THE ULTIMATE PACKING LIST FOR PANAMA

Did you know that Panamá experiences over 100 inches of rainfall annually in certain regions? As a seasoned traveler who’s explored every corner of this incredible country, I can tell you that packing for Panamá requires some strategic thinking! Whether you’re planning to hike through cloud forests, lounge on pristine beaches, or explore bustling Panamá City, having the right gear can make all the difference. In this ultimate packing list for Panamá, dive into the essential items you’ll need for an unforgettable Panamanian experience!

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TOP 20 RECOMMENDED ITEMS

WATERPROOF RAIN JACKET

It’s normally very hot in Panamá, however I remember a day in Colón at the locks when it rained like I had never seen it rain before and the cold wind was really miserable. Our tour guide was kind enough to lend me his waterproof rain jacket and I was instantly warm.

WATER SHOES

I actually wore water shoes on the Lost Waterfalls hike in Boquete. The trail was muddy and slick and the wading pools were rocky, so they were a perfect choice. They provided a lot of grip while protecting my feet against the sharp stones. These would also come in really handy at some beaches in Panamá where I’ve encountered rocks, coral and sea urchins.

INSECT REPELLENT WITH DEET

If you’re one of those people who gets eaten alive by mosquitos, you are definitely going to need insect repellent with DEET.  I have been on many jungle hikes where I’ve ended up covered in bug bites. My personal preference is the “green” Off!

DRY BAG

I have a couple of really nice cameras with accessories that need protection from downpours and accidents. I believe it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Get yourself a dry bag to protect your electronics!

SUNSCREEN (REEF SAFE)

High SPF sunscreen (reef-safe recommended) I’ve been burned more than once on the beaches of Panama and the sun is definitely intense. Not only do you want to avoid sunburn, it’s also really important to protect the environment as well.  That’s why I recommend a reef-safe sunscreen that will not damage the delicate corals and ecosystem here in Panamá. 

REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE

Panamá needs help when it comes to waste management, so to be a better steward of Panamá’s beautiful environment, I recommend traveling with a reusable water bottle. Pop in to a restaurant and ask for a quick refill.

SNORKEL GEAR

Snorkeling is without a doubt one of my favorite activities and Panamá has some fantastic snorkeling spots from Isla Coiba on the Pacific to Escudo de Veraguas in the Caribbean. Having your own snorkeling equipment is a plus in so many places around the globe.

BINOCULARS

Panamá is a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise. This little isthmus boasts incomparable biodiversity with numerous monkeys, sloths, bats, and more than 1,000 species of birds. Birders from around the world come to check off their wish-list. If you are a nature lover, don’t leave home without your binoculars.

UNDERWATER CAMERA

There are so many times I’ve been snorkeling here and regretted not having a camera to capture the beauty of the underwater coral reefs, shipwrecks and marine life. These memories are 100% the best keepsake of any trip.

BACKPACK/DAYBAG 30L

Whether you’re heading out on a trail or to the beach, it’s really important to keep it simple and portable. Having a good backpack or day bag is key. After all, you’ll need to haul your water, snacks, cameras and maybe even a change of clothes.

QUICK DRY BEACH TOWEL

There are so many lovely beaches here in Panamá, but there are not so many lovely beach towels. The towels sold in most beach towns here are neither pretty, nor of good quality. I recommend purchasing one of these quick dry microfiber beach towels. Not only are they beautiful, they are much less bulky than a typical towel, they don’t hang onto sand and they dry quickly enough to eliminate any damp odors.

MONEY BELT

Money belts come in a variety of shapes and sizes from crossbody to a little more discreet. Panamá is typically very safe, but you can never be too safe and this one is very unobtrusive.

SD CARDS

If you are photographer, don’t forget to bring your SD cards to save all of your stunning images of Panamá. This one is high speed and can store tons of beautiful memories.

PORTABLE POWER BANK

If you take as many pictures and videos as I do or you are planning on roughing it in the woods, you might find yourself running low on power. A portable power bank lets you rest easy that you can keep your device charged even in the middle of nowhere.

UMBRELLA

You may not be accustomed to traveling with an umbrella, but if you are visiting Panamá between late March and the end of November, you should really make sure that you add one to your bag. The chances of it raining at some point during the day are high. It could be a light shower or a torrential downpour. You just never know.

HIKING SHOES

Hiking shoes are an essential if you plan on conquering some of Panamá’s most renowned peaks like Los Picachos de Olá or La India Dormida. Many of Panamá’s trails involve scrambling up and down rocks or walking through very slippery terrain. These shoes have been a real lifesaver.

UNIVERSAL TRAVEL ADAPTER

FOR COUNTRIES OUTSIDE OF NORTH AMERICA if you’ll be visiting Panamá from abroad, be prepared with a travel adapter. Panama uses the same type of outlets that are found in the US, Canada and Mexico, but visitors from other countries should be sure to bring this travel essential.

ANTIBACTERIAL WIPES

These come in handy anywhere and everywhere. Unfortunately, there are places in Panamá City and certainly beyond, where you might be better off prepared with your own toiletries or wipes just in case bathrooms aren’t well stocked.

SUN HAT

Make sure to bring a Sun hat or cap if you aren’t going to invest in an original Panamá hat when you come to visit. It’s a great idea to have a hat to shield your scalp from intense rays or rain.  

HIKING SANDALS

My Teva sandals and I are inseparable. I like letting my feet breathe and it’s not necessary to have hiking or walking shoes every day. You won’t be sorry choosing a pair of these versatile sandals that will give you years of wear.

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CLOTHING

Panamá is a land of adventure boasting beautiful, verdant mountains, tropical cloud forests and pristine beaches. This clothing list should prepare you for just about any weather or terrain here in Panamá: hot and humid, torrential downpour, beach day or trekking.

• Lightweight, moisture-wicking shirts and pants
• Quick-dry shorts and skirts
• Swimwear (at least 2 sets)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Light sweater (for air-conditioned spaces)
•  Modest clothing for visiting churches or rural areas.

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WEATHER PROTECTION ESSENTIALS

Situated just eight degrees from the equator, Panamá is the definition of tropical. Everything here can be a little intense sometimes: the sun’s rays, bug bites, rain and humidity. Coming prepared will make your trip that much better.

• After-bite cream
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Cooling towel
• Lip balm with SPF

HEALTH AND HYGIENE ITEMS

Though these products are available here in Panamá, it’s much easier to bring them with you. You won’t have to waste precious vacation time searching for a pharmacy and guessing what the equivalents are in your home country. Having lived here for a while, I am in the habit of carrying my own toilet paper. Stocking and restocking of this basic item can be low-priority depending upon where you are.

• Travel first aid kit
• Prescription medications
• Anti-diarrheal medication
• Motion sickness pills
• Hand sanitizer
• Biodegradable toiletries
• Water purification tablets
• Electrolyte packets

DOCUMENTS AND MONEY MATTERS

Don’t leave home without these. Keep your ID and a small amount of cash in US dollars on you at all times. Panamá is still very much a cash culture compared to the US and some European countries. You might need cash for a sidewalk vendor, food at a fonda or maybe even a taxi.

• Passport (valid for 6 months)
• Travel insurance documents
• Vaccination records
• Credit/debit cards
• Small amount of US dollars
• Copies of important documents
• International driving permit (if needed)

Packing for Panamá doesn’t have to be overwhelming – it’s all about being prepared for both adventures and unexpected situations! Remember, you can find most forgotten items in local stores, but having these essentials will help you hit the ground running. Pack light, pack smart, and get ready for an incredible journey through one of Central America’s most diverse destinations. ¡Buen viaje!