Panama

Best Places To Visit in Panama

The Panama Canal

One of the most well-known attractions in this country 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 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 that can take between six and eight hours. Day tours to the Panama Canal can be arranged. Jungles and waterways abound along the banks of the 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

Panama City is the metropolitan center of Panama positioned between the Pacific Ocean and the Panama Canal. While visiting, don’t miss Casco Viejo, the 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 is Ancon Hill, a 654-foot hill with incredible views overlooking the city. Bike tours are available to the lookout point.

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.

Gulf of Chiriqui

The Gulf of Chiriquí, located along the Pacific coast, is a stunning and ecologically rich region known for its pristine beaches, lush mangroves, and abundant marine life. Home to several protected areas, including Coiba National Park and the Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park, the gulf is a haven for snorkeling, island hopping, and sportfishing. Its warm waters are teeming with biodiversity, including whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and vibrant coral reefs. With its mix of natural beauty and tranquility, this destination offers an ideal escape for nature lovers and eco-tourists alike.

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.

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 area’s 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.

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When To Visit

The best time to visit is during the dry season, which typically runs from December to April. This period offers pleasant, sunny weather ideal for exploring the outdoors, visiting beaches, and enjoying activities like hiking and canal tours. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds and still enjoy good weather, the shoulder months of November and May can also be a great time to visit. The rainy season, from May to November, can bring frequent afternoon showers, but this is also when the country’s lush landscapes are at their most vibrant, and some regions, like the highlands, can be pleasantly cooler.

How To Get To

To get to Panama, most travelers arrive by air through Tocumen International Airport (PTY), located just outside Panama City. It’s the busiest airport in Central America and is well-connected to major cities in North America, South America, and Europe with direct flights. Several international airlines, including American Airlines, Copa Airlines, and Delta, operate frequent flights to Panama.

Alternatively, travelers can reach Panama by land from neighboring countries like Costa Rica, through the Pan-American Highway. However, be aware that there is a break in the highway called the “Darien Gap” between Panama and Colombia, which makes overland travel to South America impossible.