Nine Panama Travel Tips to Save you Time and Money

One of Central America’s lesser known destinations, Panama is a great place to both take the path less traveled and save on your vacation. There are some major pros to vacationing in Panama, too. The country’s small size means distances are easily covered. In a matter of days you can experience a range of different environments, from the semi-desert of Sarigua to the lush rainforest of La Amistad national park.

1. Weekends are for the city:

If you’d like to spend a couple days enjoying Panama City’s vibrant nightlife, there’s no better time than the weekend. Some of the city’s best hotels offer lower rates for Friday-Sunday stays, meaning you could save $40 or more per night simply by avoiding weekdays. The Banking District is always hopping on Friday and Saturday nights, especially on and around Uruguay Street. Sample Guatemalan fare at Hacienda Real, then boogie the night away at Altabar nightclub.

2. Copa Airlines helps you get the most out of your flight fare:

Panama’s flagship carrier Copa offers flights to and from a long list of destinations. If you want to visit more than one, take advantage of Copa’s unique layover offer. Book a flight connecting through Panama and you can stay a few days at no extra charge! Then carry on to your final destination, be it Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Quito, or Nassau. You can find details on how to book (and all the cities served) at www.CopaAir.com.

3. Our low season, your high season:

There are many destinations that get more expensive come summer. But in Panama, close to the equator, seasons are reversed. North American summer months are low season here, meaning that hotel rates go down May through November. Panama has no true winter, so these months are wetter but no less warm. And here’s a tip: Beaches like Coronado, Playa Blanca, Santa Clara, Farallon and more tend to stay sunny. The best months? May, June, and July!

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4. The water’s more than fine:

The last time I traveled abroad, I spent more on bottled water than I did on food! But in most parts of Panama, the tap water is great. In Panama City, El Valle, Coronado, Boquete, and more, you can help your bottom line by just saying no to bottled water. Waiters are always happy to provide tap water if you ask for it. (And tap water is much more eco-friendly.)

5. Choose your islands wisely:

Domestic flights serve some of Panama’s most popular destinations. The Caribbean islands of Bocas del Toro are about eight hours from Panama City if you go by bus or car (and then take a short ferry ride). A flight will get you there in an hour, and at just under $300, will cost you much less than a trip to the Bahamas. But there are less expensive options. The Pacific isle of Taboga is served by two different ferry companies. Tickets for adults are around $15 and the trip is only about an hour long, so you can go for the day if you’re pressed for time. Still got your heart set on the Caribbean? Try Gunayala instead of Bocas del Toro. It’s closer to Panama City, so ground transportation and flights are less expensive. Accommodations on the islands of Gunayala are very rustic and eco-friendly. However, they are inexpensive and often include meals and tours in their rates.

6. The adventurous need not drive:

If you’re trying to get around Panama City, use the new Metro de Panama instead of rental cars or taxis to save on transportation. Choose a hotel in the El Cangrejo barrio of Panama. You’ll be walking distance from restaurants, cafes and several metro stations. Take the metro to Albrook Mall, one of Panama’s best bargain shopping destinations. From there, buses to popular towns like lush green El Valle can cost you about $5. (Much less expensive than renting a car at $20 to $40 a day.) Once you get there, you can get around easily by bike or on foot. Even the taxis are less expensive outside the capital!

7. If you’ve always wanted to see the Panama Canal:

A Panama Canal cruise is a dream for many. However, these are among the most expensive cruises you can take from North America. A visit to a Panama Canal visitor center, in Miraflores or Gatun, is much less expensive and very enjoyable. In Panama City, the Miraflores locks allows you to see ships transiting the canal close up, same as if you were on a cruise ship. If you’re more interested in the Canal Expansion Project, head to Colon, where you’ll find the new Gatun Visitor Center and Expansion Observation Center. Find out more at the Canal Experience website.

8. Beer over liquor, never richer:

Ok, so truth be told, even spirits are inexpensive in Panama. The local Abuelo rum is cheap and tasty on the rocks or with a splash of cola. But if you stick to local beers, you can really save on your nights out. Smaller establishments outside Panama City will charge as little as $1 or $2 for any of the local brands: Soberana, Panama, Atlas, or my personal favorite, Balboa. Even at high-end clubs, you’re unlikely to pay more than $3 or $4 per beer. Want to try a locally produced microbrew? Try Rana Dorada, a pub in Panama City. Wait staff will bring you a “flight” (a sampler) of their signature brews for free!

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9. Get creative:

There are many more ways to save in Panama. Keep an eye out for coupons at domestic and international airports in Panama. And if you’re really gung-ho, sign up for group savings sites like OfertaSimple.com well in advance of travel. But if you don’t get time for any of that, don’t worry too much. Panama is one of the world’s least expensive vacation destinations. Even if you’re not trying all that hard to save, chances are you will!