Your Istmo Retreat & Adventures Packing for Panama and Prep Guide

Your Istmo Guide: Packing for Panama, Arrival Details & More

Welcome!

We’re so excited to host you in Panama. This quick guide will help you prepare for your trip so you can relax and enjoy every moment.

Pro tip: Bookmark this page so it’s always handy during your travels!

Arrival Details

Pick-up: We’ll meet you at your designated pick-up spot.

Pick-up locations:

At the Panama International Airport (PTY)
- Terminal 1 door 4
- Terminal 2 door 17
In Panama City: In front of the Courtyard Panama Multiplaza Mall.

Grocery store stop: On the way from the airport, we’ll stop at a US style grocery store so you can pick up snacks, drinks, or personal essentials.

Travel time: The drive to Istmo Retreat Center is about 2 hours from the airport.

What's Already Waiting for You at Istmo

Luxury linens, bath towels, and beach towels
High-speed Wi-Fi for easy connectivity
Bath essentials: Hand soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner
First aid kits available on-site
Mini fridge in every room
Yoga mats and blocks at the yoga studio
Laundry service available for $10 per load

What to Pack for Panama

Clothing and Apparel

A few comfortable outfits you can wear over swimsuits and on hikes
Bathing suit
Lightweight long pants for cooler evenings or bug protection
Hiking or sturdy water shoes for uphill walks and excursions
Flip-flops or slip-on sandals for the beach and around the retreat
Lightweight rain jacket or poncho (especially May–December)
Optional: Casual evening outfit for dining out or exploring Panama City

Adventure Essentials

Small day backpack you can take with you on the excursions (dry-pack style is the best but not required)
Reusable water bottle
Small flashlight for evening walks
Camera or phone for photos, plus chargers
Travel adapters/converters for European guests (Panama uses 110 V outlets, same as the U.S.)
A good book for relaxing moments
Optional: Waterproof phone pouch for beach or water activities

Sun and Bug Protection

High-SPF sunscreen
Sun lycra/rash guard for extra sun protection during water activities
Sunglasses and a wide-brim hat or cap
Mosquito repellent (or long pants for dawn/dusk)

Personal Items

Snacks, foods, or medicines you can’t live without (some may be hard to find locally)
Spending money for lunches, souvenirs, and drinks
Personal toiletries (hand soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner are provided)

Travel Tips

Keep your passport and travel documents handy when you land.
U.S. dollars is the currency in Panama – you will not have to change money, just bring small bills for tips or small purchases.
Most visitors do not need a visa for short stays. Canadians and Americans can enter Panama visa-free. For full details, visit the Embassy of Panama’s Visa Information page.
Panama follows Eastern Standard Time (UTC-5) year-round without daylight savings. From March to November it matches U.S. Central Time, and from November to March it matches U.S. Eastern Time.
Learn more about Panama's weather in this blog.

We can’t wait to share our piece of paradise with you! If you have any question, please don't hesitate to contact us:

CALL (Panama)

CALL (USA)