Things To Do
in Changuinola

A coconut-milk based seafood or fish stew with root vegetables and spices; commonly found at coastal eateries and local home-style restaurants.

Must-Try!

Crispy smashed green plantains served with freshly fried river or coastal fish—an easy street-food or lunch option.

Fresh fish or shrimp cured in citrus with onion and peppers; widely available at markets and seafood stalls.

Rice with pigeon peas or beans, often served alongside meat or fish—common everyday fare.

The main market where vendors sell seafood, tropical fruits, homemade snacks and simple cooked meals—great for sampling local flavors and buying fresh ingredients.

Informal vendors along the riverfront offering grilled or fried fish, ceviche and coconut stews—popular with locals and visitors seeking authentic tastes.

Warm, polite greetings are important—handshakes and brief small talk are common. Use 'buenos días/tardes/noches' to open interactions.

Ask permission before photographing people or visiting indigenous communities; respect local customs and any requests about sacred sites or private areas.

Dress is generally casual and tropical, but be respectful and modest when entering religious sites or community centers.

Local time can be relaxed—appointments and transport may run late, so plan with extra time and patience.

A 10% tip is common in restaurants if service charge is not already included; small tips for guides, boat crews and porters are appreciated (a few dollars). Tipping is discretionary and should reflect service quality.

Panama uses the balboa (1:1 with US dollar); US dollars are widely accepted and ATMs dispense USD in many places. Credit cards work at larger businesses, but carry cash for markets, taxis and remote areas. Expect limited card acceptance and ATM availability outside main towns.

Lowland tropical rainforest reserve with trails for birdwatching, primate spotting and rainforest immersion; good for guided nature hikes and photography.

A vast protected area shared with Costa Rica featuring high biodiversity and challenging hikes—access often requires organized multi-day trips and permits.

Shorter hikes and walking routes along the Changuinola River and mangrove edges suitable for birdwatching and easy nature walks.

Short jungle trails on nearby islands reached by boat, offering beach viewpoints, forest walks, and wildlife encounters—great for half-day hikes.

Local domestic airport serving Changuinola with flights to Panama City and regional hubs; convenient for direct access to the town and nearby areas.

Airport on Isla Colón that serves flights from Panama City and regional carriers—useful if combining island visits with Changuinola (boat or road connections available).

Regional airport in David (province of Chiriquí), larger than local airstrips and a hub for ground connections to western Panama; used for transfers and onward road travel.

Panama’s main international gateway; most international travelers arrive here and then take a domestic flight or bus to reach Changuinola.

A significant portion of residents have Afro-Caribbean heritage, with English-based Creole spoken alongside Spanish and strong cultural traditions.

Many residents are mestizo (mixed indigenous and Spanish heritage), participating in commerce, services and local government.

Indigenous people live in the region or nearby comarcas, bringing their own languages, crafts and cultural practices; visiting respectfully and with permission is important.

Seasonal and long-term migrant workers involved in banana plantations and agriculture make up a portion of the workforce.

Vegetarian options exist (rice-and-bean dishes, plantains, salads and coconut stews without fish) but can be limited; ask vendors to omit fish or meat and specify no chicken stock.

Vegan choices are more limited; focus on fruit, plantains, rice, beans and vegetable stews, and communicate clearly about butter or animal-based broths.

Many dishes are naturally gluten-free (rice, plantains, fresh seafood), but check for breading or sauces that may contain wheat. Cross-contamination is possible in street food.

Shellfish is common—if you have allergies, be explicit and cautious as small kitchens may use shared utensils.