Is Panama Safe for Backpacker and Tourists, we are going to tackle this interesting topic here today.
If like me the first thing you google when heading to your next country is "Is Panama Safe?" Then you are in the right place as that is exactly the topic of this blog post. I will be drawing from my own time in Panama as a Solo backpacker (hello is me Jack 🙌), drawing on popular tourist destinations like Panama City, Bocas del Toro, Boquete, and the San Blas Islands. I am going to be using recent information available from last year so we know what to expect in 2025 and drawing from my own experience which involved taking a taxi ride through a riot, oops! But I will cover that in more detail in the Panama City section (spoiler, I survived ... or did I? Naaaa I did).
Panama is renowned for its iconic canal, lush rainforests, vibrant cities, and beautiful beaches. As a major hub for tourism in Central America, Panama attracts visitors from around the world. While the country is generally safe, there are areas that require additional caution and as always with any travel; safety is not a guarantee but we can do things to help us stay better prepared.
If you want to know more about Panama as a country then make sure to check out the podcast where you can understand the history of Panama in just 30 minutes perfect for an evening run!
PANAMA SAFETY QUICK FIRE ROUND
Before we get into our regions there are some generals you need to know so lets start with a quick fire round for Panama:
Smoking and Vapes bans
It’s illegal to smoke & Vape in public places. $25 to 100 can be issued if you are caught smoking in prohibited places.
Illegal drugs
You can get a prison sentence for possessing even a small quantity of drugs do not take the risk.
Night assaults
Stick to well lit and populated areas at night, Uber home where possible.
ATM
Be mindful of your surroundings and when & where you withdraw money from, post withdrawal attacks can occur.
Weather
The nature of Panama means extreme weather evens can occur, ensure you check the latest weather news before you travel.
🎒 Quick Pick Safe Stay Hostels for Backpackers
🏛️ Quick Pick Safe Stay Hotels for Holiday Makers
🛶 Excursion Top Picks in Panama
🧳 Safety Boosting Travel Items
Is Panama Safe For Tourist Contents
No.1 Panama City Safety Overview
Panama City, the thriving urban centre with modern skyscrapers, rich history, and a dynamic nightlife. This city is generally safe for tourists, particularly in well-known neighbourhoods. Uber is available here which always makes a city seem safer for some reason perhaps because its allows you to get from A to B with minimal effort or exposure to the city! I actually had a really good experience with an Uber driver here, we got talking and realised we had architecture as a common interest and the guy turned into a university profession/ tour guide explaining why the city has developed the way it has, he even started pointing out examples as we headed from my hostel (Blu Hostel ((Not the best place to stay but insanely cheap)) to Casco Viejo the picturesque historic district, this guy got 5 stars and a big tip from me ✅.
Like any major city, Panama City has its risks, and certain areas should be approached with caution, but from Blu hostel I walked around fairly extensively, particularly to the main street of Av. Central España which is in the Obarrio district (more below) so lets looks at those safer areas.
Quick City Safety Tip
One way to help increase your own safety and security when in a new city (you will hear this on every blog I write because I believe it so deeply) is ... Take a walking tour of the area. No matter what city I hit, once I have got to wherever I am staying, I ask the reception team about the safety of the city/ area then I book onto a walking tour, my recommendation for panama is the Legend of Casco Viejo Tour Panama City has a blend of deep history and some stunning architecture so make sure to book into a Casco Viejo walking tour.
The guide will happily answer questions about the safety of the area, places you should avoid as well as great places to eat or local bars to check out. I have done walking tours now in places like Mexico City, Nicaragua, Lisbon, London, Medellin, Lima. If you get a good guide you will end up with a great insight to the area in the safest possible way.
✅ Safer Areas in Panama City to Explore
Casco Viejo
This historic district, known for its colonial architecture, is heavily frequented by tourists and well-patrolled by police. It’s generally safe during the day and early evening, though tourists should stay alert for pickpockets. If you are looking for safe and welcoming hosteling in Casco Viejo (and this really is a fantastic area to stay in Panama City) then two of the best are below
Punta Pacifica and Obarrio
These upscale neighbourhoods, popular for their shopping centres and hotels, are safe and regularly patrolled. They cater to both business traveler and tourists, with a lower incidence of crime compared to other parts of the city. Obarrio particularly is where you will find a lot of the more recognisable 'bank architecture' that has become iconic to Panama Cities skyline. The area feels very metropolitan with a Starbucks on many-a-corner, people milling about in suits, you get the picture! The best choice for a safe stay in the area for backpackers is located in Punta Pacifica, Hostal Casa Areka. For you holiday makers check out the JW marriot for some unreal views across the ocean and the bay.
El Cangrejo
Blu Hostel (where I was staying) was located here, I felt pretty darn safe in this area. The reason I stayed at Blu was two fold No.1 is was super cheap for a small apartment style room with a kitchen and No.2 I needed a bit of quiet time to recharge after being super social for the past 3/4 weeks! I would walk to the local shop down the road in the evening, pick up something to cook and head back to tuck myself away and have a good nights sleep! Would I recommend it? Not hugely! Only if you are an a shoestring and need a bit of alone time, otherwise I would be hitting the other recommendations above.
🚨 Caution Areas In Panama City
Caution Area 01 - El Chorrillo
Despite being close to Casco Viejo, El Chorrillo is a neighbourhood with a higher crime rate. Tourists are advised to avoid this area, especially at night. In the dark the area feels slightly more predatory, the streets can be quite I walked through this area one evening to get to the Selina which has a rooftop that you should really watch a sunset. On my own one evening I became vary aware I was one of the only people navigating my way through the tight streets.
Caution Area 02 - Calidonia
Though not particularly unsafe during the day, Calidonia is best avoided after dark, as it’s known for increased petty crime and occasional violence.
📈 Panama City Key Safety Data 2025
In 2024, Panama City saw a 3% reduction in violent crime in central tourist districts like Casco Viejo, thanks to increased police presence . However, incidents of petty theft in crowded areas remain a concern.
Now I mentioned my own experience at the start of the blog post and I am going to divulge it now. On a journey one evening, heading to the Selina to take in the view from the rooftop bar, the streets became quite. The Uber driver had turned down a road that should have been avoided as riots were taking place in the area. The students were protesting about the cost of living and future prospects.
The police were armed with tear gas and bean bag guns, these were being used, there was dust in the air and shouting and jeering going on, the taxi driver apologies asked me to keep my head down and reversed out of the situation. It all happened very quickly but was a classic 'one wrong turn moment'.
Why am I telling you this, not to scare you but to show that there are issues that you do need to just check when in the city. However I would say this about any city and frankly, the police presence what that large, at no time did I, as a tourist in Panama, feel unsafe! Moral of the story, check the news for any civil unrest before hitting the big cities. Double down on this advice when visiting other central American countries like Nicragaua, Hondorus and El Salvador. One other thing the taxi driver mentioned to me, which makes perfect sense is:
The Americans would never let the city of Panama fall into mass civil unrest due to the amount of product that is shipped through the Canal!
It makes a lot of sense when you think about it! Generally quick wins for city travel are TSA approved locks and anti theft bags, especially if you are an anxious traveller, a small investment in these can give you piece of mind.
Essential Panama City Tours for Cultural & Wildlife Lovers Visiting Panama City
For those looking for a really fantastic cultural experience in a safe environment one of the best options is to take a trip from Panama city to an Embera Village. This is a great way to learn and support the local community as you have to pay an 'indigenous community fee' which is fairly common for this type of tour.
It currently (in 2025) stands at 30 USD per adult and 15 USD per kid, paid in cash. If you are looking to really engage into something more immersive and culturally enriching take this tour on, reserve it now and pay later so you don't miss out.
If you are a wildlife lover and love cute little monkeys then the Panama: Monkey Island and Panama Canal Eco-Tour & Jungle is a great option for those looking to get up close and personal with both the canal and its vast array of wildlife.
Finally if you want to discover the very best places for a safe stay in Panama city then you can find my choices below.
🎒 Panama City Safe Stays for Backpackers
🏛️ Panama City Safe Stay for Holiday Makers
Ooooookkkkkkayyyy onto our next location, Bocas del Toro the wonderful caribbean archipelago where you can really relax and unwind.
No.2 Bocas del Toro: The Caribbean Archipelago
👮🏻♀️ Safety Overview for Bocas Del Toro
✅ Safer Areas in Bocas Del Toro to Explore
🎒 Bocas Del Toro Safe Stays for Backpackers
🏛️ Bocas Del Toro Safe Stay for Holiday Makers
🚨 Caution Areas In Bocas Del Toro
📈 Bocas Del Toro Key Safety Data 2025
No.3 Boquete: The Highland Haven
👮🏻♀️ Safety Overview for Boquete
Boquete, known for its cool climate, coffee plantations, and adventure tourism, is one of the safest areas in Panama and its extremely small so this wont take long! The small town is popular with retirees and tourists seeking outdoor activities like hiking and bird-watching.
✅ Safer Areas in Bocas Del Toro to Explore
🎒 Boquete Safe Stays for Backpackers
🏛️ Boquete Safe Stay for Holiday Makers
🚨 Caution Areas In Boquete
📈 Boquete Key Safety Data 2025
No.4. San Blas Islands: The Indigenous Paradise
👮🏻♀️ Safety Overview for the San Blas Islands
✅ Safer San Blas Islands to Explore
🚨 Caution Areas for San Blas Islands
📈 San Blas Islands Key Safety Data 2025
No.5 Is Panama Safe for Tourists? Conclusion
🗺️ Panama Safety Summary
❓Panama Travel Safety FAQ
The Blueprint Travel Map for Panama
We are working into the Blueprint Travel Map have a look at the beta now to see places we have spoken of here today on the Map and for a full set of things to do whilst in Panama City make sure to check out our Panama City Things To Do Post, so you can make the most of your time.
For the intelligent explorer
Please always make sure to check the latest local news and government information for the country you wish to explore before travelling. The information in the guides are from personal experience. Safety can never be guaranteed, the intention is to help avoid issues when on the road.
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How did you get yo all this beautiful places,bus private transport or guided tours
We are 2 people and liked your Information we be there in March
Loved the post overall. Just a heads up, though, that El Valle de Anton is a bit west of Panama City, over 5 hours away from Boquete by car, so not really an area within Boquete at all.
When I last visited several years ago, though, it was very safe, with beautiful, lush surroundings and the entrance to a national park with hiking trails, so worth a shout out.
Hello explorers, I have had an interesting question pop up regarding the animal life in Panama and if it is something that backpackers/ tourists need to be mindful of.
Personally during my time, I did not have an encounters with snakes or spiders, however I was warned that the red frogs (on red frog island) are poisonous and whilst I spotted a few, they simply stayed off the paths doing their own thing. If anyone has any input they would like to add to this I would love you to comment. Doing some quick research I have found the following resources which could be useful for those seeking more information on the wild life of Panama.
World Population Review:
https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/snake-bite-deaths-by-country
I have been to and returned to Panama twice. I was on Isla Colon when the pandemic hit and remained on the island for almost two years. I NEVER felt for my safety, not once.
I also have traveled to other parts of the country and have always felt safe.
If going on to Colombia, check out the company that does sailboats that take a week to get to Cartagena for about $500 bucks.
Muy interesante tu viaje .Veo q conociste y todo el Pais. Fuiste a la republica completa del Norte a Sur. Suerte y conocer el mundo es interesante. Cultural paisajes ect.