7 Best Places To Visit In Panama · Travel Guide

Panama is such a wonderful surprise. As one of the safest countries in Central America and being somewhat cheaper than expensive Costa Rica, this bite-size destination makes for a great introduction to the region.

Even some cursory research will tell you that Bocas del Toro is Panama’s top tourism destination, but it’s far from the only place worth visiting. In fact, there is more to Panama below the surface — sometimes literally, as is the case with the stunning reefs at Coiba National Park, known as the ‘Galapagos of Panama’.

Here are my favorite places to visit based on my two trips in Panama.

1. Panama City

This metropolitan city is a great springboard into Panama

• See the Miraflores locks at the Panama Canal
• Hike the Metropolitan Natural Park for hilltop views of the city
• Take fun day trip tours to nearby areas

Panama City contrasts to other cities in Central America in that it’s generally much more safe and pleasant. From the skyscrapers in its business district to the numerous condos at the seafront promenade, it might even faintly remind you of a city like Miami.

I should say though that it’s a place mostly concerned with business and finance — and there aren’t too many sights to see. Nevertheless, it’s a great launching point for a Panama trip and there are several great day tours that start in the capital.

If you can appreciate a marvel of engineering, or just to say that you’ve been, you may find it worth visiting the famed Panama Canal. In fact, this 82km canal is of obvious economic importance to Panama and was one of the largest and most difficult engineering projects ever undertaken. Sadly, the museum is not so insightful, but your visit will be far more exciting when a giant containership is passing through. You can check the transit schedule to know if this will be the case.

The old historical quarter of Casco Viejo is worth spending some time in given it’s the most charming area of Panama City. It does seem more of an area for fine dining and late-night cocktails compared to the much livelier colonial old towns in Havana, Cuba or Cartagena, Colombia. Still, Casco Viejo is very pretty and most travellers consider it the best area to stay a night or two before heading onward.

For a local experience, I liked getting seafood at the Mercado De Marisco Cinta Constera. On the weekends, it’s jam-packed with Panamanians gorging on fresh catch from the adjacent harbor. The Metropolitan Natural Park is also great — it feels like a true wildlife refuge despite being just a 10-minute drive from downtown. One of its hills gives you a great panoramic view of the city (better than Ancon Hill).

Panama City could have a bit more warmth and soul in places — or just a more buzzing atmosphere as it has a strange way of feeling a bit empty. It does have plenty of amenities, shopping, and a pleasant seafront.

The best thing about the capital is that you can take so many excellent trips nearby, like a catamaran cruise to Taboga Island, a rainforest zipline adventure, or a tour of a Sloth Sanctuary on Monkey Island inside Soberania National Park, which is just a 40-minute drive outside the city.

2. Portobelo

A sleepy coastal town home to a UNESCO World Heritage site

• Rent a kayak to visit old forts across the bay
• Chill at Playa Huerta, a hidden beach home to howler monkeys

From Panama City, let’s head off somewhere a bit off the beaten track. Portobelo is a sleepy town with a relaxed Caribbean vibe, about a 90-minute drive north from the capital.

The small town once served as a key port from where the Spanish exported plundered Peruvian silver. It was eventually ravaged by pirates and then invaded by the British (hence ‘Portobello Road’ in London). The ruins of all the fortifications are still there, with rows of rusty canons lining the old defence systems.

I rented a kayak at Restaurant Casa Vela and paddled across the bay, where you can clamber around a second fortification. The forts aren’t ticketed or fenced off, so you can just freely explore them. Squint your eyes a little and you can picture its tumultuous history of pirates and galleons.

Despite hosting a UNESCO World Heritage site, Portobelo is very low-key and not touristy. Several unspoiled beaches that are unconnected by road are hidden beyond the bay. You can either rent a lancha (boat) or take a kayak there.

I spent some time at Playa Huerta, which was teeming with life; I saw fishes jumping from the sea, cormorants watching for prey, crabs dispersing as I walked through the sand, and even a family of howler monkeys swinging from the treetops.

Portobelo is a bit far away for just a day trip from Panama City (4 hours there and back is a lot), so it’s nice to stay a night. It’s a quiet and simple place and one of my favorite little spots in Panama.

From Portobelo’s harbor, you can also go on tours of the San Blas Islands, or even take the 5-day boat trip to Cartagena in Colombia, which is a popular trip among backpackers travelling through Latin America.

3. Santa Catalina

Surfing hotspot and gateway to Coiba National Park

• Stay on Catalina’s black sand surfer beach
• Snorkel and island-hop at Coiba National Park

This tiny beach town (population: ~350) sits just on the edge of Coiba National Park. Inside this marine park is a completely wild and protected island that is sometimes dubbed the ‘Galapagos of Panama’.

Coiba Island was once a brutal penal colony under Spanish rule but has otherwise been isolated from the mainland. Still covered in ancient forests, it is an untouched refuge for countless species, including the Scarlet macaw (yep, those classic red-yellow-blue parrots).

The waters around Coiba are absolutely swarming with subaquatic activity, as I witnessed on my scuba diving trips. It’s a bit of a mystery why these dive sites aren’t far better known among divers. I saw Mobula rays flying overhead, a whole row of sharks sleeping under a rocky overhang, and large schools of bigeye trevallies swirling around. Simply incredible.

Above-ground Coiba National Park is stunning as well. Snorkelling and hiking trips will get you close to the flora and wildlife and you can visit the abandoned prison. I saw tropical birds fluttering past, hundreds of little crabs scuffling around the beaches, and dolphins breaching offshore.

As glorious as this is, I have to confess the town of Santa Catalina itself did not quite live up to my expectations at first. I had imagined a remote town with some amazing scenery around it, but the beach was really mucky and rocky, and it took me a while to better appreciate the place. I wouldn’t say you should go to Santa Catalina just for the beach, but definitely stay for all the great activities such as fishing, surfing, snorkeling, and SCUBA diving tours.

I stayed at Ecolodge Deseo Bamboo, a guesthouse run by the most hospitable owner I’ve ever met, who regularly fed us homemade sashimi from just-caught fish. The lodge is located a 20-minute walk outside of town, but there’s a lovely shortcut through woods and pastures that takes you straight to the beach. I liked that it was in the wooded area just outside of town, rather than in the town itself.

4. El Valle de Antón

A lovely village inside an epic volcanic crater

• Don’t miss: hiking Cerro Cara Iguana at sunset
• Chill at the waterfalls and hot springs

Located about 2,5 hours west of Panama City, El Valle de Antón makes for a wonderful stop if you have an extra couple of days to spare.

The peaceful town, known locally simply as El Valle, is in itself pretty rewarding to explore. It has lots of pretty little houses with flowery gardens. There’s a serpentarium, an orchid center, and a butterfly haven. Several waterfalls, swimming holes, and a hot spring are also within reasonable walking distance.

But the cool thing about El Valle is that it’s ringed by verdant forest and jagged peaks. You won’t be able to tell from inside the town, but once you hike up one of the mountains you’ll see it’s located inside an ancient volcanic crater — in fact, one of the largest in the Americas.

There are some nice hiking trails running through the valley and up the crater edges. I loved hiking up the Cerro Cara Iguana at sunset. My guide had recommended bringing a jacket; when we neared the peak it was clear why… the winds funnelled along the rim nearly knock you off your feet! If you can brave these intense orographic winds, you’ll be rewarded with some epic views of the crater.

Since I was backpacking my way through Panama, I stayed at the homely Bodhi Hostel, a great base from which to explore the area.

5. Boquete

Panama’s hiking and adventure travel capital

• Hike the beautiful Lost Waterfalls trail
• Tour a coffee plantation
• Climb to the summit of Volcán Barú (usually a 2D/1N trip)

Close to the border with Costa Rica, Boquete is known as the best place to visit in Panama for hiking, coffee plantation tours, and many other outdoor activities like horseback riding, ATV, ziplining, or river rafting.

The town is nice enough and fairly international due to many American expats living there, though it’s really the surrounding area that makes Boquete so worthwhile to visit. The road to Boquete basically just ends there; to its north is nothing but endless rainforest, and to its west is Volcán Barú (3,475m), the tallest mountain in Panama.

There are some wonderful hikes in Boquete. I highly recommend the 3-hour Lost Waterfalls hike, which is incredibly scenic and not too strenuous, passing through lush forest and stopping at three gorgeous waterfalls. The trail was truly a festival of butterflies and hummingbirds. I’ve never seen anything like it.

If you’re looking for a longer hike, many travelers recommend the Sendero Los Quetzales trail.

There are many coffee farms around Boquete, though if you’re interested in visiting, it turns out they don’t really do drop-ins. It’s best to book organized tours in town that will allow you to visit these coffee farms along with a knowledgeable guide. Among the coffee farms that welcome tourists are the Finca Dos Jefes coffee farm and Finca La Milagrosa.

I stayed in Bambuda Castle, a truly remarkable hotel. Built inside a castle-like former mansion, it has amazing mountain views and a large indoor swimming pool, offering both private and shared dorm rooms. Outside the main “castle” building, there are a number of domed rooms hidden underneath the grass, much like a hobbit village. It’s one of the most unique places I’ve stayed!

6. San Blas Islands

Disconnect from civilization on deserted islands

The San Blas Islands is one of the more remote but also best places you can visit in Panama. This archipelago on the north coast is inhabited by the indigenous Kuna, who have a degree of autonomy over the region and who regulate the tourism on the islands.

You can only visit the San Blas Islands as part of an organized boat tour. If you can, go for a 2 or 3-night experience, rather than a day trip, as this will let you to see the best parts.

I was lucky to visit the islands some years ago during a yacht trip to Colombia, which had us regularly anchoring at small uninhabited islands. Wandering around them gave a magical castaway feeling. While snorkelling along the shores, I found myself swimming right above an enormous manta ray, which hovered over the seafloor like a mysterious alien.

One of the islands we stopped at was inhabited by local Kuna people, who were there for the season to harvest coconuts. Our captain had a good relationship with the families, which meant we were warmly welcomed to their island. (Though our captain told us to never touch the coconuts.)

I’ve heard of other travellers having a less personal experience, usually when it’s a day trip from Panama. These quick trips simply don’t have enough time to reach the more interesting remote islands. A multi-day trip to San Blas is the best way to do it. This will also allow you plenty of time for swimming, snorkelling, and stargazing at night.

7. Bocas del Toro

Panama’s party place and Caribbean holiday resort

• Enjoy the party scene in Bocas Town
• Or… escape to quiet Playa Bluff, Isla Bastimentos or Isla Selina
• Visit Bocas Marine National Park (Cayo Coral & Cayo Zapatilla)

Finally, there is the archipelago named Bocas del Toro, which is Panama’s main tourist destination. You can hear varying opinions about Bocas, but the type of atmosphere you can expect varies hugely on where exactly you go.

Bocas Town on the main island is a bit of a party place, home to an abundance of cocktail bars, clubs, party hostels, and sports bars — as well as surf shops, dive centers, and t-shirt stores.

Despite the commercialism, it’s quite a fun place. Bocas Town was originally established in the early 1800s by a banana company that later became Chiquita Banana. A lot of the original houses are wooden and brightly painted with little verandas. Adding to the Caribbean vibe is that many of the locals don’t speak Spanish but an English-based patois similar to Jamaican.

Bocas Town is known as a backpacker party spot, featuring heavily on the Central American Gringo Trail. If you’re looking for somewhere quieter, you can definitely find it. Water taxis can quickly take you to other places around the archipelago, most being just 10 to 30 minutes away.

I spent some time at the Red Frog Beach on Isla Bastimentos, which is a really nice spot for some lazy lounging. North from Bocas Town on Colon Island itself, I stayed at the Nomad Tree Lodge in the jungle canopy, where you can get some soothing rainforest vibes. From this part of Colon you can hike to Playa Bluff, a totally wild and undeveloped beach that is also a protected hatching ground for sea turtles. I was lucky to bump into several sloths around here as well.

Isla Solarte is mostly uninhabited except for a couple of isolated lodges, including the legendary Bambuda Lodge hostel which needs to be booked well in advance. It’s a jungle eco-hostel that also happens to have a 150 feet water slide into the sea!

It’s common for some travellers to be dismissive of Bocas del Toro, usually because they have only been to Bocas Town, a 200 square meter (8 square miles) or so area that is hardly representative of the whole archipelago. In truth, there are loads of great islands and nature experiences here. If you’ve come to Panama with the hopes of staying in an amazing jungle lodge, this is a fantastic place for it.

Just to set expectations, although there is a fair number of white sand beaches, the area is mainly typified by mangroves and forests. Some beaches around Bocas del Toro are also not perfect for swimming, as there can be big waves or undertow.

But there’s plenty to do on and around the water including kayaking, snorkeling, and much more. Don’t miss doing a snorkelling day trip to the stunning Zapatilla Island.

Planning your Panama trip

Planning a route: Panama doesn’t make it easy to make a neat circular route, due to it being quite a stretched-out country and only having a main road in the south — the Pan-American Highway along the Pacific coast.

It may make sense to travel overland from Panama City and take a domestic flight back from Bocas del Toro at the end or start of your travel route. This will avoid the need for some serious backtracking if you’re traveling by bus; the journey between Bocas and the capital takes at least 12 hours by public transport.

If you don’t have much time in Panama, then you might find that Portobelo and Valle are more optional destinations, whereas Bocas, Boquete, and San Blas are usually considered some of the top places to visit.

I haven’t yet mentioned Boca Chica, Pedasi, and Playa Venao, which are all coastal towns popular mainly with backpacker and surfers, as well as with tourists in general.

Getting around: The top destinations are covered by larger local express buses which are pretty comfortable and fast. Shorter routes might be covered by so-called chicken buses, i.e. colorfully painted converted US school buses. These are slower but are pretty fun to travel with if you’re looking for a local experience.

Some of the popular travel nodes are also connected by private minivan shuttles run by tour companies. For instance, I saw these between Santa Catalina and Boquete, and between Boquete and Bocas del Toro. These are a lot more expensive than the local buses, but they can be much quicker and more efficient.

What to expect: Panama is fascinating and you can prepare yourself for your visit by reading these 50 things you need to know.

I consider Panama a highlight in particular for the ecotourism opportunities, though culturally it feels a bit less vibrant and more Americanized than other countries in Latin America. The Panamanians can seem a bit grumpy when dealing with foreigners, though this may have been a completely subjective experience.

Having said that, I’ve found the dolphins and sloths in Panama to be reliably never grumpy, and I think the wilderness and the surf breaks is where Panama truly shines. Not to mention Panama’s good safety record making it an easier choice than some other countries in the region.

If you’re considering other countries for your trip, check my overview of where to travel in Central America