Page last updated: 8 June 2025
Panama is known for its diverse attractions, including the Panama Canal, beautiful beaches, nightlife, and cultural heritage.
How many people visit Panama every year?
Panama welcomes over 2 million international visitors annually, with over 2.78 million international visitors travelling to Panama in 2024, the country’s highest on record.
- Panama recorded 2.46 million international visitors in 2018 and 2.49 million in 2019.
- The number of international tourists declined to 650,000 in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, followed by an increase of 23% to 800,000 in 2021.
- In 2022, Panama registered 1.95 million international visitors, with an increase of 29% to 2.52 million in 2023.
- Arrivals grew by 10%, reaching 2.78 million in 2024. Compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, international visitor arrivals in 2024 exceed the 2019 levels by 12%.
How many people visited Panama in 2025?
In the first two months of 2025, 550,000 international tourists visited Panama.
- January recorded 325,000 tourist arrivals with estimated spending of $609 million USD.
- February saw 225,000 tourist arrivals with spending of $519 million USD.
Monthly Arrivals and Expenditures to Panama (2025)
| Month | Tourists | Spending |
| Jan | 325 K | $ 609 M |
| Feb | 225 K | $ 519 M |
How many people visited Panama in 2024?
In 2024, Panama received a total of 2.78 million international visitors, a 10% increase from 2.52 million in 2023.
- This total includes approximately 2.03 million air and land arrivals, 411,000 cruise visitors, and 340,000 day visitors.
How much do visitors spend in Panama each year?
International visitors spend over $4 billion each year in Panama, supporting key sectors like transportation, lodging, food services, and leisure.
- International visitors spent $7.05 billion in 2019. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, international tourism expenditure decreased by approximately 74%, reaching $1.84 billion in 2020.
- Panama recorded $4.72 billion in international tourist spending in 2022.
- A total of $6.00 billion was spent by tourists visiting Panama in 2024, a 10% increase compared to $5.45 billion in 2023.
How much did tourists spend in Panama in 2025?
In January and February 2025, international visitors spent a total of $1.13 billion USD in Panama.
- Spending reached $609 million in January and $519 million in February, reflecting continued strong performance in early 2025.
Note: Full-year data for 2025 is not yet available. Figures are preliminary and subject to revision.
How much did tourists spend in Panama in 2024?
Tourists spent a total of $6.00 billion USD in Panama in 2024, a 10% increase from $5.45 billion in 2023.
- This marks the highest tourism spending in the country since the pandemic downturn and reflects steady recovery and growth in Panama’s travel and hospitality sectors.
How much does it cost to visit Panama?
The average cost of a trip to Panama for international visitors is between $700 and $2,000 USD per trip.
- Budget travelers typically spend around $700 to $900 USD for a 7-day trip, including basic accommodations, public transport, and low-cost meals.
- Mid-range travelers can expect to spend between $1,000 and $1,500 USD, covering hotels, guided tours, domestic flights, and dining out.
- Luxury travelers may spend $2,000 USD or more per trip, with premium hotels, private transfers, and high-end experiences.
Where do visitors to Panama come from?
The leading sources of international tourists to Panama in 2024 were the USA, followed by Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Mexico.
- The USA remained the top source of visitors, accounting for 448,360 visits, or approximately 16% of total arrivals.
- Colombia contributed 309,277 tourists, maintaining its strong position as the second-largest source market.
- Ecuador followed with 106,977 visits, ahead of Venezuela with 78,935 and Mexico with 74,813.
- Other top markets included Brazil (74,777), Spain (70,345), Costa Rica (66,166), Argentina (65,893), and Peru (56,937).
Panama Travel Resources
How long do international tourists stay in Panama?
- International visitors spend an average of 8 days in Panama City.
Impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic – Panama Tourism Statistics
- Travel restrictions due to the coronavirus have led to a decline in revenue. As many establishments were forced to close, revenue fell by 80% during the coronavirus pandemic period.1
- International visitors were down more than 68% during the coronavirus pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period.
Panama Tourism Statistics: International and Domestic
Panama welcomes a mix of overnight tourists, cruise passengers, and same-day visitors, with overnight stays via air being the most common.
- In 2024, Panama recorded around 2.1 million overnight tourists arriving by air, 309,000 cruise visitors, and 366,000 same-day visitors (primarily crossing borders or arriving via short-term trips).
- Air arrivals continue to lead, supported by Panama’s strong flight connectivity through Tocumen International Airport.
- Cruise and same-day tourism have also seen recovery and steady growth following pandemic lows.
When is the peak season in Panama?
The peak tourist season in Panama typically occurs during the dry months from December to March.
- In 2024, the highest number of international arrivals were recorded in January (314,000) and December (305,000), followed by March (283,000) and February (260,000).
- These four months alone accounted for approximately 42% of the year’s total arrivals, highlighting the strong appeal of Panama’s dry season for international visitors.
When is the best time to visit Panama?
The best time to visit Panama is during the dry season, which runs from December to March.
- These months offer the most pleasant weather, with sunny skies and lower humidity, ideal for beach trips, outdoor adventures, and cultural events.
- While the rainy season (May to October) sees fewer visitors, it’s a great time for those seeking fewer crowds, lush landscapes, and off-season travel deals.
How popular is Panama as a tourist destination?
- Panama received the “Best Tourist Destination” title in Latin and South America for 3 consecutive years (2022-2024) at the Leisure Lifestyle Awards by Global Traveler magazine.
- Panama was also recognised in TripAdvisor’s “The Best of the Best 2024.” The country was highlighted for Trending Destinations and Best International Gastronomic Destinations.
Is Panama safe as a tourist destination?
Panama is generally considered a safe destination for tourists, though caution is advised in specific areas.
- Panama’s crime index stands at 42.9, lower than neighbouring Costa Rica and Colombia.2
- Common incidents include robbery, pickpocketing, and vehicle theft.
- High-Crime Areas: Travellers are advised to be cautious in the following areas:
- Colón Province
- San Miguelito District
- Certain areas in Panama , such as Calidonia, El Chorrillo, and Santa Ana
What is the number 1 tourist attraction in Panama?
- The Panama Canal is the most famous and visited attraction in Panama drawing over a million visitors each year. It’s a world-renowned engineering wonder that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
How many people visit the Panama Canal?
The Panama Canal is one of the country’s top attractions, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
- In 2024, the Miraflores Visitor Center and other canal viewing points received an estimated 1.1 million local and international visitors.
How much does it cost to visit the Panama Canal?
Entry to the Panama Canal Visitor Center costs $10–15 USD for adults and $5 USD for children. Guided tours range from $30 to $70 USD.
When is the best time to visit the Panama Canal?
The best time to visit the Panama Canal is during the dry season (December to March) for clear views and comfortable weather.
- For the best experience, visit in the morning or early afternoon when ships are actively transiting through the locks.
What to visit in Panama?
Panama offers a mix of natural wonders, modern cities, and cultural experiences, making it a diverse destination for all types of travelers.
- Panama Canal: The world-famous engineering marvel is a must-see, with visitor centers at Miraflores, Agua Clara, and Pedro Miguel locks.
- Casco Viejo: Panama City’s historic quarter features colonial architecture, rooftop bars, and UNESCO-listed heritage sites.
- San Blas Islands: Over 300 idyllic islands managed by the Guna Yala people, ideal for beach getaways and authentic cultural encounters.
- Bocas del Toro: A Caribbean island chain known for its laid-back vibe, surf spots, and snorkeling reefs.
- Boquete: A highland town in Chiriquí perfect for coffee tours, cloud forests, and hiking to Volcán Barú, the country’s highest peak.
America Travel Statistics Resources
- Canada Statistics (incl. Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver)
- Mexico Statistics (incl. Cancun)
- Panama Statistics
- Peru Statistics (incl. Machu Picchu)
- USA Statistics
