FAQ Terra Panama

Frequently asked questions about Terra Panama and travelling to Panama

About Terra Panama

We are Terra Panama, a local French-speaking travel agency based in Panama City since 2009. We design tailor-made trips to Panama, managed directly on site by our local team. Our expertise in the field and in-depth knowledge of the country enable us to create authentic itineraries, far removed from standardized tours.

Find out more: Discover our agency

How long has Terra Panama been in business?

We’ve been in Panama since 2009, with over 15 years of local experience. This long experience means we know the country intimately, have forged solid partnerships with trusted service providers, and can offer you experiences that have been tested and validated in the field.

What does « tailor-made » mean at Terra Panama?

A tailor-made trip means that we build a completely personalized itinerary adapted to your precise criteria: length of stay, budget, desired pace (leisurely or brisk), priority stages, level of comfort of accommodation and areas of interest (nature, culture, adventure, beaches, indigenous communities, birdwatching…).

Unlike standardized group tours, your trip is unique and reflects your personal desires. You’ll also benefit from personalized support before, during and after your stay.

What is the added value of a local agency like Terra Panama?

As alocal agency based in Panama City, we offer you several decisive advantages:

• Authentic on-the-ground expertise: Our team lives in Panama and knows every recommended site, hotel and guide personally
• No middlemen: You deal directly with our local team, guaranteeing better prices, responsiveness and flexibility
• On-site French-speaking assistance: Should anything unforeseen happen during your trip, our local French-speaking team will intervene immediately
• Privileged access: We have access to local service providers, confidential lodges and off-the-beaten-track experiences impossible to find from abroad
• Local knowledge: Roads, weather conditions, local events, practical advice updated in real time
• Fair prices: No additional costs linked to international intermediaries, you pay the right price with optimum quality

Do you offer « ready-made » trips or just tailor-made?

We offer itinerary ideas designed as examples of inspiring tours. These suggestions serve as the basis for creating a fully customized trip according to your wishes, constraints and budget. Each itinerary is adapted, modified and refined according to your expectations.

Discover our tour ideas: Our tours

How to request a quote for a trip to Panama?

Simply fill in our online form. The quote is 100% free and without obligation. Our local French-speaking team based in Panama will get back to you within 48 hours with an initial personalized proposal.

Request your free quote: Contact form

How do I book a trip with Terra Panama?

The trip is designed and booked directly with our local agency on site, without any intermediaries. Here’s how it works:

1. Request a quote via our form
2. Personalized discussions with our team to refine the itinerary
3. Detailed proposal with day-by-day program and transparent rates
4. Validation and booking as soon as everything is to your liking
5. Pre-departure follow-up: detailed travel diary, practical advice, emergency contact details
6. Assistance during your stay: our local team is available 7 days a week
7. Post-trip follow-up: we’re always available to answer your questions

This direct contact guarantees responsiveness, flexibility and the best value for money.

What is the budget for a trip to Panama with Terra Panama?

The budget varies according to your choice of accommodation, duration, activities and period. For information only:

• Comfort budget: 150-250 USD per person/day (3-4* hotels, guided activities, private vehicle)
• Superior budget: 250-400 USD per person/day (high-end lodges, exclusive experiences)
• Luxury budget: 400+ USD per person/day (5* resorts, premium private experiences)

Rates include accommodation, private transport, guided activities, park entrance fees. International flights are extra. We adapt to all budgets by optimizing choices according to your priorities.

What types of trips do you organize in Panama?

We design tailor-made trips around several themes:

• Essentials: discovery tours of Panama’s must-sees
• Nature and Tropics: biodiversity immersion, national parks, wildlife observation
• Adventure: hiking, water sports, jungle expeditions
• Exceptional: luxury breaks and exclusive experiences
• Family: child-friendly itineraries with fun activities
• Multi-country: Panama + Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala combinations

See all our tours: Our themes

Do you offer « must-do » tours to discover the essentials of Panama?

Yes, our Essentials selection includes tours designed to discover Panama’s major landmarks: Panama Canal, colonial Casco Viejo, San Blas archipelago, indigenous communities, Barú volcano, Pacific beaches and the Caribbean. Perfect for a first trip to Panama lasting 8 to 15 days.

Discover the Essentials tours: Must-see tours

Do you organize nature and ecotourism trips to Panama?

Yes, our Nature and Tropics tours are specifically designed for biodiversity lovers: exploration of the Darien jungle, birdwatching (Pipeline Road, quetzal, harpy eagle), UNESCO Coiba National Park, cloud forests, mangroves of Bocas del Toro. Panama boasts exceptional biodiversity, with 16 national parks.

See nature tours: Nature and Tropics

Do you organize adventure and sports trips?

Yes, we offer adventure itineraries combining different sports and nature experiences to suit your level: climbing Volcán Barú (3475m), surfing in Santa Catalina, rafting on the Chiriquí river, diving in Coiba, zip-lining in the canopy, kayaking in the mangroves, multi-day treks. Pace can be adjusted to suit your physical condition.

Explore adventure tours: Adventure tours

Do you offer luxury travel in Panama?

Yes. Our Luxury & Exception selection offers high-end stays with exclusive accommodations (5* lodges, charming resorts), private experiences (helicopter flight over the canal, private San Blas cruise, premium coffee tasting), concierge service and attention to every detail. Panama lends itself perfectly to discreet, authentic luxury tourism.

Discover our exceptional trips: Luxury tours | Prestige example

Is Panama a suitable destination for families with children?

Absolutely! Panama is a family destination par excellence: a safe country, short distances, a variety of child-friendly activities (animal watching, beaches, Emberá communities, interactive Canal tour), modern infrastructures. We create itineraries specially designed for families, with an adapted pace, family-friendly accommodation and fun activities for all ages.

See our family tours: Family trips

Do you offer combined tours with other Central American countries?

Yes, we organize multi-country trips combining Panama with its neighbors:

• Panama + Costa Rica: volcanoes, Caribbean beaches, biodiversity (2-3 weeks)
• Panama + Nicaragua: volcanoes, colonial, lakes (2-3 weeks)
• Panama + Guatemala: Mayan civilization, Antigua, Tikal (2-3 weeks)
• Grand tour Central America: combination of 3-4 countries (3-4 weeks)

Land borders are easy to cross.

See our multi-country tours: Combined itinerary ideas

Do you offer tours focusing on culture, heritage and human encounters?

Yes, our Encounters & History itineraries focus on cultural discovery: 6 Panamanian UNESCO sites (Casco Viejo, Portobelo colonial fortifications, Panamá Viejo, Darién archaeological park, Coiba, La Amistad), immersion in 7 indigenous communities (Guna, Emberá, Ngäbe-Buglé), pre-Columbian relics, folk traditions of the Azuero peninsula.

Explore cultural tours: Encounters & History

Is Panama a good destination for birdwatching?

Excellent question! Panama is one of the world’s top birding destinations, with 1,008 recorded bird species (more than the USA and Canada combined). We offer specialized tours with English-speaking birdwatching guides to observe the harpy eagle (Darién), the resplendent quetzal (Boquete), and hundreds of species on Pipeline Road (world record: 357 species in 24 hours).

Specialized ornithology tour: Meet Panama’s birds

What activities are available in Panama?

Panama offers an exceptional diversity of activities: visit the Panama Canal, wildlife watching (sloths, monkeys, quetzal, harpy eagle), diving and snorkeling (Coiba, Bocas del Toro), hiking (volcán Barú, cloud forests), surfing (Santa Catalina), immersion in indigenous communities (San Blas, Emberá), coffee discovery (Boquete), UNESCO colonial heritage (Casco Viejo, Portobelo), heavenly beaches…

Complete activity guide: What to do in Panama

When is the best time to travel to Panama?

Panama can be visited all year round, thanks to its stable tropical climate (24-32°C).

• Dry season (December-April): maximum sunshine, high tourist season, ideal for beaches and hiking
• Rainy season (May-November): lush vegetation, fewer tourists, low prices, rains usually in the afternoon, excellent for birdwatching

Some regions have micro-climates (Bocas del Toro is rainier). We can advise you according to your itinerary and priorities.

Do you have English-speaking guides in Panama?

Yes, we work with a network of qualified French-speaking guides for all regions and specialities: general guides, naturalist guides, expert ornithological guides, guides specializing in indigenous communities. Depending on your preferences and budget, we can provide French-speaking guides for all or part of your itinerary.

Can I travel on my own or do I need a guide?

Both options are possible! Panama is an easy country to travel on your own (safe, good infrastructure). We organize :

• Self-drive tours with car rental: detailed logbook, reservations made, remote assistance
• Tours with private driver: maximum comfort, no stress navigation, flexible schedule
• Tours with English-speaking guide: local expertise, cultural explanations, optimized wildlife sightings

We advise you according to your expectations and budget.

Do you offer car rental in Panama?

Yes, we include car rental in our tours, with full insurance, GPS and 24/7 assistance. The main road network in Panama is good. However, we advise against self-drive in certain regions (Darién, San Blas), where organized transfers are preferable.

Do you publish practical and informative content about Panama?

Yes, we regularly update our blog with themed articles to help you prepare for your trip:

• Cultural and heritage guides (6 UNESCO sites, history, traditions)
• Practical advice (visa, health, budget, transport)
• Focus on nature (national parks, wildlife, ornithology)
• Regional discoveries (Darién, Bocas del Toro, Chiriquí, archipelagos)

Read our articles: Terra Panama Blog

How can I contact you to organize my trip to Panama?

It’s easy to get in touch via our online form. We’ll get back to you within 48 hours with an initial personalized proposal. Our French-speaking team based in Panama City will then be your sole point of contact from the beginning to the end of your trip.

• Contact us: Quote request form
• Phone from Panama: +507 6156 0156 (WhatsApp available)
• Email: info@terra-caribea.com