The best time to visit Panama is during the dry season, from late December to April. However, whole weeks are more likely to be rain-free in the San Blas Islands. The sea stays calm and has shorter rainfalls compared to the country's urban areas. Tourists are encouraged to visit Panama from July to December, too.

In Panama, breakfast typically includes eggs, meat, tortillas, fruit, and coffee. For a sweeter option, try hojaldras, a fried bread with powdered sugar. As snacks or sides, enjoy yuca frita (yuca fries) or the flavorful twice-fried plantains known as patacones. While in town, try ceviche, which is a traditional seafood delicacy crafted from raw fish marinated in citrus juice and adorned with chili peppers.

The Panama Canal (Canal de Panama) links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It spans about 50 miles (80 kilometers) through the Isthmus of Panama, enabling ship passage between the oceans. This canal has surpassed a century in age since its opening in 1914. For a Canal visit, the Miraflores Visitor Center is a short 15-minute drive from downtown Panama City. The visitor center boasts three observation decks: the first for ship-watching, the second for canal navigation, and the third housing the Panama Canal Museum. This museum encompasses four exhibition halls delving into the canal's history, operation, and expansion. The Agua Clara Locks, about an hour from the capital near Colón City on the Atlantic side, offers a close view of the canal

Panama City, in the eastern part of the country, is rich in history with districts like Casco Viejo and San Felipe. Experience revitalized charm as you explore plazas, historical sites, and landmarks such as the Presidential Palace and Metropolitan Cathedral. Casco Viejo offers stunning views of the modern skyline and the Pacific Ocean. Nestled between secluded beaches and mountain towns, Cocle Province in central Panama is perfect for ecotourism. During Ash Wednesday (the holy day of prayer before Easter in the Roman Catholic tradition), Los Santos province in Panama hosts an annual festival known as the "Carnival of Las Tablas." Hike Volcán Barú in the Chiriquí Province, the country's highest point, for a breathtaking view of the sunrise in the Pacific and sunset in the Atlantic.

The Balboa Panama (B/.; PAB) is one of the official currencies in Panama besides the United States dollar ($; USD). Bring crisp dollar bills, and make sure to prepare some small changes to avoid any hassle. Most professionals and business people in Panama speak English but are predominantly Spanish-speaking.