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Travel advisory · PanamaPanama City is in or near an area where governments advise against all but essential travel: Curundú, El Chorrillo, San Miguelito.Advice depends on your passport. Read your own government's advice before you book.Official advice
Areas with warnings
  • Mosquito Gulf · avoid all travel · Canada, France, New Zealand, US
  • Colón · avoid non-essential travel · France, Italy
  • Curundú · avoid non-essential travel · Spain, France
  • El Chorrillo · avoid non-essential travel · Spain, France
  • San Miguelito · avoid non-essential travel · Spain, France

Also named by one government: Darién border zone with Colombia (France), Darién Gap south of Yaviza (New Zealand), Darién south of Metetí to Colombian border (Canada), Parts of Darién Region (US), Arena (Canada), Arraiján (France), Calidonia (France), Colombian border zones (Spain), Cristobal (France), Darién Province (France), Eastern Darién Province (Italy), Eastern part of Guna Yala (San Blas) (France), El Cacao (Canada), Isla de Cusapín (Spain), Juan Díaz (France), La Chorrera (France), Pedregal (France), Quebro (Canada), San Felipe (France), Santa Ana (France), Tocumen (France)

GovernmentAdviceUpdatedRead the advice
United Kingdom (FCDO)Remain vigilant, follow local authorities' advice after earthquake–Read the advice
United States (State Dept)Exercise increased caution due to crime (regional advisories)Aug 19, 2026Read the advice
Canada (Global Affairs)Take normal security precautions (regional advisories)–Read the advice
Germany (Auswärtiges Amt)No advice against the whole countryOct 13, 2026Read the advice
New Zealand (SafeTravel)Exercise increased caution (regional advisories)–Read the advice
Ireland (Department of Foreign Affairs)High Degree of Caution–Read the advice
France (Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs)Niveau de sécurité globalement satisfaisant, vigilance renforcée dans certaines zones (regional advisories)–Read the advice

Checked daily from the governments' published advice; last checked Nov 2, 2026. RoamLedger summarises official advice; it is not advice from any government.

Iglesia de San José
Church

Church Of Saint Joseph

Visit the Church of Saint Joseph in Panama City’s old quarter to see its historic interior and the Golden Altar, one of Panama’s great treasures.

The Church of Saint Joseph, or Iglesia San José, is a historic Augustinian church in Panama City’s old quarter. Its main draw is the Golden Altar, considered one of Panama’s great treasures. The church also has an ornate interior, with special displays and decorations at Christmas. Add it to a walk through the old town’s churches, or visit during the festive season to see the seasonal exhibits. It is on Avenida A y 2.

The Golden Altar

Church Of Saint Joseph
Church Of Saint Joseph

The church’s best-known feature is its Golden Altar, regarded as one of Panama’s great treasures. The altar is a focal point for a visit and a reason to include the church on a walk through the old quarter.

Christmas displays

Church Of Saint Joseph
Church Of Saint Joseph

The church has special decorations and displays during Christmas, including representations of biblical towns and villages. If these exhibits are part of your plan, time your visit for the festive season.

FAQ

What is the Church of Saint Joseph known for?

It is known for its Golden Altar, considered one of Panama’s great treasures.

Where is the Church of Saint Joseph?

It is on Avenida A y 2 in Panama City’s old quarter.

What can you see at Christmas?

Christmas brings special decorations and displays, including representations of biblical towns and villages.

Is there a ticket for the old town’s churches?

A $10 ticket is suggested for access to all six churches in the old town. Check which churches are open on the day of your visit.

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