Flights to Panama
Panama is a former Spanish colony and is the southernmost country in Central America. Nature is Panama’s most attractive ally. Once you get off your flights to Panama - birds, animals, and picturesque hills will welcome you to ’transit country’.
The nickname comes from Panama’s most famous feature - the Panama Canal. There are many theories explaining what the word ‘Panama’ means, but official authorities have decided to describe it as ‘an abundance of fishes, butterflies, and trees’.
Sip the famous Sancocho de gallina Panameño, munch on delicious cocadas, marvel at the beauty of pearl islands, or surf your heart out at the Santa Catalina - Panama will offer you everything! Just book your plane tickets to Panama and snatch these opportunities.
The Tocumen International Airport, located in Panama City, serves all its international visitors. The airport is also home to the world-class Copa Airlines. Before we jump to its famous travel attractions, let us walk you through Panama city’s airport.
- Tocumen International Airport
A regional travelling hub of the Caribbean, the Tocumen International airport has a bunch of facilities for its visitors. For a few years, the airport was called the Omar Torrijos airport in honour of the country’s revered parliamentarian, who died in a plane crash.
The name was restored after the US invaded the country in 1989 and dissolved its dictatorial system. The flights to PTY come in from all around the world, especially Asia and Europe.
The airport currently operates from Terminal 1 and its North Concourse. The newly constructed southern terminal is exclusively for the Copa Airlines and it will be up and running very soon.
Since some flights at terminal 1 require additional security checks, try reaching the airport a little early.
Planning to sleep?
In case you have an early-morning flight or a long-layover, let us help you explore some sleeping options in the Panama Airport.
The seats in the Tocumen airport have armrests, making it difficult for you to find your beauty sleep here. Carrying a sleeping bag and a warm blanket would be your best bet.
There are little to no chances of you finding sleeping accommodations from the airport staff, so carry your sound-blocking headphones and tune out the loud announcements.
In case, you’d like to be well-rested for your flight and do not mind shelling out a few bucks, have a look at the airport’s premium lounges.
Airport Lounges
There are various pay at door lounges available in the airport. No matter how you’re taking a flight to Panama, you can avail your lounge memberships or get single-use passes here -
- There’s a Copa Club on the second floor, the Tocumen Royal Saloon on the third floor. Both the lounges have membership programmes available, just register yourself and pay at the door.
- The Lounge Panama is a premium prepaid lounge available airside. With additional benefits and 24 hours running shower - it’ll be a place worth staying at.
- Within 10 minutes from the airport - you’ll find some really good hotels. So, if your budget is big and heart even bigger, we suggest you book the nearest hotel, Courtyard by Marriott.
Other facilities
- You’ll find free Wi-Fi at the Panama airport for a usage duration of 30 minutes - make sure you get your downloads ready!
- ATMs and cash machines can be found easily around the airport. If you’re running short on cash, it’s not a problem here.
- Looking for a souvenir? Check out the duty-free shopping area of the airport. If you visit during the peak season - chances are, the shops will be open all day.
- The airport offers a bunch of high-end cafes and restaurants. Even if they’re pricey, you’ll get an amazing ambience to enjoy your meals.
- Throughout the airport, you’ll find mobile charging outlets with several of them accommodating US plugs.
- Smoking inside the airport is strictly prohibited.
Airlines
The most popular airlines serving the Tocumen airport include Aeromexico, Air France, Air Canada, Air Europa, Copa Airlines, Avianca, Lufthansa, Laser Airlines, United Airlines, Condor, Conviasa, Delta, and Iberia.
Airfare to Panama
If you’re looking for plane tickets to Panama, the prices may range anywhere between $800-2000. The cheap flights to Panama have a few layovers and cost around $800-1200, the latter if it’s the peak season. If you’re looking for a luxurious, premium fight, we’ll suggest you keep $2000 handy.
Attractions in Panama
- Pearl Islands
Nicknamed so due to its wealth of pearls, the island has gained much popularity since it was featured on the US Reality TV show, Survivor. Lush green forests and sandy beaches will welcome you here. Good news - Contadora Island has several world-class resorts to make your trip memorable.
- Amador Causeway
Straight out of GTA, the causeway connects three islands to the Panama mainland. Through the causeway, you’ll see the spectacular view of mainland Panama.
Usually, the causeway is full of life. People often choose to jog, take their dogs on a walk or get some drinks and eatables from the causeway. Safe to say, it is a favourite for both locals and visitors.
- Sendero Los Quetzales
Fit to be your desktop wallpaper, this beautiful trail in Cerro Punta is one of Panama’s finest natural scenery. If you’re outdoorsy and would love to go on a hike, the Sendero Los Quetzales should be your next destination. Since it is not well-marked yet, we recommend you take a guide or join another hiking group.
- Coiba
Don’t let the name scare you away, the diversity in Panama’s waters is unparalleled. The Coiba National Marine Park would prove our point pretty well. If you’re a snorkelling/scuba-diving fan, look no further.
Whales are a special attraction. Among these, whale sharks and humpbacks are quite common. The beaches are clear and blue, so your pictures are bound to turn out beautiful.
- Bocas Town
Also popularly called ‘the surfing town’ -Bocas Del Toro is the perfect spot for beginner divers, who’re just trying their hand (or leg!) at keeping the board afloat.
Colourful coral reefs will keep you entertained while you check out the city’s flavoursome seafood in the beach resorts. Visitors usually enjoy hiking through the beach’s long shoreline.
- Playa Las Lajas
A beautiful beach that extends to 13 odd km on the pacific coast, the Playa Las Lajas has the perfect weather for a quick swim. Small restaurants and eateries adorn its roads, giving you the perfect opportunity to taste authentic Panamanian cuisine.
Depending on whatever preferences you have, the Playa Las Lajas is unique. It is a peek into the true Panamanian culture, hidden away from big resorts and high-end restaurants. So if peace and sunsets are what you’re looking for once you get off your flights to Panama, we’ve got you sorted.
- Panama Canal
Moment of truth, this is what we’ve all been waiting for. The prime attraction in Panama is its famous Panama Canal. Stretched around 82 km, the canal joins the Pacific and Atlantic ocean. Prepare to set aside around 5 hours to get a good look at this piece of engineering wonder.
The artificial waterway attracts tourists from around the world. It is also a strategic trade location as millions of merchants depend upon this trans-isthmian channel for their business. We strongly suggest you do not miss out on this world-class architecture once you get off your Panama Flights.
Best Season to visit Panama
The beginning of the year (from January to April) is the best time to book your plane tickets to Panama. The dry, cold weather during these months enhance the tropical experience of the country.
There are, however, little to no festivals and events happening during this time. Hotels and air-fare may be cheap if you choose this time to come.
From May to November, the weather is unsuitable as it rains almost daily on the Caribbean coast. The hotel and travel cost is hence, pretty low.
If you’d like to enjoy the lush green rainforests in their natural glory and stormy sand beaches, consider visiting during November and December.