Solo Female Travel in Panama- Safety Tips & Itinerary
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Last Updated on March 12, 2026 by Tiffany
I spent two and a half weeks backpacking alone in Panama and it was endless fun. Solo female travel in Panama was quite possibly one of the most memorable trips I’ve ever had!
And that’s saying a lot as a gyal who has been to five out of the seven continents! Meeting so many different solo female travellers from all over the world, even though I was solo I was never alone!
Trekking through rainforests, viewing the canal up front and personal, feeding monkeys peanuts, Panama offers an endless array of activities to enjoy as a solo traveller.
Is Panama Safe? Solo Travel in Panama
Panama is generally a safe country in Latin America. With extremely developed amenities in Panama City and an efficient transportation system too. I felt pretty safe while I was traveling as a solo female traveller.
In Ciudad de Panama, you can take an uber anywhere in the city. I was also able to take coach busses to many different parts of the country as well!
The one thing that did make me feel extremely unsafe? The men. I was catcalled everyday, every time I stepped on the street. Sadly, the men made me feel extremely unsafe as at times groups of men would call out to me and say such disgusting things.
This 100% made a damper on the trip and I honestly have to take away scoring points from the country as a whole. Regardless of what city I was in, the catcalling was nonstop and lethal. Definitely the worst catcalling of all 32 countries I’ve visited.
It isn’t my goal to deter anyone from traveling to Panama as I still love the country and had a great time. The goal is to share honest, real experiences with readers so they can be fully prepared for what could possibly happen. Especially Black women as, from my experience, the only tourists that received horrible catcalling were brown skinned!
Apart from catcalling, you want to watch out for petty crime. I stayed at a hostel in Casco Viejo, so I felt quite safe. However, I always made sure to stay on the red bricked road when I went out at night. Always keep your guard up wherever you are on the planet!
When you meet a dope group of friends at your hostel and drink a little too much, leave your cards at home and make sure your phone is ultra safe. Petty crime is still a thing in all parts of the world.
Never walk with large amounts of cash in your wallet, passport, or other important documents. Always take photo copies of your important IDs, and only have less than $50 USD cash in your wallet- just in case.
How much money do I need?- Solo travel in Panama
I found Panama to be not overly expensive but also not overly cheap either. Compared to other extremely affordable latin countries I’ve visited like Colombia and Peru, Panama was definitely more expensive.
However Panama was also way cheaper than Costa Rica and Brazil (for me at least). My private rooms (in hostels) ranged from $20 USD – $27 USD per night with dorm beds being around $15 USD per night.
Meals in tourist spots were not cheap at all. As a vegan traveler, I sometimes even found myself spending close to $20 USD per meal for a beverage with a filling meal.
If you’re spending the majority of your time in Panama City, Coca Cola cafe was such a life (and money!) saver. An orange juice, beans, rice and plantain would cost just around $5 USD.
Things to know- Solo travel in Panama
Catcalling here is the worst out of all countries I’ve been to.
Upon talking to the many different women I befriended during my stay, it seems only Black women experienced the worst catcalling. As a 5’11 brown skinned woman, I stick out basically every part of the world I visit, even in my home countries!
However I do have to bump Panama down a few points due to the level of catcalling I experienced as it made me feel extremely uncomfortable and slightly unsafe.
Card is highly accepted
I was able to use my card (tap/contactless feature) pretty much anywhere I went so that was a major bonus.
Local currency is in USD and balboas.
This is perfect for people from the US of A! However, foreign transaction fees still apply so make sure to use your travel credit card or pay in cash.
Mostly cash is used for the transportation system.
If you’re catching a bus on the side of the road, make sure to have a few dollars with you!
Panama is an extremely mixed, multi-ethnic country.
This is awesome because it means nearly everyone can fit in. Except maybe not women who are extremely tall, like me XP
Panama has a large Caribbean descendant population.
This was so amazing to see as a Jamaican woman. Reggae and dancehall being played everywhere and a semi-large Black population with hints of Jamaican food made me feel like I was at home!
It rains, like a LOT
A rain jacket and umbrella are absolutely mandatory!
Bring an extra empty suitcase
Typically, the most extravagant souvenir I’ll collect while I’m backpacking is a nice keychain or magnet. Surprisingly Panama Latin America’s largest mall, Albrook Mall, rests right in Panama City!
With close to 1,000 stores, there is an array of different items to stock up on that might be more expensive in your home country.
Things to do in Panama
Visit the Panama Canal of course!
Experience nightlife in Panama City
Go Zip-lining
Take a coach bus and explore the country
Visit the indigenous Embera village
Go food exploring
Take a Trip to San Blas Islands
Taste local fruit/chocolate
Go on a free walking tour
Shop till you drop at Albrook Mall, the largest Mall in Latin America
Go hiking in Boquete
Experience Caribbean culture of Bocas Del Toro
Taking the $3 coach bus from Panama City to Playa Blanca!
Should you travel as a first time solo traveler?- Solo travel in Panama
Yes, you can definitely visit Panama as first time solo female traveler! There are hostels in nearly every major tourist destination, busses that go nearly every part of the country, and the country is relatively safe.
One of the hardest, and more nerve wrecking parts of solo female travel in Panama is the transportation system. Well, for me at least. When I was leaving Panama City there was a huge bus station at the mall where you could buy snacks and sit in a nice cool waiting room until your departure. That wasn’t the problem.
The problem (for me personally) was during the transfer. I was going to Playa Blanca, from PC, and the transfer was a bit confusing. To add to that, no one spoke English. Luckily my Spanish 4 skills saved me, but it would have been almost impossible to communicate with anyone during that transfer if I didn’t know enough Spanish.
While you may be able to get by not knowing any Spanish in countries like Costa Rica or Mexico, it’s imperative to know specific Spanish phrases in Panama. “Where is the _____ bus”, “how do I get to ____?”, will all save you during transportation!
If you’re a girly not easily affected by anxiety (unlike me), this probably won’t phase you at all! It all depends on personality type to be honest. I was anxious probably for about 5 minutes until I was able to find my new bus and everything was sorted out!
Itinerary & where to visit- Solo Travel in Panama
Ciudad de Panama
Where you’ll most likely fly in from regardless of where you’re coming from in the world. While some country capitals can tend to be boring and dull, Panama City has countless amounts of things to do like feeding monkeys, salsa classes, and seeing the canal!
Bocas del Toro
Where are large portion of Afro-Caribbean descendant Panamanians live and creole shines on, this spot is so gorgeous with a strong West Indian culture!
Boquete
One of my favorite quaint towns in the country. Boquete is a mountain town that can get quite cold (bring a coat!) and offers gorgeous views, hiking, and fresh air!
San Blas
With white sand beaches, chill vibes, and incredible snorkelling, San Blas is a must visit! Just under 3 hours away by boat and bus, this destination is perfect for those who can’t make it to Bocas del Toro.
Playa Blanca
A place that is commonly unknown but worth talking about. I visited my mom and we stayed in a cute resort for a few days. Mostly expats and those renting second homes live here. If kicking back by the beach undisturbed all day is your thing, Playa Blanca is worth a visit!
Best time to visit Panama
Due to its location and tropical climate, Panama rains more months than it is dry. We’re talking 8 months of rain. Good news is rain is not all day and it mostly comes in spurts then quickly stops!
I actually visited Panama during one of the rainiest times of the year and was still able to get gorgeous sun, go on tours, and enjoy my time. As long as you bring an umbrella and rain jacket, you’ll be fine during rainy season!
If you’re a gyal (or guy) that prefers the weather to be nice and dry, visit between December to April. These are the driest months of the year making it perfect for hiking, surfing, and other outdoor activities.
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