Best Things to do in Panama

The Panama Canal: A Modern Marvel

Miraflores Locks Visitor Center (Pacific Side)

For those based in Panama City, the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center offers the most convenient opportunity to witness the canal in action. It features several levels of viewing platforms, providing excellent vantage points as massive ships navigate the locks. The center also houses a comprehensive museum detailing the canal’s construction and operation, complemented by a short 3D film that brings its history to life. To ensure you see the ships passing through, we advise checking the canal transit schedule online before your visit to time your arrival accordingly.

Agua Clara Visitor Center (Atlantic Side)

Situated near Colón, the Agua Clara Visitor Center provides a perspective on the canal’s modern expansion, overlooking the larger Neopanamax locks built for today’s colossal container ships. The facility includes a projection room, a restaurant with panoramic views, and a nearby hiking trail. This is an excellent stop for travelers en route to Portobelo or other destinations on Panama’s Caribbean coast.

Experience a Canal Transit

To truly grasp the immense scale and brilliant engineering of the canal, there is no substitute for experiencing a transit yourself. You have two primary options:

• Partial Transit: This is a 5-6 hour tour that takes you through a set of locks, typically the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel locks, offering a substantial and memorable experience.
• Full Transit: An 8-10 hour journey, this is a complete crossing from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean (or the reverse). It is a day-long immersion into one of the world’s greatest engineering achievements.

Panama City: A Tale of Two Cities

Explore Casco Viejo (The Old Quarter)

A designated UNESCO World Heritage site, Casco Viejo is the city’s historic heart, where beautifully restored Spanish colonial buildings line narrow, inviting streets. Key sights to visit include the Plaza de la Independencia, the grand Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Plaza de Francia with its seaside promenade. The district is also celebrated for its sophisticated rooftop bars offering stunning skyline views, as well as its boutique hotels and artisan shops. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, as the charming streets are paved with cobblestones.

Visit the Ruins of Panamá Viejo

Explore the original site of Panama City, founded in 1519 and later destroyed by pirates in 1671. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, Panamá Viejo offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s origins. The archaeological site includes a visitor center and a climbable cathedral bell tower, which rewards you with panoramic views of the ruins against the backdrop of the modern city.

Walk, Bike, or Run the Cinta Costera & Amador Causeway

For recreation and exceptional views, two areas stand out. The Cinta Costera is a well-maintained waterfront green space that connects the modern financial district with Casco Viejo, popular with locals and visitors alike. Further on, the Amador Causeway is a road that links the mainland to four small islands at the Pacific entrance to the canal. It provides incredible views of the city skyline and the Bridge of the Americas, and is a favored spot for bicycle rentals and waterfront restaurants.

Island Hopping & Pristine Beaches

San Blas Islands (Guna Yala)

The San Blas Islands are part of an autonomous territory managed by the indigenous Guna people, presenting a truly unique cultural and natural experience. This Caribbean archipelago consists of over 365 pristine, white-sand islands and cays. Activities here are centered on the natural environment: snorkeling in clear turquoise waters, visiting traditional Guna communities, and simply relaxing in a hammock. It is important to understand that accommodation is rustic, often in thatched huts, as this is an off-the-grid experience focused on profound natural beauty, not conventional luxury.

Bocas del Toro Archipelago

A vibrant chain of islands on the Caribbean coast, Bocas del Toro is known for its laid-back, bohemian atmosphere. It attracts a diverse crowd of travelers drawn to its lush scenery and active lifestyle. Noteworthy destinations within the archipelago include Starfish Beach, Red Frog Beach, and the protected Zapatilla Cays. Popular activities range from surfing and scuba diving to enjoying the local nightlife and spotting wildlife such as sloths, dolphins, and monkeys.

The Pearl Islands (Las Perlas)

Located on the Pacific side, The Pearl Islands are an archipelago easily accessible by a short ferry ride from Panama City. The islands are renowned for world-class deep-sea fishing and are a primary destination for seasonal humpback whale watching from July to October. In general, this destination offers more developed infrastructure and upscale accommodation options compared to the rustic simplicity of the San Blas Islands.

Highland Adventures in Chiriquí

Boquete: Coffee, Flowers, and Cloud Forests

Nestled in the cool, verdant highlands, Boquete is Panama’s premier eco-adventure destination. The region’s volcanic soil and climate are ideal for growing some of the world’s most expensive and sought-after coffee, and a tour of a Geisha coffee plantation is a highlight. For nature enthusiasts, hiking the famous Quetzal Trail in Barú Volcano National Park offers the chance to spot the elusive and spectacular Resplendent Quetzal. The area also provides adrenaline-fueled activities, including ziplining through the cloud forest canopy and whitewater rafting on the Chiriquí Viejo River.

Hike to the Summit of Volcán Barú

For the truly adventurous, the hike to the summit of Volcán Barú, Panama’s highest point at 3,475 meters (11,401 ft), is an unforgettable challenge. The trek is typically done overnight to reach the peak in time for sunrise. On a clear morning, the reward is a rare and breathtaking view of both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea simultaneously. Please be aware that this is a strenuous, high-altitude trek that demands good physical condition and must be undertaken with a certified guide.

Rainforests & Wildlife Encounters

Gamboa Rainforest & Soberanía National Park

Remarkably accessible, the lush ecosystems of the Gamboa Rainforest and Soberanía National Park are located just 45 minutes from Panama City. Here, you can take a boat tour on Gatun Lake to see various species of monkeys on the aptly named “Monkey Island.” The area is also a birder’s paradise, home to the world-renowned Pipeline Road, where hundreds of bird species have been recorded. For a different perspective, the Gamboa Rainforest Resort’s aerial tram offers a peaceful ride over the dense jungle canopy.

Coiba National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Coiba National Park was once a penal colony, a history that left its extraordinary biodiversity largely untouched by development. It is now considered one of the world’s top diving and snorkeling destinations due to the richness of the Coiba Marine Corridor. Its waters are a sanctuary for humpback whales, whale sharks, sea turtles, and massive schools of fish. Access to this remote park is typically arranged via multi-day liveaboard trips or specialized tours departing from the coastal town of Santa Catalina.

Visit an Emberá Indigenous Village

Experience a fascinating cultural exchange by visiting a traditional Emberá community. The journey itself is part of the experience, involving a trip in a dugout canoe up the scenic Chagres River. Once there, you will have the opportunity to learn directly from community members about their culture, ancient traditions, and their deep, symbiotic relationship with the rainforest. To ensure your visit is respectful and provides genuine benefit to the community, we advise booking this excursion exclusively through a reputable tour operator.