Travel to Panama

Panama became my 48th country during an overnight layover en route from Peru. Even just one night was enough to sense that Panama City is a unique, fast-paced place - and surprisingly expensive for Central America.

Panama is best known for its canal, but it's evolved into much more - a regional hub for banking, logistics, and business. With 4.4 million people and a dollarized economy (US Dollar is the official currency), it feels more like Singapore than its Central American neighbors. The skyline of glass towers rising from the jungle is genuinely striking.

What I Experienced

Panama City's skyline is dramatic - dozens of skyscrapers clustered around the waterfront, with the famous Panama Canal visible in the distance. The contrast with the colonial Casco Viejo district is stark. Old Spanish buildings slowly being gentrified sit just a short taxi ride from the gleaming financial center.

We didn't have time to visit the Canal itself, but you can feel its influence everywhere. The city exists because of this shortcut between oceans, and the prosperity it generates is visible in the modern infrastructure and international atmosphere.

The prices caught me off guard. After spending time in Peru and other budget-friendly South American destinations, Panama felt expensive. Restaurant meals, transportation, even convenience store items - all priced closer to US levels than Latin American ones.

Practical Notes

• US Dollar is the official currency - no exchange needed
• Tocumen Airport is a major hub - Copa Airlines connects most of the Americas
• Uber works well and is the easiest transport option
• The humidity is intense - pack accordingly
• Even a short layover is worth extending to see the Canal

I'd like to return properly someday and actually visit the Canal. An overnight isn't enough to experience what makes Panama special, but it was enough to pique my curiosity.

Aerial photography from Panama is available for purchase with commercial license - ideal for Central American travel marketing, modern cityscape content, or tropical urban wall art.