THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN PANAMA

 

Panama has so much more to offer than the world-famous canal that joins the Atlantic with the Pacific. Beyond the canal, this Central American country is blessed with so much to explore, including its magnificent Caribbean islands, biodiverse tropical forests, and kilometers of pristine beaches along the two oceans which the canal connects. This narrow bridge and biological corridor, between Costa Rica and Colombia, may be compact, but it packs a lot into its landmass. From a cosmopolitan capital filled with state-of-the-art skyscrapers to the exquisite isolation of the Guna Yala Archipelago, from adrenaline-fueled adventure in the highlands around Boquete to island hopping in Bocas del Toro, there’s a good chance you’ll want to take a trip to Panama sooner than you think! Here are some of the best places to visit in Panama.

 

Pearl Islands

 

Panama City

 

The capital of Panama is a modern thriving city stretched 10 km along the Pacific coast from the ruins of Panama Viejo in the east to the coast of the Panama Canal in the west. The highlight of Panama City is vibrant contrasts, a fusion of ancient history and contemporary architecture of the XXI century. Its business center is dotted with formidable skyscrapers, just like in the United Arab Emirates. Lively modern areas are side by side with quiet streets imbued with history. Panama City’s most picturesque historic district is the old town of San Felipe. This area impresses with ancient architecture and miraculously preserved traditions. You should explore the square, museums, churches, and the ruins of the monastery, and if you need to recharge your batteries, stop off at one of its cosmopolitan restaurants. Panama City has to be one of the best places to go in Panama.

 

Panama City Skyline

Casco Viejo

 

The attractive area of Casco Viejo sits to the east of the country’s capital Panama City. This is the very first settlement built by Europeans on the Pacific coast. It was founded in 1519 and soon it became one of the most important trading centers on the continent. The transit route from Peru to the Old World, carrying the gold and silver of the Incas, ran through the town. The pirate raid led by Henry Morgan almost razed Panama Viejo in 1671, leaving behind countless ruins. Some of the buildings survived until this day, namely, the square tower of the Cathedral de Panama Viejo, ruins of Santo Domingo and San Francisco convents, the well-preserved La Merced church and San José temple, the King’s Bridge, as well as remnants of the walls that served as protection against pirates. This makes Casco Viejo one of the best places to go in Panama 

 

The Panama Canal

 

This iconic canal deserves a whole section on its own! The monumental canal is one of the modern world wonders. The Panama Canal is 82 kilometers that connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. More than 12,000 ocean-bound vessels pass through its lock system annually. The Canal’s thread stretches across a series of ancient lakes and marshes, and its banks are adorned with a wide strip of virgin forests. The best place to observe ships is located in the northeast of Panama City, near the walls of the enormous seven-hundred-ton sluice gate Miraflores. It lends a beautiful view of the Canal’s southern mouth. Make sure to visit Pedro Miguel Lock gateway, which is the highest point of the canal, and Gaillard Cut (Culebra Cut), the deepest and most challenging to build part of the waterway. The Panama Canal is a must-visit on any trip to Panama.

 

Panama Canal

Boquete

 

Adrenaline junkies should head to the highland town of Boquete, where adventurers have their pick of rappelling, rock climbing, and rafting. From the foothills of Volcán Barú, you can hike up to the summit for a show-stopping sunrise, or whizz above the slopes on a zip line. Hiking along its misty cloud forest trails in search of hidden waterfalls and elusive quetzals, shrouded in greenery and serenaded by birdsong, is a must. After sweltering in Panama City, Boquete is a breath of fresh air, literally! This is the part of Panama where shade-grown coffee plantations stretch to the horizon in an undulating patchwork of greens. Sample Panama Geisha, one of the world’s most expensive cups of coffee, then feast on farm-to-table fusion fare at one of the local restaurants!

Bocas del Toro 

 

Bocas del Toro is a chain of islands lying in the mouth of the Chiriqui lagoon in the northeast of the country. The archipelago consists of 9 relatively large islands, 52 small islands, and more than 200 islets and is a backpacking and tourist beauty spot. Simultaneously backpacker party hub, couples’ chilled-out Caribbean paradise, and ex-pat enclave, the three main islands and scores of uninhabited islets that make up Bocas del Toro have something for everyone. Bocas Town on Isla Colón is party central, and everything from hostels to handicraft stores is housed in brightly painted, charming clapboard buildings. Go starfish spotting at Playa Estrella, where the calm waters are perfect for snorkeling. Fans of scuba diving and sea fishing flock to the islands all year round to see some of the best coral reefs on the planet much loved for their unique underwater gardens. The reefs are home to stingrays, lobsters, crabs, and countless tropical fish species. Then kick back over killer cocktails and just-caught fish at over-the-water El Último Refugio. Home to a namesake marine park, this important conservation area contains mangroves, monkeys, crocodiles, and caiman, among other wild creatures, with superb snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities to match.

 

Bocas Del Toro

Santa Catalina 

 

A fishing village turned surfer hub, Santa Catalina in the Gulf of Chiriquí has some of the best year-round breaks in Central America, and no wetsuit is required. Laid-back fishermen sell the catch of the day from the shade of a mango tree: expect sushi with a tropical twist. If you aren’t there to surf, this is the jumping-off point for Parque Nacional Coiba. At this former penal colony, dubbed “Panama’s Galápagos,” you can swim alongside the gentle giants of the sea: whale sharks (December to April) and humpback whales (August to November), along with whitetip reef sharks, rays, hawksbill turtles and shoals of technicolor fish. To access the park, you will need to book a private tour. Find out more here.

 

The San Blas Islands

 

Indulge your inner Robinson Crusoe on this string of jewel-like tropical islands off Panama’s Caribbean coast – all swaying palms, icing-sugar-soft white sand, and azure water. The San Blas archipelago has an island for every day of the year (plus a few to spare) which offers the chance to disconnect from the world: there is no internet, TV, or telephones. Instead, idle your time away, sunning, swimming, snorkeling, and stargazing. This semi-autonomous region is home to the indigenous Guna people, who’ve fiercely protected their culture and customs – including molas, the hand-embroidered textiles designed and sewn by Guna women. With their rustic thatch cabañas, the island lodges are all owned and run by families from the more densely populated village islands, such as Playón Chico. The local people support their own economic system, and language, and cherish ancient customs. Visiting The San Blas islands, you will travel 20 centuries back into the past to discover traditional Indian crafts, hear captivating legends, and familiarize yourself with Indian music and dances. The San Blas Islands are one of the most authentic places to go in Panama.

 

San Blas Islands

Azuero Peninsula

 

Farming, folklore, and fiestas are the lifeblood of the Azuero Peninsula, the country’s cultural heartland, bordered by the Gulf of Chiriquí to the west and the Gulf of Panamá to the east. Las Tablas puts on the country’s largest and loudest Carnaval celebration: expect flamboyant costumes, exuberant music, and energetic dancing. Further south, the streets of Pedasí are lined with well-preserved colonial buildings. Playa Venao, a golden sweep of sand with world-class surf, is another 40 minutes south. The Azuero Peninsula is buzz-worthy of its beaches and is easily one of the most beautiful places to explore in Panama. The most famous of them is Playa Venao located 35 km from the town of Pedasi. This tropical paradise is perfect for recreational vacations and wave conquering. The sea in this spot creates steady waves up to three meters high with “barrel” and “tube” silhouettes. Water sports enthusiasts from all over the world rush to Playa Venao to hone and show off their surfing skills. For wildlife spotting, the reserves of Isla Iguana and Isla Cañas, which is one of the few places on the planet where olive ridley sea turtles go to nest in large numbers and are just a short boat hop away.  

 

Anton Valley

 

El Valle de Anton is a town and eponymous nature reserve settled in the crater of a long-extinct volcano that rises up to 600 m above sea level. Its diameter reaches almost 5 km. The reserve is valued for its unique wet mountain forest ecosystem. The jungle is carved by a set of tourist routes leading from one attraction to another. The spellbinding waterfalls Chorro de Las Mozas and Chorro El Macho are the highlights of The Anton Valley. The surrounding forests are steeped in orchids and the national flower of Panama Flor del Espiritu Santo (The flower of the Holy Spirit). The ample foliage conceals Rana Dorada, a rare frog with an amusing appearance. Anton Valley is one of the best natural places to visit in Panama.

 

Anton Valley

 

The Pearl Islands

 

In total, the Pearl Islands house 83 excellent beaches, numerous lovely hotels, and guest houses, as well as one of the most attractive spots for snorkeling.  The Pearl Islands lie 40 miles southeast of Panama City in the waters of the Gulf of Panama. Comprised of 97 islands, the archipelago became known to Europeans in 1513 when an Indian chief revealed a secret of the mysterious islands adorned with pearls. Since then, pearl mining has become the main trade on the islands (the famous 31-carat Peregrine Pearl was found here). During the Second World War, Isla del Rey, Contador, San José, and Viveros islands accommodated military bases to guard the entrance to the Panama Canal.

 

Chiriquí Gulf

Founded in 1994, the Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park is located on the Pacific coast of Panama in the bay of the same name. The park is spread across 25 volcanic islands covered with pristine tropical forests. The tranquil waters around the islands are regarded as the best place for diving. They accommodate the second-largest coral reef in the eastern part of the Pacific. Divers can come into contact with reef inhabitants such as whales, reef sharks, manta rays, dolphins, etc. The jagged volcanic peaks rising 30-60 meters above sea level are replete with various species, while the coastal areas allow spotting relict forms of flora and fauna. For instance, sea turtles can be observed nesting on the local beaches.

 

Gulf of Chiriquí

 

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