19 Most Lovely Locations To Go to In Panama

2. Panama Metropolis

I believed this was such a singular metropolis! Though the capital of Panama did have a really business-focused really feel, I found a placing skyline of recent high-rises which sat side-by-side with the historic structure of Casco Viejo. I additionally beloved the scenic city seashores that lined the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal and its dynamic and eclectic vibe! 

It’s situated on the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, within the central a part of the nation and it serves as its political, administrative, and cultural middle. 

I spent 4 days right here and explored the historic Casco Viejo district, visited the Panama Canal on the Miraflores Locks, sampled the nightlife within the Calle Uruguay space, loved attractive panoramic views from Ancon Hill, went people-watching in Plaza Mayor then recharging my batteries in its cosmopolitan eating places.

• Location: east-central a part of the nation 
• Location Map
• Greatest time to go to: December to April (dry season)

My highlights…

• Staying on the attractive and distinctive Lodge La Compania – I completely adored its very good Casco Viejo location and the Seventeenth-century Jesuit convent it was housed in! 
• Trying out the massive Artisan Market which was crammed with handcrafted merchandise – I beloved the natural home-made soaps, regionally made pottery and the colourful native art work. 

3. Playa Venao

I used to be an enormous fan of this dreamy, laid again gem! It has an expansive crescent-shaped seaside with golden sands, framed by tropical-forest hillsides, and dotted with low-rise, rustic buildings. I beloved its tranquil surf-focused and boho, eco-friendly vibe.

It’s a small seaside group situated on the Pacific coast of Panama’s Azuero Peninsula within the southeastern a part of the nation and has glorious browsing situations in addition to seaside bars and seafood eating places.

I stayed for every week and didn’t get bored! I spent it kicking again, sunbathing on the lengthy, huge sandy seaside, taking a swim within the heat sea, eating on the funky seaside eating places (many had DJs too!), and sipping on cocktails on the open-air bars and gazing on the waves!

• Location: southern coast on the Azuero Peninsula 
• Location Map
• Greatest time to go to: finish of December to center April (the dry season)

My highlights…

• Staying on the actually distinctive Alaya Yoga & Surf & Retreat – I beloved the Insta-worthy pods, the unimaginable views, the dreamy personal sizzling tub and the zen-like yoga lessons!
• Having fun with a melon cocktail whereas gazing on the sundown on the widespread Selina’s Seashore Bar – there have been additionally some vigorous seaside events after darkish too!
• Enjoyable with a rejuvenating sizzling stone therapeutic massage on the attractive Nourish Spa.

4. Bocas del Toro

This can be a gorgeous archipelago crammed with pure magnificence! I discovered vividly painted Caribbean-style picket buildings, tropical vegetation, and dreamy seashores starting from serene white sands to dramatic, wave-swept shores.

Each a preferred backpacking and vacation vacation spot, it’s situated on the northeastern Caribbean coast of the mainland, near the border with Costa Rica. It covers an space of round 250 sq. miles, consists of 9 principal islands and plenty of smaller islets, and is crammed with wealthy biodiversity and vibrant Caribbean tradition.

snorkeling in crystal-clear waters at Coral Cay, browsing at Pink Frog Seashore, exploring the luxurious rainforests of Isla Bastimentos Nationwide Marine Park, and experiencing the vigorous nightlife and native tradition in Bocas City.

I stayed for 4 days after flying instantly from Panama Metropolis (which took an hour), snorkeled within the clear waters at Coral Cay, tried browsing at Pink Frog Seashore, explored the rainforests of Isla Bastimentos Nationwide Marine Park, and experiencing the vigorous nightlife and native tradition in Bocas City.

• Location: northwest, close to the border with Costa Rica
• Location Map
• Greatest time to go to: February and March (the driest months)

My private highlights…

• Staying in a heavenly overwater bungalow on the eco-friendly Sol Bungalows – waking as much as the ocean views each morning from the personal deck was a very idyllic expertise! 
• Renting an E-bike (from Flying Pirates Bocas) and driving round Bocas City then heading to the attractive Playa Bluff seaside.
• Going snorkeling and seeing stingrays, crabs, colourful tropical fish, spectacular coral reefs and distinctive underwater gardens.

5. Casco Viejo

The engaging historic space in Panama Metropolis! I believed it was each fairly and charming with cobblestone streets lined with colourful colonial buildings, charming plazas. I beloved its combine old-world attraction and fashionable power and vigorous avenue markets, fashionable cafes, and buzzing nightlife.

It overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is situated on a small peninsula in Panama Metropolis, simply southwest of the fashionable downtown space. The historic district is now a UNESCO World Heritage Website, and spans round 0.8 sq. miles, it was based in 1519 as the primary European settlement on the Pacific coast and shortly turned a significant buying and selling hub within the Americas.

I spent a day right here exploring the colourful colonial buildings, visiting the historic San José church, sipping cocktails within the rooftop bars whereas gazing on the skyline (my favourite was the cool Casa Casco), and strolled by charming Plaza de la Independencia.

• Location: Panama Metropolis
• Location Map
• Greatest time to go to: December to April (the dry season) 

My private highlights…

• Sipping on a cup of espresso constructed from the well-known regionally grown geisha beans on the fashionable Nomada Eatery – I beloved the funky artwork situated on the partitions. 

6. El Valle de Antón

That is picturesque city uniquely nestled within the crater of an extinct volcano! It’s crammed with charming, rustic buildings surrounded by verdant volcanic mountains, cascading waterfalls, and close to serene, unspoiled seashores. I beloved the peaceable, small-town the place time appeared to gradual. 

It’s situated within the Coclé Province of Panama, round 75 miles west of Panama Metropolis. It sits at an elevation of 600 meters and has a cool local weather, wealthy biodiversity, and sights like thermal springs, waterfalls and therapeutic mud swimming pools that includes a singular mineral composition.

I took the three hour bus trip from Panama Metropolis and stayed for 2 days mountain climbing the paths to Cerro Gaital and India Dormida, visiting the thermal springs and waterfalls (my favorite was the Chorro El Macho) exploring the fascinating artisan market, and recognizing the uncommon golden frog which resides right here!

• Location: centre of the nation, Coclé Province.
• Location Map
• Greatest time to go to: December to April (the dry season)

My highlights…

• Crossing the excessive suspension bridge by the rainforest and reaching the gorgeous El Macho Waterfall. 
• Visiting the colourful farmer’s market (which was open seven days every week) and sampling the native meals and produce – I particularly beloved the skinny deep-fried plantains.

7. Pearl Islands

This pristine archipelago was the previous filming location for the Survivor actuality present! Right here I discovered powdery white-sand seashores, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and charming seaside villas in a tropical atmosphere with a tranquil and unique vibe! 

Consisting of 200 islands and islets spanning round 250 sq. miles, they’re nestled within the Pacific Ocean, round 30 miles off the coast. They’re a preferred vacation vacation spot with upscale resorts, and actions like snorkeling, diving, and whale watching.

I took the 20-minute flight from Panama Metropolis and snorkeled and dived the spectacular coral reefs, relaxed on my favourite secluded seaside Isla Contadora, and found the luxurious forests and marine life round Isla del Rey.

• Location:off the Pacific coast within the south
• Location Map
• Greatest time to go to: December to April (the dry season)

My private highlights…

• Enjoyable on the attractive Isla Saboga which provided a beautiful restaurant and nice snorkelling.
• Exploring the luxurious jungles on foot with an area information.

8. Gulf of Chiriquí

This massive pristine inlet of the Pacific Ocean is sort of a paradise! It’s surroundings consists of clear waters and idyllic white sandy seashores, flanked by lush tropical forests and dotted with charming eco-lodges and villas. I felt I might actually disconnect right here and simply immerse myself in unspoiled nature! 

It’s situated off the southwestern coast stretching 14,740 sq. kilometers alongside the Pacific Ocean and encompassing part of the provinces of Chiriquí and Veraguas and its largely uninhabited. Providing unimaginable diving and snorkeling I noticed largely eco-tourists and journey seekers right here and lodging choices ranged from eco-lodges and boutique motels to personal island resorts and rustic cabins. 

I took a ship tour from Boca Chica and in addition to snorkeling, mountain climbing the paths and absorbing the attractive environment I had an superior expertise seeing super-cute sea turtles nesting on a seaside!

• Location: west, close to the border of Costa Rica
• Location Map
• Greatest time to go to: December to April (dry season)

My favourite highlights…

• Mountaineering the Misplaced Waterfalls Path, the place I found three breathtaking pure showers.
• Climbing as much as the best peak in Panama, Volcan Baru Nationwide Park and discovering awe-inspiring views overlooking the ocean.
• Eating on tasty deep-fried vegetable tempura on the fashionable Christopher’s American Bistro. 

9. Soberania Nationwide Park

This very accessible protected space actually wowed me! It’s crammed with inexperienced rainforests, the historic Camino de Cruces mountain climbing path and a  tranquil, adventurous vibe. There have been no seashores however there was a wide range of pure landscapes and well-preserved colonial-era buildings too. 

It’s situated within the central a part of the nation, solely round 25 kilometers north of Panama Metropolis. Spanning round 55,000 acres, it stretches alongside the jap shore of the Panama Canal, spanning components of each Panama and Colón provinces. I discovered lodging right here included eco-lodges, rainforest resorts, primary guesthouses, and the distinctive Cover Tower.

Soberanía Nationwide Park, masking 55,000 acres alongside the Panama Canal in central Panama, is a biodiverse rainforest with over 500 hen species, quite a few mountain climbing trails together with the famend Pipeline Street, and it’s an essential web site for each ecological analysis and birdwatching.

I drove 45 minutes from the capital and paid the $5 entrance price. I went wildlife recognizing on a Monkey Island boat tour, noticed unimaginable panoramic views from the Rainforest Discovery Middle’s remark tower, and explored the rainforest on the Plantation Path.

• Location: central a part of the mainland
• Location Map
• Greatest time to go to: December to April (dry season)

My favourite highlights…

• Climbing as much as the Panama Rainforest Discovery Middle’s spiral staircase and seeing an unimaginable hen’s eye view above the cover.
• Mountaineering the scenic Plantation Street path which was residence to a number of waterfall viewpoints and unique tropical crops.
• Going for a swim within the pure swimming pools of the El Charco Path, surrounded by picnic spots and scenic magnificence.

10. Boquete

This can be a extremely popular vacation spot! I’ve to confess I used to be charmed by its tranquil and small city vibe in addition to the attractive surroundings which consisted of mountainous terrain cloaked in emerald-green espresso plantations and cloud forests and dotted with fairly alpine-style structure.

• Location: Chiriquí Province, west
• Location Map
• Greatest time to go to: December to April (dry season)

My private highlights…

• Occurring the hanging bridges tour, the bridge right here is Central America’s second longest and highest.
• Occurring an fascinating jungle tour and seeing unimaginable birdlife.

11. Santa Catalina

This small, distant coastal city is named being the very best browsing locations within the nation! It’s additionally a stunning, tranquil spot with pristine black and white sand seashores, clear waters with mighty waves as much as 10 meters excessive, distinctive jungle environment, and charming rustic buildings. 

It’s nestled on the Pacific coast of Panama in Veraguas Province, round 90 kilometers southwest of Santiago, close to the doorway to Coiba Nationwide Park. I noticed that it largely attracted surfers, backpackers, divers and snorkelers and lodging included budget-friendly hostels, rustic surf camps, eco-lodges, mid-range guesthouses, and boutique lodge. 

I drove 4 hours from Boquete and kicked again for 3 days and went snorkeling and diving in Coiba Nationwide Park, went kayaking, and even had time to discover the jungle trails. 

• Location: Veraguas Province, south
• Location Map
• Greatest time to go to: December to April (dry season)

My highlights…

• Watching the surfers trip the waves at La Punta Seashore.
• Watching the solar go down at La Coquita residence to spectacular black sand shadows at evening.
• Kayaking over to the white sand seaside on Isla Catalina and mountain climbing as much as the point of view on the island.

12. Isla Taboga

This small volcanic island is also referred to as the “Island of Flowers!” I personally thought it was a dreamy place with tropical greenery, colourful colonial buildings, and pristine sandy seashores from secluded coves to expansive shores. 

I took a day journey right here by taking the 30 minute ferry trip from the Amador Causeway in Panama Metropolis and that was sufficient time to discover the historic San Pedro Church, hike up Cerro de la Cruz (which had very good panoramic views), chill out on the seashores and spot brown pelicans!

• Location: 12 miles off the coast of Panama Metropolis
• Location Map
• Greatest time to go to: December to April (dry season)

My highlights…

• Strolling by the quiet Spanish-settled village of San Pedro – I beloved the gorgeous colourful colonial-style homes, assembly the pleasant locals and shopping the hand crafted wooden carvings, textiles and native art work.
• Spending the day sunbathing on the sandy and picturesque Playa Restinga and strolling alongside the sandbar to Isla El Morro throughout low tide.

13. Sundown Coast, Azuero Peninsula

This stretch of shoreline is residence to significantly lovely sunsets! It’s a unspoiled and strikingly gorgeous spot the place I discovered conventional Spanish colonial structure, quaint fishing villages, pristine seashores and a wealthy biodiversity, together with dry forests and coastal mangroves. The vibe right here feels distant and I used to be soak up by its laid-back, rustic vibe. 

It spans which spans throughout 80 to 100 kilometers on the western aspect of the Azuero Peninsula within the southern a part of the nation and faces the Pacific Ocean. It’s a preferred vacation spot for eco-tourism and cultural immersion.

I drove 4 hours from Panama Metropolis and spent a really laid-back two weeks watching browsing at Playa Venao, exploring the normal villages of Cañas, Mariato and Pedasí, mountain climbing by dry forests and mangroves, and having fun with breathtaking sunsets over the unspoilt seashores.

• Location: south
• Location Map
• Greatest time to go to: December to April (dry season)

My highlights…

• Making an attempt enjoyable boogie boarding (which was simpler than my surf classes)!

14. Los Cangilones

This enjoyable pure volcanic rock canyon made a fantastic day journey from Panama Metropolis! After I obtained there, I discovered a dramatic volcanic rock canyon, very clear turquoise waters which attracted adventurous swimmers, and clean stone ledges which had been good locations for stress-free.

It’s situated in Chiriquí Province of Panama, close to the city of Gualaca within the western a part of the nation. 

I drove to right here once I was staying in Boquete and it was solely a 40 minute drive and after visiting the native grocery store for picnic provides it was solely a 15 minute stroll alongside a nicely marked path to the canyon. When right here I spent a day swimming, stress-free and exploring the placing canyon.

• Location: Gualaca 
• Location Map
• Greatest time to go to: December to April (the dry season)

My favourite highlights…

• Watching the braver guests leap off the rocks (which ranged from 6 to fifteen ft!) into the aqua-marine waters under!
• Swimming by the cool and refreshing canyon waters which stretched throughout 40 meters.

15. Punta Chame

This can be a slim, sandy and really picturesque peninsula on the Pacific coast! I used to be completely gained over by the lengthy, windswept white-sand seashores surrounded by turquoise waters, charming beachfront lodging, unspoiled landscapes and laid-back, breezy vibe.

Stretching round 20 kilometers in size, it’s nestled in Panama Oeste Province within the southwestern a part of the nation and has world-class kitesurfing situations. 

I drove 90 minutes from Panama Metropolis and stayed for a number of days watching the kite-surfers, kayaked by the close by mangroves and relaxed on the cute native beachfront eateries.

• Location: Chame District, Panamá Oeste Province
• Location Map
• Greatest time to go to: December to April (the dry season)

My private highlights…

• Exploring the encompassing areas by bike.

16. Perro Chico Island

That is a part of the San Blas Islands however I personally assume it deserves a particular point out as a result of I beloved it a lot! It’s a paradise-like spot with divine white-sand seashores, swaying palm timber, glistening turquoise waters teeming with marine life, and cute rustic thatched huts! I beloved the cool and distinctive environment right here – to me it felt like staying in a single day at a pageant! 

Actually that means “Canine Island” it’s situated within the San Blas Archipelago, off the Caribbean coast of the mainland, within the northeastern a part of the nation. I took a ship tour there from the port of Carti island and spent a very great two days right here eating,  rice with coconut, accompanied by patacones, salad and beans.

• Location: San Blas, east of the nation
• Location Map
• Greatest time to go to: December to April (dry season)

My favourite highlights…

• Absorbing the festive environment within the night – all of us sat spherical seaside bonfires ingesting cocktails!
• Making an attempt volleyball on their enjoyable courtroom with fellow vacationers, I wasn’t a lot good, although, sadly! 
• Discovering the island’s shipwreck situated  simply offshore when snorkeling – the sunken military gunboat was surrounded by big manta rays and even a swordfish and I even noticed the sunken rusty bow peeking above the water at low tide! 

17. Pedasi

Pedasi is a small fishing city well-known for year-round comfy climate, residential colonial-style buildings, and lots of seashores in its neighborhood.

The principle pure spotlight of Pedasi is Isla Iguana. This nature reserve occupies 52 hectares and is surrounded by coral reefs. Greater than 62 species of birds discovered their residence right here, a lot of which, such because the Lesser Frigatebird, are underneath state safety.

It’s also a reptile habitat, together with the black iguana named the Island. Tropical fish, moray eels, and turtles stay within the waters, whereas humpback whales keep right here briefly in the course of the migration seasons.

The native waters are bristling with varied fish, together with ten tuna species. So, I might advocate wildlife recognizing right here! 

• Location: south-eastern tip of the Azuero Peninsula
• Location Map
• Greatest time to go to: December to April (dry season)

My private highlights…

• Indulging in scrumptious freshly made ceviche at Restaurante El Chichemito.
• Attending the enjoyable Barro Fest in February and watching a great deal of stay bands!
• Occurring an unimaginable Turtle Watching Tour and recognizing tremendous cute sea turtles.

18. Isla Grande

Isla Grande, the nation’s largest Island, is situated 15 km from the historic city Portobelo. The coast of the Island homes magnificent seashores with white sand and turquoise water.

Suppose you determine to take in the solar. The seashores have the whole lot you want: sunbeds, umbrellas, coastal bars with varied unique drinks, and comfy eating places to get acquainted with conventional Panamanian delicacies. Energetic recreation buffs will discover many interesting actions, too.

The waters of Isla Grande are dripping with coral reefs, creating a super backdrop for diving, snorkeling, and browsing. If you wish to study extra in regards to the traditions and customs of Panama, make sure to go to one of many native resorts with an genuine Caribbean vibe.

I like to recommend stopping by Portobello and having fun with its medieval attraction in case you have spare hours.

• Location: Portobelo District, Colón Province
• Location Map
• Greatest time to go to: December to April (dry season)

My highlights…

• Sipping on a handcrafted signature cocktail at The OC Bar & Lounge which provided gorgeous views overlooking the Caribbean Ocean.
• Taking a ship tour across the shoreline and seeing lovely vegetation panorama.
• Eating on freshly made sushi at La Playita restaurant.

19. Panama Canal

The monumental Canal is without doubt one of the fashionable world wonders. The Panama Canal is 82 kilometers lengthy and connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Greater than 12,000 ocean-bound vessels cross by its lock system yearly. The Canal’s thread stretches throughout a collection of historic lakes and marshes, and its banks are adorned with a large strip of virgin forests.

In my view, the very best place to look at ships is situated northeast of Panama Metropolis, close to the partitions of the big seven-hundred-ton sluice gate Miraflores.

• Location: runs from Colón to Panama Metropolis
• Location Map
• Greatest time to go to: all 12 months spherical

My private highlights…

• Exploring the Miraflores Customer Middle, a four-story interactive museum and studying in regards to the canal’s historical past.
• Seeing the canal locks working on the viewing platforms on the Miraflores Customer Middle – it was wonderful to have a very close-up view of ships being raised and lowered over 85 ft! 

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