Chiriqui Province, Panama
Days call for lightweight, breathable clothing. Materials like cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking synthetics work well. Shorts, t-shirts, and light Long-sleeved shirts are suitable. Even during the dry season, the sun can be intense. Evenings bring noticeable temperature drops. Bring a Light jacket, a sweater, or a fleece for evening comfort.
Focus on similar lightweight clothing as the dry season, but prioritize quick-drying materials. Synthetic fabrics perform better than cotton if you expect to get wet. Evenings bring cooler temperatures, especially after rain, making a warmer fleece or light jacket more important.
Sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip. Crucial for muddy, rocky, and slippery trails like Volcán Barú or Sendero Los Quetzales. Waterproof options highly recommended (e.g., Merrell Men's Moab 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe or Merrell Women's Moab 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe).
Comfortable walking shoes or Sneakers. Useful for exploring the town center, visiting cafes, and easy strolls. Sandals or flip-flops provide comfort for relaxing at your accommodation or short, informal walks.
Water-resistant sandals or shoes are useful for river crossings during hikes, visiting hot springs, or simply navigating town on a rainy day. Quick-drying attributes are a plus.
Carefully organize your documents before you travel. Having both physical and digital copies in separate locations is a smart practice.
Panama uses Type A and Type B electrical outlets, identical to those in the United States and Canada. The standard voltage is 120V, and the frequency is 60Hz. If your devices use a different voltage or plug type, you will need a Travel adapter or a Power adapter. A Universal Travel Adapter serves multiple purposes.
Bring extra batteries and memory cards for your camera. A Waterproof case or bag for your camera is useful, specifically during the rainy season or for water activities like rafting. For VPN services, consider NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure browsing. For eSIMs, look at Airalo.
Use cloud storage services (like Google Drive or Dropbox) for backing up photos and copies of important documents. This protects your memories and information.
Consider a Small external hard drive for a physical backup of your valuable digital files.
For camera gear or other electronics, check B&H Photo for a wide selection before your trip.
Pack a basic but comprehensive First aid kit. Include Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, sterile gauze, pain relievers (Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen), antihistamines, and Anti-diarrhea medication (e.g., Imodium). Blister treatment or mole skin are good for hiking. Consider Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7 First Aid Kit.
For sun Sun protection, pack high-SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen, UV-protective sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. For insect defense, choose a repellent with DEET or Picaridin (Sawyer Permethrin for clothing; Sawyer Picaridin for skin).
A comfortable 20-30L Daypack for water, snacks, layers, and rain jacket (e.g., Osprey Talon 22 or Tempest 20). A Headlamp or flashlight for Volcán Barú sunrise hike. Trekking poles (Black Diamond Trail Ergo) for stability on steep trails.
For birdwatching, Binoculars are useful for spotting elusive species like the Resplendent Quetzal. For whitewater rafting, wear quick-drying clothing. Secure straps for glasses or sunglasses are useful. Apply plenty of sunscreen before water activities.
Camping for Volcán Barú overnight calls for a full set of Camping gear, including a tent, Sleeping bag (for cold temperatures), sleeping pad, and cooking supplies. Some local outfitters may rent gear. For coffee enthusiasts, a Portable coffee maker like a Hario V60 might be a fun addition.
For long bus rides, a Travel neck pillow and an Eye mask significantly add to your comfort. A Padlock is useful for hostel lockers. A Money belt or neck wallet (Zero Grid Neck Wallet with RFID Blocking) discreetly carries passport and cash. RFID-blocking sleeves for cards and passports guard against electronic skimming.
A Reusable water bottle (Hydro Flask) reduces plastic waste. A Reusable shopping bag (Baggu) is useful for markets. Reusable utensils/straw lessen single-use plastic. A Compact umbrella is useful for light drizzles. Binoculars are excellent for birdwatching. Specialized hiking gear or specific medications may be more expensive or harder to find locally.
Reduce plastic waste, stay hydrated.
Handy for markets, avoid single-use plastics.
For street food or takeout, reduce waste.
Keep devices charged on the go, reduce reliance on outlets.
A versatile wardrobe with layers and proper footwear addresses most needs.
Rolling clothes saves space, and packing cubes keep things organized.
