cool places to visit panama

21 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Panama

Panama seems to delight tourists and backpackers with an unfussy, laid-back vibe and some genuinely beautiful spots to visit, including a handful of trendy surf resorts, sleepy mountain enclaves, paradise-esque archipelagos, and dramatic diving spots.

From my time exploring this extraordinary country, here are some places I want to share with you…

1. San Blas Islands

The pretty islands of the San Blas archipelago stretch along the Caribbean coast of Panama from San Blas Bay to the Colombian border. Many backpackers love this spot and travel here before or after exploring Costa Rica .

Visit San Blas islands, and you will travel 20 centuries back into the past to discover traditional Indian crafts, hear captivating legends, and familiarize yourself with Indian music and dances; it’s a gem! 

The economy of the islands is based on coconut cultivation and tourism. In my opinion, the most fascinating islands are Achutupu, Kagantupu, and Coco Blanco.

My favorite highlights…

• Spending a night in an Instagrammable over-water cabin which was a very unique experience! 
• Taking a boat tour around several beautiful islands and admiring the stunning scenery.
• Going scuba diving and seeing the gorgeous coral reefs and colorful marine life.

Book A Trip!

We can book your trip hopping around Panama’s beautiful places through our free, top-rated travel planning service !

2. Panama Canal

The monumental Canal is one of the modern world wonders. The Panama Canal is 82 kilometers long and connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

More than 12,000 ocean-bound vessels pass through its lock system annually. The Canal’s thread stretches across a series of ancient lakes and marshes, and its banks are adorned with a wide strip of virgin forests.

In my opinion, the best place to observe ships is located northeast of Panama City, near the walls of the enormous seven-hundred-ton sluice gate Miraflores.

My personal highlights…

• Exploring the Miraflores Visitor Center, a four-story interactive museum and learning about the canal’s history.
• Capturing an Insta-worthy shot overlooking the canal. 
• Seeing the locks working! 

3. Playa Venao

The Azuero Peninsula is buzz-worthy for its beaches, and I was a big fan. The most famous is Playa Venao, which is 35 km from Pedasi.

This tropical paradise is perfect for recreational vacations and waves conquering. The sea in this spot creates steady waves up to three meters high with “barrel” and “tube” silhouettes.

Water sports enthusiasts worldwide rush to Playa Venao to hone and show off their surfing skills. Diving aficionados also appreciate the beach.

The shore is dotted with diving schools where one can rent gear and take lessons from experienced instructors. If you are not a big fan of outdoor activities, I recommend sunbathing on the beach, swimming in the warm sea, having a snack at one of the beach restaurants, or trying a signature cocktail at an open-air bar.

My highlights…

• Take a diving lesson to try something new and experience the water differently.
• Enjoying the lively bars and signature cocktails along the beachfront for those who love to party.
• Relaxing with a rejuvenating massage at the Nourish Spa.

4. Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro is a chain of islands in the mouth of the Chiriqui lagoon in the country’s northeast. The archipelago consists of 9 relatively large islands, 52 small islands, and more than 200 islets. It is also a backpacking and tourist beauty spot.

Boasting green palm forests, a vast coastline of white sand, and crystal clear water, Bocas del Toro is one of Panama’s most famous tourist areas, and for good reason: it’s seriously stunning! Pristine landscapes are interspersed with modern resorts.

Fans of scuba diving and sea fishing flock to the islands all year round to see some of the best coral reefs on the planet, much loved for their unique underwater gardens. The reefs are home to stingrays, lobsters, crabs, and countless tropical fish species, so I highly recommend snorkeling here!

My must-do highlights…

• Rent an E-bike to explore Bocas Town before reaching the beautiful Playa Bluff beach.
• Stroll along the breathtaking white sand beaches to soak up the glistening sun and spectacular views.
• Discover the hype of riding the waves around this area by renting a board to surf on one of the beaches.

5. Casco Viejo

The attractive area of Casco Viejo sits east of Panama City, the country’s capital and I loved this place! This is the very first settlement built by Europeans on the Pacific coast. It was founded in 1519 and soon became one of the most important trading centers on the continent.

The transit route from Peru to the Old World, carrying the gold and silver of the Incas, ran through the town. The pirate raid led by Henry Morgan almost razed Panama Viejo in 1671, leaving behind countless ruins.

However, some of the buildings survived until this day, namely, the square tower of the Cathedral de Panama Viejo, ruins of Santo Domingo and San Francisco convents, the well-preserved La Merced church and San José temple, the King’s Bridge, as well as remnants of the walls that served as protection against pirates.

At the end of the past century, the old quarters of Panama Viejo were recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

• Sip on a cup of coffee made from the famous geisha beans locally grown in Panama.
• Wander to the Plaza Francia to view some of the best panoramic skylines of the city.
• Enjoy the array of handmade traditional crafts and maybe even buy one as a souvenir. 

6. El Valle de Antón

El Valle de Anton is a town and eponymous nature reserve settled in the crater of a long-extinct volcano that rises to 600 m above sea level. Its diameter reaches almost 5 km.

The reserve is valued for its unique wet mountain forest ecosystem, and in my opinion, it’s worth visiting. The jungle is carved by tourist routes leading from one attraction to another. The spellbinding waterfalls Chorro de Las Mozas and Chorro El Macho are the highlights of El Valle de Anton.

The surrounding forests are steeped in orchids and the national flower of Panama, Flor del Espiritu Santo (The flower of the Holy Spirit). The ample foliage conceals Rana Dorada, a rare frog with an amusing appearance.

Thanks to its volcanic origin, this place has preserved some traces of geothermal activity, boiling thermal springs, and healing mud pools featuring a unique mineral composition.

• Enjoy a sunrise hike via The Sleeping Indian trail before admiring the beautiful landscape in the daylight.
• Adventure to El Macho Waterfall, the largest in the area, by crossing a high suspension bridge through the rainforest.
• Visit the Sunday market (open seven days a week), which is well known for being a town landmark.

7. Pearl Islands

The Pearl Islands lie 40 miles southeast of Panama City in the Gulf of Panama. Comprised of 97 islands, the archipelago became known to Europeans in 1513 when an Indian chief revealed a secret about the mysterious islands adorned with pearls.

Since then, pearl mining has become the leading trade on the islands. Still, the archipelago became one of the favourite holiday destinations for the great and the good (former US President Jimmy Carter, Spanish Prime Minister Adolfo Suarez Gonzalez, and the Shah of Iran stayed here), and I was a big fan, too!

The Pearl Islands have 83 excellent beaches, numerous lovely hotels and guest houses, and one of the most attractive snorkeling spots.

• Spend some time on the pristine waters by kayaking or snorkeling, a perfect spot for both these activities.
• Find one located around the Island for the most ideal location to sunbathe.
• Explore through the lush jungles on foot, or take a squad for more adrenaline rush speed.

8. Gulf of Chiriquí

Founded in 1994, the Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park is located on the Pacific coast of Panama in the bay of the same name.

The park is spread across 25 volcanic islands covered with pristine tropical forest. The tranquil waters around the islands are considered the best diving place, and I would highly recommend diving here if you can. They accommodate the second-largest coral reef in the eastern part of the Pacific.

Divers can contact reef inhabitants such as whales, sharks, manta rays, and dolphins. The jagged volcanic peaks rising 30-60 meters above sea level are replete with various species, while the coastal areas allow spotting relict forms of flora and fauna.

For instance, super-cute sea turtles can be observed nesting on the local beaches.

• A main must-do is to venture along the Lost Waterfalls Trail, where you will discover three breathtaking natural showers.
• Climb up to the highest peak in Panama, Volcan Baru National Park, for the most impressive views overlooking the ocean.
• Make sure to take some Instagrammable pictures of the beautiful surrounding landscape.

9. Soberania National Park

Located 40 km north of Panama City, the Soberania National Park boasts extensive swaths of tropical forest. It is one of the best birdwatching spots in the world, inhabited by about a thousand feathered species.

Soberania Park is the only place to observe the Crowned Eagle and the Sunbittern. The park retooled the former five-floor radar tower to make birdwatching more convenient. I suggest heading for their observation deck to see rare birds in their natural environment! 

Dense rainforests have diverse natural features that are ideal for hiking. The park’s highlight is the striking thickets of cotton trees towering 60 meters above the sky. Some of the routes have comfortable campgrounds.

• Climb up to the top of Panama Rainforest Discovery Center’s spiral staircase for a bird’s eye view above the canopy.
• For those who love a scenic hike, take the Plantation Road trail to find several waterfall viewpoints and exotic tropical plants.
• Go for a swim in the natural pools of the El Charco Trail, surrounded by picnic spots and beauty.

10. Boquete

A small village, Boquete is one of Panama’s most popular tourist attractions. It’s also very pretty. Nestled in the valley of the Caldera River, it is surrounded by mountains on three sides, which largely determine its landscape.

In the west, Boquete borders the Baru volcano. From the north, the town is confined by the Talamanca mountain range. The city’s eastern outskirts merge with the Jaramillo Mountains. Boquete starts a fascinating seven-hour journey to the Baru volcano, the country’s highest summit.

At its top, you will be amazed by the magnificent view of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. The town also features cozy parks, coffee plantations, and an even abandoned palace (I would recommend visiting!).

Accompanied by a guide, you can explore the jungles teeming with exotic birds, including Quetzal, the sacred Indian bird with bright plumage and a long tail. While hiking in the jungles, you can check out waterfalls and a mountain canyon with a pure water pool.

• Get your adrenaline pumping by going on the exciting zipline overlooking the forest.
• For an exciting adventure, take the hanging bridges tour, Central America’s second longest and highest.
• Go relaxed by strolling through the town center for an afternoon of shopping.

11. Santa Catalina

Santa Catalina is one of the best surfing spots in Panama. This small village is located in the Veraguas province on the coast of the Gulf of Chiriquí. Santa Catalina’s beaches, Playa Santa Catalina and Playa Estero are known for mighty waves up to 10 meters high.

The ebb and flow fluctuate within 8 meters, thus creating solid tides. The beaches are smeared with black volcanic sand and offer a stunning view of the sun setting behind the horizon. You might want to explore other bay beaches just outside Santa Catalina.

The walk will take approximately 2.5-3.5 hours. You can rent a small boat or a yacht for an incredible sailing experience or a trip on the high seas.

• Ride some of the best waves in Central America at La Punta Beach.
• Watch the sun go down at La Coquita, well-known for its brilliant black sand shadows at night.
• Kayak over to the white sand beach on Isla Catalina and hike up to the viewpoint on the Island.

12. Isla Taboga

Twenty kilometers from Panama City, you will find the charming historic Taboga Island. Four centuries ago, it was the site of the first deepwater port in the region.

Frequent pirate raids forced the locals to build a system of defensive structures on the nearby Island of El Morro.

They had served for three hundred years and, in the XIX century, were used as the headquarters of the Pacific Steam Company.

The pirates’ defences have been preserved to this day. Besides them, Isla Taboga is famous for its beaches, observation platform near the walls of the old American military bunker, the oldest in Latin America church of the XVI-XVII centuries, an array of tropical rainforests, a variety of hibiscus and bougainvillea gardens, and one of the largest colonies of brown pelicans.

• Stroll through the vibrant town where the quiet Spanish-settled village is filled with colorful houses.
• Spend the day sunbathing on Playa Restinga and walk along the sandbar to Isla El Morro during low tide.
• Walk to the viewpoint at Cerro de la Cruz for a spectacular view of the island and the surrounding ocean.

13. Sunset Coast, Azuero Peninsula

Sunset Coast is named for its expansive coastline in the western portion of the Azuero Peninsula. You will love visiting Sunset Coast because, with the Azuero Peninsula’s shape, this is the only area where you can see a breathtaking coastline sunset, hence its name. 

When you visit Sunset Coast, I suggest stopping by Coiba National Park to see the most extensive coral reef in the Pacific. Jump in and go scuba diving or snorkeling to catch the beautiful coral reef. I recommend deep-sea diving for one of the best undersea experiences worldwide! 

Remember the jaguars and ocelots that freely roam in Coiba National Park. If you are lucky, you may spot a scarlet macaw since they regularly dwell there. 

• The highlight is in its name: catch a magnificent sunset over the coastline with a cocktail. 
• Cool down by swimming in the Pacific Ocean with an entrance point in Cobia National Park nearby.
• Wander along the long shore to wind down as the day ends.

14. Los Cangilones

Los Cangliones is your go-to destination for village shopping and canyon views while jumping in the nearby waters. The bus to get there is cheap and only costs $1.50 per person per ride. A mini supermarket greets you when the bus drops you off so you can pick up any snacks or beach supplies you need. 

It is a short walk to the canyons and waters, where you can privately sunbathe, swim, and sightsee, depending on how many people are nearby.

I would suggest packing a big picnic to enjoy the gorgeous views after a fun swim in the water! 

• Grab lunch at the local supermarket while spending a day by the canyons.
• If you’re looking for a thrill, jump off the natural rock formations into the aqua-colored waters.
• Swim through the crystal-clear canyon that stretches 40 meters long.

15. Punta Chame

Punta Chame is a tiny city with only a population of 443, but the beaches are untouched and beautiful. The waters to the left are shallower and calmer, so it is easier for you to go kitesurfing. 

Walk the white sand for a lovely beachside experience. Be prepared because it goes 22 miles long. A portion of the beach meets the Pacific Ocean. Make it a whole day trip to explore this stretch of beach land to see its vast beauty while taking some swims in between. 

Be mindful of possible jellyfish in the water or washed up on the beach. They can sting even when they are dead, so tread with caution. 

• On a day when the ocean is calm, hire a paddleboard for a fun way to explore the coast.
• Explore this petite city’s fishing village and surrounding areas by hiring a bike.
• Enjoy kite surfing; the ocean conditions are perfect for all abilities. 

16. Isla Perro

This paradise-like Island is part of the San Blas Islands but deserves a special mention. The small Island is surrounded by crystal blue waters and tropical palm trees throughout the area.

Because of its clean waters, snorkelers love to explore marine life throughout Guna Yala. 

The most unique aspect of Isla Perro is the shipwreck in front of the Island. Snorkelers can find artifacts from the army gunboat washed ashore many years ago. You may see the rusty bow protruding from the water with a low tide. 

If you do not want the water adventure to end, rent one of the 30 campsites available. Then, the next day, you can explore more of the territory. 

• Go snorkeling in the clear turquoise waters to discover the beautiful underwater world.
• Capture an Insta-worthy shot next to one of the picturesque palm trees and surrounding landscape.
• Slow down and relax along the golden sands by walking or sunbathing.

Pedasi is a small fishing town famous for year-round comfortable weather, residential colonial-style buildings, and many beaches in its vicinity.

The main natural highlight of Pedasi is Isla Iguana. This nature reserve occupies 52 hectares and is surrounded by coral reefs. More than 62 species of birds found their home here, many of which, such as the Lesser Frigatebird, are under state protection.

It is also a reptile habitat, including the black iguana named the Island. Tropical fish, moray eels, and turtles live in the waters, while humpback whales stay here briefly during the migration seasons.

The local waters are bristling with various fish, including ten tuna species. So, I would recommend wildlife spotting here! 

• Indulge in delicious cuisine from around the world while watching live entertainment at one of the restaurants.
• Watch for when the next festival is so you can attend and embrace the local culture.
• Lay out along the beach’s shores to soak up the marvelous rays of the sun.

18. Isla Grande

Isla Grande, the country’s largest Island, is located 15 km from the historical town Portobelo. The coast of the Island houses magnificent beaches with white sand and turquoise water.

Suppose you decide to soak up the sun. The beaches have everything you need: sunbeds, umbrellas, coastal bars with various exotic drinks, and cozy restaurants to get acquainted with traditional Panamanian cuisine. Active recreation buffs will find many appealing activities, too.

The waters of Isla Grande are dripping with coral reefs, creating an ideal backdrop for diving, snorkeling, and surfing. If you want to learn more about the traditions and customs of Panama, be sure to visit one of the local resorts with an authentic Caribbean vibe.

I recommend stopping by Portobello and enjoying its medieval charm if you have spare hours.

• Sip on refreshing cocktails at The OC Bar & Lounge with a view overlooking the Caribbean Ocean.
• Take a boat tour around the coastline to observe the beautiful vegetation landscape from a different perspective. 
• Taste freshly made seafood at one of the restaurants located around this location.

19. Panama City

The capital of Panama is a modern, thriving city stretched 10 km along the Pacific coast from the ruins of Panama Viejo in the east to the coast of the Panama Canal in the west.

The highlight of Panama City is vibrant contrasts, a fusion of ancient history and contemporary architecture of the XXI century.

Like the United Arab Emirates, its business center has formidable skyscrapers. Lively, modern areas are side by side with quiet streets imbued with history.

The city has a business feel, so I think it doesn’t have much for tourists here, but the city’s most picturesque historic district is the old town of San Felipe. This area impresses with ancient architecture and miraculously preserved traditions.

I recommend exploring the square, museums, churches, and the monastery ruins. If you need to recharge your batteries, I suggest stopping at one of its cosmopolitan restaurants.

• Wander through the streets of Casco Viejo to admire the spectacular architecture through the Old Town Quarter.
• Check out the large Artisan Market filled with handcrafted goods, perfect for a memorable souvenir.
• Visit Plaza De La Independencia, surrounded by an array of shopping boutiques and restaurants.

20. Península de Azuero

The Azuero Peninsula is an unassuming place that blends rich culture, fantastic architecture, and fascinating history, and I would highly recommend visiting! 

The peninsula consists of three provinces: Herrera, Los Santos, and Veraguas, resulting in two regions – The East and the West. The East area is famous for its annual lively activities, including its carnival. Pedasí is your place if you are a surfing and nature fan.

A charming fishing town surrounded by Spanish colonial architecture. The West area is well-known for its stunning beaches and focus on farming and cattle ranching.

• Explore the untouched areas to discover the natural beauty and hidden gems.
• Dance the night away after a day of searching on the ocean with one of the fabulous beach parties.
• Slow down and relax with a yoga retreat hosted by Sansara Surf and Yoga Resort.

21. Cerro Ancon

It is free to hike the area of 654 feet in elevation, and it takes only 30 minutes to complete the entire venture. The trail is home to a jungle inside a city of over 1 million individuals. 

Watch for the incline as you hike. During your journey, you can see Casa Viejo, which has scenic views of the Panama Canal. The Bridge of the Americas is a sight to behold above the Canal. 

The Miraflores Locks is one of the three locks throughout the Panama Canal and is named after the gate to the Pacific. 

• Have your camera ready to capture the most breathtaking shots along this trail.
• Stop and take in the picturesque scenic views overlooking the Panama Canal.

Becky Moore - Owner, writer and photographer My first true adventure began as a six-month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh-faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi-nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in the warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds, and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my ex-Athens street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Borneo, Finland, Greece, Berlin, Laos, California and the surreal and beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland. Hotel Reviewing Experience - published hotel review in the 52 Sleeps Book organised by Laterooms.com and Lonely Planet. Asked by over 12 tourist boards and many high-profile travel brands to formally review hotels including Germany Tourist Board , Canada Tourist Board , Eviivo , France.fr , Visitoostende.be , Live Riga and Queensland Tourist Board . Also travelled around the world scouting out and reviewing all the most unique hotels in the world, check out our Instagram page for photos . I’ve also been quoted in Forbes, National Geographic , The Times , LA Weekly , Yahoo Travel , Huffington Post , Business Insider , Thrillist , British Airways Magazine, Entrepreneur , Daily Express , Wanderlust , Telegraph Travel, Daily Mail and Metro . Winner of Travel Blog of the Year . Find me on Linkedin or Facebook .

6 thoughts on “21 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Panama”

No doubt Panama is a great place to visit for every tourist around the world. Santa Catalina is my favorite place for surfing in Panama. It is a great adventurous point for those who like adventures.

Great clicks u take ..my favorite is Isla Grande great place .i heard lots of good about this place

I loved Panama when I visited, although I think I preferred Costa Rica at a push!

Panama is a really underrated destination, you’ve really captured its beauty here!

I’m heading to Central America soon so this list is perfect! Looks wonderful!

What a fantastic blog. Absolutely amazing photos and information you shared in a attractive ways. I love to read travel blog as well as write something differently…Thanks for sharing this nice piece.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

70 Awesome Things To Do In Panama: The Ultimate Guide

Jackson Groves

Posted on Last updated: October 2, 2023

Categories PANAMA

Attention all adventure enthusiasts! If you’re searching for a new destination to satisfy your thrill-seeking needs, Panama should be your next getaway. This country boasts an array of unbelievable landscapes and exciting adventures. Whether it’s riding the waves in Santa Catalina, trekking through the lush jungles of Boquete, or standing atop a volcano, Panama promises an unforgettable experience. In this Ultimate Panama Travel Guide , I’ll guide you through some of the most adventurous things to do in Panama.

I made it my mission to create the largest-ever adventure Panama Travel Guide. I even explored some spots that surprised the locals. Panameno’s love their adventure and I met so many awesome locals along this journey. Thanks to all of you for making my 100 days of exploring Panama such an unforgettable experience. I have put an unbelievable amount of energy into documenting these adventures so that I can share them with you all. This is my adventure guide to Panama. These are 70 awesome things to do in Panama.

3 MOST POPULAR TOURS IN PANAMA

These are the three most popular activities for tourists in Panama. Personally, I love the San Blas Islands boat trip!

• San Blas Islands Boat Trip : Explore the tropical paradise of the San Blas Islands, the most beautiful region in Panama. Easily the most amazing activity I did in Panama.
• Taboga Island Catamaran Cruise : Admire Panama from the water on a sightseeing catamaran cruise to Taboga Island. Admire the city skyline, dive from the boat for a swim, relax on a beach in Taboga, and enjoy snacks and an open bar.
• Half-Day City Tour & Panama Canal : Connect with the beautiful and modern Panama City on this shared or private city tour. Stroll the narrow streets of the Old Town and watch ships sail through the Panama Canal

70 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN PANAMA: THE BUCKET LIST

In this blog post about the top things to do in Panama, I have split the activities up by region so you can plan out your trip. If you enjoy hiking, I suggest basing in Boquete or El Valle de Anton for at least a week. If you want those tropical beaches try Bocas Del Toro, Escudo de Veraguas , and Santa Catalina .

Table of Contents

BOQUETE (CHIRIQUI PROVINCE)

Boquete has fast become one of my favorite adventure towns. It is nestled in the province of Chiriqui, which is in the north of Panama only a couple hours’ drive to the Costa Rican border. At almost 2000 meters above sea level, Boquete has a cool climate, which is perfect weather to explore all of the awesome hikes and waterfalls in the region. Boquete is also one of the best places to spot the famous Resplendent Quetzal bird in the canopy of the many forests

THE LOST WATERFALLS TRAIL

On one of the most stunning jungle trails in the world, we looked for the lost waterfalls of Boquete. Through the luscious jungle, we trekked. Over muddy paths, we slipped and stumbled. From one patch of wildflowers to the next we discovered. Until we reached three, breathtakingly powerful and mind-blowingly beautiful waterfalls. The Lost Waterfall Trail Hike is one of the best things to do in Panama.

The Lost Waterfalls Trail is the first thing most visitors do in Boquete. It is a $7 entrance fee but quite easy to get to and only a short hike it gives great value with three amazing waterfalls. It is the crowd pleaser and great for those who want a bit of an adventure, a waterfall but only half a day’s worth of effort.

View the full blog post:  THE LOST WATERFALLS TRAIL HIKE

THE PIPELINE TRAIL

The Pipeline Trail is another great hike in the Bajo Mono region just outside of Boquete Town. Walk alongside a river through the jungle until you reach a massive yet slow-descending cascade at the end of the trail. On the way, you will discover a thousand-year-old tree and some unique wildlife. The trail takes about two hours and is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon when you are staying in Boquete town.

The Pipeline Trail is a nice short walk through the jungle, with a great chance of spotting a Quetzal bird. They say this is one of the best things to do in Boquete for spotting the Quetzal. we also spotted a snake, caterpillars, and lots of beautiful plants along the way.

View the full blog post:   THE PIPELINE TRAIL

EL PIANISTA TRAIL

El Pianista Trail fast became my favorite jungle adventure in Boquete with its narrow canyon-esque path. The trail is just 4km out of Boquete town and is a 3-4 hour out and back trail with more than 2000 feet of elevation. The trail leads you into a cloud forest, which essentially means at least half of the trail is inside the clouds. This turns the scenery into a dripping rainforest, where life is buzzing, water droplets are falling to the floor from every leaf, and wildflowers and birds are plentiful.

This trail harbors some dark secrets. In 2014, two Dutch girls in their early 20’s made it to the summit and then went missing. There was no sign of the girls until a few weeks later. There are huge holes in the story of what happened and how the investigation unfolded. The girls’ backpack was found 8 weeks later, and bones including a foot still inside a boot were also found weeks later. The girls had hiked down past the summit into the continental divide. The area between Costa Rica and Panama. The Ngobe tribe were the people to discover the backpack and would have been the first contact for the girls had they come into trouble and looked for a way out according to the reports. It’s one of the spookiest things to do in Panama.

View the full blog post:  EL PIANISTA TRAIL

LA PIEDRA DE LINO HIKE

It may be one of the shortest hikes in Boquete distance wise but La Piedra De Lino will hurt your legs the most! This hike was a grueling 434 meters in elevation over just 1.3km. That means for every three meters you walk forward, you walk up one meter. However, the view of Boquete from the top rock is worth the climb.

La Piedra De Lino means the rock of Lino. Lino is a small section of Boquete only about four kilometers from the center of Boquete town. There were lots to see on the way up with flowers, berries, and glimpses of the view as we made our way to the top of the rock. There was no one else on the trail at all and we felt like we were out in the jungle even though we had views back towards Boquete town!

View the full blog post:  LA PIEDRA DE LINO (THE ROCK OF LINO) HIKE

LA PIEDRA DE ARTILLERIA HIKE

La Artilleria hike is a beautiful trail up to one of the most epic viewpoints in all of Boquete. However, it is a strange one. At the top of the trail, we scrambled up the rocks and watched the clouds part to show us an amazing view of Boquete! It was definitely the best view we had during our hiking in Boquete and something I will never forget. In the opposite direction, we had rolling mountains with several layers and even a rainbow appeared. It was a day where everything seemed to turn out perfectly although this is one of the things to do in Boquete that won’t be recommended at your hostel.

View full blog post:  LA ARTILLERIA HIKE

LA PIEDRA DE LA INDIA VIEJA HIKE

La Piedra de la India Vieja hike has in my opinion, the best views of any hike in Boquete. However, it also has the worst trail, or from what I found… no trail. My legs had many a battle scar after this hike but boy was the rock viewpoint at the top worth it all and more. If you are up for an extremely tough jungle adventure, go for it. Otherwise, enjoy my photos and head to one of the other beautiful hikes in Boquete. That’s genuine advice, not a challenge. This was one of the toughest things to do in Panama!

At the summit,  the view was totally unexpected. A jagged rock wall curved around right beneath me while mountains in all directions created an immensely atmospheric backdrop. Despite the rough journey up and the imminent rough journey down, I felt like I was on top of Boquete and I really was out here alone.

View full blog post:   LA PIEDRA DE LA INDIA VIEJA HIKE

ROCK CLIMBING WALL

On the way to Bajo Mono, the location of the Lost Waterfall Trek, and many more, there is an epic Basalt rock climbing wall. The best part about it is that is completely natural. Josh and I used to run here in the morning and work out on the grass amidst the beautiful mountains. However, in the late mornings and afternoons, there were rock climbing tours that would set up and take tourists through their paces at climbing the wall.

SENDERO LOS QUETZALES

Los Senderos Quetzales, translated to the Quetzal Trail, is one of the most popular hikes near the small town of Boquete in Panama. The Boquete region has a variety of trails to choose from yet Los Senderos Quetzales remains near the top of the list for visitors. The popularity of Los Senderos Quetzales is because this trail, in the Volcan Baru National Park, provides hikers a great opportunity to spot the elusive Quetzal bird.

The Quetzal is the national bird of Guatemala as it plays an important role in numerous types of Meso-American mythology. Additionally, the Quetzal is a very striking bird with impressive green feathers on its back while on its front it is covered in striking red feathers. The Quetzal also has a long tail. All of these features make it an attractive bird for bird-watchers to travel all the way to the Chiriqui region of Panama. El Sendero Los Quetzales is one of the most popular things to do in Boquete.

View full blog post:  SENDERO LOS QUETZALES: THE TRAIL OF THE FAMOUS QUETZAL

HIKE TO THE SUMMIT OF VOLCAN BARU

Volcán Barú is an active stratovolcano located in western Panama and stands at an impressive height of 3,475 meters. It is the tallest mountain in Panama and provides breathtaking views of both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts.

Trekking to the summit is a challenging but rewarding experience, and the summit provides incredible views from above the clouds. Despite being an active volcano, Volcán Barú is considered safe for visitors and offers a unique opportunity to explore one of Panama’s natural wonders. It’s an overnight hike and one of the tougher things to do in Panama.

View the full blog post:  27KM VOLCAN BARU HIKE OVERNIGHT FOR EPIC SUNRISE

THINGS TO DO IN CHIRIQUI PROVINCE (OUTSIDE OF BOQUETE)

Those are all of the hikes, waterfalls, and activities that I got up to in Boquete. However, while in Boquete I made a few day trips within Chiriqui Province. None of these trips were much more than an hour by car. It is quite hard to rent a car and DIY by bus isn’t the easiest but is possible.

I have added directions and helpful information with an individual blog post to all of the activities above and below to help you also. So, below are the waterfalls, hikes, and places I visited while in Boquete that aren’t technically in the Boquete region.

ROMELIO & KIKI WATERFALL

I’m standing behind a waterfall, watching the droplets majestically float down right before my eyes. I feel like I am inside the earth, inside a chamber watching the raw power of mother nature from the inside out. I am within the heart of Kiki Waterfall in the Ngäbe-Buglé region, Chiriqui. It was the second waterfall of the day after visiting Romelio Falls earlier with two local tour guides and a group of new friends.

These two waterfalls are a little tough to reach but if you can organize a crew it is an epic adventure for a day of waterfall chasing. I have linked the details of the guides in the full blog post which is linked below.

View full blog post:  ROMELIO & KIKI WATERFALL IN NGÄBE-BUGLÉ REGION

CHOCLON WATERFALL

Choclon Waterfall is a beautiful twin falls at the end of a small gorge. The tiny amphitheater is the perfect place for a short hike and to hang out in the afternoon with friends on a sunny day. The water has a beautiful blue tinge to it and vines grow all around the walls of the waterfalls giving this spot a magical atmosphere.

View full blog post:   CHOCLON WATERFALL IN CHIRIQUI

CASCADA DEL TRUENO WATERFALL

When the destination of the day is ‘Thunder Waterfall (Cascada Del Trueno) you know the crew is heading somewhere aggressive, powerful, and possibly a little bit extreme! Bundled into the back of a pickup truck, we wound our way through Chiriqui to Cordillera to begin the short trail. The 30-minute hike led us down into the amphitheater of dreams as the Thunder Waterfall lived up to its name, slapping a rage of spray at anything that came within a 20m radius with pure fury.

View full blog post:  CASCADA DEL TRUENO (THUNDER WATERFALL)

CABELLO DE ANGEL WATERFALL

Cabella de Angel waterfall was huge! It flowed from two different sides and then converged into one, an almighty powerful force that rocketed into the pool below. The mist blew everyone and the rocks were incredibly slippery, which made it a fun experience but incredibly hard to shoot.

View Full blog post:  CABELLO DE ANGEL WATERFALL

CANGILONES DE GUALACA

Los Cangilones de Gualaca is a natural canyon slot in Chiriqui. It has stood the test of time and is thousands of years old. It’s a great spot to hang out with friends, cliff jump, and swim! Cangilon means bucket in Spanish or deep vessel for collecting water. This canyon is one hell of a long bucket and an epic spot to visit in Chiriqui.

View full blog post:  LOS CANGILONES DE GUALACA

SINDIGO WATERFALL

Sindigo Waterfall in Chiriqui Panama is a great little spot with cliff jumping, a rope swing, and beautiful blue water. What I am saying is… welcome to paradise!

The waterfall is in the Gualaca region and is unmarked from the road. We jumped a barbed wire fence and headed down a small path. After hiking down a little path for 10-minutes we arrived at Sindigo Waterfall.

The scene was magical. Moss-covered boulders created a swimming pool, which a sweet little waterfall poured into. From the top of the boulders, you can jump in from about 4 meters. This epic little spot even had a rope swing, which flung you all the way out into the middle of the pool.

View full blog post:   SINDIGO WATERFALL IN CHIRIQUI

JOGUATA WATERFALL

After more than a week in the town of Boquete, I had visited many waterfalls but none so far had a sizeable cliff jump. That all changed when I paid a visit to Joguata Waterfall in Caldera. An 8-meter jump from beside a waterfall into the pool below was enough to get my adrenaline pumping for the day.

The water is quite deep and the waterfall crashes into the pool so aim just to the left of that but check the conditions first as you never know what lurks beneath the surface.

View full blog post:   JOGUATA WATERFALL CLIFF JUMP

EL VALLE DE ANTON (COCLE PROVINCE)

El Valle de Anton or ‘El Valle’ for short is a town I based myself in for a month. El Valle means ‘The Valley’, and this beautiful region just a few hours out of Panama City is much more than a valley, it is a volcanic crater from many years ago. There are plentiful hikes around the rim of the crater and in the surrounding region.

LA INDIA DORMIDA HIKE

One of the most popular sunrise viewpoints in all of Anton Valley. The hike only takes about 45 minutes to summit from the town, making it a perfect way to start your morning. The loop trail takes you along the edge of the beautiful mountains of the crater, which resemble the body of a sleeping person. This is where the hike gets its name and we will delve into the Legend of the Sleeping Indian in this blog post as well as everything you need to know about hiking La India Dormida to enjoy an epic sunrise.

Legend has it that Luba, known as ‘Airflower’, was the youngest daughter of heralded Chief Urraca. Urraca was the leader of one of the many Guaymi Tribes in Anton Crater. Luba was a rebellious girl and despite her tribes fighting with the Spanish for years, she fell in love with a Spanish official who lived in the town. Yaravi was a brave warrior from the tribe who loved Luba but she didn’t love him back. Yaravi couldn’t handle this and took his own life, throwing himself off of a mountain while Luba stared in a perplexed fashion. Luba didn’t want to betray her town and in a desperate panic of crying and mourning she loses herself in the bushes and dies

Need more information?  Full blog post:   HIKING LA INDIA DORMIDA FOR SUNRISE

CERRO CARA IGUANA

My first hike in Cocle was a short, sweet, and eventually very wet trek to the summit of Cerra Cara Iguana.  Anton Valley is actually a giant volcanic crater. It is said to be the only volcanic crater, which is inhabited. It’s pretty crazy to think that at some stage a key decision maker decided that the best place to set up camp was inside a volcanic crater.

What you have now is a beautiful town surrounded by epic mountains. In short, the Anton Valley unintentionally placed itself as a future adventure tourism destination. Cerro Cara Iguana gives you a great view of this crater. The ridge of Cerro Cara Iguana extends out towards the middle of the crater, more than any other point and it was great to do this hike early in my stay in Anton Valley. It gives you a great idea of the layout of the town and is one of my favorite places to visit in Panama.

Need more information?  Full blog post:  CERRO CARA IGUANA HIKE

CERRO GAITAL

Often labeled as ‘The toughest hike in Panama’, the Cerro Gaital hike will definitely challenge you while making your way up to the epic viewpoint.

Cerro Gaital leads you through a tunnel of the dense forest before hitting you with intense vertical rock climbs into the foggy summit. The hike takes less than three hours depending on how long you spend at the top. It is possible to walk to the trailhead from Anton Valley Town or you can catch a bus to the trailhead for $1.

From the top of Cerro Gaital, you have views over the whole valley and beyond. I sat atop the small cement hut eating my lunch enjoying yet another empty mountain in El Valle de Anton!

Need more information?  Full blog post:  CERRO GAITAL HIKE

CERRO LA GAITA

Although it is not directly in El Valle de Anton, Cerro La Gaita is only a short drive or even a bus trip away from the town center. This makes it one of the best things to do in El Valle de Anton or at least nearby.

Every mountain in Anton Valley seems to surround you as you emerged from the jungle to rise above the canopy on a wooden platform. For an hour you trek up the slippery path and then the stairs that pierced through the dense jungle. You will reach the summit of Cerro La Gaita and the view over Cerro Picacho and San Carlos Lake is beautiful.

Need more information?  Full blog post:  CERRO LA GAITA HIKE

POZO AZUL WATERFALL CANYON

In what seems to be the middle of a quiet farmland region is one of the wonders of Panama. A lot of places around the world get hyped up but surprisingly Pozo Azul was spoken of as a nice spot but I didn’t expect to encounter such an epic location. In the depths of the jungle, a series of waterfalls flow down from one level to the next into crystal-clear azure pools. Rock climbing, cliff jumping, and the ultimate waterhole await you at Pozo Azul in Cocle, Panama.

Need more information?  Full blog post:  POZO AZUL WATERFALLS

CERRO LA SILLA

Cerro La Silla is a short journey to an epic viewpoint atop the mountains to watch the sun rise over the horizon with views of Valle de Anton and beyond! It’s interesting that  Cerro Cara Iguana  and  India Dormida hikes  are the most suggested but you don’t hear a lot about Cerro La Silla. Having experienced all three I would say it is hard to separate them all but La Silla possibly has the best views.

Just before the sun was about to break over the horizon we made it to the summit where we sat down beneath the giant cross, which seems to be common at viewpoints in Valle de Anton. We could see all the way back into the crater of Valle de Anton but also out to  Cerro Picacho .

Need more information?  Full blog post:  CERRO LA SILLA ‘THE ARMCHAIR’ SUNRISE HIKE

CERRO PICACHO IN SAN CARLOS

Overlooking San Carlos Laguna, the Cerro Picacho hike in San Carlos (West Panama) is one of the best viewpoints in the region. It is a steady incline through the dense forest, which leads you over roots, through muddy paths, and underneath a beautiful canopy. The tropical conditions mean that as per usual you will be sweating, hot, and searching for air when you reach the summit.

There are two viewpoints on Cerro Picacho in San Carlos. The first is a really cool boulder that sticks out of the trail and gives a great vantage point of the lake and the other peak. The other peak is incredibly steep although I have seen a video of someone sitting on top of it. From the boulder lookout, we could see other hikes like  Cerro La Gaita  platform. It is a great spot to check out the other mountains in the area.

Need more information?  Full blog post:  CERRO PICACHO HIKE IN SAN CARLOS

CERRO TUREGA HIKE

Cerro Turega is an epic trail that leads you past waterfalls before up an intense incline to reach the three peaks at the summit with panoramic views! The hike is only a 6km trail. However, the hike is regularly touted as a 4-hour journey and this is because the terrain is incredibly steep and slippery making it very slow going.

There are three epic peaks but as far as I know, you can only reach the first where you can see us standing in the photos. They are very steep and I would be surprised if peaks two and three are accessible. The views are beautiful and we got a few glimpses amidst the fog and stormy clouds.

Need more information?  Full blog post:  CERRO TUREGA ‘THREE PEAKS’ HIKE

ISLA FARALLON DAY TRIP

Isla Farallon is a unique island off the coast off of Farallon on the southern coast of Panama, only a couple of hours’ drive from Panama City. We ventured down on three buses from Valle de Anton in about an hour and enjoyed a day of soaking up the sun, exploring Isla Farallon, and beach volleyball on Farallon Beach. This is a family-friendly beach with nothing but chill vibes, sun, and salt!

It only took us just over an hour to reach Farallon Beach from El Valle on two buses. Farallon Island only takes another fifteen-minute boat trip from there. I thought it would be handy in this guide as sometimes in El Valle de Anton, you forget what the beach looks like when you go on daily hikes!

Need more information?  Full blog post:  ISLA FARALLON AND FARALLON BEACH

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT IN COCLE PROVINCE

These are a few other random spots in Cocle province that didn’t quite fit into a popular region.

AGUILA FALLS AND CANYON

Aguila Waterfalls is one of those locations that take you into another world. I found myself wading through knee-deep in crystal clear blue water while staring up at huge walls of ferns and vines as sunlight crept in through the canopy, lighting up the canyon. This is an Indiana Jones type of adventure.

Need more information?  Full blog post:  AGUILA WATERFALLS AND CANYON

CERRO TRINIDAD HIKE

Cerro Trinidad is a steep hike through the jungle to an epic viewpoint out over Capiro. It isn’t very popular and subsequently, the trail is quite rough and very steep in some parts. A guide is highly suggested and hikers not in good physical condition may decide to give this hike a miss due to the incline.

Need more information?  Full blog post:  CERRO TRINIDAD HIKE IN EL CACAO

CERRO CHAME SUNRISE HIKE

Cerro Chame is a collection of ridges and rolling hills overlooking the region of Chame. The hike takes just over an hour until you reach the cross at the summit, although you can continue on much further along the ridges, which makes it a much longer hike.

Need more information?  Full blog post:  CERRO CHAME SUNRISE HIKE

30KM TIFE WATERFALL TREK

A journey of 30km with over 2000 meters of incline through the forest of Omar Torrijos National Park to reach the epic Tife Waterfall in Panama. It isn’t for the faint-hearted but it is an incredible experience and off the beaten path, to say the least! If you are game the adventure to Tife Waterfall challenges you! This was easily one of the toughest things to do in Panama!

Need more information?  Full blog post:  30KM TREK TO TIFE WATERFALL

FILIPINAS WATERFALLS

Filipinas waterfalls is a series of five different waterfalls easily accessible along a short, but interesting trail that leads you through the jungle to each spot!

The fifth and final waterfall is a double-tiered beauty. At the end of a short but narrow canyon, a slim waterfall shoots down into a little pool of blue water. It is possible to climb up the left side but it is very slippery and can be quite dangerous. However, if you do make it to the top the view is beautiful!

Need more information?  Full blog post:  FILIPINAS WATERFALLS IN SORA

NATIVA WATERFALL IN SORA

Nativa Waterfall is an amazing wall of water like nothing else in Panama! It’s a really unique waterfall as it is a rounded wall that pours into a tiny little pool and then shoots off sideways down the river

This huge water wall was one of my favorite waterfalls in Panama because it is just so different from the regular style of a waterfall. It’s deep enough to swim in the pool below, even though it is only a 3-meter wide pool!

Need more information?  Full blog post:  NATIVA WATERFALL IN SORA

LOS VALLES WATERFALL CLIFF JUMP

Los Valles Waterfall cliff jump is by far one of my favorite places to hang out in all of Panama. Taking in the sun while laying on the rocks in between massive cliff jumps is heaven on earth for me! This was one of the most fun things to do in Panama.

The biggest cliff jump is 15m and other spots are possible to jump from throughout the watering hole. The biggest factor to point out that this is not an easy place to cliff jump. Especially on the big 15-meter jump, you need to run and really push off to reach the middle of the pool below. It is dangerous if you are scared and only do a small jump or back out halfway. Don’t take this place lightly.

Need more information?  Full blog post:  LOS VALLES WATERFALL: THE BEST CLIFF JUMP IN PANAMA

OLA WATERFALLS

The waterfalls of Ola are a spectacle that could be argued to be among the best series of waterfalls in Panama. Two huge waterfalls are accompanied by many smaller cascades and watering holes, which on clear days boast beautiful blue waters.

The main waterfall was a sight to behold. It was aggressive and the pool it flowed down into was a scene of carnage. Huge rocks were littered everywhere from previous falls most likely and the water smashed down onto one of the rocks spraying up with pure force.

Need more information?  Full blog post:  THE AMAZING WATERFALLS OF OLA

CERRO PICACHO SUNRISE HIKE IN OLA

Sitting in the long grass on top of Cerro Picacho in Ola, we slowly watched the illumination of the epic ridges all around us until we had become ants amidst a golden glow in what is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Panama.

The sun rises directly in front of you lighting up the valley, which is littered with other epic mountains. Fog circled many of the bigger mountains and in combination with the layers of mountains, the view was incredible. Because of the sharp ridges, Cerro Picacho hike in Ola became one of my favorite hikes in Panama. It was only short but the view was just breathtaking. It is like nothing you ever expected from this country and one of the top things to do in Panama. I think this morning is one of my favorites photography-wise as well.

CERRO PICACHO SUNRISE HIKE IN OLA, PANAMA

MANGLARITO WATERFALL

Manglarito Waterfall in Chame begins with an insane canyon drop, which flows down into an amphitheater with the main waterfall. Both of the waterfalls are beautiful and this jungle atmosphere is one of my favorites in Panama.

Need more information?  Full blog post:  MANGLARITO WATERFALL IN CHAME

LOS CAJONES DE CHAME

Hidden in the depths of Chame is a masterpiece from mother nature. Los Cajones de Chame (The draws of Chame) is one of the most unique land formations in Panama. Only 90 minutes from Panama City, it is one of the most remarkable and popular spots to visit in Panama.

Need more information?  Full blog post:  LOS CAJONES DE CHAME IN PANAMA

CERRO DE LA CRUZ SUNRISE HIKE

We waited in the cold, curled up behind boulders atop Cerro De La Cruz with the almighty cross towering above us. It had been an early wake-up call at 2 am and we were now patiently shivering our way towards a beautiful sunrise in the Campana National Park on the Cerro De La Cruz viewpoint hike. After patiently waiting for an hour, the sun finally started to break its way through and we started to see how beautiful the view was with the sun streaming into the valley and up onto the mountain.

This viewpoint, which is at 905 meters of altitude, was one of my favorite lookouts in Panama. Standing beneath the cross with such an epic drop below us was an insane way to start the day!

Need more information?  Full blog post:  CERRO DE LA CRUZ HIKE IN ALTOS DE CAMPANA NATIONAL PARK

SANTA FE (VERAGUAS PROVINCE)

Santa Fe is a beautiful little town, nestled in the towering mountains of Veraguas. Almost exactly in the center of Panama, Santa Fe is one of the adventure hotspots for hikers and waterfall enthusiasts. I stayed in Santa Fe for ten days and went on a hike or visited a waterfall every single day. Not many people think about Santa Fe when considering what to do in Panama but it was one of my favorite backpacking spots in Panama.

CERRO TUTE HIKE

Cerro Tute is a viewpoint that looks out over Santa Fe from a pile of precarious rocks! I really loved Cerro Tute and it was a great first experience in Santa Fe, Veraguas. I recommend doing it as your first Santa Fe hiking trail even though it is quite long. You will get great views of the area and can even pick out a few other peaks you might want to summit also!

Read the full blog post:   EPIC CERRO TUTE HIKE

ALTO DE PIEDRA WATERFALL HIKE

I now backtracked all the way to the front gate and decide that I would try the trail on the far left. It was the only trail I had not yet visited because I entered the far right trail and emerged in the middle trail. I had seemingly done a loop. But I hadn’t yet visited the far left trail so off I went. It turns out that this is actually the trail to the biggest waterfall and maybe the most popular as the trail had tires placed to help with the mud and was the most well-defined and easy to follow.

At the bottom of the trail was a huge waterfall, the biggest of the day. I felt like the waterfalls in this region just never ended but that’s Panama for you. A shallow pool once again collected the water at the bottom of this pool.

Read the full blog post:   ALTO DE PIEDRA WATERFALLS HIKE

BERMEJO WATERFALL HIKE

Bermejo Waterfall was a scene of beautiful destruction. As I sat atop a wet rock, alone in the amphitheater of Bermejo, I could only envision the events that had unfolded over the years to leave this magical place in the state it remains today. Boulders the sizes of houses are covered in moss with trees growing readily from their surface. Freezing cold water swirls viciously, inviting you to test the danger. And then there is the waterfall itself. A multi-tiered, dual-directional flow of pure aggression, which slices through the earth in the middle of the Santa Fe Jungle with an exclamation point.

It’s an aggressive waterfall without a place to swim directly below it. However, the first pool is deep enough to at least cool off. I definitely suggest packing lunch and hanging out in this area for a few hours to appreciate the region and recover from your trek in!

Read full blog post:  BERMEJO WATERFALL HIKE

EL SALTO WATERFALL HIKE

El Salto is a collection of 22 waterfalls (if not more) in the middle of the mountains near Santa Fe. I explored two by foot and one other with the drone. It is possible to explore all of them but takes expert knowledge of the area, ropes, and some serious skills and planning.

It’s definitely one of the longer Santa Fe hiking trails but you usually get out what effort you put in and it’s is true in this case. Remote paradise!

Read full blog post:  EL SALTO WATERFALLS

NUCA DEL TORO HIKE

Amidst a myriad of amazing waterfalls and trails, Nuca Del Toro, is a basic trail without much of an epic viewpoint. However, if you give the trail a chance it can be a fun afternoon activity with a change of scenery from the Panamanian Jungle. Huge pine trees surround you on top of the hill with snippets of the mountain range visible depending on what giant boulder you can clamber onto.

Read full blog post:  NUCA DEL TORO HIKE

NATURE NIGHT TRAIL

Take a walk into the dark, armed with your flashlight! In the jungle at night, the creatures come out to play and we had an epic time exploring. We saw frogs, snakes, a shy sloth, cicadas, butterflies, tarantulas, and all kinds of crazy bugs.

The interesting part is that in Santa Fe there are lots of motion-sensor cameras and Edgar showed us the photos they had captured within the last 2 years. It is pretty shocking. Jaguars, Ocelots, Pumas, and lots of other large mammals are out here in the jungle, but they are seldom seen!

We walked for about 1.5 hours total admiring all of the amazing creatures along the way. Let’s just see if the bugs are bigger in Panama. If you are interested in this experience I do recommend it. Just drop into Hostal La Qhiaand let them know. It was $25 per person and the only paid tour I did in Santa Fe. The rest of the Santa Fe hiking trails were free!

Read full blog post:   NATURE NIGHT TRAIL IN THE JUNGLE

LOMA GRANDE WATERFALL HIKE

Loma Grande Waterfall near Santa Fe, Veraguas is one of the most spectacular little spots to visit in the region. Not only is this waterfall an epic natural sight but the amphitheater within which it is found is out of this world. Slopes on either side are covered in tropical plants, dripping from the spray of the waterfall. Moss-covered rocks are scattered throughout the stream that leads up to the fall. The best bit, however, is the unexplainable pool of blue water that sits to the side of the waterfall.

Read full blog post:  LOMA GRANDE WATERFALL

LAS GOLONDRINAS WATERFALL

I had heard about this goliath waterfall but never envisioned it to be quite so epic. Las Golondrinas Waterfall is a mammoth falls near Santa Fe, Veraguas. The trek to the falls takes only 20 minutes but leads you through a wonderland of vines and river crossings before revealing the gigantic waterfall.

The trail is very clear to follow and has handrails in some points. However, because of the conditions, it is very muddy and you will get wet and dirty on this trail. If the trail doesn’t get you wet, the river crossing will.

Read full blog post:  LAS GOLONDRINAS WATERFALL TRAIL

EL SALTO DEL LIMON WATERFALL

Multiple streams poured over the edge of the cliff, like lines of tears seeping out of the earth. El Salto del Limon is a beautiful waterfall that has a quiet, peaceful atmosphere rather than an aggressive show of raw power like many of the other waterfalls in Panama.

Read full blog post:  EL SALTO DEL LIMON WATERFALL

LA SILAMPA WATERFALL HIKE

A rocky path carves its way through the rolling hills of Calobre. For an hour of steep trekking, curious hikers can only imagine what paradise may be found at the end of their journey. The trail finally ends, and what is found is truly an oasis, a crystal clear oasis. Flowing down for a river through the mountains, a waterfall cascades into the azure blue water, which then flows into several small lagoons before finally free-falling into another waterfall to disappear into the river below. This my friends is a mountain paradise.

Silampa is one of my favorite places in Panama and it’s the perfect location for an all-day hangout with a packed lunch and good company. The trek is only an hour one-way, which makes it the perfect weekend adventure in Panama.

Read full blog post:  LA SILAMPA WATERFALL HIKE

ISLA ESCUDO DE VERAGUAS CAMPING TRIP

Locals will tell you it is the last frontier or the final hidden paradise in Panama. Escudo de Veraguas means ‘The Shield of Veraguas’ and it is one of the most amazing locations in Central America. It is home to the elusive three-toed pygmy sloth, which at times swims in the crystal clear waters of the mangroves in this tropical island oasis. Escudo de Veraguas is a must-see place in Panama!

SANTA CATALINA

Santa Catalina is the ultimate beach and surf destination in Panama. It’s a bit of a hidden gem but still has a few beautiful resorts and fun hostels to host you while you kick back and enjoy the chill, coastal vibes.

SURF AT LA PUNTA

La Punta has built a reputation as being one of the best waves in Central America because of its year-round offshore and consistency, which is seen almost nowhere else in the region.  It breaks right every day between April and October. With a tide sweeping in and out by quite some distance, surfers wait for high tide to paddle directly out from Hotel Santa Catalina or nearby entrance points.

The most popular section at La Punta surf break is the outside section. It gets dispersed down the long point, especially during high tide. The offshore winds get strong in the afternoon.

LEARN TO SURF AT PLAYA ESTERO

If La Punta break looks a bit too crazy or advanced for you, that is no problem in Santa Catalina. Just down the hill at the other end of the village is Playa Estero. This huge stretch of beach is home to some kinder, rolling waves. These are perfect for beginners of all ages. Kids and first-timers can be seen catching their first-ever waves here all day long.

You can rent a board for $5 right on the beach from local surf vendors who also offer lessons. If you have never surfed before I suggest taking at least a half-hour lesson so you have your feet right and your technique under your belt. Learning to surf is one of the best things to do in Santa Catalina.

Read the full blog post:   7 BEST BEACHES IN SANTA CATALINA

HANG OUT AT PLAYA SANTA CATALINA

Playa Santa Catalina is the second black sand beach of Santa Catalina. It is the hub of activity as it is situated right in the heart of the town. Cafes are situated nearby as well as scuba, kayak and snorkel rental stores.

During the day the beach is a great place to hang out and it never gets too busy. Groups of locals take to the volleyball court in the evening with fun social games that even tourists are welcome to join. Down near the water, the soccer games get into full swing on the slick black sand. I had an epic sunset soccer game and it was one of my favorite things to do in Santa Catalina.

TREK TO PUNTA ROCA

Punta Roca is a little trail that starts at the far-left part of Playa Santa Catalina. It takes you through some farm fields and along the coast for about thirty minutes until you end up at Punta Roca. It is an area along the coastline with lots of tight coves, inlets, and secret beaches. I walked out to Punta Roca once and it was kind of strange. You had to pass through what seemed like private farms but the fences had a little gap made for you to pass through.

The trail wasn’t clear the whole way but I ended up getting there in the end. When I arrived it was a huge storm. I decided to fly back with the drone the next day from Playa Santa Catalina to explore the region from the air. It’s one of the less popular things to do in Santa Catalina but it is an adventure for sure!

SEE THE REFLECTIONS AT LA COQUITA

La Coquita is one of my favorite beaches in Santa Catalina because of the reflections. It reminds me of Bali beaches, which give epic black sand reflections every night. When the sunset gives you some color you want to be at La Coquita.

Because of the huge stretch of sand, it is a popular spot for horseback riding and we even took the cruiser bikes all the way down here. On our visit to La Coquita, we watched an insane storm come straight past us as the horses were riding through. It was a pretty surreal ten minutes and the storm never even touched us. Visiting La Coquita for sunset would have to be one of my favorite things to do in Santa Catalina because of the reflections.

EXPLORE PUNTA BRAVA

If you walk down Playa Estero and then all the way down La Coquita you will then cross over the rocks to Punta Brava. It will take you about thirty or so minutes to complete the walk. It is a very rocky beach and this is evident at low tide. It isn’t at all like Playa Estero or La Coquita when considering how much sandy beach they have. Visiting Punta Brava isn’t one of the popular things to do in Santa Catalina but it’s a great spot to finish a walk from Playa Estero.

At high tide, it is a great surf spot where the waves can grow well beyond 6 feet. There are a right and a left wave. The right can be hollow and the fast left begins to work when there are more than 6 feet of well.

KAYAK TO ISLA CATALINA

Santa Catalina Island or Isla Catalina as it is known locally is a beautiful island sitting just off the coast of Santa Catalina in Veraguas. Snorkeling and a virgin white sand beach are the highlights of the island. You can expect a peaceful afternoon with tourists rarely venturing out to the island. You can either rent a boat to drop you there in a few minutes or head out on a kayak adventure to Santa Catalina Islands as we did. For me, this is one of the best beaches in Santa Catalina if not the best beach. However, it takes some effort to get out there.

The back side of the island is all rocks and the front side is a long sandy beach. It was a great place to grab a tan and hang out in the sun for a while. We explored along the shore keeping our eyes out for a trail we had heard about.

This day was epic and kayaking to Isla Catalina was easily one of the best things to do in Santa Catalina!

Read the full blog post:   KAYAKING TO SANTA CATALINA ISLAND IN PANAMA

TAKE A DAY TRIP TO COIBA NATIONAL PARK

MAKE A DAY TRIP OR STAY OVERNIGHT ON CEBACO ISLAND

Less than an hour away from Santa Catalina by boat is another amazing destination for whale spotting, snorkeling, and island hopping. Cebaco Island is a beautiful palm tree-laden paradise and the best part about it, you will be the only one there!

There is only one hotel on Cebaco Island called  Cebaco Sunrise  and there are less than 300 locals living on the island. I spent 48 hours on Cebaco Island and didn’t see another tourist or even another local. From  Cebaco Sunrise  we were completely isolated in our own little paradise. I walked up and down the coast in solitude, exploring lagoons, waterfalls, and caves. It’s not often you feel like you have an entire island to yourself!

Read the full blog post:   CEBACO ISLAND IN VERAGUAS

PLACES TO VISIT NEAR PANAMA CITY

Panama City isn’t my favorite region in Panama but if you find yourself in the city for a few days, these adventures will keep you busy.

ANCON HILL VIEWPOINT

Ancon Hill is the most popular viewpoint in Panama City, with views over the Panama Canal, city center, and Casco Viejo old town region. The climb up Ancon Hill (Cerro Ancon) in Panama City takes only 30 minutes. The incline is quite steep but it is gradual and on a paved road. This is a leisurely climb suitable for kids, dogs, and hikers of all abilities.

Once you reach the top there are two viewing platforms. Well, there are actually three but only two are legal. The first platform has a bench and a little viewing hut with good views over Casco Viejo old town. The second viewpoint is the most popular with a big seating area and great views back across the city center and the ocean.

READ THE FULL BLOG POST:  ANCON HILL VIEWPOINT

CERRO CEDRO VIEWPOINT

Cerro Cedro is arguably the best viewpoint of Panama City. At just over 500ft above sea-level, you will have great views of Panama City, the business hub of Central America. The part I love about this viewpoint is that you are seemingly in the Jungle staring out at the metropolis through the branches. Howler monkeys scream nearby to confirm that you are indeed in the wild despite your proximity to the urban jungle.

READ FULL BLOG POST :  CERRO CEDRO IN THE METROPOLITAN NATURAL PARK

PLANTATION TRAIL IN SOBERANIA NATIONAL PARK

Panama City can get quite crazy at times amidst the traffic and the urban jungle. However, the beauty of Panama is that you are never far from the jungle or an adventure. Just a 28km drive from Panama City is Soberania National Park. Inside the park, you will find several trails with one of the most popular being the 14km Plantation Trail.

READ THE FULL BLOG POST :  THE PLANTATION TRAIL IN SOBERANIA NATIONAL PARK

JAGUAR FALLS HIKE IN KALU YALA

Jaguar Falls is a beautiful waterhole and waterfall at the end of a 5.3km hike through the jungle. It’s called Jaguar Falls because it is indeed a site where the Jaguar is present at night. It is not known how many but sightings are not uncommon. During the day, however, it is safe to visit Jaguar Falls. There is a great cliff jump of about 8m or even higher at the falls too! This is my favorite hike near Panama City.

READ THE FULL BLOG POST :  JAGUAR FALLS HIKE AT KALU YALA

SAN BLAS ISLANDS

The journey from Colombia to Panama is not a straightforward transit. The dangerous Darien Gap Jungle makes it impossible to pass through overland on a bus or via car. The most common way to reach Panama from Colombia is to fly to Panama City. However, we found that the tickets were $250 USD one way, which is quite expensive given the distance of the flight. The next option is to sail or take a boat from Cartagena to Panama City, which sounded like the most adventurous option. We organized a 3-night/4-day San Blas Islands tour boat trip from Colombia to Panama, which costs $399 USD.

The San Blas Islands were epic. We did some amazing snorkeling, island-hopped, and had some tense beach volleyball games. The nights were spent sleeping in hammocks and the days were spent exploring different islands, meeting the local indigenous tribes, and hanging out at the beautiful beaches.

View the full blog post: SAN BLAS ISLANDS TOUR

BOCAS DEL TORO

Bocas Del Toro is the one destination in Panama other than the city that most travelers do visit. With the promise of tropical conditions, blue waters, sloths, and beaches can you blame them? It’s definitely a beautiful place full of great snorkel spots, empty islands, and beach shack getaways. I spent a few nice days hanging out in Bocas before the bad weather forced me to head to the mountains to go hiking. Bocas Del Toro is one of the most popular places to visit in Panama.

OVER-WATER BUNGALOWS

I don’t travel for luxury villas, but when your villa is over the water that is a really cool feeling. I was lucky enough to shoot for Azul Paradise and enjoy their resort for a few days. It is super expensive at more than $300 per night but some places in the Maldives are $5000 a night so if you do want that over-water experience and luxury getaway you could do it in Bocas Del Toro for much less than other locations around the world.

SPOT A SLOTH

There are many places to spot a sloth in Panama. I saw them on hikes near Panama City and in Campana. However, they are quite common in Bocas Del Toro. We did a little river cruise while on Bastimentos and our guide managed to spot several sloths. They are pretty difficult to spot and don’t move much but you may just get lucky.

ISLAND HOPPING IN BOCAS DEL TORO

You really can’t go wrong with island hopping in Bocas. There are so many trips offered and they all lead to beautiful islands with snorkeling spots. Try Zapatos Island or just ask a local for their favorite spot if you don’t want to join one of the group tours, which is a more economical option.

Wow! You made it this far. I made it this far. That’s it guys, this is my adventure guide to all of the best things to do in Panama. I hoped you enjoyed planning your trip based on some of the spots I visited and of course, I hope you love Panama as much as I do!

HAVE YOU CHECKED OUT MY OTHER PANAMA GUIDES

• 70 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN PANAMA : The ultimate guide to exploring the whole country!
• 26 AMAZING WATERFALLS IN PANAMA : The ultimate guide to waterfall chasing in Panama.
• 6 BEST CLIFF JUMPING SPOTS IN PANAMA : The guide for thrill-seekers and adrenaline hunters.
• 37 AMAZING HIKES IN PANAMA : All of the best hiking trails. Many you’ve never heard of!
• 18 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN BOQUETE : Hiking, waterfalls, and volcanoes.
• 12 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN EL VALLE DE ANTON : My favorite place to base in Panama.
• 10 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SANTA CATALINA : Surf, hike, swim, kayak, and explore.

I hope you enjoy my guides and have a great time exploring Panama!

CONTACT JERRY THE LOCAL GUIDE (MY BEST FRIEND IN PANAMA)

If you need a local guide or are looking for tips to travel through Panama I suggest contacting, Jerry,  one of my best friends from Panama.  He runs group tours to off-the-beaten-path locations like Escudo de Veraguas and Bayano Caves. He is a local, indigenous guide who is incredibly funny, honest, and knows Panama by the back of his hand. We explored all of Cocle together and went on some insane adventures and he became like a brother to me. If you have any questions or want help, tours, guides, or tips he is your man.

• Instagram:  @jerryfit
• WhatsApp:  +507 6153 8924
• Email: [email protected]

BEST INSURANCE FOR TRAVELERS

Don’t wait for an accident to happen… get insured! My travel insurance is HeyMondo which offers low-cost travel & medical insurance. That’s me on the left with three teeth knocked out after a motorbike crash in Bali!

You can click to read my Full Review of the Best Travel Insurance .

I’ve made several successful claims with HeyMondo and find their customer service very quick and helpful. Click the button below to get a 5% DISCOUNT

Saturday 9th of September 2023

what a good blog. thank you!! I got some supplemental info in regards to beaches. https://expat-tations.com/leisure/best-beaches-near-panama-city/ Keep going man!

Monday 31st of July 2023

Hey Jackson, a friend in Cambutal (Sam) recommended you...I'm looking to do some jungle hiking to some obscure falls and also into Darien. I'll becin Panama in September for a couple weeks. You can reach me at [email protected] Cheers!

Thursday 13th of October 2022

Hi! I loved all the places you are sharing. Actually know i really want to go to Panama and explore all the waterfalls. I'm a solo traveler and I'm worried that all this treks is better to do it with someone, isn't it? Do you recomend to do the treks alone?

Thank you very much

Thursday 10th of February 2022

Love this blog post! I just spent a month in Panamá as my partner is from there. Great to see all these amazing places. How can I follow you? Do you have IG? Cheers, Deon

Friday 28th of January 2022

Hi Jackson Great post of Panama!!!!! Can I share this with my travelers friends?

11 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Panama

Written by Lana Law Updated May 11, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Lana Law loves exploring the islands, beaches, and history of Panama.

Panama's small geographic area packs in a diverse range of landscapes, interesting towns and cities, and a myriad of vacation possibilities. Beautiful beaches and islands can be found along both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, and the mountainous interior is home to coffee plantations, small towns, waterfalls, wildlife, and some wonderful hiking trails.

In Panama City, you'll find a modern metropolis with shopping, dining, and an assortment of tourist attractions and things to do, including the country's most famous site, the Panama Canal.

Most first-time visitors head to Casco Viejo, the Old Town, to soak up the atmosphere and see a little of the city's history. But for most visitors, Panama City is just a starting point before they head out on adventures to other parts of the country.

For ideas to help plan which places to visit on your trip, see our list of things to do in Panama.

1. See Ships Transiting through the Panama Canal

2. surf, dive & soak up the beaches of bocas del toro, 3. watch the sun go down on the sunset coast, 4. hiking & nature in boquete, 5. wander the narrow streets of casco viejo in panama city, 6. escape to the san blas islands, 7. surf at santa catalina & day trip to parque nacional coiba, 8. swim in the river at los cangilones, 9. kitesurf at punta chame, 10. enjoy a beach vacation at playa coronado, 11. get off the beaten path in santa fe and san francisco, map of attractions & things to do in panama, tips for renting a car & driving in panama, best time to visit panama.

Highlight : Massive ships piled high with colorful containers moving slowly through the locks

Panama's most famous attraction is by far the Panama Canal, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Watching a massive ship, piled high with colorful containers, gliding quietly into the locks reveals the true enormity of this great feat of engineering. Taking a boat tour through the canal gives you even more perspective.

If you want to simply see the Panama Canal, the best place to do this is at the Miraflores Locks , about 25 minutes from downtown Panama City. You can see the canal from the five-story visitor center, complete with a small museum, a restaurant, and an IMAX theater in a separate building.

Highlights : Wonderful beaches, unique townsite, and cheap accommodations

Bocas del Toro is Panama's main beach destination in the Caribbean. This collection of low-lying tropical islands, not far from the border with Costa Rica, is known for its outstanding soft-sand beaches lapped by crystal-clear, azure-colored waters.

The atmosphere here is beyond relaxed, with many young travelers coming to the area and, in some cases, staying for months or years. Things to do in Bocas del Toro include surfing, swimming, diving, or just lazing on the beach. Activities are generally cheap.

Although you can find luxury resorts with infinity pools, this is a budget-friendly destination, frequented by mainly singles or couples. The main town, also called Bocas del Toro or simply Bocas Town, is located on Isla Colon .

The town itself is not known for beaches, but you can find lovely stretches of sand on other parts of the island or by taking a boat to nearby islands. Some of the most popular are Bluff Beach, Starfish Beach, and Red Frog Beach.

Bocas del Toro has an airport on Isla Colon, which is how many travelers get to the islands. If you are exploring Panama by car or public transport, most people come here after a stop in Boquete. From Boquete, you can drive about 3.5 hours over the mountains to the town of Almirante, and from here, take a 25-minute boat ride to the town of Bocas del Toro.

Boat trip pricing is set by the government, and all boats charge the same amount. Parking in Almirante is safe and not expensive. Don't worry about finding the parking lots, touts will flag you down and direct you to their preferred lot, thereby earning themselves a small commission. This is a good investment if you are not familiar with the town.

Highlights : A low-key destination away from the crowds, stunning beaches

One of the very few places in Panama where you can watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean, the Sunset Coast is an undiscovered area with small towns, wide open beaches, and a small number of lodges and inns where you can get away from the tourist scene.

This is rural Panama, home to rolling hills, small villages, family farms, and huge beaches lined by palms and forests. Foreign tourists are not plentiful the way they are in other areas of the country, and many of the visitors are Panamanian. The road down to the Sunset Coast from the Pan-American Highway is twisty and has a few potholes to dodge, but every mile takes you further off the beaten track.

This area is also popular with surfers. The wide-open beaches take the brunt of the Pacific Ocean rollers, and it's rare that you'll need to share a wave. If you want a beach all to yourself, this is the place to come.

Highlights : Waterfalls, hummingbirds, coffee plantations, hiking trails through the mountains

The mountain town of Boquete has a wonderful climate, where you can escape the sometimes oppressive heat of the coast and lower areas. The town is relaxed and safe, catering to expats and people escaping the winters in northern climates, and local Panamanians looking for a weekend getaway.

Some of the appeal here is the variety of good restaurants, as well as a mix of quality hotels and luxury inns. It's also one of Panama's most important coffee-growing areas, and known as a hot spot for nature and wildlife, particularly hiking and birdwatching.

Having a vehicle here is quite handy for touring the surrounding mountains and reaching trailheads and nearby sites, but you can also arrange tours with transportation to the coffee plantations.

One of the best short drives in Panama leaves from the outskirts of Boquete. This scenic loop of about 15 miles passes the main hiking trails, a beautiful river, an abandoned castle, and waterfalls. The road also provides amazing views down the valley and up the slopes of Volcan Baru.

Along the loop is Finca Lerida Lodge , with an outstanding restaurant. It's also one of the best places to visit to see birds in the area. This makes a nice lunch stop, where you can watch the non-stop hummingbird action.

Serious hikers can arrange to hike up the Baru volcano, leaving in the wee hours of the morning with a guide to be at the summit for sunrise. You can also tackle hikes like the popular Quetzal Trail (Sendero Los Quetzales), leaving from nearby Volcan Baru National Park, or one of several waterfall hikes off the loop road.

If you want to experience a little nature here without leaving Boquete, plan a stay at the quaint Boquete Garden Inn and enjoy breakfast outside while you watch the colorful birds dining at the feeders.

Highlights : A compact area of restored 18th and 19th-century buildings, good dining options

History surrounds you as you stroll through the narrow streets of Casco Viejo, also known as the Old Town. See colorful buildings, historic ruins, and great views out over the bay towards the gleaming towers of modern Panama City. This area is compact, and all the sights are within an easy stroll of one another.

In the evening, the buildings and ruins are creatively lit up, and restaurants set up tables and chairs on the sidewalks. Casco Viejo is ideal for a romantic getaway, with boutique hotels located in restored buildings dating from the 18th or 19th century.

Highlights : Beautiful tropical islands best visited via luxury sailing charters

If you truly want to get off the beaten track and have a taste of adventure, a trip to the San Blas Islands might be just what you're looking for. Postcard-perfect islands with palm trees and crystal-clear water gently lapping the white-sand beaches are what this area is all about.

The most luxurious way to explore these islands is on a sailboat charter. Your captain will chart a course through this spectacular region, stopping at unbelievably beautiful spots. The boats are luxury catamarans, and cruises are anywhere from three to 21 days in length. All meals and beverages are included, and dining under the stars while the waves gently rock the boat is sublime.

If your budget doesn't allow for a crewed catamaran, economical options are available. However, you need to be prepared to bring out your inner Robinson Crusoe, as the accommodations are generally on the rustic side.

The only way to stay on these idyllic islands is to book a package with the local indigenous Guna people, which includes transport to, from, and around the islands, very rustic accommodation (no A/C), and three basic meals a day. This is a totally off-the-grid type of trip, so prepare accordingly, physically and mentally.

Highlights : Fun and funky town with a chill vibe, whale sharks off of Isla Coiba

One of Panama's top surf destinations on the Pacific Coast is Santa Catalina. This small but growing town has a laid-back surfer feeling about it. Small guesthouses and hotels, and funky restaurants, force you to slow down and relax.

If you aren't here to surf, great snorkeling and scuba diving spots are nearby, and horseback tours through the surrounding countryside are good options for those not interested in getting wet.

One of Santa Catalina's main draws is Isla Coiba . This lush island, now Coiba National Park , is almost untouched and is considered a biodiversity hot spot, with close to 200 bird species, crocodiles, turtles, and snakes.

Scuba diving here is very popular due to the enormous whale sharks that frequent the area. These gentle giants are curious creatures and enjoy interacting with divers. Tours to Isla Coiba can be arranged in Santa Catalina.

Highlights: A chance to hang with the locals and to practice your cliff jumping

One of the most fun things to do near Boquete is to visit the local swimming hole at Los Cangilones. Set at a lower elevation than Boquete, the climate here is much warmer, and on hot days, you'll find a fun scene, complete with music, barbecues, and food vendors. Panamanian families come from far and wide to splash and jump into the cool river water.

In this unique geological place, the river narrows into a gorge before opening up again in a shallow pool at the bottom. Daring adults and older kids jump off the edges into the slowly moving waters and then float down to the bottom, climb out, and do it all over again.

Youngsters and visitors who are looking for something a little milder can wade into the shallow waters where the gorge opens up. The walls vary in height, so it depends on how brave you are and how high you want to go.

Don't be deceived, the walls are actually quite a bit higher than you may think. The clear water below distorts your height reckoning. Fortunately, lifeguards are on duty and keep a close eye to make sure the jumpers resurface.

There is a small fee to enter the park, and it is a short walk from the parking areas down to the river.

Highlights : Shallow water, massive beach, consistent wind perfect for kiteboarding

Although it's not on most travelers' itineraries, Punta Chame is home to one of the nicest beaches in Panama and it's also the best place for kiteboarding in the country. Set on a peninsula jutting out into the Pacific Ocean, this area is literally all about the beach.

The seemingly endless stretch of sand here is wide, and the water, warm and shallow. This gives kiters who are learning the distinct advantage of being able to stand up in the water to collect themselves as they work with their kite.

The winds are side onshore and quite consistent from December to April, which is Panama's dry season. Several kite schools offer lessons, including Machete Kite and Kitesurf Panama, located at opposite ends of the beach.

Punta Chame is about 1.5 hours from Panama City , and about 20 minutes from the town of Chame, along the Pan-American Highway. You can find good accommodation in small luxury beachfront hotels, or, if you are looking for cheap accommodation, several hostels are available in town.

Punta Chame has an end-of-the-world type feel, and this is not the place to come for nightlife. All of the action is focused on the beach and kitesurfing and for most people, this is the entire reason for visiting.

Highlights : A long stretch of uncrowded sand, hot temperatures and sunny skies, golfing

If all you want to do in Panama is hit the beach and relax in comfort, Playa Coronado is a perfect spot. The beaches here stretch for miles and are an interesting mix of sparkling black and gold sand.

American chain restaurants and a large mall provide the touches of home that many of the retirees escaping cold northern winters appreciate. The water is not blue here, but more of a grey/green color; swimmers should be cautious of the large waves.

Playa Coronado also has some good beachfront hotels and some delightfully romantic B&Bs, although a majority of the accommodation is private homes or condos. Due to the geography of Panama, Playa Coronado is one of the hottest places in Panama during the dry season.

Highlights : Waterfalls, hiking trails, historic churches, a cooler climate

A couple of hours east of Panama City, you'll find the turnoff for the towns of Santa Fe and San Francisco. This turn takes you away from the coast and into the mountains, ultimately ending at Santa Fe National Park . This is a relatively undiscovered area of Panama and perfect for people who want to get off the beaten path.

On the road to Santa Fe, you'll come across San Francisco , an unassuming town with a pleasant main square and one of the oldest churches in the country, Iglesia de San Francisco de la Montana, dating from 1727 . This photogenic church is open each day until 4pm, but closed over the lunch hour.

Just down the road about a mile is a secret swimming spot, Balneario El Salto . Here, the water cascades over rocks into a shallow natural pool, and swimmers come with their inflatable donuts and other toys to escape the heat on hot days.

Farther up the road, Santa Fe is a small friendly town in the mountains with some of the same features as Boquete, except in a much smaller and less developed way. Hiking, birding, coffee plantation tours, river tubing, and 4x4 driving in the national park are popular activities, which can be easily arranged.

You won't find the great selection of restaurants as you will in Boquete, but you are more likely to have personal experiences with local proprietors as you dine in their small establishments. Speaking Spanish is a real advantage here, as English is not widely spoken.

Santa Fe is located at an elevation of 1,500 feet, so it has a cooler climate than lower areas and can feel like a refreshing treat if you are coming from the coast. Be aware that on Tuesdays almost all the restaurants are closed, and from 3-6pm every day, a small no-see-um type insect comes out and feasts on exposed skin. The bites don't hurt but do produce plentiful red spots that fade by morning.

Roads in Panama are generally in good condition and, except for Panama City, where traffic can be horrendous, driving is easy. Due to the fact that there is only one major highway, the Pan-American, which runs the length of the country, destinations are generally easy to find. The main secondary highways branch off from this main artery. Potholes can be a problem on secondary roads and can come up surprisingly quickly.

Speeders beware! Police with radar guns are a very frequent occurrence along the Pan-American highway. Speed limit changes are frequent, and it's easy to find yourself going too fast.

If you are looking to do a driving tour around Panama, you can easily rent a car in Panama City. Prices are usually better at locations in the city, rather than the airport.

Drive time from Panama City to Boquete is about 6.5 hours, but depends on traffic, particularly in Panama City. From Boquete to Almirante, where you can catch a boat to Bocas del Toro, is approximately 3.5 hours.

The best time to visit Panama is in the winter through to early spring, namely December, January, February, March, and April. At this time of year, the country is at its driest, the sun beats down with a fierce intensity, and the beaches are very, very inviting.

It's hot at this time — not just a little bit hot, but a lot hot! Daytime temperatures along the Pacific coast are in the low 30s Celsius and can easily rise well above that figure, with a strong easterly wind. Although it's hot, it's also when the Panamanians enjoy most of their festivals and religious holidays.

The months of May, June, July, August, September, October, and November are considered the rainy season, and although the average temperature only dips slightly, you'll find intense humidity and it pours rain most afternoons. You'll certainly be warm, but you'll also get wet.

On the Caribbean coast it's always warm and humid, and always slightly wet no matter the month you choose to visit.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Panama City: While most people use Panama City as a jumping-off point for their trip through Panama, not everyone takes the time to see the sites and appreciate what this city has to offer. If you decide to spend some time here, see our article on the Top Attractions & Things to Do in Panama City .

Costa Rica and Colombia: On either side of Panama are destinations worth visiting. If you want to truly experience the wildlife and natural beauty of Central America, don't miss an opportunity to explore the sites of Costa Rica , Panama's neighbor to the north. At the other end of Panama is Colombia , another destination you'll want to add to your bucket list. From Panama City, direct flights run regularly to Cartagena , one of the most beautiful colonial cities in the Americas.

More on Costa Rica

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

15 Top Tourist Attractions in Panama

By Mike Kaplan · Last updated on May 4, 2024

While visitors to Panama may come for the Panama Canal, they stay for everything else. Known as the “Crossroads of the Americas,” Panama is not only the geographical point where North America meets South America but also where the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans meet in the country’s famed canal.

Not only is the country known for its miles of coastlines and beaches, but it’s also home to active volcanoes, tropical jungles, cascading waterfalls, and mountainous highlands.

In addition to these spectacular tourist attractions, Panama has a vibrant culture that’s an electrifying mix of cosmopolitan growth and indigenous traditions. From the historic old towns to the rural villages, it’s easy to get lost in the unique atmosphere that surrounds the region. If you’re looking for a country that’s overflowing in natural beauty and influenced by centuries of ancient cultures, then look no further than these things to do in Panama!

15. Gulf of Chiriqui National Marine Park

Stretching down the Pacific coast of Panama is the Gulf of Chiriqui National Marine Park. With a mix of sun-soaked beaches, turquoise waters, and rugged forests, this unspoiled natural wonder is an outdoor enthusiasts dream.

You’ll have a world of activities at your fingertips, including snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and swimming. In addition, the national park is teeming with wildlife. Besides howler monkeys and green turtles, you’ll also get the chance to see humpback whales, dolphins, and manta rays beneath the ocean’s surface.

14. Amador Causeway

There’s always something happening on the bustling Amador Causeway. This 3.5-mile promenade snakes through the Panama Canal and connects the four main Causeway Islands to the mainland.

Not only will you be surrounded by gourmet restaurants and world-class museums, but you’ll also get to enjoy some of the best views of the Panama Canal and the Pacific Ocean. If you’re looking to burn a few calories during your trip, you can also take advantage of the provided bicycling and jogging path.

13. Soberania National Park

The lush, tropical atmosphere of Soberania National Park makes it one of the best natural attractions in Panama. Located on the banks of the Panama Canal, this rainforest is one of the best places in the world for birdwatching. In total, the park is home to over 500 different bird species, as well as over 100 different types of mammals.

Besides wildlife, you’ll also have the chance to visit the Embera Indians, one of the last remaining tribes in Panama. They welcome visitors to their village to learn more about their traditions and authentic, rural lifestyle.

12. Surfing in Santa Catalina

The charming fishing village of Santa Catalina is a surfer’s dream. The perfect barreling waves and easy to access surf break make it an ideal place for beginners as well as advanced surfers. Punta Brava and San Pedrillo boast powerful left and right breaks, while the calm waters at El Estero are great for first-timers.

Although it’s considered to be the best surfing destination in Central America , its remote location means it’s relatively untouched by mass tourism. Even if you surf, you can still enjoy the relaxing beaches and breathtaking landscape.

11. Darien National Park

No trip to Panama would be complete without a visit to Darien National Park. Connecting the two continents of North and South America , this national park is one of the few places where you can experience multiple ecosystems and habitats in one place. Here, you can trek through mangrove forests, hike along rocky coastlines, and explore dense tropical jungles.

Besides the diverse array of habitats, Darien National Park is also home to an abundance of wildlife. Spider monkeys, giant anteaters, jaguars, and even the endangered Central American Tapirs all roam wild through the park.

The colorful island of Taboga is one of Panama’s most beloved gems. From the green rolling hills to the white-sandy coastline, Taboga attracts visitors looking for a blissful escape from the mainland.

Spend the day wandering through the pastel-colored village, or trek up the Cerro de la Cruz summit for dramatic views over the entire Gulf of Panama. If you’re looking for a bit of relaxation, you can also chill underneath the swaying palms or treat yourself to a tropical drink at one of the many beach bars.

9. Coffee Tasting in Boquete

Get your caffeine fix with a visit to the mountainous town of Boquete. Located in the highlands next to the ominous Baru Volcano, Boquete has fertile soil, making it ideal for growing coffee. During your visit, you’ll find dozens of plantations and farms where you can sample this flavorful, award-winning bean.

Don Pachi, Hacienda La Esmeralda, and Finca Lerida are just a few of the must-see plantations and farms. If you’re lucky, you might also get to sample the rare Esmeralda coffee beans. Selling for an astounding $140 per pound, Esmeralda coffee is the rarest and most expensive bean in the world!

8. Pearl Islands

Situated off the coast of Panama are the Pearl Islands. Although there are over 250 islands in total, most tourists choose to spend their time on Contadora or Isla Sabago. The majority of the islands are unnamed and uninhabited.

Although many people come for a bit of sun and relaxation, the Pearl Islands offer plenty of outdoor activities. Thanks to the cobalt blue waters and tropical marine life, snorkeling and diving are two of the most popular activities. Whale watching around the islands is also a possibility, especially during the breeding season.

7. El Valle

The El Valle volcano sits along the Central American Volcanic Arc in the center of Panama. It has been over 200,000 years since its last eruption, making it a safe and popular place for hiking, walking, and horseback riding.

In the heart of the volcano’s crater is the El Valle de Anton, a popular vacation spot for locals and tourists alike. This small town caters to both city dwellers and nature lovers. Besides exploring the volcano’s hiking trails and waterfalls, you can also visit the town farmers market, geological museum, and butterfly house.

6. Volcan Barú

Easily one of Panama’s most recognizable landmarks, Volcan Barú looms over mountainous highlands in the North. At 11,401-feet high, the active Volcan Barú is the tallest mountain in all of Panama.

There are numerous hiking trails along the sides of the volcano. One of the most popular things to do in Panama is hike the leisurely Los Senderos Quetzales trail, as it gives hikers the opportunity to spot the rare and colorful Quetzal bird. However, if you’re up for the challenge, it’s also possible to trek to the summit of Volcan Barú. From the top, you’ll have panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean as well as the Caribbean Sea.

5. Coiba Island

The rural Coiba Island is located off the northwestern coast of Panama. Not only is it Central America’s largest island, but it’s also part of the Coiba National Park. Between the uninhabited beaches and the colorful coral reefs, it’s one of the best natural attractions in the country.

Scuba diving and fishing are two of the most popular activities to do around Coiba Island. The ocean is teeming with tropical fish and vibrant sea life, which can easily be seen through the translucently clear waters. Since it’s protected by the Gulf of Chiriqui, Coiba Island is also a safe haven for humpback whales, sea turtles, dolphins, and marlins.

4. Bocas del Toro

The fascinating Bocas del Toro archipelago has it all. The nine different islands are home to two national parks, multiple white-sand beaches, colorful Caribbean style houses, and friendly locals. No matter what you’re interested in seeing, Bocas del Toro has plenty of things to do.

Spend the day soaking up the sun on Starfish Beach, or marvel at rare, tropical birds on Bird Island. If you’re looking for something more cultural, you can simply wander through the charming town of Bocas, mingling with the locals and enjoy the laid-back Caribbean vibes.

3. Guna Yala Islands

Beauty and culture collide on the islands of Guna Yala. Comprised of 365 individual islands, Guna Yala (formerly known as San Blas) caters to travelers interested in beaches, hiking, wildlife viewing, and snorkeling. Only 40 islands are inhabited, mainly by indigenous people known as Gunas.

Although many people just visit the islands on a day trip, it’s also possible to spend the night. You’ll find ecolodges and rural cabanas that are privately owned by the Gunas themselves. For a truly authentic experience, consider staying in one of the hand-built thatched cottages in the jungle.

2. Casco Viejo

Despite its small size, the historic Casco Viejo is easily one of the most unique neighborhoods in Panama City . Covering just four avenues, Casco Viejo is lined with colonial houses, top-of-the-line coffee shops, and tropical-themed bars.

As you wander through the narrow brick alleys, you’ll encounter beautifully preserved buildings dating back to the 16th and 17th-centuries. Take a peek inside the Catedral Metropolitana, which is located next to the central Plaza de la Independencia. You can also visit the ruins of the Arco Chato church, admire the artwork at the Museum of Religious Art, or catch a show at the grand National Theater.

1. Panama Canal

Flowing 51-miles through the center of the country, the Panama Canal connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific ocean using a series of canal locks. This human-made waterway was built in the early 1900s and is considered to be one of the most complex engineering projects of the last 150 years.

If you’re planning a visit to the Panama Canal, then make sure to stop by the Miraflores locks. Here, you’ll find a museum, restaurant, and viewing platform that offers a birds-eye view of the canal. The best time to visit is before 11 am, where you’ll see cargo ships and boats passing through the locks.

Map of Things to Do in Panama

Share this post:

10 Best Places to Visit in Panama

13 Beautiful Provinces & Regions in Panama

10 Most Beautiful Islands in Panama

10 Best Places to Visit in Central America

7 Best Day Trips From Panama City

18 Best Things to do in Panama City

21 Best Places to Visit in South America

10 Best Places to Visit in Mongolia

10 Best Countries to Visit in Africa

15 Best Things to Do in the Seychelles

Reader interactions.

August 31, 2019 at 6:16 pm

My wife and I went this July for our wedding anniversary to Panama we had an awesome time. The Panama Canal is one of the best experience to do. But my favorites is Monkey Island. Those monkeys are so cute and adorable not to mention hilarious

June 7, 2017 at 10:27 am

@Kristin from MN, I have not taken a ferry to those places but I do know that motion sickness can occur when move in anything that can rock around or shake.

September 29, 2014 at 11:35 am

Has anyone taken the ferry to the Pearl Islands or the boat to San Blas? We will be there this winter. I want to go to both of those places, but I’m very prone to motion sickness. Have you heard if people that suffer motion sickness tend to get sick on the ferry/boat rides to these islands? Thanks!

August 7, 2014 at 6:53 pm

So for someone who is from the Caribbean where sun, sea and sand is an everyday occurence, is there anything else to see besides the Panama canal?

August 8, 2014 at 1:46 am

@Summer, you could visit Casco Viejo in Panama City, soak in the hot springs in Boquete, hike Volcan Baru, see also https://www.touropia.com/best-places-to-visit-in-panama/

March 10, 2014 at 10:48 pm

Pearl Islands It’s so beautiful!

January 26, 2014 at 10:45 am

I would love to visit the Sab Blas Islands! It’s so beautiful!

January 14, 2014 at 7:25 am

Hi everyone, If you are with family wanting to spend a day out on a sailing boat and spend the day at isla de Taboga, I know a great deal (55$/pers i think) lunch and drinks included!

January 7, 2014 at 1:55 am

Santa Catalina,Pearl islands and Volcan Baru are most attractive places in panama. I decided whenever i have one week vacation, Really wanna to visit these places..

December 17, 2013 at 7:04 pm

I’ve been guiding tours in Panama the last two years, and yes! This is a real top list of hot places to visit in Panama. I do recommend diving, snorkeling, fishing, trekking and hiking activities. You’ll find adventurous spots at the capital, Panama city, and into the all country.

Thanks for sharing quality info!

November 18, 2013 at 5:10 pm

i’m going there soon! Its seems beautiful

July 6, 2013 at 1:32 pm

i live in panama

September 18, 2012 at 4:50 am

It’s a toss up between Panama and Cuba for my next big trip – I think Cuba’s winning though. Is Panama just lots of beaches?

August 14, 2012 at 2:05 pm

I remember visiting Panama about 5 years ago and was one of the most beautiful places to visit.

July 24, 2012 at 9:44 am

I would like to visit one of the tiny San Blas Islands and experience loneliness like Robinson Crusoe.

May 26, 2012 at 12:05 am

You are covering all the beautiful places of central America and best part of this that you are also providing brief description of all the places.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Heart My Backpack uses affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission.

41 Things to Do in Panama + 3 Things NOT to Do

May 22, 2023 by Silvia 25 Comments

My top tips for things to do in Panama:

My friend Rachel and I were chatting about our summer plans and when we realized we both had the same two weeks in August free Rachel suggested we visit Panama together!

Neither of us had been to Central America before so we were super excited to get to explore a new region, but also at a bit of a loss as to where we should actually go. In the end we opted for Panama, and I’m so glad we did because I can’t imagine a better introduction to Central America.

Basically we wanted to go somewhere with lots of beautiful nature, fun towns and cities, cute boutique hotels, and a good variety of things to do so we didn’t get bored over the two weeks. And Panama totally delivered.

Now, as we’re both full time travel bloggers, Rachel and I are both  super into travel planning. You should have seen the spreadsheets and Google docs that went into planning this Panama trip. It was a little over the top, to say the least. I probably spent more time researching the best things to do in Panama and the best places to visit in Panama than I actually did, well,  in  Panama.

We drafted so many different Panama itinerary possibilities and it seemed like as soon as we had decided where to go in Panama we were discovering another cool place to go. But in the end we did manage to narrow down a two week Panama itinerary that I LOVED.

It’s just such an amazing country, and really made for the best experience in Central America.

So, if you want to fall in love with Panama too, here are my top choices to do in Panama:

Table of Contents

Visit Panama City

I spent four days in Panama City and absolutely loved it, so you definitely shouldn’t skip it! In fact we had originally planned to stay in Panama City for three days but we loved it so much once we arrived that we extended our stay for an extra day.

I had expected Panama City to just be the necessary starting point for our trip, but actually the city ended up being a highlight of my entire time in Panama. It’s a beautiful and diverse city with so much going on, and I feel like I could have spent an entire week there exploring.

Here are some things to do in Panama City, Panama (and you can simply scroll down past the stars for things to do in Panama outside of Panama City)

 ★ The Panama Canal

Okay, you guys know I’m not usually one for museums and historic sites, but I was super excited to get to see the Panama Canal in real life! And while I had a sneaking suspicion the canal would be underwhelming in person, it actually was really cool and one of the highlights of my time in Panama City.

You might remember from your middle school history class, but the Panama Canal was an enormous project – in fact it was started several times before they actually figured out how to complete it. And it’s had a great impact on the country. The Panama Canal museum goes into all the history of the project, and then you can go outside and watch the canal in action.

★ Get lost in Casco Viejo

I really enjoyed Panama City and could have happily spent more than just four days there, and my favorite area was definitely Casco Viejo.

This area used to be really run down, but now Panama City is investing a lot in it and a lot of the old buildings have been refurbished and transformed into boutique hotels, stylish cafes and restaurants, and beautiful little shops.

I asked a local what he thought about Casco Viejo’s transformation and he said that while in a way it’s a bit sad to see the area change, the revitalization has thankfully had a really positive impact on locals and it’s great to have an area that has such tourist appeal as well.

Plus Casco Viejo is simply the best place for a photoshoot! I mean, you can’t expect two bloggers to go anywhere without taking an embarrassing number of photos for Instagram. What can I say?

★ Stay at a really unique boutique hotel in Panama City

I split my time between two gorgeous hotels in Panama City, and I really couldn’t say which I enjoyed more!

First I stayed at the American Trade Hotel , which was the perfect luxury hotel experience in the heart of Casco Viejo. The rooms were beautiful and the breakfast delicious, and I sort of felt like I was on a movie set. You can read more about my stay at the American Trade hotel here .

And then for my final two nights in Panama City I stayed at Las Clementinas , which has beautiful apartments. It was so fun getting to pretend like I was a local in Casco Viejo, and they had so many lovely touches like filling my fridge with breakfast treats. You can read more about my stay at Las Celementinas here .

★ Have lunch at El Trapiche

One of the best meals I had in Panama was at El Trapiche in the city center. I loved that it’s in a less touristy area of the city, but still super easy to get to (our taxi driver knew the name of the restaurant so we didn’t need to bother with directions).

This also felt like the most authentically Panamanian food in Panama City, and our waiter was really friendly and gave us some other recommendations for what to do in Panama City. Definitely stop by and try one of their sandwiches if you get the chance!

★ Have lunch at Super Gourmet in Casco Viejo

Super Gourmet is like an American style deli with a Panamanian twist. Another place well worth checking out for lunch! We both had sandwiches and ordered some cookies for takeaway, because who can resist a good old fashioned chocolate chip cookie? Definitely not me.

Granted this place was full of Americans when I visited, so you might not be getting the most “authentic” experience here. But hey, I don’t live in the US and really miss American food, so I really loved feeling like I was back home in Massachusetts for half an hour!

★ Sample the chocolate at Oro Moreno Tropical Chocolate Cafe

This is another lovely place to visit in Casco Viejo, where they make their own chocolate. They use local flavors and I seriously could have spent all afternoon sampling their amazing chocolates. You can also stay a while and get a coffee or hot chocolate to drink here.

This would also be a great place to pick up some gifts for people back home – as long as this is the end of your trip, as those chocolates will definitely be melting when you’re in San Blas.

★ Visit the golden altar at the Church of San Jose

If you visit you can read about the altar’s interesting history (which I won’t spoil here!), plus it’s right in Casco Viejo so there’s really no reason not to pop in to see it. You only really need five minutes to check out the altar, so pop in and get a quick taste of Panama’s history.

★ Have a drink at a rooftop bar in Casco Viejo

There are so many lovely rooftop bars to choose from in Casco Viejo, and they have the best views! I went to Barlovento which had a really nice vibrant yet laidback vibe. It’s definitely a backpacker hub so a great place to meet people – but don’t worry, the feel isn’t  too young. I’m in my 30s and didn’t feel too old there (unlike some other Panama City bars haha).

★ Take a walking tour of Panama City

I’m not usually one for walking tours, but Rachel loves them so she signed us up for the PTY Life Panama Detour . And it totally won me over!

We spent five hours exploring Joey’s favorite areas, stopping at food trucks, using public transport, and having cocktails at a rooftop bar. It was a great intro not just to Panama City, but to Panama as a whole, and it was really interesting to get an American expat’s perspective on the city and country.

★ Have a drink at the top of the W Hotel

I know I said to have a drink at a rooftop bar in Casco Viejo, but as part of our walking tour we also stopped at the W Hotel’s rooftop bar, which is in the new part of the city, and it was really cool to see the contrast! There’s a pool up there and it’s just a great place to hang out away from the bustle of the city below.

It’s also a bit more of a sophisticated crowd, if that’s what you’re looking for. Feel free to wear your prettiest cocktail dress here!

★ Ride the subway

And this is another thing we did on the walking tour. Panama City’s subway is actually pretty easy to navigate, it’s clean, tickets are like 30 cents and I always find riding public transport is a great way to get a feel for a new city. Just maybe try to avoid rush hour, as it can get pretty crowded.

★ Visit the Santa Ana market

If you head towards the Avenida Central from Casco Viejo you’ll get to Santa Ana, and right next to the church you’ll see a little covered market. Here you can find local handicrafts at local prices – way better than the fancier tourist boutiques in town.

We tried on local sandals, hats, and jewelry and it was such a fun way to get to know the local culture here a bit better.

★ Buy a real Panama hat

You know the iconic Panama hat that President Roosevelt made famous at the opening of the Panama Canal? Well, it’s actually from Ecuador.

If you want a real Panama hat you’ll need to go to a local market (like the Santa Ana market mentioned above) and look for a straw hat with black stripes. I think they’re actually cuter, plus Panamanians will get excited to see you sporting a real Panama hat, so it’s a great way to make friends!

★ Get a sim card on Avenida Central

I know a lot of people prefer to disconnect while traveling, but if you’re not one of those people, it’s super easy to buy a sim card in Panama City. Though if you don’t want to bring along your passport to register the new sim card, just buy one from one of the many phone shops along Avenida Central.

They don’t register them here, and a Digicel sim card will cost you $1. Then I paid $5 for each week I wanted service for, which gave me unlimited data (!!). So for $11 I got a sim card with unlimited data that I could use for two weeks in Panama. I had pretty good service too – it was only on San Blas that I lost connection.

★ Stop by Cafe Coca Cola

Apparently this diner has been around so long that Coca Cola doesn’t mind that it’s borrowed their name.

★ Have lunch at Mahalo

This Hawaiian themed restaurant in Casco Viejo is super cute, plus the food was pretty good too! I had a hummus platter (I can’t get good hummus in Norway!) and Rachel had a curry. Definitely check out Mahalo if you’re in need of a meal. The greenery and tikka bar also make the perfect backdrop from and Instagram post, just saying.

★ Take an eco adventure through the Gamboa Rainforest

Did you know that Panama City is on the edge of a rainforest? You can take a day tour like this one through the rainforest to see some exciting wildlife, or this aerial tram tour through the rainforest. I didn’t actually have time to do this, but I really regret not seeing a bit of Panama’s rainforest, so it will be at the top of my list the next time I visit Panama.

★ Visit an Embera Village

I’m not really one for village tours as they tend to make me feel a little uncomfortable, but if you’re interested you can take a day trip out to a traditional Embera village, including a canoe ride up a river and a walk to a jungle waterfall. You can book a tour here .

Visit the San Blas Islands

Over my travels through some eighty countries around the world, I haven’t come across many places that look as picture-perfectly like paradise as the San Blas islands. In fact I think the only place that could maybe rival it was my boat trip island hopping through Indonesia, and then I was sort of really lucky my boat didn’t sink so… if you’re looking for a safer journey to paradise, San Blas is perfect!

I’ve also written a whole blog post about my three days sailing in San Blas , including everything you need to know when planning a trip to San Blas. I found the process of planning our trip there quite confusing as there was a lot of conflicting information online, so here I’ve tried to break it down for you, because actually getting to San Blas is really simple.

I definitely think that sailing on a private catamaran is the best way to see San Blas, so if you’re looking for something to splurge on for your trip to Panama, this is it. I mean, when else are you going to be able to sail through paradise on your own private catamaran? Unless that’s the sort of life you already lead, in which case I’m jealous tell me your secrets!

And on that note, if you only have time to visit one place in Panama, I’d choose San Blas. It’s just so unique and I’m already dreaming of returning one day. The beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world, and the culture is so relaxed and calming.

I also loved getting away from cell signal for a few days and totally unwinding without worrying about my emails and work obligations. Because I’m totally the type of person who would book a relaxing holiday at a resort and then spend my time lying on the beach checking my phone every twenty minutes. So bad! So if I really want to disconnect and truly relax, I need to get somewhere where I can’t even check my phone – and for me San Blas was that place.

Talk to locals

I was a little nervous about my lack of Spanish skills (or more like guilty – what American doesn’t speak any Spanish??), but everyone I met in Panama was so laidback and friendly that communication was never a problem. Most people spoke really good English, and it turns out Spanish is kind of just a better enunciated version of French/Latin – who knew? (Everyone knew.)

And the people in Panama really are so nice. They’re clearly proud of where they come from and were always eager to hear where else we had visited and what we thought about the country. Like, I’m getting a huge smile on my face just thinking back to the conversations I had with locals in Panama.

Take taxis without worrying about getting ripped off

Speaking of friendly Panamanians, never have I ever traveled anywhere with such nice taxi drivers! And long time readers here will know that I’m not a fan of taxi drivers. But all of our drivers here were so friendly and never argued over prices with us. It was so refreshing to be able to take taxis without stressing over finding one, or finding one that wouldn’t hugely overcharge me.

Fingers crossed I’m not jinxing my taxi ride to the airport later today…

Enjoy being safe

I mean, there are safe and unsafe areas in any country, but as a whole I never felt like I needed to worry while traveling through Panama. People were friendly and helpful and I felt really comfortable wherever I went.

Relax – Panama is so easy

In fact if I were to sum up my sixteen days in Panama in one word it would be “easy.” I don’t mean that in a boring way, but I cannot remember the last time I had such an effortless trip through a country I didn’t live in – much less where I didn’t even speak the local language.

Transport was a breeze, they use the US dollar here so I didn’t have to worry about currency conversions, all of our accommodation was amazing – like, I can’t think of any big stresses I had on this trip.

Explore Panama’s idyllic island escapes

I already mentioned San Blas, but Panama has so many other gorgeous island escapes. I also spent four days on Isla Palenque on the Gulf of Chiriqui and four days on Isla Bastimentos in Bocas del Toro, and would have loved to visit the Pearl Islands and more islands on the Gulf of Chiriqui.

Isla Palenque felt like my own secluded island in the middle of nowhere – I seriously felt like I was a character in a novel staying here! The vegetation was so unique, the water perfect, and I think my time on the island was the most relax I’ve been all year.

Plus how stunning is this bungalow? I loved how they combined traditional and modern here and it had all the luxuries I wanted while still feeling like an authentic island escape. And each bungalow is surrounded by trees so it felt like we were totally alone on the island – until we went to the pool and restaurant, which was like the social center of the island.

Look out for sloths!

Rachel and I thought we wouldn’t see a sloth here because we had opted against taking a tour to see them or visiting a sloth refuge, so imagine our surprise when one morning we passed a group of people at our resort in Bocas del Toro and realized they were all pointing at a sloth who had (very slowly) wandered into their yard.

I’ve seen so many YouTube videos of sloths (who hasn’t?) but there’s nothing like seeing one in real life – they are such funny creatures! It was like watching a cartoon or something, except this was real life.

Drink all the coffee

To be honest I don’t know much about coffee and generally will enjoy a cup of instant coffee just as much as some fancy brew, but it was still fun to hear Panamanians talk about their local coffee beans. We spent two days in Boquete, which apparently gets referred to as the Napa Valley of coffee.

I tried the famous Geisha coffee, which is really exclusive, and to be honest it tasted just like normal coffee to me, but other people told me it was some of the best coffee they’ve ever tasted. So if you have more refined taste than mine you’ll probably love it.

I also really loved how there are so many cafes in Boquete. I might not be into coffee, but I love the atmosphere of a coffee shop (and the pastries!), and Boquete has some truly lovely ones.

Stop by Boquete

Speaking of Boquete , there’s a lot more to this highland town than coffee! It feels totally different than Panama’s coastal areas, and offers lots of hikes, ziplining, and even hot springs. It’s also a big expat hub, which is great news for anyone craving an American-style turkey sandwich.

Boquete also was a favorite of old Hollywood stars, so you can feel like a total celeb hanging out here.

Go to Boquete Tree Trek

If you’re up for an adventure, definitely check out Boquete Tree Trek ! Here you can go ziplining and walk along the Cloud Forest’s famous hanging bridges.

Have a meal at Boulder 54 in Boquete

I talk more about places to eat in Boquete in my Boquete travel guide here , but Boulder 54 deserved an extra mention because it was one of the best meals I had in Panama! The atmosphere was lovely, and each dish was beautifully crafted.

It’s a new restaurant so you can feel like you’re truly in the know by going, and while I was there they had live music. This is definitely the sort of place to get a little dressed up for, if you feel like it! It was also a great place for eavesdropping on the expat crowd here – it turns out there’s quite a lot of gossip in Boquete – who knew?

Travel Panama on any budget

While you can travel fairly cheaply through Panama on the backpacker trail, there are also lots of mid-range and family options, as well as some seriously gorgeous luxury hotels. And the same goes with transport – most places it seemed like you could take the local bus on the cheap, a tourist shuttle for a bit more, a private car for more, Air Panama domestic flights, or even charter a private plane to get you where you want to go.

Or another popular option here is to rent a car for a road trip!

Eat all the food

I’m new to Central American food so I can’t really say if it’s better in Panama than in other parts of the region, but seriously, so much yum. My favorite food was in Panama City, though I also didn’t mind dining on freshly caught lobster every night in San Blas.

I was also impressed by all the options most places.

Cover a diverse range of landscapes

When we originally started planning this trip we thought we’d spend about a week in Panama and then head into Costa Rica, until we realized how much there actually is to see in Panama. Remember how I said we had to redraft our Panama itinerary so many times? It was just so difficult to narrow down where to go in Panama when there is such a diverse range of options there.

From the deserted islands of San Blas to the skyscrapers of Panama City, the highlands of Boquete, and the backpacker party scene on Bocas del Toro, it feels like we visited about five different countries on this Panama trip. And that’s what makes Panama such a good introduction to Central America as well. It really feels like you’re getting a taste of all sorts of aspects of the region.

But if you don’t have much time, my personal favorite areas to explore where Panama City, San Blas, and the Pacific islands. San Blas would probably top the list because the beaches and water there is just unreal, though Panama City is a close second – I’d say it’s one of my favorite cities that I’ve visited in a long time!

Visit both the Caribbean and Pacific

Speaking of Panama’s diverse offerings, you can also hang out on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts while here!

Everyone warned me that the Pacific is a disappointment after the Caribbean, but I actually really loved my time on the Pacific. It was quieter with fewer tourists (and fewer hotels – so book in advance), the weather was a bit more stormy, but during the day we still had enough sun for me to get sunburnt, as usual. I actually found the thunderstorms at night really exciting, plus it meant that it wouldn’t get too hot.

But if it’s white sand beaches and turquoise water you’re looking for, then you really need to head to San Blas. I mean, everyone needs to visit San Blas once in their lifetime, if they can. It’s really like a true-life paradise! It’s hard to believe how close it is to the US. Like, I used to think you had to go way out into the Pacific Ocean to find water and beaches like that.

And definitely check out the Gulf of Chiriqui

Speaking of the Pacific, you can read more about my time on the Gulf of Chiriqui here , but for now I’ll just say that if you’re looking for an idyllic island escape, definitely come here. It felt like being on a deserted island, and was definitely the most unique experience I had in Panama.

Like, I think most people visiting Panama go to Panama City, San Blas, Bocas del Toro, and even Boquete, but I don’t know many people who ventured down to the Gulf of Chiriqui. And the culture there seems quite unique too. The islanders have their own history and traditions, and seem very proud of their little corner of the country. And for good reason! The Gulf of Chiriqui is seriously stunning.

In fact, if you’re looking for a quiet getaway – or even a honeymoon retreat! – you could consider heading straight to Isla Palenque. Sure, you’d miss out on a lot of Panama’s other offerings, but you could also skip the exhausting of traveling all over the country and simply bliss out on the beach. I would love to return with my boyfriend someday and just hang out on the beach all week.

See whales on the Gulf of Chiriqui

If you visit the Gulf of Chiriqui between July and October you’ll have the chance to spot the humpback whales that have come from both the north and south poles to give birth!

I had gone on whale watching tours in Africa and Norway before so I wasn’t sure if this would just feel like more of the same, but I swear, seeing whales in real life will never get old. They’re so enormous, it’s really crazy to get so close to them and watch them surfacing and then diving down to find food.

so I’m probably not going to quit blogging to become a wildlife photographer

Go snorkeling on the Pearl Islands

I really wish I had squeezed in a trip to the Pearl Islands – especially considering you can even go as a day tour from Panama City! This tour here will take you snorkeling on the Pearl Islands, and it really does look like such a dreamy escape.

I spoke with some expats in Panama City who go to the Pearl Islands at least once a year, and they said it’s an insider’s favorite in Panama. And transport there is really well organized so you don’t need to stress about making your way down there.

Have a grown up holiday on Bocas del Toro

You guys, Bocas del Toro is not just for backpackers! You can read about my relaxing holiday at Red Frog Beach Resort here . The resort is huge, with beautiful landscape (this is also where I saw the sloth!), plus they organize lots of day trips around Bocas so you’ll never be bored.

Though to be honest I mostly just wanted to be an old woman and lounge at the pool and the beach, haha. It was just so relaxing there. They take care of absolutely everything for you – they have several restaurants, a spa, and the activity organizers are really helpful with recommendations based on what sort of holiday you’re looking for.

Or party it up on Bocas del Toro

Of course, if you do what to party with the backpacker crowd, you will love Bocas del Toro. Try to come on a Friday for their famous island hopping party.

We met some backpackers in Panama City who had just spent a few weeks traveling around Panama on a budget and they said that the best partying was on Bocas del Toro. If I were looking to party, I’d probably make Bocas town my base, as it has a strong nightlife of its own and then you can organizing island hopping tours from there.

Explore a working chocolate farm in Bocas del Toro

If you like chocolate, you can check out how it’s harvested and made! A few people I spoke to said this chocolate farm tour was a highlight of their time in Panama.

I’ve done chocolate tours in other countries so I decided to skip it here, but based on my experience in other places I can say that seeing the whole process of how chocolate is made is so interesting – especially if you are as obsessed with chocolate as I am.

Enjoy a boutique accommodation paradise

While my hostel days are long gone , I’m not a huge fan of the big chain luxury hotels that look the same regardless of what country you’re in, so I was so excited to find so many beautiful boutique hotels in Panama! Each featured such beautiful and unique designs that I sort of want to say that each and every hotel I stayed at in Panama was my favorite.

The American Trade Hotel is perfect old school luxury and has an interesting history of its own. While Las Clementinas offers gorgeous apartments that will make you feel like a local – well, a local living in a super stylish apartment getting breakfast baskets delivered to your room each morning. Can this be my life forever?

3 Things NOT to do in Panama

But what should you skip out on in Panama?

I would highly recommend NOT visiting the San Blas Islands at the start of your Panama trip. You see, I visited them first, and they sort of ruined the rest of Panama’s islands for me, because nothing else can compare to San Blas. So try to save the best for last, if you can.

San Blas is such a special experience, but I feel like I couldn’t fully appreciate it because I was still so excited for the rest of my Panama trip. Whereas if I had saved it for last I would have realized that it was the best part of Panama.

I would also avoid booking accommodation in Bocas del Toro on Airbnb. I usually love Airbnb, but I had a bit of a nightmare experience trying to book this place , and I heard from other travelers that they had similar problems in Bocas del Toro. It was just such an unnecessary stress in an otherwise totally stress free trip planning process.

And finally, don’t just visit Panama City and skip the rest of the country! Panama City is a great starting point, but if I had only visited the city I really don’t think I would have left with an accurate impression of Panama. The beaches are really where it’s at!

Or if you only have time for Panama City, promise that you’ll come back to explore Panama’s islands one day. I promise it’s worth it!

Though I feel like I should add that I’m also SO happy I made time for the city. When I first started planning my Panama trip I figured the best of Panama would be at the beach, but now I know that the country has amazing things to offer from beaches to cities to highlands to the rainforest – you really will fall in love with Panama if you give it a chance. That’s a promise!

Getting to Panama

As a US/Norwegian citizen, I could visit Panama for up to 180 days without a visa.

I flew KLM from Amsterdam direct to Tocumen International Airport and it was a really easy, straightforward flight. When you exit the airport there will be a lot of people trying to get to take their taxi. I ignored them and walked straight through the crowd and found a driver who wasn’t hassling me, but my friend Rachel took one of the first people and we both ended up paying the same (I think it was $20 to my hotel downtown).

And I really loved flying out of PTY. They’ve just redone it and there are lots of American chain restaurants – which was very exciting for me as an American living abroad, haha. I definitely had my fill of bagel sandwiches at their Dunkin Donuts!

Packing for Panama

Panama is super laidback, so you can really wear whatever you want here. I lived in dresses and shorts, as it was so hot here.

Oh and be sure to bring sunblock and a hat (or buy a hat in Panama City!), as the sun here is no joke. I got so burnt on San Blas, it was really bad.

Want to see more of my travel photos? Follow me on Instagram here ♥

Want to see more of my travel videos? Subscribe on YouTube here ♥

Related Posts

Reader Interactions

Get updates.

Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive updates and stories from my world travels and life in Norway!

Justine says

August 31, 2018 at 4:09 pm

I’m severely missing Latin America. I did a two-month trip through Central America years ago but we didn’t make it to El Salvador or Panama. But Panama has always called my name. Hopefully someday soon I’ll be able to actually get back to that amazing region of the world. Following your and Rachel’s trip is sparking some serious wanderlust in me!!

Silvia says

August 31, 2018 at 6:32 pm

Yeah it’s been so crazy exploring a new region – I feel like my wanderlust has been reawakened now too and I need to see all of Central and South America!

Victoria@TheBritishBerliner says

September 3, 2018 at 6:18 am

Wow! ‘Love the post Silvia!

I haven’t yet been to Panama or even Central America. And I have absolutely no idea why!

But isn’t it cool that you literally bumped into seeing a sloth casually wandering along the yard, and minding it’s own business, doing what sloths do.

That’s travel!

September 5, 2018 at 4:54 pm

Ooooh I want to go to Panama too now! And the f it’s easy and safe, it will also be the perfect place to take my boyfriend :).

Your statement about Spanish made me laugh! LOL 🙂 But seriously, Panama will also be great for mi novio qui (que?) no habla español :). What’s the weather like there? As in, how hot and how wet?

Can’t wait to read the rest of this series and find out where that gorgeous organic roof with a cool modern white box underneath is!

September 12, 2018 at 2:33 pm

It was very hot – like around 30 I think – but also quite cloudy so it rarely felt unbearably hot. I was there in rainy season but most days it only rained for part of the day and then the sun would come back out.

April 2, 2019 at 5:35 am

Nice post!! I’ve been living in Panama for the last 10 years and there’s too much to do and incredible places to visit. My recommendation for your next trip to Panama: Visit El Otro Lado Private Retreat at Portobelo Bay. Portobelo is a small town, 1.5 hours away from Panama City on the Caribbean Coast. This is where all de treasures from latin america were shipped to Spain in the colonial times, so it has a lot of history about the conquest, the treasures and the real pirates of the caribbean, such as Francis Drake (who died in Portobelo) and Morgan. It was declared as Unesco World Heritage Site and the Congo Culture (Art expressions of the slave descendants) was declared by Unesco as intangible world heritage.

The crystal caribbean beaches, the nature, adventures, hiking on the ruins of old forts, the culture.. Its a place you should visit on your next trip.

Michelle M says

July 11, 2019 at 4:53 am

Loved your advice and read this just before my last trip to Panama. My boyfriend and I took your advice and bought some Panama hats but they got totally destroyed in the rain on the way to an island by boat lol. Probably best to save the Panama hats for dry season! Thanks for your post, I wanted to show you everything we did during our time in Panama, thanks to what you shared here! https://youtu.be/5yabOTcm5Wk

Luis A says

July 27, 2019 at 2:34 am

I am very happy you had a unique time in Panama.

I wanted to say that you guys were lucky with the Taxi drivers. It is better for a tourist to take a uber or consult the prices with their local hostel, hotel, or BB before taking them.

Besides that, got To Panama

Glenn S Richardson says

October 12, 2019 at 8:30 pm

Planning to visit Panama for the momth of Feb. 2020. Can I wing it , or should I make reservations in Panama City and other touristed areas? Thanks, Glenn

October 14, 2019 at 10:37 pm

I would keep an eye on accommodation and see if things start booking up, otherwise you can probably wing it if you aren’t picky about where you stay.

Mike Troublefield says

January 26, 2020 at 1:41 am

Feb. Is a great month to visit if you enjoy golf. The North American Korn Ferry your is in town near pty. Besides golf still a great time to visit .

Jeanne Urban says

November 26, 2019 at 4:27 am

we plan to travel a lot in-country an are wondering…did you rent a car and travel on your own or take buses or fly from one place to the other? what is your recommendation. thank you

November 26, 2019 at 4:01 pm

I love it. Panama is my native country but I left when I was just 18 years old. I am 44 and I cannot remember much. It has changed a lot and it sounds just like paradise

December 30, 2019 at 9:42 pm

I totally agree with you! And Bocas and AirBnB is a huge No! Learned the hard way 🤣

February 12, 2020 at 8:19 pm

What an excellent run-down of what to do in Panama! I definitely agree with you on the San Blas Islands, that’s one of the most magical places in the world.

David Hatfield says

March 15, 2020 at 4:22 pm

Nice article! I married a Panamanian woman 30 years ago and have spent a lot of time there- we even built a retirement home in Playa Santa Clara about 12 years ago. I would also recommend to your readers that they take time to visit the surfing villages in Playa Venao- a fun, bohemian location where lots of young travelers meet.

May 7, 2020 at 2:00 am

Great list! Thanks for sharing! My family loves visiting Panama City!

Ho Lien says

May 12, 2020 at 4:36 pm

You have nice pic and memories Unfortunately Getting Panama from Vietnam not easy 🙂 Thank for your great post

Dinora says

August 21, 2020 at 12:31 am

Hi guys!!! Omg thank you very much for all the beautiful things you wrote about my country, hope you guys come again after this whole covid situation goes away… And if any of you have any question about Panama, feel free to ask me, I’ll be happy to answer you 🙂 My gmail is [email protected]

August 2, 2021 at 2:52 pm

one place that you forgot to mention or to visit is: Isla Iguana.

its not as good as San Blas, however you get the feeling of the pacific ocean and the sorrounding area of Isla Iguana is a must.

October 29, 2021 at 3:09 pm

Amazing blog, please keep on writing blogs like this.

Cathy Turner says

March 17, 2022 at 2:22 am

Hi, I’m thinking of going to Panama in May 2022 with my son. We will be going probably only for 5 days. I would like to make the most out of my trip. Son has other things he has to do. I was going to tag along with him until I read what you wrote. Can you give my any info of what I can see in such a short time please? Thank you, Cathy

Alex I says

April 7, 2022 at 9:52 am

I am traveling to Panama May 7-11 and extremely excited to take in as much as i can during that period.

April 12, 2023 at 1:07 am

What vaccines do you need to visit??

July 19, 2023 at 3:52 pm

Your blog serves as a reminder to live life to the fullest and embrace new experiences.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Once a full-time nomad, I'm now trying to find a balance between continuing to explore off the beaten path places around the world while also building a home in Norway. Want to know more? Head to my About page !

COME AND GET IT!

Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive updates and stories from my world travels and life in Norway:

37 Things to Do in Panama That Are Actually Cool

Home » Central America

Chances are you stumbled upon this article because you are trying to plan a trip to Panama, are looking for the top things to do in Panama, and are researching to make it the most epic trip possible! I want to help you with that and tell you not just the tourist things to do in Panama but also the hotspot places to visit in Panama so you can plan your itinerary a bit as well – no FOMO here.

Like in any tourist town, some things to do are just there for tourists and aren’t actually that much fun or worth doing but are created just to make money – I’ve left some things off this list because they just aren’t actually that cool or fun! I’ve tried to narrow it down to the best of the best so you can make sure you don’t miss the good stuff.

I was going to do a separate article on things to do in Panama City separately since many of the top things to do in Panama are in the capital city, but really it would end up being repetitive so I’ve just put the 10 or so for the city in this post as one big post for Panama as a whole.

In this article, I am going to focus on experiences in Panama. I have more articles you might want to check out like my complete guide to Panama  with travel tips like transportation, currency, safety, etc and also a Panama itinerary for two weeks that you’ll want to check out. In my itinerary, you’ll see full breakdowns of where I stayed, ate, and even more cool things to do in Panama City, Boquete, San Blas Islands, the Gulf of Chiriqui, and Bocas Del Toro. 

37 Things to Do in Panama

1. see a sloth.

Yes, it’s kind of crazy to put this first – but it was my goal on this trip and because I didn’t want to do the two main ways of seeing one (a tour with loads of backpackers or a reserve where they have been taken from their natural habitat), I wasn’t sure if it would happen.

I am pleased to say after I had given up hope, with just two days left, I saw a sloth on Red Frog Beach that came out to cross the road! What luck. If you are desperate to see one, they are naturally here (hiding) and you might see one from your Airbnb in Bocas Del Toro, on a tour in Boquete or Bocas Del Toro you can visit “sloth island” where from a boat you can see them on shore.

You can book tours at any agency and will see signs for this frequently. In Panama City, you can take a day tour to the rainforest if you are short on time. There are tons of highly reviewed ones to choose from that also include visiting the Embera Indians and more.

Read More: 13 things to know before you visit Bocas Del Toro

2. Visit the Panama Canal

It wouldn’t be a real list of what to do in Panama if I didn’t have visiting the Panama Canal on here. While you might want to skip this (won’t lie, I did want to skip it), it is worth seeing. You go to Miraflores locks and buy a ticket there (Uber is great) then watch a little movie, and wait to see the boats go by.

The history of this canal is actually very interesting – but you don’t need a tour for this (that would be overkill and a waste of money). Make sure to look online first to see what time the boats are coming as they aren’t just going through all the time – they are spaced out sometimes with hours in between. FYI they go so slow that you don’t even realize they are moving at first!

3. Try the coffee in Boquete

Boquete is a town in the highlands of Panama that is known for its coffee. It’s a little cooler and less humid up here – and great for coffee plantations. Their famous cup of jo is called “geisha coffee”. Here is a tour you can book  if you want it arranged ahead of time or you can alternatively book them in person at the tourist agencies in town as low as $30.

I didn’t do a tour at all because I have toured so many coffee plantations on my travels, but many readers have told me it was their favorite memory of Panama so if you’ve never done a coffee tour, check it out. Personally, I didn’t like geisha coffee – but then, I need my chocolate coffee creamer to enjoy any coffee, lol!

Read More: 16 things to do in Boquete (plus a travel guide on where to eat, sleep, and shop!)

4. Cook fresh lobster over a fire in the Caribbean

Hands down best meal in Panama? Fresh lobster in San Blas. We bought it from Guna Yala tribesmen that were passing by our catamaran for $5 and took it to a small island where captain used his machete to cut wood, make a fire, and cook it with butter and garlic. It was pure bliss! You’ll pay $40 for lobster at the nicer resorts in Bocas Del Toro, so definitely hit up San Blas for your seafood cravings.

Read More: Essential Things You Need to Know Before Visiting San Blas

5. Enjoy the live jazz music in Panama City

Panama City is all about Jazz music. In fact, even in the hills of Boquete, they were playing live jazz in the restaurants. The most popular spot in Panama City is Danilo’s Jazz Club  inside the  American Trade Hotel . For nightlife, there are so many bars. I liked Casa Bruja which has it’s own brewed beer with some really cool flavors. Other top bars are  La Jirafa de Maria Del Alma and 1400 Bar.

6. Splurge on a tiny private plane in San Blas Islands

Are you super rich? Then you should fly a private plane in and out of San Blas instead of taking a private car or shuttle. It saves time and is basically the best views you’ll see in your life. San Blas does not have an “airport” but has some islands big enough to land small planes on (I’m talking 8-seaters) that left from Albrook Airport in Panama City (a smaller airport in town, not the main international airport).

We got incredibly lucky because a chartered flight dropped people off who paid nearly $4,000 to get to San Blas and it was going back empty – so offered us seats for $75 per person (what the overland transport costs). It was the coolest memory of the trip and who knows, you might find a deal online!

7. Decide if you’re up for visiting the indigenous Embera Indians

The Embera Indians live in the rainforest in some areas of Panama. You can go on tours to see their village in the Gamboa rainforest – but sometimes village tours are very fake and set up for tourists. Reviews are wishy-washy and that can sometimes be because those who loved it haven’t traveled a lot or aren’t aware they are fake and set up just to make money.

While these Indians do still dress and live the way they are portrayed, for me these tours didn’t mesh and I decided not to do it. You can read about the tours on Viator or this top-ranked Tripadvisor tour with those links. You can also do day trips out to see the jungle and Embera at  El Valle de Anton as well as hot springs.

8. Visit the oldest cafe in Panama City

The Coca-Cola Cafe is the oldest Cafe in Panama City, located just outside Casca Viejo in a safe part of town – you can walk there to have beans, rice, and Panamanian specials of the day and of course a Coca-Cola.

9. Hike Baru Volcano in Boquete

This is not for the faint of heart or for those traveling alone – you should do this in a tour group (some girls were actually, possibly  murdered in Boquete some years back hiking alone, while others say they were lost – either way, you shouldn’t do this hike alone, you should always go with a guide). You can do this tour with an agency or book online and it will involve either A. sleeping at a camp half-way there or B. taking a 4×4 most of the way so you just hike the summit. Option B is more expensive. You should really book this once you arrive and see if there are groups going that you can join. You will see signs to book everywhere so don’t stress about it.

10. Zipline in Boquete

Never been ziplining? The highlands of Boquete are a great place to try it for the first time. You can also do this in Bocas Del Toro. The ziplines go through a beautiful rainforest and tours take around 3 hours to complete. You can book this in person at agencies which head up to the hills from the town early in the morning around 7 AM and then bring you back into town after around 12 PM.

11. Try the street food in Panama City

From sweet snacks covered in syrup to savory empanadas, there are so many tasty things on the street to try. Panama is a clean city where you can drink the tap water and you don’t need to worry about getting sick from street food here. You can try the fruit juices and take cut up fruit with you while you walk around for a healthy snack to help you cool down.

12. Take a tour to Zapatillas island

So here’s the thing: you have San Blas Islands in Panama which are STUNNING but harder to reach, you have Bocas Del Toro which is pretty amazing but not San Blas amazing. On Bocas Del Toro, you have an island called Zapatillas which is basically San Blas beauty on the Bocas side. If you aren’t going to San Blas, this should be your number one thing to do in Bocas Del Toro. If you have been to San Blas it will seem like more of the same.

13. Try a rum/food/historical tour and learn all about Captain Morgan

Wait – Captain Morgan isn’t just a man on a bottle of rum!? Nope, he’s real! He was also called Henry the Terrible and he raided and attacked Panama City in 1670. He supposedly got a small amount of fortune from it, but since Panama was so rich then, it’s said he actually just kept it all for himself and hid out in Jamaica. I took my tour through PTY Life and it was a food/drink tour as well as history. I loved it and booked through TripAdvisor (it’s the top-ranked tour in Panama City). You can also take this top-ranked Viator tour if PTY isn’t available.

14. Buy Panamanian sandals but be ready to break them in

Are these not the cutest leather sandals you’ve ever seen? They are actually what the Panamanians wear and are not just made for tourists. In the local markets near Santa Ana, you can get them for $10 in a variety of natural colors like tan, brown, and yellow. Be ready to work to break these in because they are not comfortable at first!

15. Learn to surf or dive in Bocas Del Toro

Panama isn’t exactly known for it’s surfing, but if you were going to do it anywhere, it would be Bocas Del Toro. There are surf shops and dive shops all over the main strip so just walk around and compare prices. Diving will be good here because the visibility is great in the peak-season. You can even dive with whale sharks in some parts of Panama (not Bocas) so look into where you might like to dive most – since diving is all over the country.

16. Eat at El Trapiche in Panama City for the best authentic Panamanian meals ever

For our last meal on day 5 of being in Panama City – and already trying a lot of local food – we wanted to really make sure we tried the best of the best for a truly authentic local cafe. I found El Trapiche online and it was fantastic! You must have a lunch here. Try the starter with a mixed plate of all the street food for $5 (great if you hadn’t done a tour and didn’t get a chance to try much local food). Then get either a sandwich (they are AMAZING and on this fluffy deep-fried bread or a plate of local food like beans, rice, and pulled chicken or pork.  This is away from Casco Viejo and we took an Uber here.

17. Watch whales migrate in the Pacific with their babies

If you come to Panama in the “off-season” around August, you will be there at the right time to see the whales migrate in the Gulf of Chiriqui. Now, most people don’t travel to Panama at this time. If you are desperate to see the whales, then you can come at this “rainy” time but I warn you they are just popping up a bit and going back under. Magical, yes, but not like you see in some other places in the world where they jump up, show off, and bring on happy tears to the people watching. We did a 1-hour boat tour with our island hotel, Isla Palenque , for $70 but alternatively, you can do on from the mainland at the town of Boca Chica.

18. Avoid the big hotels and choose B&B

There are chain hotels in Panama City, but most other places have small boutique hotels and B&B’s. You aren’t going to find serious luxury that much around Panama but you will find cozy B&B’s run by kind families that will add such a great charm to your trip. Some of my favorites I stayed at were Casa Azul  and  Hotel Panamonte  in Boquete, and  Clementinas  in Panama City. Of course, our sailing trip in San Blas was also with a cute, young couple (more on that later!). In places like Bocas Del Toro, you can consider Airbnb which has great options as well as world-renowned boutique hotels (I’ll share about these in a later article). For Airbnb, If you sign up with this link you can get $40 off your first Airbnb booking.

19. Spend a day in Boca Chica

When you head down to the Gulf of Chiriqui, there are usually transportation options from the hotel that you book and some people choose to stay inland in the Chiriqui region or at the luxe eco-resort, Isla Palenque (which is where I stayed). But Boca Chica itself is kind of the hub, right on the water, and it was cool vibes. We are told it has an amazing restaurant (the one right next to the main dock) but we didn’t get a chance to try it. I wish I’d spent a day in this little town and taken one day off of the Bocas Del Toro part of my itinerary.

20. Enjoy the street art in Panama City

Panama City actually has some amazing creative street art. Not just secluded into Casco Viejo, but all around town near Avenida Central and Santa Ana, you’ll find some great murals.

21. SUP and Kayak in both the Caribbean and Pacific

Get into water sports! You can rent Kayaks or SUP for an hour for around $5 at most places. The best place for me was San Blas because it’s just so absolutely stunning there and below the water are hundreds of starfish. Kayaking is great everywhere and even in the Pacific – who knows you might see a whale while you are out there.

22. Eat cafeteria style fast food

If you want to see how locals eat, cheap and quick, pop into one of their versions of fast-food “comida economica”. They are little cafeteria style places. You can just get whatever tickles your fancy on our tray and add a cup of coffee or tea, sit in the little school cafeteria style seats and enjoy! It’s nothing fancy but it’s what the men are all eating on their way to work early in the morning so it’s certainly authentic.

23. Get lost in the jungles of Chiriqui

While staying at Isla Palenque, we did a really cool “secrets of the island” tour but you don’t need to be only at this island – the jungles in this region are lush and full of boa constrictors, wild dogs, howler monkeys, and of course unique birds to the region. People come here from all over to do bird-watching. On our tour, we learned about the natives who once lived there; we found their burial sites and even pottery.

24. Stay in a restored hotel in Casco Viejo – which in the 90’s was the home of a gang

The American Trade Hotel is a member of the elite group of “small luxury hotels of the world” and if you want to splurge out in Panama City, this is the place to stay. While now, it’s totally renovated and designed top-of-the-nines, it was a run down building with a dangerous gang living in it just years ago. The whole area of Casco Viejo has been renovated and this hotel was one of the first ones. The building was originally built in 1917 in the “ Bellavista ” style of architecture when it was the meeting place of the richest of the rich during the boom of the Panama Canal. Later, as this part of the city was abandoned it was taken over by gangs and really the whole area was dangerous. Now, it’s trendy and this hotel is an icon.

To see what the old and new looks like, this first photo is an area with buildings which haven’t been renovated which will be right next to the images after! It’s a real mix.

25. Get a sighting of the Guna Yala tribal people

The “Kuna” or “Guna” people are the indiginous people of Panama and Colombia and they are still living the same way they did years ago – however, they do pop into Panama City to get supplied before heading out to the Guna Yala Islands (aka San Blas) where they live off the land. You cannot miss their colorful outfits, but don’t take photos of them. I’ll share more about them in a later article about San Blas.

26. Have a drink on a rooftop in Panama City

The “thing to do” in Panama City is to go to a rooftop bar and have a drink looking over the amazing skyline. If you do this in Casco Viejo, you’ll get the very best views. To narrow it down more, Tantalo  is the most famous rooftop bar in Panama City. 

27. Avoid the Bocas Del Toro starfish island tour and see them naturally in San Blas

Okay, if you aren’t going to San Blas then you can do the tour in Bocas Del Toro, but you  should  go to San Blas and if you do, you’ll naturally see starfish by the dozens all over. The captain of our ship told us it’s fine to touch them and take a quick photo but not to hold them out of the water longer than 10 seconds – we never took them out of the water and snapped a quick photo putting Mr. Starfish back down where he was. I had never seen one before and loved this experience!

28. Try a chocolate making class in Boquete

Chocolate and coffee are the big food items in tourism in Panama and you can find chocolate making classes or coffee plantations tours around different areas. I saw chocolate making classes several times but it seems Boquete is the top place for this. Check out The Perfect Pair: Chocolate and Coffee where they offer classes and get a bite to eat while you’re there, too. If you aren’t going to Boquete, then check out Tropical Chocolate Cafe in Panama City which also had yummy chocolate and classes.

29. Eat at the MANY famous Food Trucks in Panama City to try Caribbean Panamanian fusion and more

There are so many and we tried several on our tour with PTY Life. You can take his tour to include this along with so much more in Panama City or check out his article on the best food truck in Panama City.

30. Try to spot a Boa and a Croc

News Alert: There are crocodiles and Boas in the water! Like, in the ocean where it’s paradise and beautiful and you are doing SUP, they are there. I am particularly nervous of crocs as a friend lost his girlfriend to one while snorkeling at a 5 star hotel, and I think about this a lot when I travel and get in the ocean – anywhere that fresh water meets the sea near rivers that flow in and brackish water or even in the middle of the sea where they can swim from island to island. A quick search shows many people who spotted crocodiles all over Panama even in San Blas. While sleeping on our catamaran in San Blas, a storm washed a 5-foot boa constrictor onto the dingy. He could have easily come onto the boat and found a warm place to sleep right next to me, lol! You are really in the jungle here. Other places we stayed also mentioned having boas around – and I’m quite used to it as we had pythons around our house in Goa, India but if you’re not, it might alarm you.

31. Buy a Panama hat – not an Ecuadorian one

All those hats with the black ribbon? They are actually Ecuadorian. If you want to wear a true Panama hat, go to the local market and get one like pictured above. I wore this around Casco Viejo and people would jokingly ask me in Spanish if I was from Panama or tell me it was a REAL Panama hat, so they definitely think it’s a big deal to get the real or fake ones!

32. Visit Coiba National Park

Off the Gulf of Chiriqui is the Coiba National Park . If you stay in Boca Chica, you can go out to the park to do tours, set up whale watching, and learn more about the region.

33. Rooftop sunset, drinks, or pool time at the W Hotel or Hard Rock in Panama City

I love to go to a rooftop to watch the sunset and have a drink – usually, 5-star hotels will let you use the pool as well so it’s a little taste of luxury without actually staying at the hotel. I did this when I lived in Goa sometimes, too! The W Hotel was great but the views from the Hard Rock are meant to be even better.

34. Walk across the second longest and highest hanging bridges in Central America

Hanging bridges are a fun, easy tour to do in Boquete that offer great views and a taste of the culture with a tour. You have to book with Tree Trek Adventures either online or once you’re there. We called and reserved over the phone the night before. You can go either 830 AM or 1030 AM. You can also do the ziplining through this same company. After, enjoy a coffee and look out at the views of the famous Volcano Baru.

35. Go photo crazy in Casco Viejo and pop into the following cafes

Panama City has a lot of great photo opportunities if you are really into taking them, like I am. Much of the “real Panama” is going to be in the financial district, Avenida Central, and Santa Ana, but the cute “Instagram” style stuff is going to be in Casco Viejo which is really designed to perfection.

So many cafes are adorable and TASTY like Mahalo (Thai Curry!), Tropical Chocolate Cafe, Super Gourmet Deli (such a good Italian sandwich), Tacos La Neta , Casa Bruja , and Nomade . We tried many more than that in 5 days and it’s a VERY small area so you really will have time to pop into all of them and all the little shops. There wasn’t anything I wanted to buy to be honest other than the hat and shoes!

36. Stay on a “secret island” in the Pacific

I mentioned Isla Palenque before, but you need to know it was one of the most amazing memorable parts of my trip to Panama. This hotel is on a tiny little island off of Boca Chica in the Gulf of Chiriqui, in the Pacific Ocean. I call it secret because it’s really not that well-known – yet some people come back year after year once they find it. It’s an all-inclusive experience with food included (lobster for lunch, local curry for dinner, delicious) and on-island tours included like learning about the stars or finding some animals in the jungle! SUP, kayaking, and more are all free. You can also do paid tours like the whale watching from here ($70). In the rainy season, it stormed SO big at night the whole sky would light up and I’ve never felt happier sleeping in our little villa by the sea, with an outside bathroom and shower, although of course super luxurious – this is a must-book! Pure luxury in the most unique place I’ve been! You can read more about it here and check out reviews. 

37. Skip the day tours and sail the San Blas Islands

The big thing to do from Panama City is a day trip to San Blas and 99% of the articles I read from other bloggers did this – but don’t! You need to go stay on these islands whether it’s sailing or staying in a sand hut. I am going to put more information on this that you can read soon!

Pin these cool things to do in Panama for later!

Join my email list and get exclusive updates & news straight to your inbox. 

I will never give away, trade or sell your email address. You can unsubscribe at any time.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Share this story, choose your platform, about the author: rachel jones.

19 Comments

Thank you for this incredible post! I did not even know I had an urge to visit Panama before reading this but now I totally do ;)

Lucky you to get to see a sloth in an ethical way! I’m always so torn between my love of wildlife and my desire to leave them in peace… obviously the latter wins out now (and it has for the last decade or so). I’m hoping to hit up Panama when I’m on a sabbatical next year – wish me slothy luck!

I absolutely love central america. I’ve done a bit of research on Panama (it’s really high on my list), and I probably only have heard of half the things on this list! Secret Island sounds amazing and I’m so glad you got to see a sloth! I have the same obsession. I love that this guide is for those who want to create experiences. Thanks again for the great tips and I’m looking forward to seeing the more practical / logistics Panama guide as well!

Lovely! Lovely! Lovely! Honestly Rachel, I don’t know why I haven’t been to Central America yet! p.s. I didn’t know that you knew Silvia. How cute. I follow her blog too. :D

Yes, I met her in Finland!! She’s even better in person hahaha I love her!

I have been thru Panama several times. In 1983 I went looking for old postcards. I went to one gift shop that had some as old as the canal. In 1991 I went back to the same place. The same cards were in the rack and in a shoebox. I don’t remember anymore, but sometimes gift shops, etc. that look old and dirty hold some real treasure.

hi! i’m from Panama! And this list is great. Thank you for giving such wonderful recommendations, and I’m glad you had a lovely time in our country.

I’m headed to Panama City in just a few months & will definitely be using some of your recommendations! Already staying with American Trade Hotel and Las Clementinas so sounds like I’ve made a few good decisions already! Thanks for the awesome post :)

Thank you for this! I’m going in January so this is much appreciated!

My friend came back from a trip to Panama and was totally raving about it. Isla Palenque looks soooo dreamy and romantic, I must look into it. I love remote places that are off the beaten path. Vacations are 10 times better when you aren’t surrounded by all the other tourists. What a great round up Rachel!

Thank you so much for this! Am traveling to PTY in about 6 weeks, and you’ve up’d my excitement level!

Hi My husband and I love to travel too. Retired 3 years ago and really never stopped. We are currently in Panama, spending the winter away from frozen Chicago. We are staying in Changres National Park in the house we found on Airbnb. Lovely but a bit far from everything. I love your blog, you really give good advice. Where did you buy that hat? We are looking for local markets but no luck so far. Thanks

Thanks for the tips! I think you’re my spirit animal as I’m a nurse who is looking to leave it all behind as well. And my name’s Rachael! Keep at it girl!

Hi there, thanks for your post. I’ve been in Panama twice and I can confirm your review… I’ve missed at least two places thus I’ve a good reason to go back next year ;-)

This was so helpful, time to do more planning. Thanks!

Hello Rachel, thank you for this informative article. I am surprised that you did not also show Fort San Lorenzo in your article, the famous Morgan the Pirate raided this Spanish fort on his way to plunder Panama City. I visited FSL when I deployed to Panama many years ago and found it fascinating. Best wishes and safe travels, Karl S.

Thank you for this article. I had no idea Panama would be this interesting. Btw, love your sense of clothing style. I wonder where you shop!

Rachel– That is a very cool blog!

Thanks for the great information regarding Panama. We are visiting Boquete and Bocas in April for 12 days and your tips will save us a lot of research. In addition, we are moving to Boquete this August from North Carolina, very excited. Thanks again.

Like the Article? Leave a Reply Cancel reply

• Last Updated On
• November 22, 2023

17 Best Things to Do in Panama — Top Activities & Places to Go!

Panama is a waterfront country nestled on the shores of the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

This vibrant destination, nicknamed the Melting Pot, features a blend of diverse cultures, offering you many awe-inspiring and unique attractions to explore.

It features gorgeous beaches, picture-perfect hiking trails, stunning ancient sites, and breathtaking natural and architectural wonders.

Prepare to be blown away as you enjoy activities like thrilling water sports, exploring its lively cities, sightseeing, trying out various mouth-watering local delicacies, and endless more.

I want to help make your dream vacation a reality, which is why I carefully selected the best things to do in Panama with your companions.

Take a look at it below, and get ready to make memories that you and your travel buddies will never forget.

1. Panama Canal — Panamá City

Panamá City, PA 0801

The Panama Canal, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, is an artificial waterway spanning 51 miles.

Why You Should Go

Start your unforgettable vacation by exploring countless breathtaking sights to see this weekend, like the Panama Canal.

It is a well-known landmark of the country and is one of the seven wonders of the modern world.

It also neighbors many other renowned attractions, ideal for a terrific sightseeing tour.

Make your way to this famous waterway today and enjoy a peaceful time with your companions, watching hundreds of ships sailing by.

After taking in the breathtaking views, you can visit a waterfront restaurant to enjoy a fantastic dining experience, stroll through a park, tour a museum, and so much more.

2. Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro, PA 0101

Bocas del Toro, founded in 1903, is a province resting on the shores of the Caribbean Sea.

It offers a plethora of pristine coastlines and spectacular national parks.

One of the top things to do in Panama with kids is taking them on a beachfront escape to this magnificent Panama province.

Here, you can find two national parks, three main islands, miles of sandy beaches, a picturesque landscape, and tons more.

Spend a long-awaited bonding time with your children as you enjoy a terrific day at a breathtaking coastline.

At the beach, you can splash around in the cool water, help your little ones make sculptures and castles out of the sand, and lay down a blanket to have a lovely picnic together.

Activities you can do with your older kids are kayaking excursions, island hopping, and so much more.

Related: Best Beaches in Panama

3. Azuero Sunset Coast — Azuero Peninsula

Azuero Sunset Coast Azuero Peninsula, PA 0801

The Azuero Sunset Coast is the only region in the country where you can view glorious sunsets on the water.

Are you looking for romantic things to do in Panama for couples to enjoy together?

If you are, I strongly recommend spending the day together at this postcard-perfect attraction.

It offers you a multitude of recreational activities to enjoy with your beloved, captivating beaches with sandy shorelines and many charming lodging facilities.

Have a wonderful time with your significant other as you go on a romantic date at the Azuero Sunset Coast.

Enjoy activities like spending the day at a beach, watching a glorious sunset, and doing outdoorsy things like kayaking, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, surfing, and tons more.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Morrillo Beach Eco Resort

4. Boquete — Chiriquí

Boquete Chiriquí, PA 0401

Boquete is a petite mountain town nestled on the banks of the Caldera River.

It has a vibrant cultural scene featuring live music venues, art scenes, and lively festivals.

Make your way to Boquete when looking for culturally rich attractions to explore with your travel buddies.

It features attractions like wildlife centers, lively public markets, cascading waterfalls, scenic national parks, eclectic breweries, gorgeous gardens, and so much more.

Enjoy a splendid vacation with your companions by exploring this beautiful town backed by a breathtakingly gorgeous natural landscape.

Some of the activities you can do here are strolling through an eye-catching garden, hiking the nearby forested areas, shopping for local goods, and more.

You can also explore the beauty of nature by trekking to majestic waterfalls, signing up for eco-tours, visiting a wildlife refuge, and so on.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Riverside Inn

5. San Felipe — Panamá

San Felipe Panamá, PA 0801 +507 228-3808

San Felipe is also known as Casco Viejo or Casco Antiguo.

It is the historic district of Panama City, first settled in 1673.

A must-visit for you and your family or friends is the historical neighborhood of San Felipe, where you can enjoy a myriad of activities together.

Some of its attractions include bustling nightclubs, world-class restaurants, rooftop bars, grand churches, awe-inspiring museums, phenomenal theaters, and so much more.

It also features Colonial-style houses, lovely plazas, boutique hotels, waterfront tourist destinations, and so on.

Make long-lasting memories with your travel buddies as you discover the many wonders that this town has to offer.

Do things like sightseeing, touring museums, watching live performances at a fabulous theater, shopping for local handicrafts, and more.

Local favorite things to do in Panama at night are sipping cocktails at a lovely lounge, dancing at a bar, and the like.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Riu Plaza Panamá

6. San Blas Islands

San Blas San Blas Islands, PA +507 6022-5297

The San Blas Islands is an archipelago featuring at least 365 islands.

It is a premier destination for water-related recreational activities.

Do you want to enjoy an epic water adventure that you and your companions will remember for years to come?

Do you want to take a break from downtown spots to visit by opting to spend time in the Caribbean Sea?

If you do, a visit to the San Blas Islands is a perfect choice.

The fun-filled possibilities are endless here, offering you the perfect environment for you to enjoy several water sports amidst a naturally beautiful landscape.

Pack your sunscreen as you enjoy the day under the sun while exploring the many islands in this archipelago.

Do activities like sailing, boating on a dugout, island hopping, swimming, snorkeling, camping by the shoreline, and enjoying the day lazing on a sandy beach.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Pachamama Eco-Lodge San Blas

Related: Best All Inclusive Resorts in Panama

7. Parque Nacional Coiba — Isla de Coiba

Parque Nacional Coiba Isla de Coiba, PA 0901 (507) 998-4271

Parque Nacional Coiba is a nature reserve and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005.

One of the most beautiful and unique things to see in Panama is the other-worldly beauty of Parque Nacional Coiba.

This nature reserve is home to abundant wildlife, superb snorkeling spots, a gorgeous rainforest, powdery sand beaches, and tons more.

Enjoy a brilliant outdoor adventure like no other by going on a memorable excursion with your family, partner, or friends at this nature reserve.

Some of the many activities you can do together are snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, sunbathing on a sandy shoreline, and the like.

Here, you can discover marine life, like various tropical fish species, manta rays, sea turtles, and bottlenose dolphins, amongst others.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Iguanito

Also See: Fun Things to Do in Belize Places to Go in Costa Rica

8. Los Cangilones de Gualaca — Gualaca

Los Cangilones de Gualaca Gualaca, PA 0436

Los Cangilones de Gualaca is a favorite swimming hole amongst tourists and locals alike.

In hot summer months, it offers numerous vendors selling various items.

When searching for nice places to visit in Panama to enjoy the perfect summer getaway, visit this well-loved swimming hole.

It features pristine freshwater, backdrops of lush greenery, a nearby parking lot, nearby hiking trails, and plenty others.

Beat the heat by spending a few hours of your time swimming at Los Cangilones de Gualaca.

Other superb things you can do here are diving from cliffs into the pool-like water, having a delightful picnic by the rocky shoreline, and basking under the sun while catching up on a good book.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Cabanas Rio Encantado

9. Punta Chame — Panamá Oeste

Punta Chame Panamá Oeste, PA 1001

Punta Chame is a corregimiento or a township.

It is home to some of the best beaches in the country, offering an endless array of possibilities.

Head on over to Punta Chame when searching for cool attractions in Panama to tour with your travel buddies.

It is not as crowded as other tourist destinations in the area, ideal if you want to enjoy a peaceful escape with your friends, loved ones, or a special someone.

Get away from large crowds and noisy cities by going on a beach retreat at this jaw-droppingly stunning township.

It is the perfect place for you to enjoy relaxing by a rugged coastline, catching up on a good book, swimming in the refreshing water, kitesurfing or boarding, picnicking, and plenty of other fun-filled choices.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Punta Chame Villas

10. Santa Fe National Park — Santa Fe

Santa Fe National Park Santa Fe, PA 0921 +507 6988-0921

Santa Fe National Park, established in 2001, is captivating, featuring forested areas, cascading waterfalls, and several miles of hiking trails.

Have an immersive experience in the heart of nature as you explore the grandeur of this national park.

Its natural landscape features lush greenery, towering trees, mountain backdrops, babbling rivers, numerous wildlife, and so much more.

It encompasses thousands of acres, offering the ultimate destination for outdoor excursions with your companions.

Bond with your travel buddies as you do activities like hiking, birdwatching, trekking to majestic waterfalls, working on your nature photography skills, and so on.

Enjoy other things like tubing, going on horseback riding excursions, and observing wildlife like monkeys, hummingbirds, jaguars, salamanders, and numerous others.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Coffee Mountain Inn

Also See: The Dominican Republic: Things to Do What to Do in Cuba Things to Do in Chile

11. San Francisco Colonial Church Mountain — Panamá

San Francisco Panamá, PA 0801

The San Francisco Colonial Church Mountain, constructed in 1727, is a stone church carved by local indigenous tribes.

When looking for free things to do in Panama, consider going on a fabulous sightseeing adventure with your travel buddies and exploring its many captivating sights, like this historical church.

It has eight side altars, awe-striking religious imagery, and many other stunning features amidst a postcard-perfect landscape.

Get your camera out and take plenty of pictures with your companions backed by the San Francisco Colonial Church Mountain.

Inside, you can view things like local symbolism, angels, cherubs, images of the crucifixion, images of saints, and so much more.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Galeria

Related: Best Restaurants in Panama

12. El Trapiche — Panamá

Vía Argentina 707 El Cangrejo Panama, PA 0807 (507) 269-4353

El Trapiche is one of the top restaurants in the country, offering an impressive menu of mouth-watering local cuisine.

When searching for indoor stuff to do when it’s raining or cold, consider dining at this brilliant restaurant with your friends, loved ones, or a significant other.

It is one of the best places to enjoy mouth-watering cuisine and traditional Panamanian dishes in an inviting and warm ambiance.

Take a break from sightseeing and doing outdoorsy activities, and replenish your energy by dining at El Trapiche.

Try dishes like ropa vieja, a type of stewed beef, sancocho, a kind of chicken soup, and carimañolas which are ground beef stuffed cassava croquettes.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Panama

13. Super Gourmet — Panama City

Avenida A y Calle 6 Panama City, PA 0807 (507) 212-3487

Super Gourmet is a magnificent restaurant serving various delicious dishes catering to all dietary restrictions.

Are you following a specific diet and looking for places to go today to replenish your energy by eating a delicious meal?

Then, I strongly recommend considering Super Gourmet.

It boasts an impressive menu featuring gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options for your enjoyment.

Spend an hour or two of your time enjoying a delicious meal at this wondrous restaurant with your travel companions.

Try out various yummy dishes partnered with a pint of beer or a glass of wine served by their friendly and accommodating staff.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Santa Maria, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort, Panama City

14. Oro Moreno Tropical Chocolate Cafe — Panama City

Calle Abel Bravo Panama City, PA 0807 (507) 6379-2203

The Oro Moreno Tropical Chocolate Cafe is a store and cafe focusing on chocolate-based delicacies.

Do you and your companions love all things chocolate?

If you do, a must-visit attraction is the Oro Moreno Tropical Chocolate Cafe.

It offers some of the tastiest, chocolate-based treats in the city, a charming and delightful ambiance, and a menu of unique sweets for you to try.

Try out the delicious chocolates or buy gifts to bring to your family or friends back home at this beloved shop.

Buy things like brownies, truffles, artisan sweets, gift boxes, chocolate-covered fruits or nuts, themed treats, and so much more.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: W Panama

Also See: Things to Do in Peru Top Punta Cana Activities

15. Butterfly Haven — El Valle de Antón

Calle la Planta 14 El Valle de Antón, PA 01001 +507 6062-3131

Butterfly Haven is a sanctuary for over 250 free-flying butterflies of various colors and species.

If you are searching for cheap activities to do near you that won’t take too much out of your time, visit this butterfly sanctuary.

It has a screened house where you can stroll through a beautiful landscape with hundreds of butterflies fluttering in the air.

Allot an hour or two of your time learning about the magnificence of butterflies at this top-rated attraction.

Here, you can enjoy activities like viewing differently-colored butterflies, learning about their life cycle, and watching a 15-minute documentary about the colorful fluttering creatures.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Los Mandarinos Boutique Hotel & Spa

16. Starfish Beach — Bocas del Toro

Starfish Beach Bocas del Toro, PA 0101 +507 6386-5321

Starfish Beach is a jaw-dropping beautiful coastline featuring diamond-white sand, crystal clear turquoise water, and countless starfish lying near its shores.

There are countless fun things to do in Panama with your significant other, loved ones, and friends, such as enjoying a beach trip at this stunning coastline.

It is a family-friendly beach featuring calm waves, a gentle surf, a gently sloping shoreline, and towering trees.

It is easily accessible and near many public transportation services, beachfront restaurants, and many more.

Enjoy quality time with your friends and family at Starfish Beach, doing all sorts of fun-filled activities together.

Make memories together as you bury your kids in the soft sand, work on your tan while watching your little ones make sandcastles, go for a leisurely swim, and view the many starfish.

Here, you can also enjoy a beachfront picnic, strolling through the picturesque coastline, and tons more.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge

17. Barú Volcano National Park — Chiriquí

Barú Volcano National Park Chiriquí, PA 0401

Barú Volcano National Park, encompassing over 34,000 acres, is home to an active volcano for which it gets its name.

One of the best things to do in Panama is going on a nature retreat at Barú Volcano National Park.

It has many breathtaking sights for you to see, like dense forests, magnificent Caribbean Sea views, glorious sunsets, and many other gorgeous features.

End your vacation with a bang by going on a spectacular nature retreat at this fantastic national park.

Some of the fun things you can do with your companions are hiking, watching the awe-striking sunset, birdwatching, and enjoying water activities like rafting, kayaking, or canoeing.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Finca Lerida Coffee Plantation and Boutique Hotel

Panama Things to Do: The 17 Best Activities for 2024

• Panama Canal — Panamá City
• Bocas del Toro
• Azuero Sunset Coast — Azuero Peninsula
• Boquete — Chiriquí
• San Felipe — Panamá
• San Blas Islands
• Parque Nacional Coiba — Isla de Coiba
• Los Cangilones de Gualaca — Gualaca
• Punta Chame — Panamá Oeste
• Santa Fe National Park — Santa Fe
• San Francisco Colonial Church Mountain — Panamá
• El Trapiche — Panamá
• Super Gourmet — Panama City
• Oro Moreno Tropical Chocolate Cafe — Panama City
• Butterfly Haven — El Valle de Antón
• Starfish Beach — Bocas del Toro
• Barú Volcano National Park — Chiriquí

10 Incredible Things to Do in Panama on Your First Visit

Fun Things to Do in Panama

Panama makes a great Central American destination to explore whether you have just a layover or two weeks!

Here are some things to do in Panama that we really enjoyed on our first visit – spanning everything from local history, hot spots of the capital city, local Panamanian cuisine and an unforgettable day trip!

Keep reading for more fun things to do in Panama!

Or pin this article to save it for later  ⇟ 

ADVERTISEMENT

Where to Stay in Panama

We chose to stay in  Casco Viejo , the UNESCO World Heritage town just outside modern day Panama City.

If you’re visiting Panama for business and want a high rise, modern hotel, stay in Panama City. If you’re looking for charm and colonial architecture, stay in Casco Viejo!

We loved it and especially loved our stay at the American Trade Hotel . It's a beautiful landmark building, right on Plaza Herrera in a prime location. The hotel is decorated stunningly, our room was incredible and there's even a pool on the rooftop!

Read more:   Our Stay at the American Trade: Hotel Review

Book: Booking.com , Hotels.com

Check rates: TripAdvisor

Best Things to Do in Panama City, Panama

1. explore the colonial old town of casco viejo.

Casco Viejo was our favorite neighborhood in Panama City.

The town was settled in 1673 and is characterized by beautiful old world Spanish architecture. Local poor families were once the only residents of the town’s condemned buildings.

But today commercial development is turning once grumbling buildings into trendy hotels, bars and restaurants.

We chose to base ourselves in Casco Viejo over Panama City at the American Trade Hotel . You can read our in-depth review of the landmark  here .

2. Try Geisha Coffee

Geisha coffee is one of the best beans in the world, producing an aromatic and floral flavor.

You might have heard of Kopi Luwak from Indonesia or Blue Mountain beans from Jamaica … well Geisha beans from Panama are even more prized!

Technically, Geisha coffee isn’t local to Panama – it’s believed to have originated in Ethiopia.

But after it was brought to the country’s mountainous Boquete region, Panamanian coffee plantations began to produce some of the finest Geisha coffee in the world!

Sher’s Tip

Cafe Unido (next to the American Trade Hotel) is one of the few cafes in Panama City to offer entirely local coffee. Unido offers pour overs of Geisha in addition to standard cold brews, espressos and pastries.

3. Visit the Panama Canal

You can’t visit Panama and skip the Panama Canal !

About 20 minutes from Panama City, Miraflores Visitor Center is a four story interactive museum with a short film and outdoor viewing deck overlooking the Miraflores locks. Tickets for the Panama Canal can be purchased here .

Try to time your visit when a cargo or cruise ship is passing through and watch how the locks fill up and down to enable transit! It was so fun to watch in action and the museum does a great job of explaining the Panama Canal construction, management and history.

4. Day Trip to the San Blas Islands

If you’re looking for beautiful, uninhabited islands with white sand beaches and crystal blue waters, take a day trip to the San Blas Islands !

There are over 365 islands in the archipelago and traditionally the area was called the Guna Yala islands after the Guna indigenous people who live there.

San Blas is located on Panama’s north coast and is roughly a 2 hour drive from Panama City, so the easiest way to visit is via private charter (we booked a tour ).

Make sure to bring your passport as the Guna have a security check before allowing visitors to drive to the port. Although it was quite a trek, the islands are wonderfully sunny and snorkelers will love the coral reefs.

5. Buy a Panama Hat

Fun fact : did you know that we usually call a Panama Hat, those light colored brimmed hats, are originally from Ecuador?

Panama hats have never been made in Panama but you can buy them all over the city from souvenir shops. The hats are traditionally made from plaiting a local palm plant and you can judge the quality of a Panama Hat by the tightness of the weave. The finest are called Montecristis, after the town in which they are produced.

Sher’s Tip:  If you’re looking for a truly Panamanian souvenir, head to French Park Monument in Casco Viejo.

Up the steps and behind the monument you’ll find local Panamanians and indigenous Kuna women selling Mola. Mola are these colorful geometric cloth patterns that Kuna Indians traditionally wear. You can purchase a square cloth of Mola or a pillow made from the pattern.

6. Sip Rum at Pedro Mandinga

We stumbled on this adorable pink building while wandering Casco Viejo and discovered to our delight that it is Panama’s first artisanal rum distellery!

In late afternoon, this place comes alive with drinkers casually tasting local cocktails, hanging out with friends and having a great time.

Sher’s Tip: A couple other places we loved in Casco Viejo:

Casacasco , a recently restored white building on Plaza Herrera (it used to be a hostel!). Head up to the roof for epic views or grab bottle service at the swanky levels inside.

Tantalo is another great spot for nightlife, with a casual restaurant serving excellent sandwiches for lunch during the day and a rooftop club at night. They were advertising a Mykonos White Party in November for anyone who will be visiting Panama later this fall!

7. Visit Panama City (the metropolis)

While Casco Viejo packs charm, Panama City wields urban splendor.

For a look at local life, head to the pedestrian walkway at Avenida Central and experience the vibrant cacophony or people, street stands, art and noise. Swing around to Cinta Costera, the city’s waterfront development park where you can enjoy views of the beach, people watch, grab an ice cream or join in on a game of football/soccer/tennis/etc.

This Panama City tour takes you to all of the city’s highlights: Ancon Hill with its incredible views over the city, a local artisan market to shop for Panamanian made souvenirs and a walk through Puna Culebra, the Smithsonian owned museum in Panama.

Sher’s Tip:  Looking for the third “Panama City”?

If you want to see the first Panama City settlement, head to Panama Viejo where you can find the smoldering ruins of the 17th century city. Depending on who you ask, Pirate Henry Morgan sacked the city looting for gold or clever Panamanians destroyed the city to thwart him… and then promptly asked for a helpful gold donation to rebuild!

8. Pay Respects to the Gold Altar at Iglesia San Jose

Panama is a predominantly Catholic town, due to its Spanish heritage.

There are a number of really beautiful churches throughout Casco Viejo but the most famous is Iglesia San Jose for its altar of gold. The gigantic altar piece is carved from mahagony and overlaid with gold leaf.

The altar was originally located in the original Panama Viejo town , but legend holds that quick-thinking Jesuit priests painted the altar black to hide it from pirates.

After Henry Morgan left Panama in frustration, the altar was moved piece by piece to its current location.

The pope made his way to Panama City in 2019 and visited this church!

Sher’s Tip:  We visited as part of a Casco Viejo walking tour . Even if you’re not religious, there’s a lot of history in Panama’s old churches. Here’s some other famous churches in Panama:

• the Convent of Old Santo Domino – after two fires destroyed the interior and roof, the building is just ruins today  but occasionally hosts musical concerts and weddings
• Iglesia de la Merced – constructed in 1673, this baroque church was transported piece by piece from Panama Vieja to its current location.
• Catedral Metropolitana – there’s a beautiful altar piece hidden in this church

9. Learn about Panama’s Biodiversity

Panama’s unique geography as a bridge between North and South America is the focus of this fun museum .

Designed in eight colorful sections by architect Frank Gehry, it’s a fascinating look at how the isthmus of Panama was formed and the repercussions on flora and fauna development in the Americas. There are some really interactive exhibits in the Biomuseo and it’s worth a visit, especially if you have kids!

10. Try Local Panamanian Food

Try some local food while you’re in Panama – it’s amazing!

Panamanians typically eat chicken and rice (arroz con pollo), plantains, yuca and seafood. Some of our favorites were ceviche (of course) and petacones, fried green plantains topped with octopus or other meats.

The best way to taste great food in Panama is on a local food tour !

We also tried lots of fun drinks (they really know how to make their cocktails in Panama!) and the local beers, Balboa and Atlas.

And that’s it! Hope you enjoy your visit to Panama!

Visiting Panama – Travel Checklist

Flights | Copa Airlines, the national Panamanian airline, offers non-stop flights from select US cities. We hopped on a direct flight out of New York City's JFK Airport and arrived 5 hours later.  Check for flight deals and routes here .

Accommodation | After arriving in Panama City's Tocumen International Airport, you can opt to stay in Panama City or head to the Old Town of Casco Viejo. Check here for last minute hotel deals .

We found Panama City to be quite safe and would highly recommend staying in Casco Viejo for its charm and history. It's approximately a 20-30 min taxi ride from Panama City Airport. Be prepared for a slower exit out of Tocumen International, as they scan all bags with your person (like in Mexico).

Currency | Panama's currency is pegged to the U.S. dollar and therefore all prices are 1:1. There's no need to change money and in fact, little need to carry large sums of cash. We were happily surprised to discover that credit cards are widely accepted at restaurants, museums, etc and all our bills were charged directly in USD.

Insurance | Be sure not to visit Panama without travel insurance . Whether you get injured and need to be hospitalized, or your phone gets stolen (C managed to lose his for the second time in 2 weeks), travel insurance will help when you need it most. Get a  quote for your trip here .

  You Might Also Enjoy:  

Panama Vacation Planning Articles

Travel Tips: The Ultimate Panama Travel Guide

Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Perfect Days in Panama

10 Fun Things to do in Panama

Activities & Where to Stay

20 Interesting Facts About Panama  I Bet You Never Knew These!

Seeing the Panama Canal  & Why It's Worth Visiting!

The American Trade Hotel : One of Our Favorite Boutique Hotels

Follow me @Sher She Goes on

Youtube | Tiktok | Instagram

You may also enjoy:

Lapoint el salvador surf camp review, all the best food we ate in …, 3 days in paris: the best city of …, conrad koh samui hotel review.

I absolutely loved Panama and am trying to organise a second visit. I particularly enjoyed the Bocas del Toro.

• Pingback: 20 Interesting Facts About Panama that You Never Knew! » Sher She Goes

I would love to see one of the great big cruise ships go through the Panama Canal – I’ve had friends who have worked on ships who have gone through and they say it’s a pretty neat experience, an pretty precise too, as sometimes there’s just a foot of space on either side of the boat.

• Pingback: How to Spend 3 Perfect Days in Panama City & Casco Viejo
• Pingback: Review: The American Trade Hotel in Panama City
• Pingback: 7 Things We Learned from a Visit to the Panama Canal
• Pingback: Panama Should Be Next on Your Travel Bucket List - Here's Why

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

24 Best Things to do in Panama City, Panama

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: December 20, 2023

Looking for things to do in Panama City, Panama? Whether you are going on a cruise through the Panama Canal or escaping to one of Panama’s luxurious islands, chances are you are going to visit Panama City for at least a day or two. This Panama City guide will help you plan your time there.

We first visited Panama City when we were invited to check out all the cool elements of the Hard Rock Hotel downtown Panama. Not only was it a cool hotel, but the city also blew us away! It has the perfect blend of a high-tech modern metropolis combined with a well-preserved history in its old town and historic ruins.

Table of Contents

Things to do in Panama City

During our first time in Panama City, we spent a week exploring everything it had to offer in the downtown core. We visited the Old Town, and the waterfront, and stayed at one of Panama City’s most recognizable hotels, the Hard Rock Hotel Panama. (rumour has it that this hotel is now closed but the website is still up and running so it is unconfirmed)

Recently, we returned to Panama with Uncruise to sail to Costa Rica from Panama and had the chance to tick off the rest of our Panama City bucket list. This city is a modern wonder that has blended its state-of-the-art architecture with its historic center. If you are visiting Central America, make sure to spend at least a few days exploring the best of Panama City. Enjoy these must-see attractions in Panama City and extra travel tips to help you make the most of your stay!

1. Panama Canal – Miraflores

The obvious choice for first-time visitors to Panama City is to check out the Panama Canal . The closest locks to Panama City are the Miraflores Locks located less than 30 minutes from downtown making it an easy day trip. It is amazing to see the crowds that the locks still attract and even we were a bit giddy when we viewed a cargo ship going through.

The Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic ocean with the Pacific ocean, is one of the Seven Industrial Wonders of the World and when you walk through the fabulous interactive Miraflores visitors center, you’ll understand why! This was not an easy waterway to make. There are two levels of viewing platforms to watch the ships and a Panama Canal museum. It is definitely the number 1 thing to do in Panama City.

First time to Panama City? This city tour is a great introduction to Panama where you’ll visit many of the top attractions including the Miraflores Locks visitor center where you’ll skip the lines arriving as soon as they open. After you’ve seen the famous Panama Canal, you’ll make your way to Casco Viejo, the Amador Causeway, the viewpoint of Panama City, and the boardwalk and waterfront with your local expert guide.

2. Casco Viejo

No visit to Panama City would be complete without taking a stroll through its old town. Casco Viejo, (Old Town) is the historic center of Panama City that is being restored to its original glory. Dating back to 1673, Casco Viejo is worth visiting on a tour to learn about all the buildings, cathedrals, and history of the area.

The historic center of Panama is a must-visit. It reminded us of the old town of Havana, Cuba and I can envision it being as beautiful in just a few short years as hotels and corporations transform the crumbling ruins into boutique hotels. This 2-hour walking tour takes you through the old quarter, where you’ll see the top tourist attractions including San Francisco de Asis and San José churches, the Panama waterfront and admire the architecture inspired by Spanish, French and early Americans.

3. Plaza de Francia

While in Casco Viejo make sure to visit Plaza de Francia. Also, known as The French Plaza, Plaza de Francia is a monument dedicated to the 22,000 workers who died during the construction of the Panama Canal. Here you’ll be able to see the Instituto Nacional de Cultura (National Institute of Culture) that houses a theater and cultural events. The statues and tablets depict the role that the French played in the construction of the Panama Canal.

Fun Fact: It is here that you’ll see a plaque dedicated to the Cuban doctor Carlos J. Finlay, who discovered out how mosquitoes transmitted yellow fever. 

4. Convent Santo Domingo

Located in the Casco Viejo, a quick photography stop is the Convent Santo Domingo and its Flat Arch (El Arco Chato). Similar to another popular tourist attraction in Panama (eh-hem, The Panama Canal), the arch is a feat of engineering for its time. Spanning nearly 50 feet without any support, it stood the test of time and helped solidify Panama as the place for the canal connecting the two oceans. Since it had stood since the 17th century, it proved that Panama wasn’t as prone to earthquakes at Nicaragua, thus making for better, … for the Panama Canal.

5. Plaza de la Independencia (Independence Square)

 Also known as Plaza Mayor or Cathedral Plaza, Plaza de la Independencia is a plaza with the Metropolitan Cathedral of Panama (Basilica of the Virgin of Santa María la Antigua) standing proud at its center. It is a quiet respite from the city with colonial architecture housing restaurants, shops and boutique shopping. You’ll also see the Panama Canal Museum and the headquarters of the Municipal Council in Plaza de la Independencia. We stumbled upon this square during a walk around the city and fell in love with its colonial architecture, its lovely white gazebo and the shady trees lining the square.

6. Iglesia San Felipe Nativity Scene

Even if you are not religious, this nativity scene in Iglesia San Felipe is impressive. For years, families in Panama set up their own nativity scenes around the city but after the restoration of Iglesia San Felipe de Neri, one family donated their massive scene that they built up over the years for everyone to enjoy. If you take a walking tour of the Old Town, chances are your guide will take you into this hidden gem.

Other Things to see in Casco Viejo

You should spend at least an afternoon in Caso Viejo. Take a walking tour of Casco Viejo to see all the main sites and attractions. Check out this city tour with GetYourGuide

One of the best ways we explored Panama was on a private tour. This highly rated private tour lets you explore Panama at your own pace with a customizable tour to suit your desires. Follow your local guide to top-rated attractions such as Casco Viejo, The Causeway, and other parts of the city as you learn insider tips, such as the best places to eat, buy groceries and the easiest ways to get around.

• Historic Society of Jesus
• Church of San Jose – Gold Altar

Gentrification is becoming a problem for the local families that lived in this neighborhood rent-free, so I do hope the government takes care of the people who are the heartbeat of Panama City. But I do also believe in progress, and turning this UNESCO World Heritage Site into a maze of walking streets filled with boutiques, cafés, and restaurants, will help everyone in the long run.

7. Panama Viejo

Not to be confused with Casco Viejo, Panama Viejo is a fascinating tour through the abandoned ruins of the original city. The highway once ran directly through these historic monuments, but thankfully, it was diverted before it all disappeared.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, dating back to 1519, Panama Viejo was the heart of the economic power of trade, religion, and commerce. The city was in use until 1671 when the Spaniards sacked the city themselves before moving to what we know today as Panama Viejo.

Panama was the first European settlement on the Pacific Coast and became a strategic location for mining gold and silver. There are several walls and facades remaining and they are doing regular restoration. The most impressive ruin is the Cathedral – Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción where you can climb up the bell tower for a panoramic view of Panama City.

8. Cinta Costera

Cinta Costera is the beating heart of Panama City. This 64-acre oceanfront parkway is within walking distance from the major hotels, shopping malls and restaurants. One of our favorite things to do in Panama was to walk along the walking trails of Cinta Costera taking in the views of the city. Spanish for Coastal Walkway, tourists and visitors alike use this greenspace for cycling, working out or simply taking relaxing away from the hustle and bustle.

You can rent bikes or hire a rickshaw to take you on a tour of Cinta Costera to explore many of the top attractions in Panama City.

9. Balboa Avenue

Avenue Balboa is Panama City’s downtown neighborhood with skyscrapers lining the waterfront. This ultra-modern waterfront neighborhood is a fun place to hang out for the afternoon.

There’s a paved walkway for cycling or walking. You can walk all the way along the 3km route to Casco Viejo. We stopped in at five-star hotels for a cocktail and for rooftop views of the bay.

10. Amador Causeway

This incredible 6km stretch of road houses some of Panama’s top attractions. It’s located 20 minutes outside the city and offers excellent views of Panama.

It is here, that you can enjoy some fun in the sun paddle boarding, hanging out at the pool bars or do some shopping. You can also hop on the aqua bus here for a view of Panama from the water.

11. Centro Artisan Market

Located at the Amador Causeway, this huge Artisan Market is a great place to shop for your souvenirs. I’ve picked up many a necklace from here, but you can also get masks, jewelry, Panama hats, and other nick nacks here. For another great shopping experience check out the pedestrian mall at the end of Avenida Central.

12. Albrook Mall

If shopping is your thing, pay a visit to Albrook Mall. It is the largest shopping mall in Central America. This mall really is a tourist attraction unto itself. It’s the 14th largest mall in the world and that’s saying a lot. When you think about the mega malls found in Dubai and Asia, its’ amazing that one of the top 20 is in Panama. The mall is located close to the airport and is just minutes from three of Panama’s most popular tourist attractions, the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal, the historic area of Casco Antiguo, and the Causeway.

The Wyndham Hotel is connected to the Albrook Mall making it a good choice to stay in Panama if you are flying out the next day.

13. Bridge of the Americas

It is from the Amador Causeway that you can see the Bridge of the Americas. This massive bridge spans the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal. It was built by the United States in 1962. What is so unique about this bridge? It connects the landmasses of North America and South America.

14. Sunset at the JW Marriott 65 Floor

Another residential neighborhood popular with ex-pats is Punta Pacifica. It’s about a 20-minute walk from Balboa Avenue, or you can take an Uber or taxi for a reasonable price.

The JW Marriott has a huge Casino attached to the main floor. If you go here, take the elevators up to the 65th floor to the rooftop bar overlooking the infinity pool. This rooftop pool and bar is one of the most chic areas in the city. It’s one of the best sunset views in the city!

15. Marvel at El Tornillo

Definitely, the most unique building in Panama City is the spiral skyrise of El Tornillo. The best view we found of it was from the Hard Rock pool bar, but we also went for a walk to check it out up close. There isn’t a lot around there, so we suggest viewing it from afar instead.

16. Buy a Panama Hat

Here’s a fun fact. Panama Hats are not made in Panama. Panama Hats originated in Ecuador and are still made there. The Panama Hat got its name when President Roosevelt was photographed wearing one while visiting the Panama Canal.

The name stuck and even though they are not made here, they are very popular. In Casca Viejo, you can find many Panama Hats on sale at shops. Victor’s is the most popular spot for purchasing a hat. What we loved about buying a Panama Hat in the shops, is that there is no bargaining. You can buy high quality or cheaper imitations ranging from $25 – $200.

17. Biomuseo

Designed by architect Frank Gehry, the Biomuseo explores the biodiversity of Panama. Its unique location bridges North and South America. It’s also a pretty cool and funky building!

18. Ancon Hill

For one of the best overhead views of Panama, Ancon Hill is a great stop. It is included in many Panama City Day Tours, so if you don’t have transportation, chances are you’ll be able to see it if you book a tour!

Panama City Day Trips

19. san lorenzo fort.

Checking out the San Lorenzo Fort was a part of our UnCruise itinerary and I am so glad we had the chance to see this! Another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Panama, this former Spanish military fort was a strategic location for the gold trade. Located on a beautiful clifftop the ocean and Chargras River views are extraordinary. Plus, it is a well-preserved fort dating back to the 1500s.

20. Monkey Island of Gatun Lake

As part of the UnCruise land extension for their Panama to Costa Rica cruise, Gatun Lake is an excellent way to see Panama wildlife such as iguanas, crocodiles, monkeys, toucans, and sloths. I had no idea that the Panama Canal was intertwined with wide and vast waterways.

This highly rated tour takes you to Monkey Island where you’ll catch a riverboat to the Chagres River to see the monkeys of Monkey Island including white-face monkeys, howler monkeys and tamarinds on this island in Gatun Lake.

21. Agua Clara Visitor Center

This Panama Canal expansion is located at Gatun Lake and is an interesting trip to the small town of Colon City. This lock was made to accommodate larger ships sailing through the Panama Canal. You can watch the cruise ships and cargo ships go through from the viewing platforms.

There is a projection room, restaurants, and a hiking trails where you can to try to spot wildlife. You Can visit Colon, Agua Clara, and San Lorenzo Fort on a day tour with Get Your Guide from Panama City.

Enjoy our Video Tour of Panama City

No trip to Central America would be complete without getting on the water, and this boat tour out of Panama City takes you to Taboga Island where you’ll hop aboard a catamaran for a 45-minute cruise where you’ll see the extraordinary Panama City skyline, and Cinta Costera with light snacks, lunch and an all-inclusive bar included.

22. San Blas Islands

San Blas Island has gained in popularity since the Netflix series Money Heist featured the beautiful and secluded white sand beaches of the San Blas Islands surrounded by turquoise water. San Blas Port is located 2.5 hours outside of Panama City and from here you’ll take a Pangas boat to the islands. If you have more time, we suggest spending a night or two on the island, but day tours are offered from downtown.

You can book a Money Heist-themed tour to San Blas Islands from Panama City. ON this tour you’ll visit four islands in one day including snorkeling at Perro Chico, known as the best snorkeling spot in the San Blas Islands, Waily Lodge, Pelicano and the natural swimming pool on a sand bar in the middle of the ocean.

Where to Stay in Panama City

Marbella neighborhood.

Bella Vista Neighborhood

Bristol Hotel – We enjoyed our stay at the Bristol Hotel and found it to be an even better location than the Hard Rock. It didn’t have the amenities of the Hard Rock though if you are looking for a full service hotel. Instead, it is a good luxury choice for a couple of days of sightseeing. We loved the breakfast. Check Availability and Prices on Booking.com or TripAdvisor

Punta Pacifica Neighborhood

JW Marriott – We didn’t find this area to be ideally located as it is away from most of Panama’s top attractions. But the hotel is luxurious with full amenities and an excellent view of the city. Check Availability and Prices on Booking.com or TripAdvisor

Casco Viejo Neighborhood

Central Hotel Panama – Casco Viejo is probably the best location to stay in Panama if you want to be in the heart of the action. Most nightlife has moved to this area and it is near plenty of shopping and culture. Check Availability and Prices on Booking.com or TripAdvisor

Panama City Facts

• Panama uses the USD currency. It is $1 – $1.
• When shopping at markets, it is fair to bargain, but when going into shops, prices are fixed.
• Uber is available in downtown Panama City. When taking taxis be sure to negotiate prices first.
• The main international airport of Panama City is Tocumen Airport
• Panama is a good walking city and we felt safe walking around during the day. Use caution when walking at night.

Book your own  Panama / Costa Rica Panama trip   within the next year with UnCruise, you’ll get $100 per person savings on the same 10-night trip we are taking!

And these are the best things to do in Panama City. Make sure to spend a few days exploring Panama City before you set out on your Panama Cruise or Panama tour, you will love it!

What to Expect on a Panama Canal Cruise with Uncruise

• Things do to in San Jose, Costa Rica
• Central America
• Panama Travel Guide

Experience the Hard Rock Hotel Panama Megapolis

• Best City Skylines in the World – Our Favourites in Photos

Did you enjoy all this Panama City guide? Save it to Pinterest for future travel planning.

• 21 Best Things To Do in San Jose, Costa Rica
• 23 Interesting Facts About Costa Rica

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

You May Also Like

About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

Join thousands of others who get our monthly updates!

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

4 thoughts on “24 Best Things to do in Panama City, Panama”

Panama city looks cool and awesome. Thanks for sharing all these tips.

Perfect place to explore!!

Amazing post with beautiful images. helpful and informative.

Simply awestruck by Marvel At El Tornillo what an architecture…what a beauty. Thanks for sharing.

8 Best Places To Visit in Panama

Home » Destinations » 8 Best Places To Visit in Panama

Visit Panama, the undiscovered paradise known as “The Bridge of the Americas” where history, culture, nature, and adventure are at your fingertips from cosmopolitan Panama City. The main attractions include Panama City, the Panama Canal, exotic beaches, private islands, national parks (25% of the country is set aside as national parks), accessible rainforests, mountain retreats and more. To help you narrow it down, our experts have compiled a list of the best places to visit in Panama!

The Panama Canal

Kayaking Gatun Lake – part of the Panama Canal

One of the most well-known attractions in Panama is the Panama Canal. This 48-mile waterway was the first to connect the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean in 1914. Said to be one of the most difficult engineering projects undertaken in history, the Panama Canal allowed ships to avoid the long and dangerous Cape Horn route along the southern tip of South America. Today, over 815,000 ships pass through the canal, a trip which can take between six and eight hours. Day tours to the Panama Canal can be arranged. Jungles and waterways abound along the Panama Canal. A popular tourist attraction making up a large section of the Panama Canal is Gatun Lake , one of the largest artificial lakes in the world. Boat tours, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and ziplining can all be arranged on Gatun Lake. Other interesting landmarks along the way include Barro Colorado Island , a national monument and research center available for visitors to explore via a trail network, and Soberania National Park , known for its tropical birds, trails, and wildlife like sloths, agoutis, howler monkeys, and more.

Panama City, Panama Province

View over Panama City from Ancon Hill

Panama City is the metropolitan center of Panama positioned between the Pacific Ocean and the Panama Canal. While visiting Panama City, don’t miss Casco Viejo , Panama City’s historic district, and an up-and-coming foodie destination. The old city is a collision of culture as French and Spanish colonial-style buildings serve as a backdrop to lively Panamanian daily life. It’s a mixture of old and new with development continuing within its old city walls. Another highlight of Panama City is Ancon Hill , a 654-ft hill with incredible views overlooking Panama City. Bike tours are available to the lookout point.

Bocas del Toro Islands

View of Punta Caracol Ecolodge in Bocas del Toro Islands

Fall under the spell of the Bocas del Toro Islands, a laid-back Caribbean archipelago of nine rainforest islands confined by white sand and approximately 300 little islets accessible for daytime exploration by kayak. A multitude of sustainable lodges dot this raw paradise. Life on the islands is slow and easy. Bocas del Toro has a rich history of exploration, conquest, and bananas . Christopher Columbus first discovered the paradise of Bocas del Toro in 1502. Panama then fell under Spanish rule until 1903. After which, bananas boomed as the Chiquita Banana Plantation took flight in the region, attracting workers from all over the Caribbean.

Boquete, Chiriqui Highlands

Boquete is a small town located in the Chiriqui Highlands just south of Costa Rica. The town is famous for the nearby Baru Volcano, hot springs, and coffee plantations. The rare Quetzal bird can also be found in this cool cloud forest climate. Birdwatchers will love the Los Quetzales Trails, a 6-hour trail on which you can search for Quetzals and other exotic cloud forest birds en route to Cerro Punta while passing through Baru Volcano National Park.

Each of our 50+ itineraries can be customized to fit your unique vacation style.

Find a Vacation Package >

or give us a call now at 773.935.1009

Pearl Islands, Panama Province

The Pearl Islands are an archipelago of about 250 little islands in the Gulf of Panama on the Pacific Ocean. The name dates back from Spanish conquistadors who found pearls on these islands. Today, a multitude of resorts and hotels are available on the island for all budgets.

El Valle de Anton, Cocle Province

El Valle de Anton is a small town situated in the middle of an extinct volcano in central Panama. Surrounded by cloud forests and mountains, this picturesque town has a slightly cooler climate. El Valle de Anton has an orchid conservation center, a butterfly house, and a serpentarium showcasing the areas native species. Horseback riding, hiking, and birdwatching are popular activities available in the area. There are also several petroglyphs known as La Piedra Pintada located nearby. The most famous waterfall to explore in El Valle de Anton is El Chorro del Macho , a 115-ft. waterfall located less than 1 1/2 miles from town. It takes only 10-minutes to reach the waterfall along the trail, an easy trek for moderately active hikers. Enjoy the wildlife of the forest en route to this rainforest gem.

Azuero Peninsula

Pollera Costume

The Azuero Peninsula is the traditional center of Panama with a history of folklore, handicrafts, and ceramics in pre-Columbian fashion. Visitors will see the typical Panamanian dress for women, colorful masks, and the work that goes into crafting the pollera costume by hand. Other activities in the region include rum and sugar cane processing tours, clay pottery and artisanal bread manufacturing tours, turtle and whale watching,  The region is drier than the rest of the country with some of the most beautiful beaches – perfect for water sports! The cities of Chitre, Las Tablas, and Pedasi have also risen in popularity for tourists in recent years. A 20-minute boat ride from the Azuero Peninsula will bring you to Iguana Island , a popular warm water snorkeling destination where travelers may encounter schools of colorful fish, turtles, rays, and moray eels. The island also has many natural wonders to discover on land like crabs, iguanas, bird nesting sites and little coves.

Santa Catalina, Veraguas

Santa Catalina Beach

Santa Catalina is one of Panama’s top surf, dive, and watersport destinations. Once a quiet fishing town on the Southern side of Panama, Santa Catalina has exploded in popularity among the surfing population. Located nearby is Coiba National Park , a world-class dive and snorkel destination. With over 30 dive sites around the island, a multitude of marine wonders can be discovered here such as manta rays, turtles, white tip reef sharks, and sometimes humpback whales during their season. An estimated 760 fish species and 33 shark species inhabit the area.

Related Articles: Things to do in Panama City, Panama Casco Viejo Restaurants Transform Panama City Dining

Panama FAQ:

You deserve a vacation planned by experts., us headquarters, costa rica office.

Barrio La California, Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, Ed #2798 Oficina #8 San Jose, Costa Rica 10104

READ OUR REVIEWS

• DESTINATIONS
• THINGS TO DO
• PLAN YOUR TRIP

Privacy Overview

This is a necessary category.

Our Harlem Reviews

ENG21001-SEK Spring 2024

Panama: A Unique Travel Destination That Has It All

Panama stands apart from all the places you could visit. Not only does it connect two continents, but it also offers a mix of amazing nature and interesting culture. I had the opportunity to visit different cities in Panama as a tourist, and there is no other country where I feel more welcome. Panama is one of the only countries on the American continents whose economy has always been based on tourism and the service sector, so it is part of their culture to make foreigners feel welcome. Three places that are top in my opinion are Rio Hato, Panama City, and Isla San Blas.  

Rio Hato is one of the most unique places I have ever visited because I was able to enjoy the beach in the afternoon and go hiking around the volcano in the morning. Just two hours from Panama City airport. Driving is recommended for three reasons: you’ll see beautiful scenery, try authentic food, and connect with locals. Rio Hato is the ideal destination for those who are unsure whether they want an adventurous or peaceful vacation. Also, this place is very budget friendly. Rio Hato is home to a variety of hotels and resorts, some of which are all-inclusive, meaning you don’t have to leave the hotel because they offer nightclubs, children’s performances, a variety of restaurants, and adventure packages for a low cost. Some of the resorts I have stayed at with my family that I recommend are Royal Decameron, Hotel Riu Playa Blanca, and Red Frog Beach Island. Rio Hato is ideal since it is so diverse that you don’t feel the need to adjust to the surroundings because they adapt to your needs.  

Panama City is a beautiful city that doesn’t have anything to envy about other first-world cities. Tourists like the city because there is a balance between learning about the history behind the country and being able to enjoy the modernity that it has to offer. Panama City has one of the most iconic engineering marvels in the world, the Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Panama City’s population has been diverse since they started building the canal. A lot of the workers were foreigners, and a large percentage of the population is bilingual, so there is not much of a language barrier. If I were to give you a recommendation, it would be to buy a package that takes you to Panama Viejo and the Panama Canal. Personally, these are the two attractions I recommend the most if you are going for a short period of time.  

The San Blas Islands are known for their clear water, awesome beaches, and lots of green trees and plants. Islas San Blas is home to the indigenous Guna people; the islands showcase vibrant culture and tradition through colorful huts and textiles. You can do fun stuff like swimming, chilling on the beach, and learning cool things about Guna culture. It’s a calm and peaceful place where you can enjoy nature and learn new stuff. Isla San Blas gives you the opportunity to choose between staying in your hotel and enjoying their amenities or going on adventures and trying to immerse yourself in the Guna culture.  

Panama is a wonderful place to visit because it has a bit of everything: beautiful beaches, fascinating culture, and friendly people. Rio Hato is great if you want both beach time and adventure, while Panama City offers a mix of history and modern life, with must-see spots like the Panama Canal. And then there are the San Blas Islands, known for their stunning beaches and the chance to learn about the indigenous Guna culture. No matter where you go in Panama, you’re sure to have an amazing time exploring and enjoying the welcoming atmosphere. 

This entry is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International license.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Need help with the Commons?

Email us at [email protected] so we can respond to your questions and requests. Please email from your CUNY email address if possible. Or visit our help site for more information:

• Terms of Service
• Accessibility
• Creative Commons (CC) license unless otherwise noted

16 things to know before you visit Panama City in 2024

Mar 10, 2024 • 8 min read

Get prepared for your visit to Panama City with our guide to what you need to know before you go © Westend 61 / Getty Images

Panama's capital is a cosmopolitan cityscape with a skyline dominated by gleaming skyscrapers and streets full of culture, incredible food and enticing attractions.

Explore on foot and take a stroll along the bay while the Pacific breeze keeps you cool, before exploring Panama City's different neighborhoods and finding its colonial history etched on every street.

Tourist crime here is low and most are of the low-key, opportunistic type you'll encounter in any major city. Keep your wits about you, avoid the more rough-and-tumble parts of town and you'll be just fine. 

From planning your trip to local etiquette, here’s what you need to know before traveling to Panama City .

1. Where you stay depends on your budget and needs

Every neighborhood has its advantages and disadvantages. With cobblestone streets and Spanish colonial architecture, the historic quarter of Casco Viejo is the most memorable and romantic part of the city.

It has lots of high-end restaurants, luxury lofts and swanky rooftop bars, but a dearth of budget-friendly places to eat and its public transport links aren’t the best.

The Calidonia district in the southern part of the city occupies a grid of streets from Plaza 5 de Mayo to Calle 42 Este. Avenida Central bustles with market stalls, and the roads to the south are dotted with budget-friendly hotels.

The district is also near plenty of Metro trains and buses . You can pick up cheap street food during the day when kitchens open for local hospital staff and civil servants. After dark, however, Calidonia becomes shady and downbeat with limited dining options.

To the east of Calidonia, the so-called banking district is a patchwork of several districts or corregimientos , including modern and emerging neighborhoods that host the lion’s share of high-end lodgings and Airbnb rentals.

There are a few hostels and not nearly enough economical hotels. Many decent restaurants are dispersed throughout the banking district but are not always within walking distance.

If you’re in town to party, the Marbella and Bella Vista neighborhoods have great access to the bars and clubs on Calle Uruguay. El Cangrejo is an entertainment zone with a casino, good Metro train links on Vía España and a parade of restaurants on Vía Argentina. 

2. Time your visit for budget-friendly deals and great weather

The high season coincides with the dry season  – mid-December to early April – when prices are generally higher. The major festivals of Christmas, New Year, Carnival and Semana Santa see a price increase in the capital, but not as much as the beaches , where most city-dwellers spend the holidays.

Mid-April to early December is the cheapest time to visit Panama City, as long as you don’t mind getting soaked by the rain.

Most deluges last only an hour or two in the afternoon, but the season gets wetter as it goes on. In the depths of it, the skies can be overcast for days, but the rains are usually intermittent and the cloud cover can bring relief from the relentless Panamanian sun.

3. You're better off with a Metro card than a car

Although a car is good for day trips out of town, don’t plan on driving much in the city. The one-way road system is baffling, city thoroughfares are often congested, and diversions are par for the course.

Instead, use Panama City’s public transport system , which includes a fleet of air-conditioned buses and Central America’s first-ever Metro train. Buy a three-in-one “RapiPass” upon arrival and gain access to Metro trains and buses, and the departure gates at Albrook bus station. 

4. Always keep a stash of low-denomination bills

You'll need to show your ID and sign a register if you pay for anything with a higher bill than US$20. Counterfeit money is an issue in the country, so all $50 and $100 bills will be scrutinized in Panama.

5. Don’t smoke in public

Legislation introduced in 2008 banned smoking in public places. People who smoke in non-designated areas are subject to fines of $25–100.

6. Dress for comfort but look sharp

Panamanians like to dress up and look their best. The ostentatious displays of fashion on display in Obarrio include stiletto heels that somehow survive the assault course of the city’s pavements.

When socializing, casual attire is fine, but avoid wearing shorts and sandals to nice restaurants or social functions.

7. Tip hotel cleaning staff

If you stay in a hotel, leave a tip for the person who cleans your room – US$2–3 a day is fine. A 10% tip is often added in good restaurants, but not always – check the bill before paying.

In low-key local eateries, you may leave some loose change for the server. Unless they help with luggage, taxi drivers don’t expect a tip.

8. Don’t use drugs

Although Panama City is steeped in narco dollars, Panamanian society frowns on drug use, and the law does not tolerate it. If the police find you in possession of even small quantities of marijuana, you could spend several years in a Panamanian prison.

9. Don’t expect people to speak English

Panama City Spanish is Caribbean Spanish – extremely fast and heavily laden with jerga (slang). If Spanish is not your first language, you may struggle to catch it.

Don’t expect to find many English speakers during your day-to-day transactions. English is widely spoken in the business community, but not much outside of it, and mastering a few basic Spanish phrases  will help you get around.

10. It's safe to drink tap water

The tap water in Panama City is perfectly safe to drink. Save on plastic waste by refilling water bottles at a faucet. If you prefer purified water, you can refill at the 20-liter garrafones in most hotel lobbies.

11. Prepare for environmental hazards

Panama City is an urban hothouse scratched out of the jungle. The elements are fierce – humidity is often 100%. You should take a day or two to relax and acclimate to the heat if you come from a cold-weather country.

Always apply sunscreen before going outside and keep an adequate water supply handy. Wear light clothes and a hat to keep the sun off your face. Bring a sturdy umbrella if you visit during the wet season.

Panama City suffers from flash floods during heavy downpours. If you get caught in a storm, you could end up wading through deep puddles. Traffic is generally heavy, and many parts of the city are not pedestrian-friendly. People living with asthma may find their symptoms are aggravated by fumes.

Sadly, the Bay of Panama is a dump for industrial effluence and untreated sewage, so the oceanfront malecón sometimes reeks.

12. Be aware of common scams

Scammers operate in all big cities and some target tourists. Be wary of strangers who tell unfortunate and earnest stories that end with them asking for money. If it seems suspicious, it probably is. Watch out for fake tour guides who ask for payment in advance and then stand you up.

Old-school taxi scams that involve going around the houses to increase the fare can happen anywhere in the world, but in Panama City, it’s common for taxis to simply overcharge. There are no meters in the cabs.

Fares are supposed to be based on zones, but in practice, they rarely are. If you look foreign, taxi drivers will bump up the fare. It's best to negotiate and agree on the price beforehand.

13. Solo women travelers may receive unwanted attention

Panama City is typically safe for solo women travelers, but it's best to avoid walking alone at night in Casco Viejo, Santa Ana or Calidonia. Women may receive attention from chatty men on Metro trains or buses. If a man won’t leave you alone, ask a nearby older woman to assist.

14. Steer clear of sketchy neighborhoods

Thirty years ago, Casco Viejo was dicey. Today, things have somewhat improved, but there are still pockets of the old neighborhood where you should exercise caution.

If you’re staying in Casco Viejo, the 20-minute walk from the nearest Metro train station, 5 de Mayo, is risky at night. Use a taxi or an Uber instead. To the west of Casco Viejo, the neighboring El Chorrillo district is very dangerous and neglected. You should avoid this neighborhood entirely.

The district of Santa Ana, north of Casco Viejo, is bisected by the pedestrianized peatonal , a lively shopping street that is safe to walk during the day; stay alert in the crowds. The side roads east of the peatonal are sketchy, and you shouldn’t wander around them.

At its north end, the peatonal connects with Plaza 5 de Mayo, the National Assembly, a Metro station, a bus terminal and a grimy confluence of roads and flyovers. The area is lively into the evening, but stay alert and use a vehicle after 11pm.

North of 5 de Mayo, Avenida Central strikes into Calidonia district with street vendors and hustle. It's fine to explore in the day, but don’t flaunt expensive equipment or jewelry. Calidonia is spooky and seedy after dark. Avoid run-down or poorly lit streets.

15. Keep your documents handy

Everyone is legally required to carry a photo ID at all times in public in Panama. Tourists should carry their passport or a photocopy of their passport with the photo page and immigration entry stamp.

16. LGBTIQ+ travelers are welcome

Attitudes in rural Panama are somewhat conservative but less so in Panama City. LGBTIQ+ travelers are unlikely to encounter prejudice, and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is prohibited by Panamanian law. There’s a lively gay scene in Casco Viejo and El Cangrejo.

This article was first published Aug 15, 2022 and updated Mar 10, 2024.

Explore related stories

Public Transport

Dec 23, 2023 • 6 min read

Panama may be small, but its attractions are mighty and not always easy to get to. Here's everything you need to know about getting around Panama.

Dec 20, 2023 • 7 min read

Dec 3, 2023 • 7 min read

Dec 1, 2023 • 6 min read

Oct 10, 2023 • 6 min read

Sep 29, 2023 • 9 min read

Mar 14, 2023 • 5 min read

Mar 12, 2023 • 7 min read

Mar 11, 2023 • 7 min read