Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP
THE CHIRIQUÍ HIGHLANDS; A NGÄBE FAMILY; SHOE-SHINE STALL
When to go
Squeezed between between seven and nine degrees north of the equator, Panama is located
firmly within the
tropics
, with a climate to match: relentlessly hot and humid in the lowlands,
cooling off fractionally to give balmy nights, whereas in the highlands, temperatures vary
significantly with altitude, and can be chilly at night.
Most travellers visit during the shorter
dry season
(
verano
, “summer”), which runs from
late December to the end of April, and with good reason. Azure skies predominate, at least on
the drier Pacific plains, sheltered by Panama's mountainous spine. The firmer going under-
foot makes it easier to travel on unpaved roads and explore the rainforests, and the reduced
rainwater run-off ensures clearer waters to swim in. The dry season also includes the lively
