Panama offers the best of all worlds – shuls, kosher food, city life, a beach vacation, plus fascinating things to do and see!
Being that I was born and raised in Panama, I’m lucky enough to get weekly messages, emails and texts from friends and even people whom I’ve never met asking me questions about Panama. Everyone is so intrigued. What are the top restaurants? Is it safe? What is there to do?
Panama has some of the most delicious kosher restaurants in the world, beautiful beaches, resorts and hotels, a vibrant and rich Jewish community, making Panama the ideal destination for the kosher consumer.
It wasn’t until a few years ago when everyone else was let in on the little secret. Panama, a hidden gem and kosher haven, nestled right in the center of the American continent. Once people discovered what Panama had to offer, it didn’t take very long until it became one of the hottest vacation destinations on most people’s wish list. Visit Panama at any given time during the year, and you’ll notice Jewish tourists from all walks of life, and from all over the world.
Conveniently located, Panama is only a few hours flight from most cities in the US, some major cities even offering nonstop flights to Panama. Most major airlines travel to Panama including Delta, United, American Airlines and Copa (yes, this is a perfectly safe and normal airline). You are going to want to fly into Tocumen International Airport (PTY). The airport is about a 20-minute drive from the city. The currency in Panama is the Balboa and the American Dollar.
SAFETY
Practice usual safety precautions as you would if you were traveling anywhere else in the world. Be aware of your surroundings, don’t walk alone at night and keep your valuables safe. You can safely walk around with kippas and tzitzit in Panama, without any issues.
JEWISH AREAS + WHERE TO STAY
There are two main Jewish areas in Panama City, Punta Paitilla and Punta Pacifica.
Some of the best hotels in the area are the Residence Inn by Marriot (suites, most convenient if traveling with kids, walking distance to Chabad and kosher restaurants), JW Marriot, Hilton Panama, Waldorf Astoria and W Panama. If you are looking for a very affordable option, the Plaza Paitilla Inn is great. There’s also Hotel Sortis, which is beautiful and located near some kosher restaurants and driving distance from most, but definitely not walking distance to any shuls if you plan on being there for Shabbos.
WEATHER
Panama sits on the equator which means the climate is tropical, hot and humid. Rains nine months out of the year, but don’t get discouraged, it’s so hot, everything dries up fast, and most of the time, it’s just a quick sun shower. The summer in Panama runs from January to Mid-April which is the best time to visit.
TRANSPORTATION
You can certainly rent a car like you would anywhere else, but because Uber in Panama is so reasonably priced (only a few dollars a trip) I always recommend people just take an Uber everywhere to avoid having to deal with a car and parking. Not to mention the traffic gets heavy in some areas in the city, especially during rush hour.
SHULS + DAVENING + SHABBAT
Panama is home to some of the most beautiful shuls in the world. I highly recommend booking a Jewish Sites Tour to see them for yourself and learn about the rich history of the Panamanian Jewish Community
One thing that is important to know and keep in mind is that in order to get into the shuls for minyan and for Shabbos davening you need to fill out a visitors registration form. This is a requirement in order to visit the synagogues in Panama. They will also interview you and request you provide your passport. It helps to know someone in Panama as a referral. You can fill out the registration form over here.
The Sephardi synagogues are Shevet Ahim in Bella Vista (this is the one I recommend you tour), Ahavat Sion in Paitilla and Bet Max Ve Sarah in Punta Pacifica, all three offer regular services throughout the week and Shabbos.
The Ashkenazi shul Beth El is located in Paitilla. They offer a convenient Shabbos dinner and Shabbos day Kiddush weekly, that you are able to sign up for over here.
There are also three Chabad houses. Chabad Panama located in Paitilla, Chabad Boquete and Chabad Bocas del Toro. You can sign for meals at Chabad, they do a fabulous job, and the food is delicious.
KOSHER FOOD + RESTAURANTS
With over 40 spectacular kosher restaurants, covering every cuisine under the sun, Panama has become the kosher foodies’ dream vacation. Rarely you’ll visit a country where you’ll be able to eat at a different kosher restaurant for every single meal during your stay, and still don’t even make a dent. Be sure to make reservations for dinner in advance, especially during popular times like Yeshiva week.
My favorite spots for breakfast are: Jeffreys Bakery and Pita Pan.
If you want a healthy spot, with vegan options such as acai bowls, avocado toasts, etc. check out Vitali or Fitbar Co.
If you are going on a day trip and need to grab a sandwich, wrap or salad to-go, check out Cafein (which also has frozen yogurt) or The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (variety of pastries, coffee drinks, etc.).
Another great idea is to check out the restaurants inside the kosher grocery stores. There is the Super Kosher which has El Restaurante, a meat restaurant with a very extensive menu, and a dairy restaurant called El Café, which has a sushi spot attached called Metsuyan.
The second kosher grocery store, DeliK, which is located inside the Megapolis Outlet mall, also has two restaurants on premises: a meat one, and a dairy one, both are great options.
My top dairy restaurants are: Kava, Aroma, La Spezia and Blame Kiki.
Note that although chalav Yisroel is available upon request at most dairy kosher restaurants in Panama, not all of them have. Be sure to call ahead and make sure they’ll be able to accommodate you.
My top meat restaurants are: Aria (everyone’s favorite), Lula Casco, Grila, Yoss Burger and Fuego.
If you want to experience authentic Panamanian cuisine, be sure to check out Fonda mi Reinita.
There’s a brand new upscale meat restaurant that just opened Adama, I’ve heard incredible things and I’m looking forward to checking it out next time I visit.
ACTIVITIES + WHAT TO DO
The fun thing about Panama is that you get the best of both worlds. The beautiful beaches and the hot weather year-round but also a great city life. There’s beautiful, large and luxurious malls and multiple sightseeing options and museums. Some of my top things to do in Panama city are:
Visiting the Panama Canal, the Gamboa Rainforest and Embera Village where you can see the indigenous people. Also the popular Monkey Island is a great option, especially if traveling with kids.
Be sure to visit the Amador Causeway and Biomuseum and well as the Casco Viejo.
If looking to spend the day at the beach check out Contadora Island and Taboga Island, beautiful beaches only 30 minutes away from Panama City. You can get there by ferry. Playa Bonita is another great option with a nice resort only around 20 minutes away from the city, to which you can get to by car, with some restaurants even offering delivery.
There’s also the magnificent San Blas Island. I highly recommend hiring a driving service to get there, which takes around 3 hours. Very beautiful and worthwhile.
If you are looking to visit other parts of Panama, I highly recommend visiting Bocas Del Toro, a province on the northern coast of Panama with beautiful crystal blue waters and white sandy beaches. You need to take a domestic flight to get here.
Hope this was helpful, and you consider checking Panama out, I guarantee you’ll be pleased!
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Wow! What a great resource!
I’ve been to Panama for a short trip and the dairy restaurants were very helpful regarding Chalav Yisroel . There are a lot of pareve options. Pizza, salads you can get with CY cheese. Anything with heavy cream, like dairy pasta and desserts you can’t. We were able to ask the mashgiach / mashgicha at every place.
Recommended tours or tour guides especially Jewiish/frum friendly?
I recommend Patricia +507 6747-9370 for Jewish sites tours and Ruben for all other tours +507 6638-2940
Thanks for your article, just wondering are there any private pools or villas available in the area?
None that I’m familiar with but feel free to check out Airbnb
im also wondering the same…..if anyone knows of any hotel/resorts with private pools i would love to know
Wow! Thanks for sharing such helpful info! Would love to know how doable it is to come through Panama CIty and stay at a beach resort! Any recommendations on nice resorts that aren’t too far from the city?
I think the Westin playa bonita is nice, and close to the city, approximately 40 minutes!
Also Buenaventura!
wow! thanks so much for you article, i am actually in middle of planning my trip there. what’s the story with the streets and transportation there, is it safe to use uber there? how about walking in the street? i hear alot of crime there?
Good luck planning your trip! All this questions are addressed on the post!
Is Avianca Airlines safe? I see a lot of flights to Panama with this airline.
Perfectly safe!
Thanks!
Yes
Panama was an amazing vacation!
Another amazing tour guide is Arturo Lerner
Whatsapp +507 6781-5467.
All the places mentioned I highly recommend visiting aside for the Embera village, I felt extremely uncomfortable there and would not recommend going there.
What are the major hechsher I’m in Panama?
Kosher Panama by shevet ahim
if I want to do an extended weekend, which area would you recommend?
Paitilla/Punta Pacífica area
Thanks for the awesome review!
Just went to panamá as well and used arturo as our guide
He is frum so that is always nice and always packed a lunch for us from a restaurant!
We went zip lining, atving and a private boat to an island besides the recommended trips in the post!
He really went the extra mile making sure shabbos was confirmed with chabad and as well as getting us restaurant. reservations ( when they said there was no availability! )
Panama is a must with Arturo as your guide he is also super affordable!
Arturo Lerner tour guide +507 6781-5467
Whatsapp
Have heard amazing things about him, and Rafa too!
Do you have an email address for Arturo or Rafa?
Thanks for providing the tour guides number, is it correct though? I cant seem to contact him through WhatsApp.
Thanks for being honest! im in mid of planning my vacation & i was super skeptical if i should go there…
The pictures online wasn’t so pretty
Pictures don’t do to justice. I have yet to meet someone that regretted going to Panama. It’s such a great place to visit as a kosher tourist
is the Intercontintal Miramar Panama in walking distance to the Shul’s on Shabbat ?
Best Regards
David
It’s a long walk. I recommend staying closer to the Shuls. It’s closest to shevet ahim, but not super close and the walk is not easy..
Anyone have experience taking New Leaf Tours? I have a tour booked for in a week and was wondering about it.
What Hotel would you suggest for a group of 22 year old girls looking for a nice vacation? We want something really nice- we want an experience. There are so many different ones… how do I make the choice?
I would prefer something within close proximity to Kosher stores, but it is not a must.
Definitely a must for it to be a safe place for girls.
Thank you so much for your awesome review!
Would any one know if the restaurants keep Yashan or not?
Is intercontinental a decent hotel?
AVOID COPA AIRLINES at all costs! I go to pAnama a few times a year. It is worth paying the extra money and connecting through Miami to avoid taking COPA nonstop from JFK. There wre 10 of us, yes 10 on a return flight. Ground manager noticed one of my adult children was wearing a kippah and then went out of his wayto make us gate-check our backpacks. THEY were SMALL BACKPACKS. WHen I argued with him, hethreatened not to board my family. We are Conservative Jews, not Orthodox. Wearing regular clothing. This was the Gate Agent in charge, not some shlump. I contacted COPA and only got a cut and paste reply. I will never fly them again.
AVOID COPA AIRLINES at all costs! I go to Panama a few times a year now as we recently purchased an apartment there. It is worth paying the extra money and connecting through Miami on AMERICAN AIRLINES, to avoid taking COPA nonstop (from JFK). There were 10 of us, yes 10 passengers on a return flight. The Gate AGent Manager noticed one of my adult children was wearing a kippah and then went out of his way to make us gate-check our backpacks. THEY were REGULAR SIZE BACKPACKS. No other carry-on luggage. When I argued with him, he threatened not to board my family. We are Conservative Jews, not Orthodox…. wearing regular clothing. This was the Gate Agent Manager in charge, not some shlump. I contacted COPA and only got a cut and paste reply. I will never fly them again. Take AA, it is worth the extra $.
Is the Waldorf Astoria near the Jewish community/ restaurants? I am going to Panama from Sunday through Thursday so I just need something that is relatively close but it does not have to be walkable…
Yes definitely