Panama

Panama, connecting Central and South America, offers a variety of experiences for travelers. In Panama City, you can walk through the colonial streets of Casco Viejo, watch ships pass through the Panama Canal, and try local and international dishes. Outside the capital, you'll find rainforests with monkeys and sloths, beaches with white sand and palm trees, and islands on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Panama is home to seven indigenous groups, allowing you to experience both urban life and rural traditions.

Exploring Panama City

Panama City, the country's capital, is an ideal place to begin your journey. The historic district of Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has colorful colonial buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and rooftop bars. As you explore this neighborhood, you'll see the golden altar at the Church of San Jose, decorated in baroque style. For local cuisine, try El Trapiche, a popular restaurant serving traditional Panamanian dishes like sancocho (chicken soup) and patacones (fried plantains).

The Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is an essential stop during your visit to Panama. This 50-mile waterway connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and has played a significant role in the country's history and economy. You can watch large ships pass through the locks at the Miraflores Visitor Center, which also has interactive exhibits explaining the canal's construction and operation. For a more immersive experience, take a partial transit tour that allows you to sail through part of the canal yourself.

Natural Areas and Wildlife

Panama has many plant and animal species. Just outside Panama City, you can hike through Metropolitan Natural Park, where you might spot sloths, toucans, and howler monkeys. You can visit an Emberá indigenous village along the Chagres River to learn about traditional customs and swim in a waterfall. Consider a trip to the San Blas Islands, an archipelago of over 365 islands in the Caribbean Sea, known for their white-sand beaches and Guna culture.

Coffee and Chocolate in Boquete

In the western highlands of Panama, the town of Boquete is known for its high-quality coffee, including the Geisha variety. You can visit coffee farms to learn about how these beans are grown and processed. Boquete also offers opportunities for hiking, zip-lining, and bird-watching in the cloud forests around Volcán Barú, Panama's highest peak. In nearby Bocas del Toro, you can visit a working chocolate farm, where you can learn about cacao production and taste artisanal chocolates.

Island Life in Bocas del Toro

The Bocas del Toro archipelago on Panama's Caribbean coast is popular among beach-goers and water sports enthusiasts. You can spend your days snorkeling or diving, surfing at spots like Wizard Beach, or relaxing on sandy shores. The main town of Bocas del Toro on Isla Colón has colorful over-water bungalows and active bars. For a more upscale stay, consider one of the eco-lodges on nearby islands that offer a retreat in forested settings.

Getting Around Panama

Panama's small size makes it easy to visit multiple regions during your trip. The country has a good bus network, with comfortable express buses connecting major cities. For more freedom, you can rent a car and drive yourself, as Panama's main roads are generally well-maintained. When traveling between Panama City and popular destinations like Bocas del Toro or David (near Boquete), domestic flights are faster than long bus rides. Within Panama City, you can use the modern metro system and plenty of taxis or ride-sharing services to get around easily.