Don't have one yet? Here's how to get one step by step.) How to obtain a Colombian passport .

Panama doesn't require a visa for Colombians, but it does require a return ticket and proof of sufficient funds (around USD 500). So don't leave anything to chance; Panamanian immigration doesn't like surprises.

💉 What about the yellow fever vaccine?

Don't worry: Panama doesn't require vaccinations for entry from Colombia, but they do recommend them if you're going to jungle areas like Darién or Guna Yala. (If your plans include monkeys, mosquitoes, or mangroves, get vaccinated and avoid any unpleasant surprises.)

And although Panama doesn't require health insurance, trust us: it's best to get it. Private healthcare there can cost as much as a return flight in business class.

💵 Panama currency, payments and daily rhythm

The official currency of Panama is the Balboa , but in practice everything is paid for in US dollars (USD).

There are no Balboa bills: there are only coins, and they are worth exactly the same as pennies. So, if you receive change that says "1 Balboa," think of it as being worth 1 dollar.

🌤️ Weather and best time to travel

Advice? Bring cash, because although the city is modern, on the islands or remote beaches cash is king.

✈️ First impact: the arrival

You land at Tocumen International Airport (PTY) , a modern gem that vibrates with accents from all over the world. From the windows, you can already see that mosaic of greens, blues, and lights that announce your arrival in the heart of the isthmus.

If you're flying on a low-cost airline, you might land at Panama Pacifico (BLB) , a smaller but equally functional terminal, surrounded by mountains that seem to welcome you.

The drive to the city center is a moving postcard. On one side, glass skyscrapers reflect the Caribbean sun ; on the other, the sea whispers promises of islands. In a matter of minutes, you're crossing the Cinta Costera , the breeze caressing the car window and the skyline offering a warm welcome.

That's when you understand why many call it "the jewel between two seas".
Because Panama isn't seen: it's felt.

🏛️ Old Panama and the new city: where the past peeks through the windows

Walking through Panama Viejo is like stepping into history. The ruins of the first city founded on the American Pacific coast tell tales of pirates and lost treasure. Then you continue on to Casco Antiguo , that colonial neighborhood with pastel-colored facades, flower-filled balconies, and cafes where time seems to have taken a vacation.

And just a few minutes away, the Panama City skyline It reminds you that this country lives in two eras simultaneously: that of the old soul and that of the future. The Coastal Strip The Biomuseo invites you to walk along the seafront. It teaches you why this isthmus changed the world, and the locks of the Panama Canal leave you mesmerized watching ships cross from ocean to ocean.

There is no other experience like it.

🏝️ Panama beaches: where the water has all shades of blue

If there's one thing Panama knows how to do well, it's to put the sea in movie mode.
Here, blue doesn't have just one shade: it changes with the time of day, with the wind, and with the location.
On the same trip you can see the crystal-clear Caribbean and the wild Pacific, without making impossible stopovers.

🌴 Panamanian Caribbean: postcards that move

The San Blas archipelago (Guna Yala) seems like a secret hidden away on old maps. It comprises more than 365 islands and islets , one for each day of the year, where time stands still and silence is palpable.
You wake up in a palm-thatched hut facing the sea, have fresh fruit for breakfast, and sail between islands full of marine life.
The water is so clear that you can see starfish without diving.
And when the Kuna people (the original inhabitants) welcome you with their molas and their stories, you understand that this paradise is not a stage set: it is living culture.

Further west, the Bocas del Toro archipelago combines jungle, sea and good vibes.
Here, days are measured in sunsets over the pier and drinks in glasses that exude happiness.
On Isla Colón , you can ride a bike, take a boat trip to Cayo Zapatilla , swim with dolphins, or dance reggae in front of the lights on the water.
The plan is simple: take off your shoes, lose track of time, and let the Caribbean teach you the meaning of "slow living".

🌊 Panamanian Pacific: the other side of paradise

And then there's the Pacific , with its wilder character and endless beaches.
Here the sea is deeper, the sand is more golden, and the sky is more dramatic.

• Playa Blanca: all-inclusive resorts, shaded sunbeds, and cocktails.
• Playa Venao: epicenter of Panamanian surfing.
• Cambutal: wild and almost untouched, ideal for disconnecting.
• Coiba: World Heritage Site, with hammerhead sharks and pristine corals.

ConecTIP: If your plan is to combine city and beach, spend a couple of days in the capital and then take a road trip or a short flight.

🍽️ Panama gastronomy: eating is also traveling

Eating in Panama is like exploring the world on a single plate. Every bite has a touch of the Caribbean, a hint of the jungle, and a whole lot of heart.

Panamanian gastronomy It combines Afro-Caribbean, Creole, and international influences. Here, there isn't just one cuisine: there are many ways to savor life.

Start with the classics:

• 🥣 Panamanian sancocho: a thick broth with yam and chicken.
• 🥩 Ropa vieja: shredded meat with tomato sauce, onion and paprika.
• 🥥 Rice with coconut and plantain slices: authentic Caribbean flavor.
• 🐟 Seafood Market Ceviche: a classic not to be missed in front of the Coastal Strip.

And if you want to go beyond the typical dish, here are some gastronomic recommendations in Panama that combine flavor with experience:

🚕 Move, connect, enjoy

Getting around Panama is easy.

• In the capital there is Metro, Uber and taxis (agree on the fare beforehand).
• Buses from Albrook are comfortable and inexpensive.
• Domestic flights save you hours to places like Bocas del Toro.
• Bring your Conecty eSIM All about eSIMs: hassle-free global connectivity.

🎉 A country with history and pride

November is a special month: Panama's independence from Colombia and Spain is celebrated , and the whole country vibrates with parades, drums, and flags.
Traveling during those dates is to see a people celebrating their identity with passion.

💰 Average budget for a week in Panama (mid-range)

If you're planning a trip to Panama, here's a reference for the average costs for a comfortable one-week trip:

💖 Why Panama captivates you

Because it's safe to travel to Panama in 2025, because its people smile at you without knowing your name, because you can have breakfast overlooking the Pacific and dinner looking out over the Caribbean...

So check your passport, find your cheap tickets, choose your tour plans and get ready for a trip that mixes history, sea and magic.

See you there — with a ceviche in hand and bare feet on Playa Blanca.