Partners of the Americas Microsite

Know Before You Go

Welcome to Panamá!

Partners of the Americas is thrilled to welcome you to Panamá! Here are some useful tips for an amazing stay in Panamá.

 

Disclaimer: The recommendations provided on this website are for informational purposes only and do not constitute endorsements by Partners of the Americas. We offer these suggestions as general advice and encourage users to exercise their own discretion and judgment when implementing any recommendations found here. Partners of the Americas is not responsible for the accuracy, suitability, or outcomes of any actions taken based on the information provided on this website. Users should independently verify and evaluate any recommendations before making decisions or taking action.

 

Arrival and Departure

Tocumen International Airport is located approximately 30 minutes from downtown Panama City under normal traffic conditions. However, during peak hours (Monday to Saturday, 6:00 am to 9:00 am; and 3:30 pm to 7:00 pm), travel time can extend up to 1.5 hours due to congestion on the Corredor Sur.

Official Taxis:

  • Located in the arrivals area.

  • Operate with fixed ratesrom $40.00  to $50.00 per cab.

  • Available 24/7 without prior booking.

 

Ride-Sharing Apps:

  • Uber and InDriver are available
  • Rates to the city may vary between 25.00 USD up to 49.00 USD

 

By Metro (Public Transport)

  • From the Airport:
    Take a shuttle from Terminal 2 to the Metro station (or walk 3 minutes if you have light luggage).
  • Metro Card:
    Cost: $2.00 USD (initial purchase).
    Recharge required to use.
    You can also pay with VISA/MasterCard or contactless (iPhone/Android).
  • Metro Route:
    Take Line 2 from the airport station.
    Transfer at Corredor Sur Station to continue toward San Miguelito Station.
    To go to downtown/City of Knowledge: At San Miguelito, switch to Line 1 toward Albrook Station. Check Google maps to verify the nearest station to your accommodation.
    • Metrobus/Metro Fares:
      To use Metrobus or Metro you’ll need a Metro/Metrobus card, purchase is available at the Airport Station of the Metro.
      • Metro ride From Airport to Downtown: $ 0.85
      • Metro Line 1: $ 0.35
      • Metro Line 2: $ 0.50
      • Metrobus at Downtown: $0.25
Travel Tips for Panamá City
  • Weather in January: Warm and tropical (around 30°C / 86°F). January is dry season, so pack lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and stay hydrated.

  • Safety: Panamá City is generally safe in central and tourist areas. Use normal precautions: keep valuables secure, use trusted taxis/ride-share apps, and avoid poorly lit streets at night.

  • Electricity: 110V/60Hz with U.S.-style plugs (Type A/B). No adapter needed for North American travelers.

  • Cultural Etiquette: Greetings are important (“Buenos días,” “Buenas tardes”). Panamanians are warm and welcoming. Conference attire is typically business casual.

  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi is common in hotels/restaurants. For reliable access, consider a local SIM card (Example: Airalo) or international data plan.

  • Drinking Water: Tap water in Panama City is safe, though bottled water is widely available. In rural areas, bottled or filtered water is recommended.

During Your Stay in Panama
  • Recommended transportation apps are Uber and InDriver.
    • Uber is most comfortable.
    • Other apps, such as InDrive are cheaper and only accept cash but are the least secure.
  • Are you thirsty?
    • You can drink tap water but is up to your consideration.
    • Bottled water: Most of Panama bottled water is still water. If you want sparkling water, you must ask for it.
      • Still water: agua sin gas
      • Sparkling water: agua con gas
  • Would you like to order some food for delivery?
    • Use apps such as PedidosYa or UberEats.
    • Recommendation is PedidosYa with more restaurants options.
  • Cash or card?
    • Try to have cash (USD dollars) just in case.
    • Card/Apple Pay/Google Pay are the most secure payment methods.
    • You can use ATMs. Preferably, use Banco General, BAC, Banistmo ATMs located in malls, plazas or Bank offices.
    • Panama’s currency is the Balboa/PAB but we use USD paper and coins from 5,10, 25 cents as well than Panamanians Balboa coins from 0.05 to 1$. 
  • Recommended convenience stores:
    • am:pm
    • Metro Plus
    • Zas Food Store
  • Looking for a bigger store? Here are some well-known supermarkets:
    • Riba Smith
    • Supermercado Rey
    • Super 99
    • Super Xtra
Museums

  • Biomuseo

    • A striking Frank Gehry–designed building on the Amador Causeway, dedicated to Panama’s biodiversity and its role as a biological bridge between continents 

  •  Museo de Arte Contemporáneo 

    • The only contemporary art museum in Panama, featuring Panamanian and Latin American artists across painting, sculpture, and multimedia. 

  • Museo de la Mola 

    • A specialized museum showcasing the colorful mola textiles of the Guna people, with exhibits on history, symbolism, and craftsmanship.

  • A small but important museum highlighting the culture and contributions of Afro-Caribbean communities who came to Panama to work on the Canal. 

 

Restaurants and Coffee Places

  • El Trapiche
    A traditional Panamanian restaurant, good for sancocho, tamales, and ropa vieja. A good introduction to local flavors. 

  • Diablicos
    Folkloric-themed restaurant featuring “Diablicos Sucios” (dancing devils), traditional music, and typical Panamanian cuisine. Great for pictures and atmosphere. Reservation recommended.

  • Mai Mai
    Panamanian - Peruvian Nikkei Fusion, Mai Mai, abbreviation of Maido-Maito, is the powerful combination and creation of Maito (Panamanian Restaurant ranked #14 in the Latin America's 50 Best) and Maido (Peruvian restaurant that was Ranked First in the World's 50 Best ). It offers an exclusive bar experience with world class service, creative drinks and delicious bites.

    • Needs Reservation in advance.

    • Menu

  • Cantina del Tigre
    Critically acclaimed restaurant in Panama City's, led by Chef Fulvio Miranda, that serves creative, modern takes on traditional Panamanian cuisine, emphasizing bold flavors and signature dishes. Ranked #25 in the Latin America's 50 Best.

    • Needs Reservation in advance.

    • Menu


  • Cafe Coca Cola
    Opened in 1875, Coca Cola Café is a historic coffee in the capital city of Panama, it is also considered as Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Remains as a restaurant for locals with affordable prices from USD$5 to USD$7.
  • Mentiritas Blancas
    Hip coffee shop with minimalist design, popular among creatives and digital nomads. Excellent pour-overs and pastries. They offer some blends of the famous Geisha varieties. Price: (coffee 3–6 USD, food 8–15 USD, Geisha coffee 15 USD a jar)

  • La Rana Dorada
    The most iconic craft brewery in Panama City, with multiple taprooms. Great atmosphere, classic pub food, and locally brewed beers like pale ale, IPA, and porter.Price: (pints 4–6 USD, food 10–18 USD)

  • Menu

  • Café Lavanda
    Charming coffee shop with a relaxed, cozy vibe. Known for its lavender-inspired drinks, creative lattes, and brunch options. Great spot to unwind.Price: (coffee 3–7 USD, brunch 10–18 USD)

  • Kotowa Coffee House
    Traditional Panamanian brand from Boquete with several locations in the city. Known for its consistent quality and cakes.Price: (coffee 3–6 USD, food 5–10 USD)


To explore the culinary offer in Panama you can check in Degusta Panama platform. 

 

Contact

For inquiries and questions about the What Works Conference, please contact partnersevents@partners.net. A member of our team will respond to you as soon as possible!