Flight and hotel packages in Panama City
Presentation of Panama City
Panama City, with a population of approximately 430,000, is the capital city of the Republic of Panama. The city was originally built on the site of an Indian fishing village – Panama means "many fish" – but, following independence from Colombia in 1903, it expanded briskly with the construction of the Panama Canal between 1904 and 1914. Modern Panama City is a major center for international finance, but still depends heavily on activities associated with the Panama Canal. A rapid increase in the number of flight and hotel packages to Panama City in recent years has connected Panama to countries around the world, increasing its popularity as a tourist destination. If you’d like to experience a cosmopolitan, dynamic city, book one of our flight and hotel deals today.
Things to know before visiting Panama City
Most international flights to Panama arrive at Tocumen International Airport, which is the largest airport in Panama and, in fact, the whole of Central America. Tocumen International Airport is located on Avenida Domingo Díaz, approximately 17 kilometers, or 11 miles, east of Panama City. A flight from New York to Panama City typically takes just over five hours non-stop. US citizens do not require a tourist visa to enter Panama, but they do require a passport valid for at least three months beyond the date of entry to Panama, a return or onward ticket and US$500 in cash, or its equivalent. Panama reserves the right to deny entry to anyone convicted of a criminal offense and tourists are strictly limited to stays of no more than 180 days.
Officially, the currency of Panama is the Panamanian Balboa (B/.), which is pegged at parity to the US Dollar. However, in practice, Panama has never circulated its own currency and US dollar notes are the only currency in circulation. Consequently, US tourists can take advantage of vacation package deals without the rigmarole of foreign exchange. Local time in Panama City is 5 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) or, in other words, the same as Eastern Standard Time. So, if your Panama City flight and hotel deal involves a flight from Los Angeles to Panama City, you’ll need to wind your watch forward by two or three hours.
What is the weather in Panama City?
Panama City enjoys a tropical, or tropical maritime, climate. The average annual temperature is 71°F, or 27°C, with very little variation in temperature from month to month, so packing your suitcase, even for one of our last minute vacation packages, should be straightforward. You should be aware, however, that Panama City effectively has two seasons – a dry season between December and April and a hot, humid, rainy season between May and November. Nevertheless, visiting Panama City during the so-called "green season" can be a unique experience. Rain typically lasts for no more than an hour and quickly evaporates as sun and blue skies return, so there’s really no excuse not to book a flight to Panama City. Browse our range of Panama City travel packages and make your reservation today.
Things to do in Panama City
If you choose one of our travel packages to Panama City, you’ll find a plethora of things to do in, and around, the Panamanian capital:
- Panama City Beach, which offers 44 kilometers, or 27 miles, of white sandy beaches
- Water sports, including fishing, canoeing and kayaking
- Boat tours, including dolphin and whale watching tours
- Walking tours
- Hiking and jogging
- Shopping
If this has whetted your appetite, why not book right away?
What to see in Panama City?
Flight and hotel packages to Panama City offer plenty of opportunities for sightseeing. Some of the highlights include:
- The world famous Panama Canal, which stretches for approximately 40 miles between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean
- The historic Casco Viejo, or "Old Quarter", designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Metropolitan Natural Park, which provides 573 acres of green space right in the heart of the city
- Modern buildings, such the Palace of Justice, La Presidencia and the National Palace
Book one of our vacations right away, and you can see all these sights and many more besides.
What to eat in Panama City?
Sightseeing can be a hungry business but, with Panamanian cuisine reflecting various Spanish, American and Afro-Caribbean influences, you’ll have plenty to look forward to on your Panama vacation. Huevos, or scrambled eggs with tomato, paprika and onions, are a popular breakfast dish. For lunch or dinner, Arroz con Pollo, or "Rice with Chicken" is a Panamanian staple; the name is self-explanatory, but the slow cooked chicken is served with onions, garlic and tomatoes, as well as rice. Similarly, Corvina, or sea bass, is a popular table fish in Panama and can be served fried or baked, with rice or fried green plaintain slices, known locally as "Patacones" or "Tostones", or marinaded with lemon and lime and served raw as Ceviche de Corvina. If your mouth is already watering, now is the time to book one of our vacation getaways. "Bon appétit", or "Buen provecho", as they say in Panama!