Recommendations

Be prepared. The best time to visit Panama depends on what you are interested in doing during your trip. If you intend to take advantage of the many outdoor activities such as hiking, snorkeling, surfing or hiking to the best views, take into consideration that the dry season is from mid-December to mid-April (but note that there are paid surcharges in air fares and hotels during this season). If you are thinking about looking for more festivals and bustle, you may want to come during the Carnival of the City of Las Tablas, an elaborate festival that begins on Friday before Ash Wednesday each year and lasts until Ash Wednesday.

Bring the documents that you need. U.S. and Canadian citizens are required to have a valid passport and tourist card to visit Panama. Europeans also need a passport to enter the country. A tourist card costs$5 and can be purchased on your flight or in the airport. It is valid for 30 days, able to be extended to 60. If you do not have a valid passport, you will need to get one before you board the plane to Panama. The sooner you start the process of getting a passport, you'll be able to pay the cheapest rates and save time (usually a few weeks) in the process.

Get the recommended vaccines. To travel to Panama it is recommended that you get vaccinations against malaria, yellow fever, typhoid and malaria. This is especially trueif you visit the islands of San Blas. Remember that this country is home to an expansivejungle area where such diseases are very common.

Enjoy nature, but protect yourself. Because of the proximity to the equator of Panama, sunburn caused by intense exposure to ultraviolet rays can ruin your holidays and jeopardize your health. Always use sun blockwith sunscreen protection from both UVAand UVB before and during outdoor activities. You can protect yourself from those nasty mosquitos, ticks and other insects that come with the exciting outdoor adventures by carrying long sleeved clothing and repellent against mosquitoes.

The result of being adequately prepared for a trip to Panama is the ability touse less timepaying for not being preparedand more time enjoying your stay in this cultural tropical paradise.