Destination: Panama

LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL GUIDEBOOK INFORMATION

Money & Costs

Prices in Panama tend to be slightly higher than in other parts of Central America. A hotel room that might cost only US$6 in Nicaragua or Guatemala might cost US$10 here. In Panama City you can get a very basic room for US$8 to US$12 a night; a modern room in a better area costs around US$15 to US$20. Away from Panama City, accommodations are less expensive; a modern room may cost around US$12. Die-hard shoestring travelers can still find a room almost anywhere in the country for around US$7. Good, inexpensive food isn’t hard to come by. You can eat set meals (comida corriente) at Panamanian restaurants for about US$2.50 to US$3.50 no matter where you are in the country. Buses and taxis are also reasonable. A two-hour bus ride costs about US$3.50; a 15-minute cab ride in the capital costs around US$2. All in all, if you’re traveling frugally, it’s possible to get by on US$20 a day here.

Mid-range accommodations are reasonably priced in Panama and compared to other parts of Latin America, you tend to get a lot more for your money. You can eat at better restaurants for US$5 to US$10 a person and stay in decent quarters for US$20 and up a night. Add in a flight or two (Kuna Yala, Bocas), a few activities (national park fees, snorkeling, boat trips), a nightly cocktail or two and you can travel for US$50 to US$60.

You’ll get more value for your money if you can split the costs with someone. At mid-range hotels, single rooms aren’t much cheaper than doubles, and you’ll save money on excursions – diving, snorkeling and wildlife watching – if there are more of you to share the cost.

At the top end, there are numerous ways to experience Panama’s natural and cultural riches if you’re looking to have a blow-out vacation. There are several excellent all-inclusive lodges in the Darién designed for both sport fishing and birding/wildlife watching. There are decadent restaurants throughout Panama, charming B&Bs in Bocas and a handful of luxury resorts scattered around the Pacific coast (the best being in the Pearl Islands).

HOW MUCH?

Two-tank dive off Isla de Coiba: US$130
Flight to El Porvenir in the Comarca de Kuna Yala: US$64 (round-trip)
Seven-hour snorkeling trip in Bocas del Toro: US$15–25
Surfboard rental in Santa Catalina: US$10 per day
Cozy cabin for two in Boquete: US$25–40
Gallon (3.79L) of gas/petrol: US$2.12
Liter of bottled water: US$0.75
Bottle of Balboa beer: US$1.25
Souvenir T-shirt: US$8
Fresh pipa juice (coconut water): US$0.25

Travelling to Panama?
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