What to Pack

Get Ready!

Travel light and wise! This are some general guidelines and a checklist to help you pack to Panama.

Recommendations for your Flight

  • Valid passport (with photocopies or scanned to your email account)
  • Copy of complete flight itinerary
  • Copy of applicable travel/medical insurance, including number and contact information
  • Credit cards (more than one)

**We suggest you to have a record of your number in case of loss or theft.**

  • Water bottle – By doing this, you will avoid using plastic bottles.
  • Bring soft-side bag, which is easier to store throughout your adventure and to carry in our vans during transfers;
  • Bring any necessities, including travel documents, money, meds and other supplies in your carry-on luggage and not in your checked baggage;
  • Pack a change of clothing in your carry-on bag in case your luggage is lost by the airlines;
  • Use a TSA-approved security device to lock your baggage;
  • Don´t bring jewelry!
  • Keep cash in more than one place!

Packing for a day tour

  • Camera with water protection
  • Cap or hat
  • Sunscreen lotion
  • Insect repellent
  • Light clothing
  • Light raincoat
  • Walking shoes or hiking shoes
  • Day backpack
  • Power bars
  • Bring your water bottle
  • Envelopes (useful for gratuities to guides or drivers)

Bring a stainless steel bottle that meets all safety standards and support the conservation of our planet! Or you can purchase TheGrayl (for the US and Canada) and receive 20% discount by using the code: EcoCircuitos-PURIFY20

For Water Activities

(Kayaking & Rafting)

  • Footwear: strapped sandals (Teva or Chaco type), water shoes; but not flip flop type sandals
  • Pants: dry-fit shorts or long pants, lycras are great.
  • Tops: dry-fit long sleeve shirts
  • Hat: dry-fit, french legion type are the best
  • Plenty of protective sunscreen for uncovered skin areas.
  • Secure eyeglass neck strap
  • Bag with spare dry clothing to leave in the car to change for the way back.
  • Waterproof camera

For the Rainforest Activities

If you are visiting Panama for the for the first time or you are an avid explorer, the tropical rainforest will be an amazing experience full of fascinating adventures. More than 970 birds species, incredible colorful insects, fascinating reptiles and mammals and trees that will put you awe! But you have to bring comfortable footwear and pack wisely.

In Panama during the rainy season, people usually carry umbrellas, but we recommend bringing a raincoat as it is always the best option for the traveler. In the highlands of Panama (Chiriqui mountains), a lightweight rain coat and jacket are recommended! If you are planning long stays exploring the highland´s national parks and private reserves during the rainy season rubber boots could be a good fit. Usually you can buy those in a local market or town store in Boquete or Cerro Punta. But you should bring your own used and tested hiking boots! We recommend lightweight, waterproof boots.

In Panama most hotels will let you store excess luggage while you are outside the city or on an adventure. So it is recommendable to bring your day backpack and an essential gear:  RAIN JACKET or Poncho.

  • A pair of binoculars and a guidebook (Birds of Panama or Mammals of the Rainforest). They are a must for getting a closer look at wildlife and are available for sale.
  • Camera and memory cards
  • Flashlight with spare batteries and bulb
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent
  • Hat with visor for rain and sun protection
  • Bandanas
  • Shirts should be made of cotton or light synthetic materials; long- and short-sleeved
  • Sweater or jacket (a must for the highlands)
  • Cotton trousers preferable. Light synthetic materials take more time to dry
  • Hiking shorts
  • Swimwear
  • Underwear and Socks – bring extra pairs in case feet get wet
  • Footwear: Waterproof lightweight hiking boots, river sandals (e.g., Teva-type sandals), and tennis shoes/running shoes. If you do not bring hiking boots, please make sure you bring TWO pairs of tennis shoes.
  • Rain gear – poncho, raincoat
  • Small day pack or fanny pack for hikes
  • Reutilizable bags for wet items
  • Collapsible luggage to store extra items left in Panama City
  • Casual clothing for city traveling or a nice dinner (Panama has an amazing gastronomy)
  • Once again, water bottle!!!

Do not bring: valuables that you do not need such as jewels, excess cash, or anything that might get damaged if it gets wet.