Panama, and let’s be honest, Central America as a whole, is overlooked by travelers for the more popular destinations of Europe and South America. This relatively small collection of countries is packed with personality. At the southern end of Central America, Panama is known for the canal that connects the world. However, there is more to this country than just the Panama Canal. I worked with other travel experts to bring you the best places and things to do in Panama.
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Anton Valley
The Cerro Gaital Hike in Anton Valley is one of the toughest hikes in the valley and depending on the time of year you visit, you can expect some tough challenging hiking trails. One of the main reasons why this is the most challenging hike in Anton Valley is because of the rock climbing element. You’ll find that there are ropes installed in the places you’d need them but without some decent hiking shoes and a moderate level of fitness you may want to find a different hike in the valley. No matter whether you are backpacking Panama or on a week’s vacation here note that this hike takes around 3 hours, and you can even take the bus to the trailhead if you want to save some time. One of the great things about this hike is that it is very well signposted and you can encounter some unique plants and wildlife that you may not have seen otherwise. All in all, when looking for things to do in Panama that allow you to connect with nature this makes an excellent choice.
Bocas del Toro
One of the best things to do in Panama for beach and island lovers is to visit Bocas del Toro.
Bocas del Toro is a group of islands located on the northwestern coast of Panama. There are five main islands which are all close to each other and can be easily reached by boat.
It’s the combination of beautiful white beaches, turquoise water, mangroves, coral reef, and rainforests that make a visit to these islands a must on any Panama itinerary.
Some of the best things to do include boat tours that take you to different uninhabited islands, snorkeling, diving, hiking, and horseback riding or quad through the rain forest.
Of course, chilling at the beach is also one of the most popular things to do at Bocas del Toro. Surfers should head to Bluff Beach to catch some waves. And people who love good food will have no trouble finding restaurants with great ocean views on pretty much any island. And lastly, a visit to Bocas town for fun bars is a must for people who are looking for a night out.
Boquete
Tucked away in the lush Chiriquí Highlands, the town of Boquete (known locally as Bajo Boquete) is a cool contrast to other regions of Panama. The temperature rarely goes above 78°F, which is a stark contrast to the high 93°F of Panama City (data from Weather Spark).
Burrowed in a valley in the Barú Volcano National Park, this quiet and charming town is home to fewer than 25,000 people. The region grows the renowned geisha coffee beans, which are commonly touted as being some of the best coffee beans in the world.
A no-brainer for coffee lovers, try a cup at La Viuda Del Cafe or take a coffee tour at Ruiz Coffee. In the town center, pursue shops with alpaca goods, jewelry, and other hand-made items. In the evening, enjoy craft beer, food trucks, and events at the Boquete Brewing Company.
The cool, lush and seemingly endless hills of coffee plants are a rich, relaxing destination for your Panama trip. You can’t go wrong adding this town to your itinerary.
Casco Viejo
A hidden gem nestled in the heart of Panama City is Casco Viejo. Old Panama City has a peaceful charm about it, making it one of the best places to visit in Panama. You can wander the ruins of the old city and learn about Panama’s turbulent past or enjoy the vivacious new neighborhood popping up.
It’s one of the most popular neighborhoods in the city because it has undergone a major facelift in recent years. Casco Viejo is a mixture of restored Spanish colonial buildings which are now boutique hotels, apartments, restaurants, and rooftop bars.
Wandering around the old neighborhoods is the best way to see this area. There are hidden gems around every corner. Towards the southern tip of Casco Viejo, Plaza Francia has incredible views of Panama City’s skyline on the water. There are plenty of vendors here for finding a great locally made souvenir.
Indulge your sweet tooth with a raspao (Panamanian snow cone), enjoy a glass of fine whiskey at Pedro Mandinga Rum Bar, or pamper yourself with a Geisha coffee, the most expensive coffee in the world.
Embera Tribe Visit
An authentic and enriching experience not to be missed when in Panama is taking a day trip to an indigenous traditional village of the Embera tribe. Located in the depths of the rainforest, just about an hour’s drive from the city, visitors are invited on a spectacular journey as they are transported on small wooden boats through the breathtaking scenery.
Right inside the rainforest lives the Embera Puru Biakiru community, which is a fairly new community that was formed by several families who wanted to protect and maintain the authenticity of their traditions as over-tourism left undesirable marks on the existence of these tribes, as the western influences started to heavily affect the younger generations. Here, visitors are invited to get to know these wonderful people, their culture, and how they live their everyday lives, to connect with nature, and to experience something exceptional and extraordinary.
Fortuna Forest Reserve
Hiking in the Fortuna Forest Reserve is one of Panama’s hidden gems; there really isn’t any other experience like it. The best place to start is by staying at the Lost & Found Hostel. Situated just off highway 10, the only method of getting here is by taking a minivan from Almirante to David (or vice versa) and hopping off at Restaurante Vista Hermosa. From here you’ll have to hike 20 minutes up the well-advertised path. Let the driver know you’re going to the Lost & Found Hostel and they’ll know what you mean.
Once you’re here, this is where the fun begins. The hostel has set up its very own treasure hunt in the cloud forest and will give you a map to allow you to find all the hidden treasures. The full map takes about 5 hours to complete but it makes you see some beautiful sights. Firstly, you’ll be directed to an old radio station on the mountain’s highest point; allowing you to see the Pacific Ocean 50 miles away. You’ll then descend until you reach the hollow tree and the stunning river below. Even if you’re not a big fan of hiking, this adventure is really not one to miss and the route is very suitable for beginners; just make sure you bring some bug spray!
Gamboa Rainforest Reserve
Visitors to Panama who want to experience the best of the country’s beautiful rainforests should head to the 340-acre Gamboa Rainforest Reserve in Soberanía National Park. Located 30 minutes from Panama City and an hour from the port of Colón, the reserve is a popular Panama Canal cruise shore excursion.
On a day trip, you can take the aerial tram through the forest’s canopy to enjoy amazing views of the Chagres River in its lush valley. You may even spot a sloth or two hanging from the trees!
Then spend a few hours exploring the reserve’s Sanctuary. There you’ll find examples of the native flora and fauna, including an orchid nursery, tree frog habitat, and a butterfly enclosure.
The Gamboa Sloth Sanctuary and Wildlife Rescue Center is also on-site, with naturalists on hand to answer all your questions about the resident sloths, anteaters, and porcupines.
If you’d like to spend more than a day experiencing the Gamboa rainforest, the reserve also features a modern lodge with guest rooms and a spa. Evening activities include enjoying the site’s restaurants and bars, or exploring more of the jungle on a nighttime safari tour.
Gulf of Chiriqui
Dozens of Islands dot the Gulf of Chiriqui along the Pacific Coast of Panama. This hidden gem is off the beaten path and might be Panama’s best-kept secret. Protected as a marine preserve, this natural paradise offers amazing opportunities for snorkeling, diving, bird watching, and fishing.
Boca Chica is the jumping-off point for adventures in the Gulf of Chiriqui and the town still maintains a local feel. You won’t find expansive resorts here, but smaller-scale lodging options. From the docks of Boca Chica, hop in a boat and spend a day or more on one of the islands. Boca Brava is just a short ride away and offers a few places to stay and beautiful beaches. Further offshore, explore the gorgeous sandy beaches of Isla Gámez and Isla Bolaños.
The Gulf of Chiriqui is just a 2-hour drive from the popular mountain town of Boquete and is easily accessible from David. This corner of Panama is a true tropical paradise.
Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is arguably the most famous attraction in the country. It took years of work to complete the project, and it still stands as one of the wonders of the modern world. The Panama Canal uses a lock system to lift ships 85 feet to the elevation of the canal.
Visitors can watch ships pass through the canal on a daily basis. It can take 8-10 hours for a ship to fully go through the canal. There is even a viewing platform right next to the water, allowing visitors to get a close view of the ships passing through. At Miraflores, there is an IMAX theatre so you can watch a documentary about the history of the canal.
For another viewpoint, visit the Agua Clara visitor center on the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal. There, you’ll be able to see both ships and the canal. Also, there are two new locks built recently. You can also take a boat ride along the Chagres River after visiting the Agua Clara visitor center. You can also go back to the Pacific side of the canal, and cross the canal by boat.
Visiting the Panama Canal is absolutely one of the best things to do in Panama – everyone will be in awe at this engineering feat.
San Blas Islands
One of the most incredible places to visit in Panama is the remote islands of San Blas. The remoteness of the islands makes them an ideal hidden gem (and often overlooked by travelers). Only a few of the 365 islands are inhabited, and even they aren’t crowded.
The San Blas Islands are part of the Kuna region of Panama. It’s an autonomous region, meaning you will need your passport to enter. It’s easy to travel to San Blas if you’re coming from Panamá City. There are many ways of traveling there, but the most popular ones are by plane or car. If you want to drive, make sure you know how to navigate the roads, because driving on these roads can be difficult. There are also companies that specialize in transporting people who know the Kuna regulations.
Visiting San Blás Islands is perfect for travelers because there are so many activities to do. Snorkeling is an excellent way to see hundreds of different species of fish, starfishes, lobsters, and even turtles! Most of the accommodations on San Blas offer day trips to other islands for a modest fee (usually between $2-$5, depending on the island) Some islands have boat wrecks to explore while others are filled with beautiful coral reefs. Visit the islands and learn about the Kuna culture.
Santa Fe
Santa Fé is a cute little mountain village with magnificent surroundings in Veraguas in Panama. If you want to experience local authentic Panamian life away from the crowds of Bocas del Toro and Boquete then Santa Fé is your best bet. Santa Fé is easily reached by bus from the city of Santiago on the Pan-American highway. The bus drive takes about an hour. Upon arrival, you will be immediately swept away by the town’s charm and its local flair. Santa Fé is especially interesting for travelers who like hiking, waterfalls, and spending time in nature in general. Although organized activities are slowly starting to pop up, travelers who visit this area mostly explore on their own.
The best places to visit are Cascada de Bermejo, Santa Fé National Park, and swimming with the locals in Rio Bulaba. If you are traveling on a budget you can opt to stay at Hotel Santa Fé for $ 27. For a more luxurious experience, you can stay at the Coffee Mountain Inn for around $ 80. Coffee Mountain Inn also organizes tours for their guests so that’s a good option if you don’t like to explore on your own. Keep in mind that there are no ATMs in Santa Fé so stuck up on dollars in Santiago before you take the bus!
Zapatilla Island
Zapatilla Island is one of the best places to visit in Panama’s Bocas del Toro, and for a good reason: it is beautiful and dreamy. With soft white sand and shallow turquoise waters, Zapatilla Island is a slice of untouched paradise. Zapatilla is formed by two small uninhabited islands inside Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park.
To reach the islands, you can book as part of a tour or hire your own private boat to take you. Island tours are available daily; the boat ride lasts 35-40 minutes, and watch for wild dolphins along the way. Depending on the tour you choose, you will have more or less time at Zapatilla. To maximize your time on the island, opt for a private tour.
Surrounded by a coral reef, you can snorkel with tropical fish, rays, and nurse sharks. Enjoy your time by walking on the beach, snorkeling, and relaxing in paradise. Bring your own food and drink unless your tour includes a BBQ lunch on the beach. No Panama itinerary is complete without a day trip to Zapatilla Island, so make sure you add it to your bucket list for Panama.
Did your favorite not make the list? Let me know in the comments and I’ll add it as a reader favorite!
Read More about Panama
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7 Awesome Things to Do in Casco Viejo, Panama
Best Cities to Visit in Panama
Best Things to Do in Bocas del Toro, Panama
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