Travel to Panama to backpack, study, intern, volunteer, work,

or live as a digital nomad, expat or emigrant?

Image

Image

Image
 Panama

Intro

Backpacking in Panama?

  • Panama is frequently visited by backpackers and considered one of the most surprising countries in Central America. Panama has “everything”: great surfing, diving and snorkeling sites, the Archipelago de San Blas (the territory of the Kuna Indians, with more than350 islands), highlands, jungle and volcanoes.
  • Characteristics: Many traveling nationalities, varied nature and everything within a relatively short distance.

Traveling in Panama?

  • A trip through Panama is a journey through tropical islands, the Panama Canal, the Chiriquí province, lush mountain areas, rainforests and, of course, Panamanian coffee (Boquete) and Latin American cuisine.
  • City spotting: Panama City (with it's trendy Casco Viejo), Barro Colorado, port town of Portobello. But also the smaller Santa Catalina (fishing village) or Boquete in the highlands, surrounded by jungles, volcanoes and mountains.
  • Island spotting: Bocas del Toro (Isla Colon), Las Tablas, Isla de Coiba (whale sharks and manta rays), Pearl Island Archipelago (including whales, dolphins and gigantic schools of tropical fish) and tiny Isla Boca Brava.
  • Animal spotting: crocodiles, several special bird species (including the yellow-winged macaw & rare quetzal), humpback whales, orcas and an extensive underwater world.
  • Nature spotting: Panama has several tropical rainforests with magnificent orchids. The Chiriquí province, but definitely also national park Coiba. Or hike along the 8km Quetzal trail. True adventure can be experienced in the inhospitable Darien National Park, on the border between Panama and Colombia.

Studying in Panama?

  • Language schools: Panama has very relaxed language schools; obviously in the capital but also on various Caribbean islands or just in the highlands. Another possibilities is that you can sometimes combine a course in Panama with one in neighboring Costa Rica.
  • Studying in Panama is advantageous (especially at the public universities, which are also open to international students free of charge), due to the high quality of education and low cost of living.
  • Panama has several large universities and smaller colleges, plus some sub-establishments of large American universities.
  • The academic year in Panama has two semesters: summer (March) and fall (December). Educational institutions are closed in January and February; there is a two-week vacation in June and July.
  • You will find many regular studies in Panama, but e.g. also water science, environment, fleet management or tropical disease research.

Internships in Panama?

  • Internships: internships can be found in all sectors of society. The tourism sector has the most supply, but you will definitely find opportunities in marketing, tropical forest management, conservation, sustainable agriculture.
  • Characteristics: the work culture is also generally very “mañana,” screw your pace back and make sure you have learned Spanish beforehand.

Volunteer in Panama?

  • Volunteer projects: particularly in the social sectors and nature management.
  • Nature projects: protection of sea turtles, coral reefs, orchids, birds, among others.
  • Characteristics: volunteering possible from 1 or 2 weeks to several months.

Working in Panama?

  • Jobs: temporary work can be found mainly in the sectors: hospitality and tourism, such as at diving schools and in the travel sector. Also (limited) opportunities at language schools.
  • Characteristics: take into account the mañana work culture, make sure you have a good basic knowledge of Spanish and set yourself up for work for room and board.

Working as a digital nomad in Panama?

  • Favorite cities: Panama City (with the trendy Casco Viejo district), Boquete (coffee culture!), Bocas del Toro, David, Las Tablas.
  • Internet: Panama is the country in Central America with one of the best and fastest Internet connections.
  • There are specific digital nomad visas, remote worker visas.

Living in Panama?

  • Language: Spanish is really the basic language. English is spoken in the better-known tourist towns and locations.
  • Characteristics:Panama is one of the countries in Central America with a relatively large group of working nomads, temporary emigrants and international adventurers.
  • You can choose the modern and very “urban” Panama City, one of the idyllic islands or just the cooler highlands around Boquete.
  • If you live and work in Panama, you will benefit from the good healthcare system, with doctors who are well-trained in the USA and often speak excellent English. Having your own (international) covered health insurance is recommended.

 

Supporting content

Panama Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

Panama Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

Selection of content and contributions of WorldSupporters about Panama

Panama: Updates & Travel

Panama: Updates & Travel

Travel in Panama

  • One of the most surprising countries in Central America, with the modern capital Panama City. Visit the island groups Bocas del Toro (with great surfing, diving and snorkeling locations) and Archipel de San Blas (the area of ​​the Kuna Indians), the Panama Canal and Isla Taboga. Panama has various nature reserves and tropical rainforests, beautiful orchids and very relaxed language schools on various Caribbean islands.
  • Take a trip from Panama City to the island of Barro Colorado in the Gatun lake. The island is a reserve that is a hotspot of biodiversity.
  • Take a multi-day tour to Colomba where the San Blas islands are located. These bounty-like islands are themselves small and flat and are disappearing very slowly due to the rising sea level. The indigenous Kuna people traditionally live here from agriculture and fishing, but in the meantime they also earn some extra money from tourism.
  • Climb the Baru Volcano on horseback. At 3,475 meters high, this mountain is located in the beautiful Chiriquí province, near the popular resort town of Boquete and the mountain resort of Cerro Punto.
  • Go bird watching! 40 kilometers north of Panama City lies one of the best places to spot birds. With over 950 bird species, Panama is the best country for bird lovers.
  • Hike through the Darién National Park in the sparsely populated wilderness of the Darién Gap, where you will find beaches, rocky coasts, mangroves and lakes, and even tropical rainforests. This park is also home to two indigenous Indian tribes.
  • A cruise on the Panama Canal is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The surroundings are beautiful and the banks are home to crocodiles, birds and other wildlife. You can also see the Panama Canal well from the bus or train.
  • In Las Tablas, the capital of the Los Santos province, vibrant parties are held all year round. Especially carnival is a huge experience, there are two different groups that “compete” against each other to see who can organize the best parade and the best parties.
  • The Chiriquí province is a beautiful part of Panama with characteristic highlands, many waterfalls, rivers and spectacular mountains with many cattle and horses. The area is also known for its banana and coffee plantations.
  • Panama City; almost a million people live in this metropolis at the Pacific gate of the Panama Canal. A city with skyscrapers, parks, suburbs, historical monuments of the Spanish past and a charming area known as Casco Antiguo or Colonial Panama. For shopping there is Avenida Central in Panama, the duty-free airport Tocumen, the large malls and the commercial areas near hotels. Panama Viejo is a part of Panama City where you can still see a bit of the old life in Panama. An excursion along these ruins is interesting and gives a good insight into the original Panama City.
  • Bocas del Toro; Bocas del Toro (located on the island of Isla Colon) is the capital of the archipelago of the same name, located in the Caribbean Sea in the northwest of Panama. After Panama City, Bocas del Toro is the most popular travel destination in Panama. You will find beautiful beaches and more than 200 islands, of which only a few are inhabited. Bocas del Toro has a relaxed Caribbean atmosphere, you can snorkel and dive excellently and the water taxis available will take you everywhere.
  • Be prepared that protests are sometimes organized in Panama, especially in Panama City. Avoid these protests, because they can sometimes get out of hand.
  • Be aware that a curfew for young people applies in Panama City. This measure means that young people up to the age of 17 are not allowed on the streets without an adult after 9 p.m.
  • Be reminded that tropical storms can hit Panama from June to November. If you are in Panama during this period, it is a good idea to follow the local news as much as possible.

Updates Panama

  • More about Panama, updates and contributions, see the link below.
What are the best places to go to in Panama?

What are the best places to go to in Panama?

What are the best places to go to in Panama?

  • One of the most surprising countries in Central America, with the modern capital Panama City. Visit the island groups of Bocas del Toro (with great surf, diving and snorkeling sites) and Archipelago de San Blas (the territory of the Kuna Indians), the Panama Canal and Isla Taboga. Panama has several nature reserves and tropical rainforests, beautiful orchids and very relaxed language schools on several Caribbean islands.
  • Take a trip from Panama City to Barro Colorado Island in Lake Gatun. The island is a reserve that is a hotspot of biodiversity.
  • Take a multi-day tour to Colomba where the San Blas Islands are located. These bounty-like islands are themselves small and flat and are disappearing very slowly due to sea level rise. The indigenous Kuna people here traditionally live by farming and fishing, but meanwhile they also earn a little extra with tourism.
  • Climb the Baru Volcano on horseback. At 3,475 meters, this mountain is located in the beautiful Chiriquí province, near the popular resort town of Boquete and the mountain resort of Cerro Punto.
  • Go bird watching! 40 kilometers north of Panama City is one of the best places for bird watching. With more than 950 bird species, Panama is the best country for bird lovers.
  • Hike through Darién National Park in the sparsely populated wilderness of the Darién Gap, where both beaches, rocky coasts, mangroves and lakes can be found, and even tropical rainforests. This park is also home to two indigenous Indian tribes.
  • A cruise on the Panama Canal is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The scenery is stunning and the banks are home to crocodiles, birds and other wildlife. By the way, you can also see the Panama Canal well from the bus or train.
  • In Las Tablas, the capital of Los Santos province, vibrant parties are held throughout the year. Carnival in particular is a huge experience, when two different groups “compete” against each other to see who can organize the best parade and parties.
  • The Chiriquí province is a beautiful part of Panama with characteristic highlands, many waterfalls, rivers and spectacular mountains with many cattle and horses. The area is also known for its banana and coffee plantations.
  • Panama City; nearly a million people live in this metropolis at the Pacific port of the Panama Canal. A city with skyscrapers, parks, suburbs, historical monuments of the Spanish past and a charming section known as Casco Antiguo or Colonial Panama. For shopping, there is Avenida Central in Panama, the duty-free Tocumen airport, major malls and commercial areas near hotels. Panama Viejo is a part of Panama City where you can still see a bit of the earlier life in Panama. An excursion along these ruins is interesting and gives a good insight into the original Panama City.
  • Bocas del Toro; Bocas del Toro (located on Isla Colon) is the capital of the archipelago of the same name located in the Caribbean Sea in northwestern Panama. After Panama City, Bocas del Toro is the most popular travel destination in Panama. You will find beautiful beaches and more than 200 islands, only a few of which are inhabited. Bocas del Toro has a relaxed Caribbean atmosphere, excellent snorkeling and diving, and the available water cabs will take you anywhere.
What is the best time to travel in Panama, and what is the worst time to go?

What is the best time to travel in Panama, and what is the worst time to go?

What is the best travel and departure time for Panama?

  • Panama has a tropical climate, ranging from a tropical rainforest climate along the border areas with Costa Rica and Colombia to a monsoon climate in the west and a tropical savanna climate in central Panama. Wherever you go in Panama, everywhere is tropically warm with temperatures around 30 degrees.
  • In spring, from February to May, temperatures can reach 34-35 degrees. Because there is always a fairly high relative humidity, Panama always feels clammy and stuffy.
  • Most of Panama has a rainy season, which runs from early May to mid-December. With the exception of the rain forests, most rain falls in the form of often very heavy showers, which can sometimes last for several hours during the rainy season. In the tropical rain forests, there is a very good chance of prolonged rains during the monsoon period.

Best travel time in Panama

  • From December to April it does not rain as much, but during the rainy season from May to November there are a lot fewer tourists.

Worst travel time in Panama

  • Tropical storms and hurricanes can occur in Panama from June to November. Traveling in Panama is possible during this period, but it rains more and there is a greater chance of violent storms.

Hours of sunshine in Panama

  • Panama has an average of 6 to 7 hours of sunshine per day.

Sea temperature in Panama

  • The sea water temperature in Panama averages 27 degrees.
What is the best transport in Panama, and how to get around?

What is the best transport in Panama, and how to get around?

Whether or not to travel by plane in Panama?

  • Flight time Amsterdam Schiphol - Panama City (AMS-PTY) is 11 hours and 15 minutes. It is good to know that flights from Amsterdam Schiphol are direct. Many islands can be reached only by domestic flights or by boat.

Whether or not to travel by train in Panama?

  • There is a beautiful train route from Panama City to Colón. For the rest, you are better off taking the bus.

Whether or not to travel by bus in Panama?

  • Bus transportation in Panama is good and is the most normal way to travel. There are paved roads between the major destinations, such as David, Boquete, Colón and Panama City. The “PanAmerican Highway” is used for most routes, and you can wave at a bus to stop it or buy a ticket in town. There are many different bus companies, with varying standards and prices.

Whether or not to travel by car in Panama?

  • The roads in Panama are not very bad, and the biggest highway, the “Panamerican Highway” that goes right through the whole country, is actually good. But in the more rural parts, a four wheel drive is really a must. You can rent a car in cities and airports with both a Dutch and an international driver's license. You must be at least 23 years old.

Whether or not to travel by boat in Panama?

  • Panama has many islands that can only be reached by boat (or domestic flight).

 

Why live in Panama, why emigrate to Panama or stay for a long time?

Why live in Panama, why emigrate to Panama or stay for a long time?

Why should you live in Panama as an expat, emigrant or working nomad?

  • because of the friendly and often very hospitable inhabitants.
  • because of the activities you can do in nature or under water.
  • because of the fact that Panama is a relatively safe, politically stable country in Central America; especially compared to some neighboring countries in the region.
  • because of the extensive, often vibrant, expat culture in Panama; with a combination of Spanish and international cultural influences.
  • because of the well-functioning, fastest and most stable Internet network in Central America.
  • because of the extra free time of your own due to domestic and other help.

What should you pay attention to?

  • that the roads between major cities are quite good, but that in the more rural parts a four wheel drive is really a must.
  • that health care is generally good in the cities, but can still sometimes be mediocre outside of them.
  • That you sometimes have to adjust your demands in terms of efficiency and diligence.
  • that housing in the larger cities can be costly or problematic, especially in Panama City.
Where to study in Panama do an internship, do volunteer work or look for a job in Panama?

Where to study in Panama do an internship, do volunteer work or look for a job in Panama?

Why study, do an internship, volunteer or work temporarily in Panama?

  • because Panama offers many opportunities to learn or brush up on Spanish; relaxed language schools in the capital but also on various Caribbean islands or in the highlands.
  • because Panama offers a high quality education at a low cost of living.
  • because Panamanian employers generally try to create a pleasant work environment, where social relationships and friendships among colleagues are important.
  • because your colleagues are often helpful, friendly and interested.
  • because Panama offers many opportunities for work, internships, volunteering in tourism, as well as in water science, environment, or tropical disease research.
  • Because Panama is the country in Central America with one of the best and fastest Internet connections.

What should you pay attention to?

  • that 'mañana' is also present in the work culture, but that does not mean that 'being on time' is not appreciated (do not assume that it is fine to be late!)
  • that the boss and older workers are generally respected.
  • that good basic Spanish knowledge opens many doors (in real internship/work situations you need more than 'basic' knowledge).
How dangerous is Panama for your safety, health and insurances?

How dangerous is Panama for your safety, health and insurances?

How to stay safe and out of trouble in Panama?

  • Panama is a reasonably safe country, if you watch out for protests and uprisings. Protests and demonstrations occasionally occur in some parts of Panama, especially in Panama City. It is best to avoid these as much as possible.
  • There is a curfew for young people in Panama city. This measure means that from 9 p.m. onward, young people up to 17 years old are not allowed to be on the streets without adult supervision.

What to look out for regarding criminality in Panama?

  • In order to combat crime and vandalism, there has been a curfew for some time now, whereby young people up to 17 years of age are not allowed to walk the streets of Panama City without an adult during the week, sometimes as early as 9:00 PM, and on Fridays and Saturdays at 11:00 PM. 
  • At tourist attractions, theft is fairly common, so watch your belongings carefully.

What are unsafe areas in Panama?

  • It is not a good idea to visit the border area with Colombia. Colombian guerrillas seem to find it necessary to raid villages in Panama. Avoid the non-touristy parts of Casco Viejo, the neighborhoods of San Miguelito, el Chorillo and Curunud in Panama City, the port city of Colon.

What to look out for regarding natural disasters in Panama?

  • From June to November, tropical storms can ravage Panama. If you do find yourself in Panama during this period, it is a good idea to follow local news reports as much as possible.
What are typical Panamese habits, food customs, recipes and philosophies in Panama.?

What are typical Panamese habits, food customs, recipes and philosophies in Panama.?

What are the customs in Panama regarding food?

  • Because there are so many different cultures in Panama, the country has a very varied cuisine. At small cafes you can often taste local specialties further, top international restaurants and American fast-food chains have also penetrated Panama.

What are the best recipes in Panama?

  • Try the specialty Ceviche. This is fish marinated in lime juice, onions and peppers.
  • Sancocho is a characteristic stew with chicken, meat and vegetables.
  • Gallo pinto is a dish consisting of rice and beans with pork sometimes added.
  • A popular dessert is a Raspado; a kind of white scones with condensed milk and syrup on top.

What are the best drinks in Panama?

  • The Ron Ponche is highly recommended. This is a milk and vanilla cocktail with rum.
  • Panama is rich in many fresh fruit juices: pineapple, papaya, mango and passion fruit juices are available everywhere. Both pure, and mixed with ice.
  • Panama produces Panama, Atlas, Soberana and Balboa beer.

What are notable holidays and festivals in Panama?

  • 'Feria de las Flores y del Cafe' is held every January and is the largest (and perhaps best) flower festival in the world. There are beautiful flower exhibits, food stalls and lots of live music.
  • During Santa Semana (holy week around Easter), religious processions are held throughout the country where participants wear beautiful colored clothes and hold up church statues.
  • The “Festival de los Diablos y Congos” is the festival of devils and Africans. It is held annually in March. It is historically the representation of good versus evil, or the struggle between the African slaves (good) and their Spanish overlord (the devil). Drumbeats and drumbeats depict escape attempts, rebellions and freedom songs are sung.
  • On Aug. 31, the “Feria Internacional del Mar” is celebrated. This annual festival celebrates all things sea, beach and fish.
  • Panama has no less than three independence days, but the most important celebration is on Nov. 3 and 4 in which lots of fireworks and parades celebrate the country's independence from Colombia.

What are the remarkable habits in Panama?

  • Family is key, it is all about the family, including extended family. Grandparents are often involved in raising children.
  • Fiestas are tradition, between 1 PM and 3 PM all shops are closed. People are resting.
  • Baseball is a very popular sport.
  • Strong sweet coffee is the way of life and drinking it included in daily habits.

Latest

Latest blogs, jobs, projects, organizations, and tips tagged with: Panama

Image

ACTIVITIES: check courses, jobs, projects, recipes, suggestions and tips within this region

Panama: activities, jobs and tips
Displaying 1 - 8 of 21

Pages

Image

ORGANIZATIONS: check sectors and organizations related to the topic

Displaying 1 - 4 of 7
Bienvenido Gap Year

Bienvenido is een Nederlandse organisatie met lokale partners in Argentinië,  Chili, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Paraguay, Peru en Uruguay. Ze zijn gespecialiseerd in het plaatsen van scholieren en studenten (leeftijd 17- 25) op scholen en in organisaties in deze landen voor een Spaanse o...

Floating Doctors

Floating Doctors strives to provide medical care in the developing world and to improve health care delivery in Panama. With a team of volunteers with medical, dental and veterinary expertise they visit remote communities in Panama.

Spanish Travel Classes

Leer Spaans in Latijns Amerika met Spanish Travel Classes. De Nederlandse Martijn is expert op het gebied van Spaanse taalreizen. Er worden naast taalcursussen ook trips aangeboden, om je te helpen je in de cultuur onder te dompelen: yoga, surfen of schildpadden spotten  Er is ook een aanbod va...

Spanish at Locations

Bij Spanish at Locations kun je Spaanse les volgen in Costa Rica en Panama. Spanish at Locations is in 1998 opgericht door de Nederlandse Ingrid Lommers en heeft inmiddels taalscholen op meerdere locaties in beide landen. Spanish at Locations biedt zowel taalcursussen als taalcursuscombinaties aan, ...

Pages

Image

ALL CONTENT: Search all related content within this topic

Check or search within topic: Panama
Displaying 1 - 4 of 39
Panama: Updates & Travel
  • Travel in Panama
  • Updates Panama
  • Travel in Panama

    • One of the most surprising countries in Central America, with the modern capital Panama City. Visit the island groups Bocas del Toro (with great surfing, diving and snorkeling locations) and Archipel de San...
Bienvenido Gap Year

Bienvenido is een Nederlandse organisatie met lokale partners in Argentinië,  Chili, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Paraguay, Peru en Uruguay. Ze zijn gespecialiseerd in het plaatsen van scholieren en studenten (leeftijd 17- 25) op scholen en in organisaties in deze landen voor een Spaanse o...

Pages

Stories, tips and experiences from Panama

Image

Spotlight: contributions

Image

Spotlight: favorites

Favorite tips and suggestions related to Panama
Favorite stories, blogs and texts related to Panama
Image

Toeristenvisum Een toeristenvisum voor Panama is niet verplicht voor bezoeken tot 90 dagen. Je vult een formulier in en krijgt een toeristenkaart voor 30 dagen bij aankomst (waar je overigens wel voor moet betalen). Een verlenging kan aangevraagd worden bij een kantoor van ‘Migración y ...

What are the best places to go to in Panama?

What are the best places to go to in Panama?

  • One of the most surprising countries in Central America, with the modern capital Panama City. Visit the island groups of Bocas del Toro (with great surf, diving and snorkeling sites) and Archipelago de San Blas (the territory of the Kuna Indians)...

Image

Related topics and terms

Related regions:
Side road: stay safe and insured

Image

TOPICS : check associated topics and more activities

Selected Worldsupporter pages in relation with the topic
More crossroad and side roads:

Pages

Themes: main theme pages for activities abroad (intern, study, travel, volunteer, work or emigrate)

WorldSupporter Theme pages for activities abroad

Intern, study, travel, volunteer, work or emigrate

Best travel time for weather, climate and activities abroad, and the worst time to go!
Backpacking and travel your way around the world - Theme
Emigration and moving abroad - Theme
Gap Year, Time out and Sabbatical - Theme
Internship Abroad - Theme
Learning languages and language courses abroad - Theme
Remote working abroad and digital nomads - Theme
Study Abroad - Theme
TEFL: Teaching English as a Foreign Language and learning English - Theme
Travel insurances and insurances for long term abroad - Theme
Travel gear and packing lists for going abroad - Worldsupporter Theme
Volunteer abroad - Theme
Work abroad and working holidays - Theme
Check or search within: topics, countries and studies only

Search only via club, country, goal, study, topic or sector

Side road: go abroad!
Page type:

WorldSupporter: Topic Page