If you are considering Panama as your future retirement home, you are already making a fantastic choice. With its top-tier healthcare, modern infrastructure, tropical climate, and world-renowned Pensionado discount program, Panama consistently ranks as one of the best places in the world to retire. However, deciding where to live within the country is a major milestone. You might be asking yourself: What is the best way to scout neighborhoods in Panama? While many future expa

If you are planning a trip to Central America, you might be asking yourself: Is July a good time to visit Panama? While many travelers assume the summer months mean missing out due to the tropical rainy season, locals know a secret. We call this time of year the "Green Season." Far from being a wash-out, July brings Panama’s stunning landscapes to life, offering a vibrant, lush, and authentic experience that traditional tourist peaks simply cannot match. At The Panama Tours

If you walk down the colorful streets of Casco Viejo, turn on a local radio station, or pass by a school courtyard in Panama today, you will hear a rhythm that instantly makes you want to move. It is the sound of "Sube La Marea Remix" (Rise, Red Tide), a monumental cultural phenomenon that has unified the entire country ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. For international travelers looking at things to do in Panama, this anthem is more than just a sports theme song—it is the

If you have a trip to Panama on the horizon, a walk through the historic, brick-lined streets of Casco Antiguo is likely at the top of your itinerary. With its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and oceanside views, it is a neighborhood that captures everyone's heart. However, if you are planning to visit over the coming months, there is a major update you should know about. A New Chapter for an Iconic Landmark Panama's Ministry of Culture (MiCultura) has officially laun

When planning a trip to Panama City, you will undoubtedly hear about its fascinating history and its "old town." However, many travelers face a common point of confusion: What is the difference between Casco Viejo and Panama Viejo? While both hold incredible historical significance, they represent completely different eras, architectural styles, and experiences. To help you navigate your itinerary, here is the direct, factual breakdown of Panama City’s two distinct historical

And we want every visitor in Panama this June to celebrate with us — the way only Panamanians know how. There are moments that stop a country in its tracks. That make strangers embrace on street corners. That fill living rooms and bars and plazas with a single shared heartbeat. For Panama, the FIFA World Cup is one of those moments — and this June, we get to live it again. Panama's national team, Los Canaleros, have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. For only the second t

World of Coffee comes to Panama for the first time — and we're making sure you experience every extraordinary moment of it. Some events are simply dates on a calendar. Others are defining moments for a country. World of Coffee Panama 2026 — running October 23 to 25 at the Panama Convention Center — is unequivocally the latter. For the first time in its history, the Speciality Coffee Association's flagship global event, World of Coffee, arrives in Latin America. And it does so

"Which Panama Canal locks are better?" — it's the single most common question US travelers ask before booking a Canal tour. The honest answer: they're not competing. They're two completely different engineering eras, and knowing which one to visit could transform a good trip into an unforgettable one. In our previous guide, Timing is Everything: How to Successfully Visit the Miraflores Locks , we broke down the maritime schedule that determines when ships actually appear — an

AT A GLANCE — Panama Pensionado Visa 2026 Minimum income: $1,000/month (or $750 with $100k+ property purchase) Residency type: Immediate permanent residency Processing time: 3–6 months Minimum stay: 1 day per calendar year to maintain status Citizenship path: Eligible to apply after 5 years Currency: US dollar (pegged 1:1 to the Balboa) Dependents: Spouse + children under 25 (full-time students) Dual citizenship: Yes — Panama recognizes it Panama has consist

Tonight, as darkness falls over Panama City's oldest neighborhood, the cobblestone streets of Casco Viejo will fill with candlelight. Thousands of Panamanians — many dressed in black or dark purple, the colors of mourning — will move quietly from church to church in one of the most deeply rooted traditions of Holy Week: the Visita de las Siete Iglesias, the Visit of the Seven Churches. If you are in Panama City tonight, here is everything you need to know to witness or join t

If you are planning a trip to Panama in May or June and wondering whether the weather will affect your outdoor experience, the short answer is: not as much as you might think. Here is what you actually need to know before you book. Panama's rainy season — the honest picture May and June mark the beginning of Panama's rainy season on the Pacific side of the country, which runs through approximately November. What most visitors don't realize is that rainy season in Panama is no

Planning a private tour in Panama? You’re in for a treat! Panama is a vibrant country full of rich culture, stunning landscapes, and unique experiences. But before you pack your bags, you might be wondering: What affects the cost of a private tour here? Well, I’m here to break it down for you in a friendly, easy-to-understand way. Let’s dive into the factors that influence the price of your dream Panama adventure! Understanding the Panama Tour Cost Guide When you think about

One of the first questions visitors ask when they land in Panama City is: how do I get around? The answer depends on where you're going, how much you value predictability, and what kind of experience you're after. Here's an honest breakdown from people who navigate this city every day. Uber and InDrive — convenient but with caveats Uber operates in Panama City and works reasonably well in high-traffic areas like Miraflores, Casco Viejo, Tocumen Airport, and the main hotel co

One of the most common questions we get from visitors planning their first trip to Panama City is: "Is the tap water safe to drink?" The short answer is yes — Panama City has one of the best municipal water systems in Latin America. The tap water in most of the city, particularly in hotel and tourist areas, is treated, monitored, and considered safe to drink by international standards. Panama's water authority ( IDAAN ) maintains quality controls that meet WHO guidelines, an

You land in Panama City, check into your hotel on Avenida Balboa, pay for your coffee with a Balboa coin, and your guide suggests a walk along the Balboa waterfront before heading to the locks. By noon you've said the word a dozen times. By the end of your trip, you'll have passed a neighborhood called Balboa, sailed near the Balboa port, and perhaps tasted the Balboa beer. The question is almost unavoidable: who was this person, and what exactly did he do to earn such omnipr

If you’re visiting Panama during Carnival season, there’s one experience you absolutely can’t miss: culecos . These daytime street parties—where music, dancing, and refreshing water sprays take over entire neighborhoods—are one of the most fun, authentic ways to celebrate like a local. A little preparation goes a long way in making sure your Carnival experience is unforgettable for all the right reasons. What Are Culecos? Culecos are daytime Carnival celebrations held in dif

If you are planning a trip to Panama, the Miraflores Locks are likely at the top of your list. But here is the secret most tourists don’t know: The Canal operates on a strict maritime schedule, not a tourist one. If you show up at the wrong time, you might find yourself staring at an empty concrete chamber. At the Miraflores Visitor Center , you are viewing the historic, traditional locks. This is the best place to see the Panamax vessels —the massive ships designed specific

November is the month of a thousand festivities in Panama , but did you know our country celebrates two separate independence days ? Understanding this unique history is the key to appreciating the depth of the tours we offer at The Panama Tours Company. A Tale of Two Freedoms Most nations have a singular date for independence, but Panama's story is intertwined with both Spain and Colombia . November 3, 1903: Separation from Colombia This is the most famous date. For over 80

November is one of the most meaningful months in Panama, filled with parades, music, and traditions that bring our entire nation together. Known as Mes de la Patria , this is the time when Panamanians proudly honor the milestones that shaped our identity — and visitors who join us often say it’s the most vibrant cultural experience of their trip. At The Panama Tours Company, we love sharing these unforgettable moments with travelers, because our national holidays are more tha

At The Panama Tours Company, we believe travel should be inspiring, enjoyable, and—above all—safe. That’s why this past weekend we...