Highlights of Panama: Explore the Best of This Tropical Gem

Panama is a country that offers an incredible blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and fascinating history. Known for its iconic canal, lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and cosmopolitan capital, Panama provides a diverse range of experiences for travelers. Whether you’re looking to explore historic sites, relax on a tropical island, or enjoy eco-adventures, Panama has something for everyone. Here are the top highlights of Panama you won’t want to miss.

1. Panama Canal: A Modern Engineering Marvel

The Panama Canal is one of the most famous landmarks in the world and a must-visit for anyone traveling to Panama. This impressive feat of engineering connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and seeing ships pass through its locks is an awe-inspiring experience. Visit the Miraflores Visitor Center, where you can watch ships navigate the locks and learn about the history and significance of the canal through interactive exhibits. For a more immersive experience, take a partial or full transit tour of the canal by boat.

2. Casco Viejo: Historic Charm in Panama City

Casco Viejo (also known as Casco Antiguo) is the historic district of Panama City and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This charming neighborhood is filled with beautifully restored colonial buildings, narrow streets, and lively plazas. Wander through the cobblestone streets to discover colorful architecture, boutique shops, and art galleries. Don’t miss iconic landmarks like the Metropolitan Cathedral, Palacio de las Garzas, and the National Theatre. By night, Casco Viejo comes alive with rooftop bars and restaurants offering stunning views of the city skyline and Panama Bay.

3. Bocas del Toro: Caribbean Paradise

For a laid-back Caribbean getaway, head to the stunning islands of Bocas del Toro. Located on Panama’s Caribbean coast, this archipelago is known for its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life. The islands are perfect for snorkeling, diving, and surfing. Spend your days relaxing on the beaches of Isla Colón, or take a boat tour to explore the more remote islands like Isla Bastimentos, home to Red Frog Beach. Bocas del Toro is also an excellent spot for eco-tourism, with opportunities to explore lush rainforests and spot wildlife such as sloths, monkeys, and colorful birds.

4. Boquete: Adventure in the Highlands

Nestled in the lush highlands of western Panama, Boquete is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. This charming mountain town is known for its cool climate, coffee plantations, and stunning natural surroundings. Visitors can hike through the cloud forests of Volcán Barú National Park, the highest point in Panama, which offers panoramic views of both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea on clear days. Adventure seekers can go zip-lining, river rafting, or take a guided tour of the region’s famous coffee farms. Boquete is also a great base for birdwatching, with a chance to spot the elusive Resplendent Quetzal.

5. San Blas Islands: A Tropical Escape with Indigenous Culture

The San Blas Islands are a collection of over 360 islands and cays in the Caribbean, many of which are uninhabited and surrounded by crystal-clear waters. These islands are part of the autonomous territory of the indigenous Guna Yala people, who have preserved their traditional way of life for centuries. Visitors can stay in eco-friendly beach huts run by the Guna people, enjoy snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs, and explore the island’s stunning beaches. The San Blas Islands offer a perfect balance of natural beauty and cultural immersion, providing a serene and off-the-beaten-path escape.

6. Pearl Islands: Panama’s Pacific Paradise

The Pearl Islands, located in Panama’s Pacific Ocean, are known for their unspoiled beauty, clear waters, and abundant marine life. This archipelago is a favorite destination for whale watching, especially from July to October when humpback whales migrate to the area. The islands also offer secluded beaches and excellent opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and fishing. The most developed island, Contadora, offers a range of accommodations and dining options, but there are also plenty of uninhabited islands where you can enjoy a more private beach experience.

7. Panama City: A Modern Metropolis with a Rich History

Panama City is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city that perfectly blends old and new. In addition to exploring the historic charm of Casco Viejo, visitors can experience the modern side of the city with its towering skyscrapers, luxury shopping centers, and fine dining restaurants. The city’s Cinta Costera waterfront offers scenic views and is a great spot for walking, biking, or simply enjoying the sunset over the Pacific. Visit Panamá Viejo, the ruins of the original Panama City founded in 1519, or take a day trip to the nearby Chagres National Park for hiking and wildlife spotting in the rainforest.

8. Gamboa Rainforest: Explore Panama’s Biodiversity

Located just a short drive from Panama City, the Gamboa Rainforest is the perfect place for nature lovers to experience Panama’s incredible biodiversity. This lush rainforest is home to an array of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, toucans, and colorful butterflies. Take a boat ride along the Chagres River or through the Panama Canal’s Gatun Lake, where you can spot wildlife and visit indigenous Emberá villages. The Gamboa Rainforest is also home to the Aerial Tram, which takes visitors high above the forest canopy for a bird’s-eye view of the tropical landscape.

9. El Valle de Antón: Nature and Adventure in a Volcano Crater

Located in the crater of a long-extinct volcano, El Valle de Antón is a unique destination known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. The cool mountain air and lush greenery make it a popular weekend getaway from Panama City. Visitors can hike to the top of Cerro Gaital for panoramic views, explore the area’s waterfalls and hot springs, or visit the local handicraft market. El Valle is also famous for its abundance of wildlife, including the endemic golden frogs, which can be spotted at the El Nispero Zoo and Botanical Garden.

10. Coiba National Park: A Marine Wonderland

Coiba National Park, located off Panama’s Pacific coast, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a haven for marine biodiversity. This park encompasses the island of Coiba, the largest in Central America, as well as 38 smaller islands and the surrounding marine areas. Coiba’s remote location has helped preserve its pristine coral reefs and abundant marine life, making it a top destination for snorkeling and diving. Visitors can expect to encounter schools of colorful fish, sea turtles, manta rays, and even sharks. The park also offers opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting on land, with monkeys, iguanas, and a variety of bird species calling the island home.