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I try to be as transparent as possible about my travels, including sharing how much things cost. Quitting one’s job and traveling full time sounds appealing but it’s not feasible for most people (me included) and comes with its own problems. As such, I aim to show that while travel is a privilege, it can be attainable for people with a busy career, on a budget and even with a “weak passport” as Panama is visa-free for Jamaicans. Thus, here’s what I did with a 3 night stopover in Panama + how much it costed me in September 2024. Feel free to steal my itinerary and use my budget as a guide.
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Why Visit Panama?
Panama is a diverse Latin American country and isthmus which connects Central America to South America. Bordered by the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, Panama boasts a tropical climate and houses the most diverse wildlife in all of Central America. Panama’s unique location allows it to serve as a global travel hub and some 10,000 ships traverse the iconic Panama Canal each year.
Bearing European, Amerindian and African roots, Panama offers a bold and inviting culture which captured my heart. I ate my fair share of empanadas and ceviche, drank the local beer, checked out the traditional mola cloth of the indigenous Guna people, visited the Panama Canal and Biomuseo, explored the streets of Casco Viejo at night and by day, and listened to nonstop dancehall and reggaetón music. There are also the options of visiting Panama’s rainforests and its indigenous communities, interacting with wildlife, hiking up a volcano and exploring its beaches, islands, coffee and cacao plantations.
Panama is one of three carbon-negative countries in the world, meaning that it absorbs more carbon dioxide than it releases. The others are Bhutan and Suriname.
Copa Airlines’ Stopover Program Guide
A stopover is an extended layover that allows visitors to leave the airport and explore the city, typically where the airline heads its operations. As such, I was excited to discover Panama’s stopover program with Copa Airlines. Copa Airlines is Panama’s flag carrier, and allows visitors to spend anywhere from 24 hours to 7 days in Panama while en route to or from its Central and South American destinations at no extra cost! To take advantage of this deal, visit Copa’s website and choose “Add Stopover in Panama” under its multi-city/stopover tab. Select the flights you’d like, and you’re set! A second stopover is also allowed, however, there is an additional cost of USD$250.00 plus taxes for the second stopover.
For example, I flew from Kingston to Panama City on September 2. With the stopover program, I spent 3 nights in Panama, then returned to the Tocumen International Airport (PTY) on September 5 to complete my trip in Medellin. Alternatively, I could’ve flown to Medellin on September 2 then visited Panama for 3 nights on the way back from Medellin instead. I feel like discovering stopovers has changed my life, ha! Other airlines with stopover programs include: TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, Madrid’s Iberia, Qatar Airways, Abu Dhabi’s Etihad and Reykjavik’s Iceland Air and Play Airlines.
2 Day, 3 Night Panama Stopover Budget
The above graphic displays what I spent for 2 days and 3 nights in Panama, September 2024. I listed the flight as $0 for reasons explained above. Of course, your prices may be higher or lower depending on which hotel you stay at, where you eat and what excursions or activities you do. I tend to stay at 3-star hotels which offer breakfast included, but you can save even more money at a hostel. Similarly, you can save on food by getting street food or venturing outside of touristy Casco Viejo and eating at a local eatery. You just have to know your priorities and non-negotiables while traveling! Check out these additional recommendations to save money for and while traveling.
Wrap Up
I hope you’ve found this article useful! Tell me, have you ever made use of a stopover program before? Will you make use of Copa Airlines’ travel hack on your next Central or South American adventure? Sound off in the comments section below. For more travel inspiration, check out these posts:
- Panama Canal
- 48 Hours in Panama City
- Machu Picchu Travel Guide
- What My Trip to Peru Costed
- How to Book Foreign Trips From Scratch
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