Panama holidays : introduction

Bordered by Costa Rica to the west and Colombia to the east, the Isthmus of Panama is best known for its canal, but new hotels and lodges mean that the rest of this fascinating country is now accessible to the more discerning tourist. Panama has 1,700 miles of coastline with coral reefs, beautiful white sandy beaches and countless remote islands, as well as lush cloud forest, volcanoes and rivers, not to mention seven indigenous cultures and one of the most complex eco-systems in the world. It is very easy to combine Panama from the UK with neighbouring Central American countries, particularly Costa Rica and Nicaragua, or there are direct flights to many South American countries.

Climate and when to go

Temperatures are fairly constant throughout the year, but rainfall varies. The rainy season runs from June to November and rains can be particularly heavy on the Caribbean side from September to November. Panama is not affected by hurricanes. The most popular time to visit is the dry season, from December to April, however, diving and snorkelling are best during the rainy season, when there is less wind.

 

“We had a great holiday, and our favourite place of all was Panama - so much to see and such nice people. We saw the volcano every day in Arenal, and had a really top-class meal at the Tabacón hotel there. We were very satisfied with the way you arranged everything, and with how we were looked after by each local agent along the way.” - JP

“Although this had been an afterthought connected with a route to minimise small planes, this part of the trip was an outstanding success. There was a good mix of excursions from the old town to the colonial, the canal itself and the boat trip on Lake Gatun where we saw many animals and birds. We had the same guide on both days and he was excellent. We also walked into one of the nearby shopping malls so we had a diversity of things to see and do.” - JJ

“Suffice to say the trip was fantastic - loved Panama! Thanks for organising a really well rounded trip.” - RS

“All accommodation lived up to expectations, from location, to quirky, to stunning views and charm, cannot complain. The choice of accommodation was excellent. A good varied tour taking advantage of the main points of interest, outlined in my initial enquiry to yourselves, together with accommodation to suit the location and all within the budget. May I take this opportunity on behalf of Steve and myself to thank you and your Team for a very successful trip.” - MG