Solo Female Travel in Panama

Panama, nestled in the heart of Central America, is a vibrant country known worldwide for the engineering marvel, the Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean. This country boasts the stunning Pearl Islands that offer pristine white beaches and azure waters, rich biodiversity in Soberania National Park, and the unique experience of exploring the indigenous culture in the Embera village. The cityscape of Panama City, Panama's bustling capital, is a perfect blend of modern skyscrapers, well-preserved colonial structures, lively markets, and an array of world-class restaurants ensuring a unique travel experience for its visitors. Known for its diverse culture, distinct history, tropical climate, and endless natural beauty, Panama is undoubtedly a must-visit destination for travel enthusiasts.

Travel rating

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Is Panama good for solo travel?

Safety:

Safety:Safe

Panama is generally quite safe for solo female travelers. Most areas, especially tourist destinations, have noteworthy safety measures in place. However, like many travel destinations, it is crucial to remain vigilant, avoid isolated areas especially at night, and keep your valuables safe. Street harassment can occasionally occur, but this is not widespread. Regular caution, similar to any new place, is advised.
Transport:

Transport:Easy

Panama is quite navigable, despite a few areas that may pose minor challenges. The country's infrastructure is well developed, particularly in urban areas like Panama City. The public transport system, including buses and metros, is convenient and affordable. However, rural areas might be more challenging to navigate due to less frequent public transport options. It is worth noting that taxi drivers might not use meters, so it's easy to negotiate fares in advance. Overall, with a bit of planning, it's quite straightforward to travel around Panama.
Things to do:

Things to do:Interesting

Panama boasts fascinating culture, abundant wildlife, tropical landscapes, and unique landmarks such as the iconic Panama Canal. Exploration options are numerous, ranging from hiking the cloud forests of Boquete, sunbathing on one of Bocas del Toro's pristine beaches to time traveling in historic Casco Viejo. Local cuisine, especially seafood, is a delightful treat for food-lovers. Although safety can be a concern in some areas, with the right precautions, Panama can be a rewarding destination for solo female travelers.
Food:

Food:Above average

The cuisine of Panama offers a unique blend of Spanish, Afro-Caribbean, and indigenous components. The diversity of the food is reflected through an impressive variety of dishes, from seafood delights caught fresh along the coast, to hearty meats slow-cooked to perfection. There's also an abundance of tropical fruits and local vegetables. From street food vendors to high-end dining establishments, you have countless opportunities to indulge in both local and international delights. The food can be a bit heavy for some, but there is always something to please palates of all types. This melding of flavors in Panama provides a culinary experience unofficially rated close to superb!
Budget:

Budget:Moderate

Panama offers a moderate balance between cost and value, making it reasonably budget-friendly. Compared to some of its neighbors, the cost of accommodations, food, and activities can be slightly higher. However, with careful planning and by taking advantage of local eateries and public transportation, it can be a cost-effective destination for the budget-conscious traveler.

Is Panama worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 11 experiences

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4.3/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

3.9/5
Jessica

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 plentiful and cheap to take you anywhere. And if you dive please check out Bocas Dive Center! They took me to gorgeous reefs and my private dive master Simon was so much fun! Bocas has something for everyone. Check it out!

Posted: July 18, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Panama 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, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 4/5
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Bocas 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
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Olivia

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 amount and ended up not spending less than I did, I spent almost all of it but I did buy several souvenirs and we also like tipping well for the great service. Overall I loved it, it’s a laid back surf town, most tourists there were on the younger side of adulthood, and we by far not the only solo women travelers which was awesome!

Posted: February 20, 2024
Things to do: 4/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Pernille

Pernille

Denmark

Casco Viejo, Family travel

Really Nice neighbourhood. We felt safe. Lots of Nice restaurants, cafès etc. Recommend Sisu Coffee Studio and Santa Rita restaurant. We used uber to go to Panama Canal, Metropolitan National Park and Panama Vieja.

Posted: January 18, 2024
Things to do: 3/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Panama, Solo travel

I went alone in May and had a wonderful time. I was in Bocas and it was beautiful there. I stayed at Skully's. In Panama City, I stayed in Casco Viejo, a wonderful district. I walked there alone. There were a lot of police guards, so I felt safe.

Posted: October 18, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5
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Panama, Solo travel

I went to Panama this summer and I felt very safe there. I loved the city, the culture, and the people living there. I used Uber everywhere and it was cheap and safe.

Posted: October 16, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Panama, Group travel

I was in Panama for a week in January. The food was amazing, and the locals were friendly. I met up with a group of friends in Panama and spent the entire week going on trips with them, so I didn't need Uber or a taxi, but I was told that it is a good way to get around and that they are safe even for a person traveling alone. They strongly advised me not to be outside alone after dark, regardless of the circumstances.

Posted: October 16, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 4/5
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Panama, Solo travel

I loved Panama. The city is beautiful, and the people are amazing. I also visited Bocas Del Toro and I really liked it there too. I stayed at Selina's hostel in Panama and at Skully's Skullys hostel in Bocas del Toro. I definitely recommend seeing the canal.

Posted: October 14, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5
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Panama, Solo travel

I spent a week in Panama and didn't manage to see everything, so I plan to return. I saw the Gamboa rainforest, Taboga Island, and the San Blas Islands. I stayed in Panama City and it was easy to get around. I felt safe all the time, and the people were really friendly.

Posted: July 30, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Is Panama safe for women?

Safety rating

3.4 /5

Based on 6 experiences

Crime rates rating

1.6 /5

Based on 6 experiences

Yasidell

Yasidell

Panama City

Panama city is just another city in Latin America with a lot of culture, where normally you don’t feel that scared like in other latin american countries, actually is one of the safest cities maybe in latin america. Full of culture and great people, nightlife is safe as we have police everywhere checking if anything happens.

Posted: July 27, 2024
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Maru

Maru

Panama

Panamá is in general a safe place so please feel free in Panamá, I don't recommended Santa Ana, el chorrillo but there are not turístico place. All beach are safe specially bocas del toro. The Provinces of are safer than the capital

Posted: July 18, 2024
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Meet locals in Panama

Meet local women in Panama who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.
Yasidell

Yasidell

About Me

I’m Yasidell a 22 years old student from Panama. I love to travel, share stories and learn about new cultures, languages and of course getting to know more people. I speak Spanish, English, Turkish and French, I love animals and I’m currently studying psychology and traveling Europe

Speaking

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Maru

Maru

About Me

Hi my name is maru and im looking for a partner to travel to Italy in october

Speaking

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Local tips

Panama is a great place to visit. It is a bit expensive depending what you're looking for and language could be a barrier. The best part of the country is visiting the inside of the country where nature is the main character. Beautiful beaches, awesome trails, unbelievable fauna just waiting to be discovered.

Posted: November 2, 2023
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Stay with locals in Panama

Stay with local women in Panama who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Hospitality exchange is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.
Abril

Abril

Panama City

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Passionate explorer, always looking for the next adventure and discovering the beauty of the world. My happiness is found in every trip, in every shared laugh and in the quiet places and people that steal my heart.

Speaking

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Luisa

Luisa

Panama

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hey! I'm Luisa, Colombian, living in Panama :) Sagittarius if that says something to you. I'm all about good vibes and energy.

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Explore Panama