Is Panama Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
Safety rating
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How safe is Panama for solo female travelers?
Travel safety index
based on 18 experiences from female travelers
Patricia
United States
Panama City, Solo travel
Very beautiful place, pleasant weather, food and drinks 10/10. I came with my sister on this same trip traveling to Colombia, but I loved the time I spent in Panama. From the moment you get off at the airport and see the views, the canals... beautiful.
Posted: August 2, 2026Experienced: January, 2026Bocas Del Toro, Solo travel
I didn’t bring much money with me, and I found it quite expensive to get around and eat here, definitely tourist prices. Activities were also on the pricier side, and surfing wasn’t very accessible since you can usually only hire boards in town rather than at most of the surf beaches. That said, the diving is fantastic, the scenery is absolutely stunning, and Filthy Friday was a brilliant experience!
Posted: August 25, 2025San Blas Islands, Couple travel
Arguably one of the most beautiful places on earth. Only accessible by boat. The San blas islands are owned by the Guna natives who live there. They are extremely friendly and hospitable. They mostly fish and make tapestries called molas for income. There are a few places you can stay on land and a couple restaurants on a few islands. Best way to enjoy the islands is by boat. It is a very safe area and wonderful for snorkeling. They do not allow scuba diving or wind sports to preserve the...
Posted: July 6, 2025Experienced: July, 2025Bocas Del Toro, Solo travel
I was in bocas del toro for 3 weeks and I can tell you the place is wonderful, it’s so preatty you won’t believe your eyes . The people over there are really nice although it can get a little bit dangerous at night in some streets. I wouldn’t recommend walking alone at night as a women but that is basically the same in every place . It’s pretty cheap place but be aware that there is a lot of tourist there
Posted: February 19, 2025Panama, Family travel
Going to panama with my family was an amazing experience I went to an island with my family where we snorkeled and we saw the most amazing reefs, fish in all colors and sizes and seaturtles. It is a beautifull place to visit if you love nature. There where dolfins swimming next to our boat on the way back:)
Posted: January 13, 2025Panama, Solo travel
I worked as an Au Pair for 3 months in Panama City. I used the uber and the metro for transportation which worked very well. In adittion uber is very cheap here. Panama City is not a city fot working around like in Europe but there are beautiful spots to visit. The nightlife in Casco viejo is very special and you need to experience it once you are there. I met a lot of other travelers at the Selina Hostel.
Posted: October 10, 2024Experienced: October, 2024
Jessica
Canada
Bocas Del Toro, Solo travel
I had a wonderful time in Bocas Del Toro. It’s a very small and tight knit community and everyone is so friendly! I stayed at Hotel Bocas Del Toro and had feee breakfast and coffee every morning over the ocean. I also stayed at Up the Hill on Bastimentos which was absolutely magical listening to the jungle come alive early every morning. Monkeys ran across my roof for the bananas every night. And my host made me absolutely delicious food with all home grown ingredients. Water taxis are...
Posted: July 18, 2024Panama City, Solo travel
A fascinating city that blends old and new. Safety travelling solo at night can be a concern at night, so take precautions. The good was amazing. The nightlife is great too - lots of great rooftop bars.
Posted: June 3, 2024Bocas Del Toro, Solo travel
Bocas Del Toro was an amazing trip and I felt very safe. I kept taking water taxis to the island to drink at night and never felt unsafe.
Posted: March 31, 2024
Olivia
United States
Panama, Solo travel
Went with my sister to Playa Venao, Panama. Felt extremely safe and welcomed by all of the locals! I stayed at Beachbreak Surf Camp which I loved! Very affordable and comfortable, and cute. I did the all inclusive package which included daily surfing, all meals, and airport transfer and came out to around a little over $1,000 for 5 nights. I also brought $500 for spending on alcoholic drinks, tips for meals, meals outside of my included hotel meals, and shopping. My sister brought the same...
Posted: February 20, 2024Is Panama safe for women?
Women’s safety index
Based on 15 reports
Crime index
Based on 15 reports
Cristina
Panama City
It is a moderately safe city, just make sure to be aware of your surroundings especially in crowded places like bus stations, because of pick pocket people. There are certain areas where I would not recommend going during the day such as El Chorrillo lol Unless you are going with someone who actually lives in the area, so that people can see you are with a local.
Posted: February 22, 2026
Dhar
Panama
Rich areas are safe, beware of the red areas. (Lotería, 5 de mayo, Panamá oeste, Panamá este, Panamá norte, Curundú, Chorrillo, outskirts of Albrook, San miguelito, Los Andes, etc.), as a man you'll only get robbed, as a woman many have already been kidnapped and raped. DO NOT GO OUT AT NIGHT WITHOUT COMPANY (especially if you are from the LGBT community).
Posted: August 1, 2025
Liz
Panama
Panama is safe overall if you're someone that is always aware of their surroundings and has their stuff in proper bags. Depending on some areas Panama can be safe in general but don't put yourself in situations or places that could make someone see you're not paying attention around. I don't know how to explain it but please do ask me any questions you want.
Posted: July 21, 2025
Ximena
Panama
I’ve been solo traveling in my country since I was 18 (11 years ago) and nothing has ever happened to me. I’ve never gotten anything stolen or had any weird situations luckily. Definitely since this is a Latin American country you will experience men being disrespectful sometimes in the streets, cat calling is very common, even though it’s illegal. You can always complain to authorities or honestly scream back at them, which is what I generally do and every single time they get scared and leave...
Posted: March 11, 2025Panama
Panama can be a very safe country if you stay in the center of the city + touristic places. Like any other country it has its areas where even Panamanians can feel unsafe. I would always recommend doing research so you can choose wisely where to visit.
Posted: February 24, 2025Panama
Panama is an amazing country to visit with warm people! I stayed in less populated towns and had a great experience, never felt unsafe or worried when walking alone during the day. Was always cautious at night and never had any issues
Posted: February 9, 2025Safety in Panama
Hospitality Exchange in Panama
Alejandra
Panama City
Can host for:
3 days
About me
I’m Alejandra, a Colombian living in Panama I really love arts and crafts, reading and meeting new people. I’m planning on going 6 months solo traveling but also I’m open to host from march to June!
Speaking
