PANAMA, AZUERO AND THE SAN BLAS ISLANDS

PANAMA, AZUERO AND THE SAN BLAS ISLANDS

3MINREAD
Updated:
3 min read
Overview & Key Highlights

Discover the hidden treasures of Panama, a destination where vibrant culture, rich history, and untouched natural beauty converge. From the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal to the rustic charm of the Azuero Peninsula and the pristine, turquoise waters of the San Blas Islands, this 8-day journey offers an unforgettable escape into the heart of Central America.

Panama Canal

View of the Panama Canal locks
Panama Canal

Panama City

The Panama Canal is an 80 km man-made waterway that connects the Pacific Ocean with the Atlantic Ocean. The canal runs through the Isthmus of Panama, a narrow point in Central America. It was a massive engineering project, and one of the largest ever undertaken. A visit to the Panama Canal Miraflores Locks should be on your list as it is the best place to witness enormous ships pass through the Panama Canal is at the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center in Panama City. The Panama Canal is often labeled as one of the Wonders of the Modern World, a claim that is hard to dispute after you learn about its impressive engineering accomplishments. The Miraflores Locks Visitor Center is the best place in Panama City to watch the big ships pass through the Panama Canal lock system. The facility has multiple terraces and observation decks for guests to use. It also has an exhibition hall and museum that tells the fascinating story of the Panama Canal.

Historic architecture in Casco Viejo, Panama City
Casco Viejo, Panama City

Azuero

Panama's cultural heart and soul, the Península de Azuero is a farming and ranching center of the country. The area's rolling hills are matched by a long remote and pristine coastline. Over time the peninsula has seen stark transformations, from verdant rainforests to cattle country, from indigenous land to Spanish stronghold, and, finally, from a quiet town to surf central and one of Panama’s travel hot spots. Only 8 kilometers off the coast of Pedasí lies Isla Iguana. With turquoise water, white sand beaches, mangroves, and an exciting underwater life to discover on a snorkeling tour, it is a perfect day trip. Chitré is a province that forms part of the peninsula, known for its beautiful plazas, churches, parks, bakeries, and the Museum de la Herrera, an anthropology museum. Discover the city by foot including a visit to the famous Abuelo Rum distillery and get to meet the locals to get a sense of the slow pace of life and relaxing lifestyle that is so unique to the area.

Scenic countryside landscape in Chitre
Chitre Countryside

The San Blas Islands

The San Blas archipelago, also called The Guna Yala archipelago, includes some of the most pristine islands in Central America. There are a total of 378 islands and islets, though only 49 are inhabited. Almost all of the islands' Human residents are Kuna Indians, living in Kuna villages across the islands. Accommodations for visitors are somewhat basic on the San Blas Islands, such as in huts on private islets, and meals generally consist of what the catch of the day is, however, if you are in search of an idyllic, paradise island, but this just adds to the complete desert island experience and pristine remoteness that the Panama coastline has to offer. These islands may just be the most perfect place to visit in the world!

Tropical beach scenery in the San Blas Islands
San Blas Islands

If you want to book this incredible Panama, Azuero, and The San Blas Islands tour, contact us here!

Claire Dean
Written By

Claire Dean

Travel in South America is a joy to behold. The rich variety of destinations, experiences, landscapes and geography fascinated me so much, that I chose to relocate here, over 20 years ago! The best thing I ever did! Allow me to share my knowledge and passion for Central and South America with you and help you plan your holiday of a lifetime!
✈️

SHARE THIS TRAVEL GUIDE