Sustainable Travel Panama City
Budget-Friendly Ideas, Eco-Tips, and Dining Hotspots
Having traveled to Panama City multiple times, one thing that consistently captivates me and stands out as the city’s charm is the abundance of nature visible while flying into the city. One can see numerous birds soaring by. The juxtaposition of the city’s compactness with the adjacent lush rainforest creates a unique environment where urban life and nature coexist.
If you’re planning a visit to Panama City and wish to embrace sustainability during your stay, continue reading for some sustainability tips, recommendations for budget-friendly and nature-based activities, and my favourite dining options.
Accommodation & Recycling Facilities
During my stays in various accommodations across Panama City, I’ve unfortunately noticed a lack of recycling facilities. However, we managed to locate a nearby recycling drop-off spot in the El Cangrejo area, specifically at Andrés Bello Park on Argentina Street. Here, you can recycle tetra packs, aluminum cans, glass, clean plastic, cardboard, and paper.(If you know of any other drop off spots within Panama City please email me and I will add it to the blog).
Before finalizing your accommodation booking, I recommend confirming the availability of recycling facilities. If more tourists inquire about recycling options, it could serve as a catalyst for positive change.
Bring Your Own Shopping Bags
Grocery stores in Panama City do not provide single-use plastic bags, necessitating customers to bring their own or purchase reusable bags from the store. Personally, I always carry two foldable reusable bags with me while traveling, ensuring I’m prepared for shopping trips.
Potable Tap Water
Panama’s tap water is safe to drink, eliminating the need to purchase and carry around bottled water. It’s a refreshing change from the prevalence of single-use plastic water bottles in many other parts of the world. Additionally, most restaurants offer complimentary water. For added peace of mind, consider travelling with a water bottle equipped with a built-in filtration system, such as LifeStraw.
Opt for the Local Beer
Balboa beer, a locally produced beer can be purchased in glass bottles which can be returned to participating grocery stores (ie Reys) for a partial refund. I found these bottles to actually be cheaper than the canned beer.
Buy Local: Better for the Environment and your Wallet
In grocery stores, I found locally sourced products to be significantly cheaper than imported products. Opting for locally produced products not only saves money but also reduces carbon emissions associated with transportation.
Where to Eat & Drink in Panama City?
Alongside its rich natural biodiversity, Panama City boasts a vibrant culinary scene reflecting its diverse cultural influences. Below are some of my favorite dining spots.
EL TRAPICHE: This restaurant consistently impresses with its authentic Panamanian cuisine, reasonable prices, and quick, friendly service. I particularly enjoy their freshly made juices, Sancocho, Tamal de Olla, and Sopa de Mariscos. Drinks are served with paper straws, or you can request no straw.
SEN VIETNAM: My husband and I frequented this restaurant almost every night during our time in Panama City. Our favourite dishes were the Pho Ga (Vietnamese-style chicken soup) and the fresh combination rolls. The portions are generous, prices reasonable, and service friendly, although it’s advisable to arrive before 7 pm to avoid long wait times, as the restaurant is busy on most nights.
PEDRO MANDINGO RUM BAR: A must-visit for happy hour, this rum bar offers local rum and boasts a vintage Cuban ambiance with tasteful decor and music. Cocktails are served with stainless steel straws, contributing to a sustainable drinking experience. The bar is also conveniently located across from the recycling drop off center at Andres Bello Park 😉
ANIMAL BREW PUB and MIYAGI SUSHI: Craft beer and sushi enthusiasts shouldn’t miss this establishment. Nestled within a large tree, the brew pub offers a unique treehouse setting within a city, and occasionally hosts live performances. Miyagi Sushi downstairs complements the experience with delectable sushi offerings at reasonable prices.
CERVERCERIA 3 GATOS: Another gem for craft beer aficionados, Tres Gatos Pub is a cozy microbrewery with cool, creative decorations, friendly staff, and a diverse beer selection.
NOMADA EATERY: Casco Viejo: For a blend of creativity and historic charm, Nomada Eatery in the old town is a must-visit spot for lunch, coffee, or snacks. The establishment preserves the old stone architecture while offering a cool, creative ambiance, complete with even a Bitcoin ATM!
Budget-Friendly & Nature-Based Activities
The below activity suggestions are things I always do when I am in Panama City. These activities are nature-based and also light on the wallet.
To immerse yourself in nature, consider visiting the METROPOLITAN RAINFOREST PARK, an exotic rainforest just a 10-minute drive from the city via Uber. Here, you can admire stunning city views while spotting diverse wildlife, including sloths, exotic birds, and monkeys, for a nominal entrance fee of $4.
Take a leisurely stroll along the coastal promenade, CINTA COSTERA. I suggest going early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat. Watch people engaging in various outdoor activities while enjoying serene ocean views and glimpses of the old town and ships awaiting entry into the canal. Rent a bike or some inline skates to join in on the fun.
Explore CASCO VIEJO, the historic district renowned for its beautiful architecture and locally made crafts, offering a glimpse into Panama’s rich cultural heritage.
Bird Watching in the City
Embrace the unique opportunity to observe urban birdlife from your hotel room or accommodation balcony during the early morning or late afternoon. Panama City boasts a remarkable diversity of birds, making it a delightful pastime to simply relax, enjoy a drink, and watch the birds, and the world, go by.
Transportation Options
If we needed to get anywhere not within walking distance, around the city, Uber is a good option with reasonable fares and a stress-free alternative to renting a car while getting to meet locals and practice your spanish. Additionally, reliable public transportation options are available that can take you anywhere within Panama at little cost. Notably, the Albrook Bus Station, situated within the expansive Albrook Mall, the largest in the Americas, serves as a central hub. To utilize this service, acquiring a bus card known as a Rapid Pass and loading it with funds is necessary. For checking bus schedules, you can visit https://horariodebuses.com/EN/pa/
Key Takeaways
1. Focus on Waste Reduction
Addressing waste management remains a significant challenge in Panama City, evident from visible garbage on the streets. To minimize your environmental footprint, consider adopting sustainable practices of reducing waste such as drinking tap water, utilizing reusable bags, patronizing eco-conscious dining establishments that use reusable dishes (such as my picks listed above). Bring your own toiletries to reduce reliance on single-use items (some hotels still provide single-use toiletries). And drink local beer!
2. Speak Up
Encourage positive change by inquiring about recycling facilities before booking accommodations.
3. Enjoy the Natural & Cultural Diversity
Explore Panama City’s natural wonders, from lush rainforests to diverse birdlife, and appreciate the abundance of biodiversity coexisting with urban life. Explore Panama City’s rich culinary scene reflecting the diverse cultures of its inhabitants.
If you are visiting Panama City, I hope that these tips can help you lower your eco-footprint as well as sustain your travel budget. Enjoy your time exploring beautiful Panama City.
Safe and Sustainable Travels!
