Our beach property is about 1 hour 20 minutes’ drive west of Panama City. Car rental booths are located at Terminal 1. If you arrive at Terminal 2 there’s a shuttle outside that will take you to Terminal 1.
Welcome to Panama!
Thank you for choosing one of our Panama rentals! This information will help you make the most of your stay, including local tips, and recommendations for exploring Panama City and the surrounding beaches. We're here to ensure your vacation is unforgettable!
Many guests combine city adventures with beach relaxation by spending time in the city upon arrival and/or departure.
We hope you love your stay as much as we love hosting. Safe travels and enjoy the beauty of Panama!
Additional Tips:
- Currency: The official currency is the U.S. Dollar, making payments easy for international travelers. Credit cards are widely accepted.
- Weather: Panama has a tropical climate year-round. Pack sunscreen, hats, and light clothing. The rainy season runs from May to December, typically with short afternoon showers.
- Safety: Panama is generally safe for visitors. As in any destination, use common sense, keep valuables secure, and avoid displaying expensive items.
- Getting Around: A rental car is recommended for exploring the Chame and Coronado areas, as public transportation is limited.
- Groceries & Essentials: Large supermarkets, pharmacies, and banks are conveniently located in nearby Coronado.
- Electricity: Panama uses the same outlets and voltage as the United States (110V), so most travelers will not need adapters.
- Language: Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Emergency Services: Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies.
We recommend spending a night or two at the Sheraton Grand Panama when you first arrive. It’s an ideal place to recover from your flight, being just about a 20-minute drive from the airport, and also makes for a convenient stay before departure. Located in the central financial district along Vía Israel, the hotel offers excellent amenities, a beautiful pool, and great city views — giving you time to enjoy Panama City’s sights without needing to make a long drive right away.
Sheraton Grand Panama Direct BookingTraffic can be heavy in the city. We recommend using Uber (safe, affordable, and widely available) instead of driving or taxis for most city trips. It's the easiest and most relaxing way to explore! Try to plan your trips in a rental car for non-peak rush hour traffic.
Traffic will be busier going to Playa Caracol on Friday afternoon, and coming back into Panama City Sunday night. Otherwise, it is fairly light and the hiways are all new.
Coordinate outings on the outskirts (e.g., Miraflores Locks, Metropolitan Natural Park Visitor Center, or Panama Viejo ruins) with your drive to or from the beach for efficiency.
We especially recommend stopping at the Miraflores Visitor Center (to watch ships transit the Panama Canal locks) and the Metropolitan Natural Park Visitor Center (for guided tours, trail maps, and info on the park's biodiversity and hiking trails) either on your way to Playa Caracol or when heading back to the city/airport. Both are conveniently located en route and offer quick, enriching stops.
On your drive along the Pan-American Highway (Interamericana) toward the beaches, we highly recommend stopping at Supermercados Rey Boulevard Costa Verde in La Chorrera (just off the highway in the Costa Verde area).
It's a large, modern store open late (often until 11 PM or midnight), well-stocked with fresh produce, meat, imported goods, liquor, a pharmacy, and everything you need for your suite's kitchenette. It's an excellent midpoint stop to stock up on snacks, drinks, and essentials before reaching Playa Caracol.
There is also a large and very nice Supermercado Rey in Coronado, on the corner where you turn to go to Picasso Restaurant. The hotel property has a nicely stocked Grocery / Convenience store.
Top Things to Do in Panama City
Miraflores Visitor Center
- Panama Canal
- Panama City Outskirts
Watch massive ships pass through the locks – a must-see engineering wonder! Includes museum and IMAX film. https://visitcanaldepanama.com/en/points-of-interest/miraflores-visitor-center/
Cinta Costera Waterfront 1, 2 or 3
- Coastal Bay Walk
- Panama City
This iconic 7-km coastal beltway is perfect for walking, jogging, biking, or skating, with gardens, playgrounds, sports courts, and stunning views of the city skyline and ocean. It stretches from the modern Paitilla neighborhood to the historic Casco Viejo, making it an ideal starting point for a leisurely stroll that leads directly into Casco Viejo.
Casco Viejo (Historic District)
- City Walk
- Panama City
UNESCO World Heritage Site with colonial architecture, plazas, churches, rooftop bars, and vibrant streets. Wander, dine, and soak in the history. https://www.tourismpanama.com/places-to-visit/panama-city/things-to-do/historical-sites/casco-antiguo/
Biomuseo
- Museum
- Panama City
Stunning Frank Gehry-designed museum on Panama's biodiversity and the isthmus's global impact. Interactive exhibits and colorful architecture. https://biomuseo.org/en/
Amador Causeway
- Scenic Walkway
- Panama City
(Calzada de Amador) Scenic walkway with views of the city skyline, canal entrance, and ocean. Rent bikes, dine, or relax – great for sunsets! https://www.tourismpanama.com/places-to-visit/panama-city/things-to-do/historical-sites/amador-causeway/.
Multiplaza Pacific Mall
- Shopping
- Panama City
Just a short walk (about 10-15 minutes), or 5 minute Uber ride away, this beautiful mall featuring luxury shopping, international brands, a cinema, and diverse dining options – perfect for an afternoon of retail therapy or grabbing essentials.
Things to Do at and Around Playa Caracol
Playa Caracol is a serene beach destination known for surfing, relaxation, and nature. Nearby areas like Punta Chame and Coronado offer more activities (20-40 minutes drive).
- Relax on our private beach or enjoy the resort-style pool.
- Take surfing lessons or rent boards — this area is known for its excellent waves.
- Experience world-class kitesurfing and water sports along the Punta Chame coastline.
- Just offshore lies Taborcillo Island, also known as “John Wayne Island,” an uninhabited island where the ruins of a once-luxurious resort can be explored by boat.
- Hike Cerro Chame for breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and mountains.
- Book fishing charters or seasonal whale-watching excursions in the Pacific waters.
- Play golf at nearby championship courses in Coronado.
- Visit Coronado town for shopping, supermarkets, restaurants, and local services.
- Explore nearby rivers, mountains, and nature trails for eco-tours and outdoor adventures.
Contact the Radisson Riviera Hotel concierge for booking details, as these can be tailored to your group and preferences.
Recommended Nearby Restaurants:
Picasso Café – lively casual spot with a mix of international dishes, pizzas, and drinks, often featuring live music and a social atmosphere. (There’s a security gate on the way into the community in Coronado, just tell them you’re going to the Picasso Restaurant.)
Roadster Diner– fun 1950s American-style diner with burgers, shakes, and comfort food; a short walk just around the corner from Sheraton in Panama City on Vía Israel.
Nacionsushi – modern fusion restaurant serving creative sushi, Asian-inspired plates, and fresh, contemporary flavors.
Le Kiosque PTY – charming French-inspired café known for excellent breakfasts, pastries, and relaxed European-style dining.
Luna Rossa – popular Italian restaurant offering authentic pizzas, pastas, and classic dishes in a warm, family-friendly setting.
Nazca 21 – highly rated Peruvian restaurant featuring fresh seafood, ceviche, and flavorful traditional specialties.
