Retreat in Panama: Packing List

What you pack for your trip to Panama will depend on the duration of your stay and whether you are visiting during the dry, green or rainy season. Packing for a yoga retreat in Panama should include a balance between comfort and items suited to the activities you expect to be doing. 

• Dry Season in Panama: November through April
• Green Season in Panama: May through August
• Rainy Season in Panama: September and October

Clothing

You will likely be visiting a warm area like the jungle or a beach location. The type of clothing you will bring will depend on the season you visit, as Panama has a dry season and a green season. The temperatures range between 70F to 90F, with most of the year above 80F. It is not only hot, but there is humidity, especially during the green season. 

Given the heat, we recommend loose and comfortable clothing year round. For practicing yoga, lightweight and breathable clothes are best, including loose yoga pants, or shorts, along with moisture-wicking tops and sports bras. 

If you are going on any boat excursions, then bring a dri-fit long sleeve top to protect you against the sun. Also, don’t forget to pack your swimsuit so that you can fully enjoy the pool, beaches and any boat excursions that are part of your retreat. For ladies who plan to surf, then make sure your bikini is tight enough so you don’t have to deal with unexpected slips. A long sleeve rashguard is a good shout.

You may also want to consider a light cover-up when moving between yoga sessions or for cooler evenings. A thin waterproof raincoat or poncho can also come in handy during the rainy season. 

*Selva Terra shuts down during the rainy season. 

 

Shoes

Sandals or a pair of flip-flops are a must, at least for lounging around the resort and beaches. Whether you decide to bring other footwear, depends on the activities you have planned. If you plan to go on long walks, hike or horseback riding, then you should bring a pair of sneakers or hiking shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. If you plan to go on a jungle hike in the green season, your sneakers will get mucky. 

 

Sun Protection

Bring a cap or a bucket hat to shield your face from the sun as well as sunglasses with UV protection to shield your eyes. If you have polarized sunglasses, they can help you spot the fishes even more from the boat!

 

Yoga Mat and Towel

We provide all yoga props, including non-slip yoga mats, straps, bolsters, blocks, blankets and eye pillows. However, if you prefer to practice with your own equipment, consider bringing a travel yoga mat and a microfibre or non-slip yoga towel. 

 

Travel Adaptor

If you are traveling from the US, you will not need a travel adaptor while in Panama. Panama’s electrical outlets are the same as the US: Type A and Type B, so only bring a suitable adapter if your appliances require a different electrical outlet.

 

Items for Entertainment and Relaxation

Consider books, journals, or sketchbooks during down-time, leisure and personal reflection. If you choose to bring any electronic devices them, ensure you have chargers and adapters. 

 

Money

Panama uses the Panamanian balboa and U.S. dollar, which are 1:1. Most places in Panama City accept credit card. Before traveling, ensure your cards work internationally and notify your bank of your travel plans if necessary. The resort doesn’t have a cash machine but it accepts both cash and credit card (Mastercard and Visa). Note that tips are not included in your all-inclusive package, and are often offered to our resort staff at the end of your stay.  

 

Important Documents

• Consider purchasing travel insurance to cover any unexpected events or emergencies during your trip. 
• All passports must be at least 6 months ahead from the expiry date when travelling to Panama.
• You will also need to show a proof of flight or itinerary out of Panama within 3 months of your arrival.
• Sufficient cash: Panama uses the USD. If you need to exchange your money, the worst exchange rates are found at airports so you are better off exchanging your money beforehand.

 

What to Bring: A Comprehensive Packing List for a Yoga and Adventure Retreat in Panama

Here are our suggestions on what to pack for your yoga retreat in Panama at our island resort:

• Loose, lightweight and comfortable clothing for hot and humid weather. If you want to dress up in the evening, go for casual beach style like a sundress or loose linen. If you are coming in the green season, a shawl or light cover up can come in handy on cooler evenings or after your yoga practice.
• Light PJ’s like a big cotton shirt or thin material top and shorts
• Swimwear to enjoy the pool and private beaches
• Rashguard if you plan to surf
• A long sleeve dri-fit shirt for sun protection if you plan to spend time on the water (boat excursions, kayaking or SUP)
• Sandals or flip flops 
• Sneakers you don’t mind getting messy in the case you want to go hiking, horseback riding, or ziplining
• A sun hat and sunglasses – if you have sensitive eyes, then bring polarized sunglasses
• Sunscreen (SPF50+) and after sun lotion – you will be soaking up a lot of sun, and yoga isn’t any fun when you’re looking like a lobster. Enjoy the sun, but beware and protect yourself!
• Insect repellent (we don’t have a problem with mosquitoes but when there is high humidity, there can be no-see-ums for 1-2 hours a day, it is always good to bring if you are more prone to bites)
• Anti-motion sickness tablets if you plan to go on a boat and are prone to sea sickness
• Personal toiletries – we provide shampoo, conditioner and soap
• Earplugs and eye mask – if you are sharing a room
• Reusable water bottle – we provide reusable water bottles in your rooms and the tap water is drinkable, but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer
• A dry bag or waterproof camera or phone cover with a float strap 
• Travel yoga mat and/or non-slip yoga towel – we provide all yoga props but you are welcome to bring your own
• Journal or favorite book
• Passport validity within 6 months, visa (if required), travel insurance, cards and cash (USD)
• Proof of return flight out of Panama within 90 days of arrival