Panama is a beautiful and diverse destination, located in Central America, known for its stunning beaches, rich culture, historical landmarks, and adventure tourism. From the famous Panama Canal to the natural wonders of its forests and islands, Panama offers numerous experiences for travelers of all preferences. In this article, we will explore eight reasons why Panama should be added to your travel bucket list.
1. Panama Canal
Tourist transits of the canal can be long and hot, but for the enthusiast nothing beats sharing water with an 80,000 ton cargo freighter.
The best views, however, are from the four-story Miraflores Lock Visitor Center. Savvy trippers time visits with the transit of one of the big ships and make sure to stop by the museum and watch the 3D movie, afterward.
If you’ve never been run over by a six-story ship before, now’s your chance.
2. Casco Viejo, Panama City
The orange-tiled roofs and Spanish colonial architecture of old town Panama City stand in slow contrast to the skyscraper skyline across the bay. But this is where the real action is.
At night, Casco Viejo is just the right amount of edgy, with music pouring onto the street from every alley and corner. By day, it’s perfect for drinking coffee at Plaza Bolivar, browsing the markets at Plaza de La Independencia and watching the sun set from the point above Plaza Francia, the best view in the city.
3. Bocas del Toro
Situated on the northwestern Caribbean coast, this archipelago of nine tropical islands has retained a strong West Indian influence. Eco-tourism and aqua adventure are key draws, with some of the best scuba diving and surf breaks in the country.
A full-on castaway experience can be had on the outer islands, where deserted paradises, like that at Polo Beach on Bastimentos Island, are wild, undeveloped and easy to find.
Related article: 10 Must-Visit Attractions in Panama City
4. Boquete
At the foothills of the Baru Volcano in the Chiriqui Highlands, the pretty mountain town of Boquete is a natural paradise.
There’s hiking, whitewater rafting and rock climbing right on the doorstep and 500 of Panama’s 972 species of bird are found in the province, including the highly sought after Quetzal.
The region is home to some of the best coffee growers in the world, including the most expensive brew on the planet, Cafe Geisha, at $1,600 a kilo, or $40 a cup. Cafe Ruiz has excellent guided tours of its coffee plantation.
5. Emberra Indians
There’s no better way to understand Panama’s indigenous roots than via dugout canoe up the Chagres River, where you’ll pass thatch houses woven deep into the jungle before arriving at Emberra village, home to one of nine major indigenous groups in the country.
You can watch performances of traditional dance and music, buy authentic, handcrafted souvenirs and learn about their culture. It’s a magical, if somewhat well rehearsed, experience but worth it for the lunch of fresh spear-caught Tilapia alone.
6. La Loma chocolate farm
Beautiful, wild and completely off the grid, La Loma is a working chocolate farm and probably the most delicious place to stay in the country.
Based on the remote Bastimentos Island in Bocas del Toro, guests learn about all aspects of chocolate production while enjoying its harvest breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Other highlights include rainforest trekking to beaches, paddling through the mangroves, and, for the brave, underground swimming in the utterly dark, and terrifying, Nivida cave.
7. Biodiversity Museum, Panama City
Opened June 2014 on the causeway of Panama City, the new Frank Gehry-designed Biomuseo is a jarringly bold, macaw-like building.
Inside is one of the best natural history exhibitions you’re likely to see. The highlight is a 12-screen, fully immersive, cinema in surround — including one giant screen under foot. Monkeys scramble overhead, sharks swim under foot, visitors are lifted up and flown through a storm.
8. Fish Market, Panama City
Cuquita Arias de Calvo, one of Panama’s best known chefs, described her country’s cuisine as “joyful, happy and hot — just like Panamanians.” Her restaurant, at the Bristol Hotel in Panama City’s financial district, serves traditional Panamanian recipes with a modern twist.
But the best place to eat in Panama City is still the fish market.
There’s a good restaurant upstairs that draws the tourists, but far tastier, and infinitely more memorable, are the crowded stalls below for freshly caught ceviche scooped up with crackers, spicy aji chomdo sauce and stadium decibel reggaeton.
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