About

Welcome to El Machico

We are leaders in San Blas Islands tours from Panama City.
At our reception, you can easily book overnight trips, day passes, and more starting from $130.

El Machico is an urban hostel designed for young travelers seeking the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation.
We offer modern, clean accommodations and spacious common areas where guests can chill by the pool, join games and activities, or simply unwind in a dynamic and welcoming atmosphere.

Recognized as one of the best hostels in Panama and proud HOSCAR 2026 winners, we’ve created a place where travelers instantly feel part of a community, where every day can turn into a shared adventure.

Prime Location in Panama City

Located in Marbella, one of Panama City’s most exclusive and central neighborhoods, El Machico is surrounded by skyscrapers and everything a traveler might need: restaurants, supermarkets, rooftop bars, ATMs, parks, and shopping malls. Just steps away, the iconic Cinta Costera offers waterfront walks, sports areas, and unforgettable Pacific sunsets.
Safe, central, and well connected, the perfect base to explore the city.

Breakfast & Morning Vibes

Each morning begins with a simple ritual:
the smell of fresh coffee, warm pancakes on the griddle, and bananas ready to fuel the day ahead. Always included in your stay, our breakfast is more than a meal, it’s a relaxed social moment where sleepy travelers gather, conversations spark, plans are made, and strangers become travel companions before the day even begins.

Tours & Adventures

Adventure starts right at our reception, from the breathtaking San Blas Islands (daily departures) to unforgettable visits to Monkey Island, the Emberá indigenous community, and trips to beautiful Bolaños Island, we make discovering Panama easy. We also assist travelers continuing their journey with boat connections to Colombia, Our team is always ready to help you plan your next experience.

More Than a Stay

Whether you arrive with a plan or just a backpack and curiosity, El Machico is more than a place to sleep, it’s where journeys begin.

Important to Know

• Check-in begins at 1:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM.
• Our reception is open 24/7, so you’re welcome to check in, arrive or return at any hour, even late at night.
• Arriving before 1:00 PM? Feel free to leave your luggage at reception and enjoy our common areas or head out to explore the city while you wait for your room.
• Payments are completed at check-in and can be made with cash, credit card or PayPal.

House Rules

Check In

13:00 - 24:00

Check Out

until 11:00

  • Taxes Not Included
View House Rules

Facilities

  • Free Breakfast
  • Free WiFi
  • Free Internet Access
  • Free Security Lockers
  • Bicycle Parking
  • Adaptors
  • Luggage Storage
  • 24 Hour Reception
View all facilities

Reviews

8.7Fabulous(2344)
  • Value for Money
    8.9
  • Security
    9.6
  • Atmosphere
    8.1
  • Cleanliness
    8.6
  • Staff
    8.6
  • Location
    8.6
  • Facilities
    8.5
Summary of traveller reviews

El Machico Hostel in Panama City offers a friendly atmosphere with helpful staff and a great location. Guests enjoy the clean facilities, comfortable beds, and the lovely pool area. The free breakfast, often featuring pancakes, is a popular start to the day. While generally social, some recent reviews note a lack of organised activities. A recurring minor issue is the limited number of bathrooms.

Stayed in May 2026
9.1
T
Tess
Female, 25-30, Australia
felt very safe and was a good location, i think the showers could have more hooks and ledges. nice that our room had aircon
Stayed in May 2026
8.0
F
Frances
Female, 25-30, England
Only stayed here for one night after coming back from the San Blas islands. Loved the location, a nice part of the new town and a short walk away from the malls etc. We stayed in a private room which had a great aircon - there were some toiletries left in the bathroom from previous guests so could have done with a once over in the cleaning. It was also quite pricey for what you get, but that seems normal for Panama City. Also, the staff could have been a bit friendlier / more welcoming.
Stayed in May 2026
6.0
S
Sophie
Female, 25-30, New Zealand
Only one bathroom between multiple dorms. Not much social atmosphere but a good stop for 1 night before a flight.
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Location

Av. 5a B. Sur, Casa 2, Marbella, Panama City, Panama
1.9km from city centre