After touring round Panama for 3 months, I used to be fortunate sufficient to uncover its most breathtaking spots – from cool surf resorts and hidden secret islands to quirky mountain retreats and unimaginable dive websites. I’ve listed my favourite locations…
1. San Blas Islands
I used to be utterly in awe of those pristine idyllic islands! The surroundings right here consists of dazzling turquoise waters, comfortable white sandy seashores, and conventional thatched-roof huts – to me it felt like an escape from the fashionable world!
They’re nestled within the Caribbean Sea, off the northern coast of the mainland they usually encompass over 365 islands and cays spanning round 100 sq. miles. The area is usually inhabited by the indigenous Kuna individuals (who I came upon when there) govern it autonomously.
I flew to Panama Metropolis and I then took a 30 minute home flight to the islands and spending a blissful 4 days exploring the islands. My favourites have been Achutupu which was crammed with a wealthy Guna tradition, the much less commercialised Kagantupu, and Coco Blanco which was an superior spot for snorkelling. I relaxed on pristine, crowd-free seashores, found conventional Indian crafts and heard charming legends from the pleasant locals!
Location: off the northern coast of the nation within the Guna Yala area.
Location Map
Finest time to go to: January to April (the dry season)
My favourite highlights…
Spending an evening in an Instagram-worthy over-water cabin which had a really pure trying rustic-chic design which actually slot in with the undeveloped vibe and restrictions of the islands.
Occurring a 4-day island hopping boat tour which was a significantly dreamy expertise – it was superior to fulfill up with an area Kuna household (who have been tremendous pleasant) and discover out all about their very fascinating lifestyle!
Going snorkeling and seeing colourful coral reefs, brightly coloured parrotfish which had hues of blues, greens, reds, pinks, oranges, and yellows!
2. Panama Metropolis
I believed this was such a novel metropolis! Though the capital metropolis did have a really business-focused really feel, I found many stunning points such because the putting skyline of contemporary high-rises which sat side-by-side with the historic structure of Casco Viejo, the scenic city seashores that lined the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal. The entire place additionally had a dynamic and really cosmopolitan really feel!
It’s situated on the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, centrally situated inside the nation, and serves as its political, administrative, and cultural hub
I spent 4 days right here and explored the historic Casco Viejo district, visited the Panama Canal on the Miraflores Locks, sampled the nightlife within the full of life Calle Uruguay space, loved attractive panoramic views from Ancon Hill, went people-watching in Plaza Mayor after which recharged my batteries in its cosmopolitan eating places and bars!
Location: east-central a part of the nation
Location Map
Finest time to go to: December to April (dry season)
My highlights…
Staying on the attractive and distinctive Lodge La Compania – I completely adored its excellent Casco Viejo location and the Seventeenth-century Jesuit convent constructing it was housed in!
Trying out the massive Artisan Market which was crammed with handcrafted merchandise – I ended up shopping for natural home-made soaps, regionally made pottery and colourful native paintings.
3. Bocas del Toro
This can be a gorgeous archipelago crammed with pure magnificence! I discovered vividly painted Caribbean-style picket buildings, tropical vegetation, and dreamy seashores starting from serene white sands to dramatic, wave-swept shores.
Each a well-liked backpacking and vacation vacation spot, it’s situated on the northeastern Caribbean coast of the mainland, close to the Costa Rican border. Spanning about 250 sq. miles, it’ made up of 9 most important islands and a number of other smaller islets, teeming with wealthy biodiversity and a full of life Caribbean tradition!
I stayed for 4 days after flying immediately from Panama Metropolis (which took an hour), snorkeled within the clear waters at Coral Cay, tried browsing at Pink Frog Seaside (regardless that I wasn’t a lot good!), explored the rainforests of Isla Bastimentos Nationwide Marine Park, and sampled the full of life nightlife in Bocas City.
Location: northwest, close to the border with Costa Rica
Location Map
Finest time to go to: February and March (the driest months)
My private highlights…
Staying in a heavenly overwater bungalow on the eco-friendly Sol Bungalows – waking as much as the ocean views each morning from the non-public deck was a really idyllic expertise!
Renting an E-bike (from Flying Pirates Bocas) and using round Bocas City earlier than heading to the gorgeous Playa Bluff seaside for sundown.
Going snorkeling in Cayo Coral and seeing stingrays, crabs, colourful tropical fish, spectacular coral reefs and distinctive underwater gardens.
4. Playa Venao
I used to be an enormous fan of this dreamy, laid-back gem! I discovered an expansive crescent-shaped seaside with golden sands surrounded by tropical-forest hillsides, and dotted with low-rise, rustic buildings. I additionally beloved its surf-focused and boho, eco-friendly vibe.
It’s a quaint seaside neighborhood nestled on the Pacific coast of Panama’s Azuero Peninsula within the southeastern a part of the nation, famend for its wonderful browsing situations, full of life seaside bars, and beachfront eating places.
I stayed for 2 weeks and didn’t get bored! I spent it kicking again, sunbathing on the lengthy, vast sandy seaside, taking a swim within the heat sea, eating on the funky seaside eating places (many had DJs too!) and sipping on cocktails within the open-air bars whereas gazing on the waves!
Location: southern coast on the Azuero Peninsula
Location Map
Finest time to go to: finish of December to center April (the dry season)
My highlights…
Staying on the wow-inducing Alaya Yoga & Surf & Retreat – I beloved the Insta-worthy pods, the unimaginable views, the dreamy non-public sizzling tub and the zen-like yoga courses!
Having fun with a melon cocktail whereas watching the sundown on the in style Selina’s Seaside Bar – there have been additionally some full of life seaside events (full with a DJ) after darkish too!
5. Casco Viejo
This can be a engaging historic space in Panama Metropolis! I believed it was each fairly and charming with cobblestone streets lined with colourful colonial buildings and easy-on-the-eye plazas. I beloved its combine old-world attraction and trendy vitality and full of life avenue markets, fashionable cafes, and buzzing nightlife.
Spanning an space of 0.8 sq. miles, it’s an UNESCO World Heritage Web site, overlooking the Pacific Ocean from a small peninsula in Panama Metropolis, southwest of the fashionable downtown space. It was based in 1519 as the primary European settlement on the Pacific coast, it quickly advanced into a significant buying and selling hub within the Americas.
I stayed right here for 2 days on the historic colonial boutique American Commerce Lodge and explored the colourful colonial buildings, visited the historic San José church, sipped on Pineapple Basil Daiquiris cocktails within the rooftop bars whereas gazing on the skyline (my favourite was the cool Casa Casco), and strolled via charming Plaza de la Independencia.
Location: Panama Metropolis
Location Map
Finest time to go to: December to April (the dry season)
My private highlights…
Sipping on a cup of espresso created from the well-known regionally grown geisha beans on the fashionable Nomada Eatery – I additionally beloved the funky artwork displayed on the partitions.
6. Pearl Islands
This pristine archipelago as soon as served because the set for the Survivor (the truth present)! Right here I discovered powdery white-sand seashores, attractive turquoise waters, and charming seaside villas in a tropical setting with a tranquil and unique vibe!
Consisting of 200 islands and islets spanning round 250 sq. miles, they’re nestled within the Pacific Ocean, round 30 miles off the coast. They’re a well-liked vacation vacation spot with upscale resorts, and actions on provide akin to snorkeling, diving, and whale watching.
I took the 20-minute flight from Panama Metropolis and stayed for every week on the dreamy Mar Y Oro Resort and snorkeled and dived the spectacular coral reefs, relaxed on my favourite secluded seaside Isla Contadora, and found the plush forests and marine life round Isla del Rey.
Location:off the Pacific coast within the south
Location Map
Finest time to go to: December to April (the dry season)
My private highlights…
Eating on the laid again Restaurante Gerald’s – on the paradise-like Contadora Island – I particularly beloved the Mango Mojito and the scrumptious tropical salad Panama model which got here with blended greens, herbs and slices of mango, pineapple, and papaya.
7. Boquete
This can be a very fashionable vacation spot! I’ve to confess I used to be charmed by its tranquil and small city vibe in addition to the attractive surroundings which consisted of mountainous terrain cloaked in emerald-green espresso plantations and cloud forests and dotted with fairly alpine-style structure.
It’s a highland city nestled in western Panama’s Chiriquí Province, close to the Costa Rican border and on the foot of the Barú Volcano. It has a status for having a cool local weather, lush landscapes, world-class espresso plantations, and being a vacation spot for outside actions like mountaineering, fowl watching, and the annual Flower and Espresso Pageant.
I drove six hours from Panama Metropolis and stayed for 4 days in a visitor home mountaineering Barú Volcano which had significantly gorgeous views, touring world-class espresso plantations, going birdwatching and recognizing quetzals, going zip-lining via the cloud forest, and exploring the eerie, deserted Palacio Municipal constructing.
Location: Chiriquí Province, west
Location Map
Finest time to go to: December to April (dry season)
My private highlights…
Staying on the super-cute 4-star Inn at Palo Alto – I beloved its location alongside the banks of the Palo Alto River, its lush inexperienced gardens, the handcrafted woodwork decor, the cloud forest views and the eucalyptus-scented spa, pool and jacuzzi, it was arduous to go away!
8. Perro Chico Island
That is a part of the San Blas Islands however I personally suppose it deserves a particular point out! It’s a paradise-like spot with divine white-sand seashores, swaying palm bushes, glistening turquoise waters teeming with marine life, and cute rustic thatched huts! I beloved the cool and distinctive environment right here – to me it felt like staying in a single day at a competition!
Actually which means “Canine Island” it’s situated off the Caribbean coast of the mainland within the northeastern a part of the nation.
I took a day journey boat tour there from the port of Carti island and spent a very great day eating on coconut rice and fried plantains within the island’s cool little restaurant and bar, making an attempt all of the actions on provide (each water and land primarily based!), enjoyable in my hammocks and hanging out with the opposite vacationers on the within the evenings! It was pure bliss!
Location: San Blas, east of the nation
Location Map
Finest time to go to: December to April (dry season)
My favourite highlights…
Absorbing the festive environment within the night – all of us sat spherical seaside bonfires ingesting cocktails from coconuts!
Having a enjoyable sport of volleyball with fellow vacationers (I wasn’t a lot good, although, sadly)!
Discovering the island’s shipwreck situated simply offshore when snorkeling – the sunken military gunboat was surrounded by enormous manta rays and even a swordfish. I even noticed the boat’s sunken rusty bow peeking above the water at low tide!
9. Gulf of Chiriquí
This massive bay situated off the Pacific coast is rather like a paradise! I came upon it was an actual magnificence spot with a mixture of pristine, secluded white and volcanic sand seashores, lush, untouched islands, and quaint coastal villages with rustic structure, all set in opposition to a backdrop of vibrant marine ecosystems and dramatic tropical landscapes. I discovered it the right place to disconnect and immerse myself in pristine nature!
It lies south of Chiriquí, stretching from the Costa Rican border within the west to the Azuero Peninsula within the east, proper on the western Pacific coast.
I discovered that it included a number of protected areas together with the a UNESCO World Heritage website, Coiba Nationwide Park, and numerous islands (with the town of David serving as a major entry level). It’s house to unimaginable diving and snorkeling I noticed principally eco-tourists and journey seekers right here and lodging choices ranged from eco-lodges to boutique accommodations.
I took a ship tour from Boca Chica and stayed for every week on the stunningly situated Seagull Cove Resort and in addition to snorkeling and absorbing the attractive environment I had an superior expertise seeing super-cute sea turtles nesting on a seaside!
Location: west, close to the border of Costa Rica
Location Map
Finest time to go to: December to April (dry season)
My favourite highlights…
Snorkeling round Granito de Oro Island and seeing manta rays, reef sharks, inexperienced turtles and tropical fish circle the brightly coloured coral reefs.
10. Soberania Nationwide Park
This can be a very accessible protected space! It’s crammed with inexperienced rainforests, the historic Camino de Cruces mountaineering path and a tranquil, adventurous vibe. There are seashores right here however there was a wide range of gorgeous pure landscapes and well-preserved colonial-era constructions.
It’s situated within the central a part of the nation, solely round 25 kilometers north of Panama Metropolis. Spanning round 55,000 acres, it stretches alongside the jap shore of the Panama Canal, spanning components of each Panama and Colón provinces. I discovered lodging right here included eco-lodges, rainforest resorts, primary guesthouses, and the distinctive Cover Tower.
Soberanía Nationwide Park, protecting 55,000 acres alongside the Panama Canal in central Panama, is a biodiverse rainforest with over 500 fowl species, quite a few mountaineering trails together with the famend Pipeline Highway, and it’s an vital website for each ecological analysis and birdwatching.
I drove 45 minutes from the capital on a day journey and paid the $5 entrance price. I went wildlife recognizing on a Monkey Island boat tour, noticed unimaginable panoramic views from the Rainforest Discovery Middle’s remark tower, and explored the rainforest on the Plantation Path.
Location: central a part of the mainland
Location Map
Finest time to go to: December to April (dry season)
My favourite highlights…
Going for a swim within the cooling pure swimming pools of the El Charco Path referred to as “El Charco,” after which going for a picnic by the swimming pools earlier than heading again.
11. Santa Catalina
This small, distant coastal city is called being the perfect browsing locations within the nation! It’s additionally a stunning, tranquil spot with pristine black and white sand seashores, clear waters with mighty waves as much as 10 meters excessive, distinctive jungle environment, and charming rustic buildings.
It’s nestled on the Pacific coast of Panama in Veraguas Province, round 90 kilometers southwest of Santiago, close to the doorway to Coiba Nationwide Park. I noticed that it principally attracted surfers, backpackers, divers and snorkelers and lodging included budget-friendly hostels, rustic surf camps, eco-lodges, mid-range guesthouses, and boutique accommodations.
I drove 4 hours from Boquete and kicked again for every week on the boho-style 4-star retreat on the Villa Coco and went snorkeling and diving in Coiba Nationwide Park, went kayaking, and even had time to discover the jungle trails.
Location: Veraguas Province, south
Location Map
Finest time to go to: December to April (dry season)
My highlights…
Watching the surfers deal with the massively spectacular swells at La Punta Seaside was exhilarating – I perched on the rocky edge close to the palm-dotted level and sat for a complete hour!
12. Isla Taboga
This small volcanic island is also called the “Island of Flowers!” I personally thought it was a dreamy place with tropical greenery, colourful colonial buildings, and pristine sandy seashores from secluded coves to expansive shores.
It’s situated within the Gulf of Panama, solely round 20 kilometers south of Panama Metropolis and I discovered it was simply accessible by a brief ferry experience from the Amador Causeway.
I took a day journey right here by taking the 30 minute ferry experience from the Amador Causeway in Panama Metropolis and that was sufficient time to discover the historic San Pedro Church, hike up Cerro de la Cruz (which had excellent panoramic views), calm down on the seashores and spot brown pelicans!
Location: 12 miles off the coast of Panama Metropolis
Location Map
Finest time to go to: December to April (dry season)
My highlights…
Strolling via the quiet Spanish-settled village of San Pedro – I beloved the beautiful colourful colonial-style homes, assembly the pleasant locals and searching the hand crafted wooden carvings, textiles and native paintings.
13. El Valle de Antón
That is picturesque city uniquely nestled within the crater of an extinct volcano! It’s crammed with charming, rustic buildings surrounded by verdant volcanic mountains, cascading waterfalls, and close to serene, unspoiled seashores. I beloved the peaceable, small-town the place time appeared to gradual.
It’s situated within the Coclé Province of Panama, round 75 miles west of Panama Metropolis. It sits at an elevation of 600 meters and has a cool local weather, wealthy biodiversity, and points of interest akin to thermal springs, waterfalls and therapeutic mud swimming pools with a novel mineral composition.
I took the three hour bus experience from Panama Metropolis and stayed for 4 days on the close by gorgeous hacienda-style Lodge La Compania Del Valle. I went mountaineering the paths to Cerro Gaital and India Dormida, visiting the thermal springs and waterfalls (my favorite was the Chorro El Macho) exploring the fascinating artisan market, and recognizing the uncommon golden frog which resides right here!
Location: centre of the nation, Coclé Province.
Location Map
Finest time to go to: December to April (the dry season)
My highlights…
Crossing the excessive suspension bridge via the rainforest after which mountaineering half-hour alongside the path to achieve the gorgeous El Macho Waterfall.
Visiting the full of life farmer’s market (which was open seven days every week) and sampling the native meals and produce – I particularly beloved the skinny deep-fried plantains and making an attempt a ardour fruit chicha (a conventional Panamanian beverage).
14. Sundown Coast, Azuero Peninsula
This stretch of shoreline is house to significantly stunning sunsets! It’s a unspoiled and strikingly gorgeous spot the place I discovered conventional Spanish colonial structure, quaint fishing villages, pristine seashores and a wealthy biodiversity, together with dry forests and coastal mangroves. The vibe right here feels distant and I used to be absorb by its laid-back, boho vibe.
It spans 80 to 100 kilometers alongside the western aspect of the Azuero Peninsula within the southern a part of the nation, going through the Pacific Ocean. It’s a well-liked place for eco-tourists and people and cultural immersion!
I drove 4 hours from Panama Metropolis and spent a really laid-back two weeks watching browsing at Playa Venao, exploring the standard villages of Cañas, Mariato after which stayed within the laid-back gem Casa Lajagua for every week in Pedasí. I hiked via dry forests and mangroves, and loved breathtaking sunsets over the unspoilt seashores!
Location: south
Location Map
Finest time to go to: December to April (dry season)
My highlights…
Renting a TORQ Funboard from Shokogi Leases and having superior enjoyable on the waves!
15. Los Cangilones
This enjoyable pure volcanic rock canyon made a fantastic day journey from Panama Metropolis! After I obtained there, I discovered a dramatic volcanic rock canyon, very clear turquoise waters which attracted adventurous swimmers, and clean stone ledges which made excellent locations for enjoyable.
It’s situated in Chiriquí Province of Panama, close to the city of Gualaca within the western a part of the nation.
I drove right here from Boquete, which took simply 40 minutes. After selecting up some picnic provides on the native grocery store, it was solely a 15-minute stroll alongside a barely rugged however well-marked path to the canyon. I spent the afternoon swimming, enjoyable, and exploring the putting canyon.
Location: Gualaca
Location Map
Finest time to go to: December to April (the dry season)
My favourite highlights…
Watching the braver guests bounce off the rocks (which ranged from 6 to fifteen toes!) into the aqua-marine waters under!
Swimming via the cool and refreshing canyon waters which stretched throughout 40 meters.
16. Punta Chame
This can be a slim, sandy and really picturesque peninsula on the Pacific coast! I used to be completely gained over by the lengthy, windswept white-sand seashores surrounded by glowing turquoise waters, charming beachfront lodging, unspoiled landscapes and a laid-back, breezy vibe!
Stretching round 20 kilometers in size, it’s nestled in Panama Oeste Province within the southwestern a part of the nation and has world-class kitesurfing situations.
I drove 90 minutes from Panama Metropolis and stayed for a number of days watching the kite-surfers, having an fascinating kayaking expertise within the close by mangroves and enjoyable on the cute native beachfront eateries!
Location: Chame District, Panamá Oeste Province
Location Map
Finest time to go to: December to April (the dry season)
My private highlights…
Watching the kite-surfers at Punta Chame Seaside and in addition from the consolation of the 4-star Nitro Metropolis Resort (which had an superior view)!
17. Isla Grande
This can be a vibrant island gem! I believed it was very engaging with glittering turquoise waters, dreamy palm-lined seashores, and colourful Afro-Caribbean homes.
It’s situated off the Caribbean coast in Colón Province, close to the city of Portobelo within the northern a part of the nation and I noticed that it attracted snorkelers, scuba divers, backpackers and journey seekers.
I drove Panama Metropolis which took 3 hours after which it was only a 10 minute boat experience, I stayed for 4 days for Ordovician Seaside Resort and spent it snorkeling, swimming, mountaineering to the El Faro lighthouse which had panoramic island views, and immersing myself within the full of life Afro-Caribbean tradition with its music, meals, and colourful traditions!
Location: Portobelo District, Colón Province
Location Map
Finest time to go to: December to April (dry season)
My highlights…
Sipping on a Caipirinha cocktail at the enjoyable The OC Bar & Lounge – I additionally was an enormous fan of the dreamy Caribbean Ocean views and the very welcoming brother and sister homeowners!
18. Panama Canal
That is thought to be one of many trendy engineering wonders of the world! I hate to confess I used to be additionally in awe of it and it was nice to see the large Miraflores Locks and sprawling canal set in opposition to the plush tropical environment.
It’s situated within the central a part of the nation and connects the Atlantic Ocean (through the Caribbean Sea) to the Pacific Ocean, with key entry factors in Colón on the Atlantic aspect and Panama Metropolis on the Pacific aspect. It’s stretches round 51-miles and it opened in 1914, dealing with over 14,000 ships yearly.
I noticed the canal and ships from the northeast of Panama Metropolis, close to the partitions of the large seven-hundred-ton sluice gates at Miraflores Locks after which visited the fascinating Panama Canal Museum in Casco Viejo, the place I learnt all about it’s fascinating historical past!
Location: runs from Colón to Panama Metropolis
Location Map
Finest time to go to: all yr spherical
My private highlights…
Exploring the spectacular four-story interactive Miraflores Customer Middle – it was nice approach to be taught concerning the canal’s fascinating historical past in addition to having a very close-up view of ships being raised and lowered over 85 toes after they handed via the locks!