Panama Unplugged: A Kosher Family’s Guide to Adventure & Culture

This winter break, our family finally made it to Panama, a destination on our list for years. We originally planned a longer trip, including Costa Rica, but due to some unexpected curveballs, we postponed it til now. This time, we focused entirely on Panama City, and it was an incredible experience.

Panama offers the perfect mix of kosher accessibility, warm weather, and adventure, making it a great vacation spot for families looking for both relaxation and exploration.

Where We Stayed

We stayed at the Hilton Panama, which we found to be a prime location. Compared to other recommended hotels, such as the Waldorf Astoria and JW Marriott, the Hilton stood out because the pool gets more sunlight—a huge plus when traveling in winter and as Floridians if it doesn't have sun all day, we're basically allergic.

The hotel is also next door to Blame Kiki, a popular daily kosher restaurant, and a short walk to Coffee Bean. For Shabbat, we had access to multiple Jewish centers, including Chabad Panama, Chabad Centre, and Beth El, all of which offer kosher meals.

Because we were there during "Yeshiva Week" (Winter Break for many Jewish Schools), the hotel provided a kosher breakfast room, minyanim (daily prayers), and meal options on Shabbos, making our stay even more convenient.

While we stayed for a full Sunday-to-Sunday trip, Panama can absolutely be done in four days.  

Why Panama?

Beyond the obvious draws of warm weather and great kosher food, Panama offers a unique combination of city life, rich history, and nature-filled adventures. It was hot and sunny the entire trip, and we made the most of it by exploring different experiences each day.

Day 1: Embera Village & Waterfalls

Our first excursion was to Embera Village, an indigenous community that warmly welcomed us with cultural performances, handmade crafts, and a delicious spread of fresh tropical fruits. They offer a fish lunch, but since it’s not kosher, some travelers bring their own frying pans to cook their food on-site. We decided to bring kosher deli, wraps, pitas, and snacks from Super Kosher, a well-stocked grocery store located on the third floor of Pacific Center Mlal.

One of the most memorable parts of the day was a canoe ride in a massive wooden canoe to Orogues Waterfall, where we swam in the refreshing water. Our driver provided a cooler for our food and drinks, which was a great addition.

Day 2: Poolside Relaxation & Catching Up

One of the best parts of a vacation is actually vacationing, so we dedicated Tuesday to a pool day at the Hilton. It was the perfect time to relax, soak in the sun, and catch up on some work.Day 3: Ziplining, Monkey Island & The Panama Canal

Wednesday was action-packed, starting with ziplining in the Gilboa Rainforest. This marked our fourth country where we've gone ziplining, and it was just as exhilarating as ever.   Yes I go, and I go from a little scared to "OMG CAN WE GO AGAIN?" every time!

Next, we visited Monkey Island, a highlight for the kids (and us!). We got up close with howler and spider monkeys, feeding them right from the boat. Sometimes you can even see Sloths! One thing to note—there are very few bathrooms on Monkey Island, and you’re on a boat the entire time, so plan accordingly.

We then made our way to the Panama Canal, which was fascinating to see in person and grabbed lunch at Coffee Bean right there. There’s a reason it’s called the 8th Wonder of the World—it’s truly an engineering marvel. We watched as enormous ships navigated through the locks, which was impressive to witness firsthand.

The IMAX theater at the Canal was another highlight. The 3D film provided a deeper understanding of how the Canal was built and the role it plays in global trade today. With all the recent news coverage about the Panama Canal, it was amazing to see why it’s such a critical waterway finally.

Afterward, we grabbed a kosher lunch at Coffee Bean

Day 4: Shopping & Kosher Dining in Panama City

Thursday was more of a laid-back city day, giving us time to explore local malls, stock up on snacks for Shabbat, and enjoy a great dinner at Fuego (not the Miami one).

Day 5: Casco Viejo & Prepping for Shabbat

On Friday, we headed to Casco Viejo, Panama’s charming old quarter. We walked through its colorful streets, visited a boutique selling beautiful Colombian linen clothing, and rented bikes and scooters to explore the area.

For Shabbat, while our hotel had organized meals, we decided to order catered kosher food that arrived double-wrapped from Pita Plus and recommended by "Go Kosher Panama". The Hilton staff was incredibly accommodating, heating up our food and setting up a table for us with paper plates, creating a comfortable and intimate family Shabbat dinner.

Day 6: A Meaningful Shabbat Experience

Shabbat morning, we walked to Chabad Panama, which was a wonderful way to see more of the city on foot. One of the best parts of traveling is the people you meet along the way—from fellow travelers to locals, the conversations and connections add so much to the experience.

Day 7: Heading Home & Back to Routine

On Sunday, we checked out and caught an early flight home, giving us plenty of time to unpack, reset, and ease back into routine before the new week began.

Travel Tips for Panama

• Credit Cards: We usually use Amex when traveling, but many places in Panama don’t accept it. Having a Visa or Mastercard as a backup is essential.

• Language Barrier: Less English is spoken here compared to Cancun and other major tourist destinations. Knowing some basic Spanish phrases can be helpful.

• Kosher Food & Delivery: Ordering kosher food to the hotel pool and for the kids was easy through WhatsApp.

• Must-Try Restaurants: Some of our absolute favorites were Aria (one of the best we’ve ever been to), Adama, and Kava—all highly recommended.

• Excursions We Skipped: We didn’t make it to Panama’s beaches or excursions two hours outside the city, but many travelers love them.

• Making Time for Yourself: This was the third trip where we prioritized a date night and spa time, which made the experience even better.

  

• Hiring a Driver & Guide: We had a great driver and tour guide, which made everything seamless. If you need a contact, feel free to email me.

• The Synogogues Require a form to be filled out for each person for security purposes and it doesn't take some time.  Also a realization how laxed we are in the US with certain things.  

Final Thoughts

Panama turned out to be the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation, with kosher accessibility making it even easier to travel. It’s a fantastic destination, whether you’re looking for a short getaway or an extended stay.

Would we go back? Absolutely.