Our guide to Panama and Colombia

Guide voyage
Amérique

Rédigé le 12.02.25

Between lush nature, heavenly beaches and cities with a rich colonial past, Panama and Colombia are ideal destinations for a trip mixing adventure and culture. From the modernity of Panama City to the colorful villages of Colombia, via islands with turquoise waters, discover our guide to best prepare your trip.

Find out more about Panama and Colombia...

These two Latin American countries offer varied landscapes and must-see sites. Here are 6 places not to be missed:

Panama City (Panama)

A modern capital with an impressive skyline, the historic Casco Viejo district and the famous Panama Canal.

San Blas Archipelago (Panama)

A 365-island paradise inhabited by the Guna Indians, ideal for an immersion holiday on dream beaches.

Boquete (Panama)

Mountainous region renowned for its coffee plantations and hikes in the heart of tropical nature.

Cartagena de Indias (Colombia)

A colorful colonial town on the edge of the Caribbean, with its ramparts, cobbled streets and romantic ambience.

Medellín (Colombia)

Former Pablo Escobar town transformed into a dynamic metropolis, surrounded by lush green mountains.

Cocora Valley (Colombia)

A unique landscape with giant wax palms, the tallest in the world, in the heart of the coffee region.

A few things you need to know

How do I get there?

Direct flights connect Paris to Panama City in around 11h and Paris to Bogota in 10h. Connections between Panama and Colombia are possible by plane or boat via the San Blas Islands.

Discover all our flights and our best prices directly on our flight booking platform.

How long would you ideally like to spend there?

1 week allows you to discover a major city and its surroundings.
2 weeks are ideal for combining beaches, mountains and culture.
3 weeks offer the opportunity to explore several paradise regions and islands.

What documents do I need to get there?

Passport valid at least 6 months after the date of return.
No visa for a tourist stay of less than 90 days for French citizens.

To communicate on the spot...

The official language is Spanish, but English is included in tourist areas.

Some useful words:
Hola : Hello
Gracias : Thank you
Sí / No : Yes / No
Por favor : Please
¿Cuánto cuesta? : How much does it cost?

The currency

In Panama: US dollar (USD) and Panamanian balboa (PAB).
In Colombia: Colombian peso (COP).

Credit cards are widely accepted, but it is advisable to carry cash for small shops and local transport.

When is the best time to travel?

December to April: Dry season, ideal for enjoying beaches and hiking.
May to November: Rainy season, but with greener landscapes and fewer tourists.

What are the culinary specialities?

Panamanian and Colombian cuisine is flavorful and influenced by local produce and Caribbean traditions.

Some must-try dishes:

Sancocho (Panama): Stew made with chicken, vegetables and cilantro.
Patacones (Panama & Colombia): Fried plantains, served as a side dish.
Ceviche (Panama): Fish marinated in lime, often served at the Panama City fish market.
Bandeja Paisa (Colombia): Hearty dish with meat, kidney beans, avocado and egg.
Colombian coffee: Reputed to be some of the best in the world, especially in the coffee region.

Time difference with France

ThePanama is at GMT-5, which is 6 hours less than France in winter and 7 hours in summer.
TheColombia is at GMT-5, which is 6 hours less than France in winter and 7 hours in summer.

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Between dream beaches, vibrant cities and breathtaking landscapes, Panama and Colombia are perfect destinations for a trip rich in discovery.

Happy travels, and don't hesitate to share your experience with us by mentioning us on social networks or using the hashtag #atcroutesdumonde!