Panama is one of Central America’s most important countries thanks to the canal. But numerous natural attractions also await tourists!
Panama is located at the narrowest point of Central America, between Costa Rica and Colombia. Due to its unique geographical position, the country has been of strategic importance throughout history and remains one of the most important hubs of international trade today.
The country’s rich cultural heritage draws from the Spanish colonial era, Afro-Caribbean traditions, and indigenous cultures. Panama’s tropical climate is warm year-round, and the alternation of rainy and dry seasons has created a unique ecosystem. More than half of the country’s territory is protected natural area, making it particularly valuable from a biodiversity perspective.
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Best places in Panama
Panama Canal
One of the world’s greatest engineering marvels, connecting the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean.
The nearly 82-kilometer-long canal was completed in 1914, after more than ten years of work. During the project, enormous amounts of earth were moved, and three lock systems were built that allow ships to pass through the mountains running through the middle of the continent. The canal is so important to world trade that up to 40 ships pass through it daily.
At the Miraflores Locks visitor center, tourists can observe the passage of massive cargo ships up close. The center offers interactive exhibits about the canal’s history, operation, and expansion. The new lock system opened in 2016 can accommodate even larger ships, further increasing Panama’s strategic importance. The sight of the locks as the water level rises or falls and the huge ships slowly glide through is an unforgettable experience.
Panama City
Panama’s capital and largest city, where modern skyscrapers meet the historic old town.
One of the city’s most remarkable parts is Casco Viejo, the old town, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Walking among colonial-era buildings, baroque churches, and colorful houses, one feels transported back in time. Around Plaza de la Independencia, there are cozy cafés, galleries, and boutique hotels. From the rooftops of the old town, there are beautiful views of the modern city district and the Pacific Ocean.
Modern Panama City’s skyscrapers create Central America’s most impressive skyline. The Cinta Costera is a several-kilometer-long waterfront promenade where locals run, cycle, and relax. The BioMuseo, designed by Frank Gehry, showcases Panama’s natural and cultural diversity through spectacular exhibitions. The Causeway, an artificial causeway connecting four small islands, is a popular spot for cycling and enjoying panoramic views.
San Blas Islands
One of the Caribbean Sea’s most pristine paradises, an archipelago comprising more than 360 tiny coral islands.
The islands are inhabited and managed by the Guna indigenous people, who have preserved their traditional way of life and culture. The Guna people have self-government and strictly control tourism in their territory, so the islands have retained their original beauty. Visitors can experience authentic culture and learn about Guna molas craftsmanship, colorful textile art made from layered fabrics decorated with unique motifs.
The crystal-clear turquoise water, white sand beaches, and palm trees provide a postcard-perfect view that is hard to put into words. The islands are ideal for snorkeling and diving, as the coral reefs are home to rich marine life. Many islands have no electricity or running water, so visitors can truly return to nature. The San Blas Islands are accessible only by boat or small plane, which further increases their exclusivity.
Bocas del Toro
The archipelago is one of Panama’s Caribbean coast’s most popular resort destinations.
On the main island, Isla Colón, Bocas Town is a relaxed, bohemian-atmosphere small town where colorful wooden houses stand on stilts built over the water. The town is full of hostels, restaurants serving seafood, and lively nightlife. Both locals and tourists love Red Frog Beach, named after the tiny red poison dart frogs living in the area.
Among the archipelago’s many beaches, Starfish Beach stands out, where countless starfish can be observed in the shallow water. The Zapatilla Islands are two uninhabited coral islands that are part of Bastimentos National Park and offer perfect locations for snorkeling. In Dolphin Bay, you can swim with wild dolphins, while in Cayo Coral’s crystal-clear waters, colorful coral reefs await divers.
Boquete
A charming mountain town on the Chiriquí Highlands, the center of coffee production and natural beauty.
Located at about 1,000 meters elevation, Boquete attracts visitors with its pleasant, spring-like climate. The town is famous for one of the world’s best coffees, Geisha coffee, a specialty known worldwide. During coffee plantation visits, tourists can learn how coffee is grown, picked, and processed, and can also taste freshly roasted coffee.
The nature around Boquete is stunning: hanging gardens, waterfalls, and hiking trails await adventurers. The Sendero de los Quetzales hiking trail is one of Panama’s most beautiful hiking routes, where if lucky, you can spot the magnificently feathered quetzal bird. The Caldera hot springs offer a perfect place to relax after a day of hiking.
The town also offers exciting adventure opportunities, such as zipline tours at tree canopy level, off-road tours among coffee plantations, or rafting on nearby rivers. Due to Boquete’s peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty, more and more foreigners are choosing it as their retirement destination.
Volcán Barú
Panama’s highest point is a 3,475-meter-high extinct volcano offering an unparalleled panorama from a place where both oceans are visible.
Climbing it is one of Panama’s greatest challenges for hikers. The hike to the summit takes about 6-8 hours and starts at night so hikers reach the summit at dawn. In clear weather, both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea are simultaneously visible from the top – Panama is the only country in the world where people can have such an experience.
The national park around the volcano boasts rich flora and fauna. Different elevation levels create different ecosystems, from tropical rainforests to cool cloud forests. The park is home to more than 250 bird species, including the aforementioned quetzal.
The hike is difficult, but the view from the summit compensates for all the effort. Walking around the crater, one can feel the power of nature that shaped this massive mountain. Volcán Barú is a favorite destination not only for hikers but also for photographers because of the breathtaking panoramas.
Colón
Panama’s second-largest city on the Caribbean Sea coast, located at the northern entrance of the Panama Canal.
The city’s history is closely intertwined with that of the canal. Colón flourished in the 19th century when it became the terminus of the Panama Railway, and later became truly significant during the canal’s construction. Despite the city’s colonial-era architecture and historical significance, tourists often overlook it, though it offers many interesting attractions.
The Colón Free Trade Zone is the Western Hemisphere’s second-largest free trade zone. Many international companies are represented here, and shoppers can obtain all kinds of products at favorable prices. Near the city is the Gatún Lock, the Panama Canal’s largest lock system, where the passage of huge ships is particularly impressive.
The nearby Portobelo historical fortifications and San Lorenzo Fort are UNESCO World Heritage sites dating from the Spanish colonial era. Colón can be a starting point for exploring the Caribbean coast and the northern part of the canal.
Soberanía National Park
Located near Panama City, an easily accessible tropical rainforest boasting unparalleled biodiversity.
The national park covers more than 22,000 hectares, directly next to the Panama Canal. This is one of the best places in Central America for bird watching, with more than 525 bird species living here. Pipeline Road, an old maintenance road along the canal, is one of the world’s best bird-watching locations, where up to 300 different bird species can be observed in a single day.
The park’s hiking trails range in difficulty, from easy walks to serious hikes. The Camino del Oleoducto (Pipeline Road) is 17 kilometers long and runs deep through the rainforest. Walking along the paths, monkeys, sloths, agoutis, and countless bird species can be observed. Luckier visitors may also see an ocelot or tapir.
One special feature is the Canopy Tower near Gamboa Resort, a converted radar tower that now operates as a luxury hotel and offers an unparalleled view of the rainforest canopy. The park is a perfect choice for those who want to experience the wonders of tropical rainforest without traveling far from the capital.
Pearl Islands
Located in the Pacific Ocean about 50 kilometers from Panama City, the archipelago consists of more than 200 islands and islets.
The archipelago is named after the pearl cultivation that once flourished here. During the Spanish conquistador era, these pearls were the most valuable in the New World. Today the islands are symbols of luxury and tranquility, where exclusive resorts and pristine nature meet.
The largest island, Isla del Rey, has varied landscapes and rich history. However, the most popular tourist destination is Contadora Island, where luxury hotels, white sand beaches, and crystal-clear water await visitors. Around the island there are excellent diving opportunities with rich marine life and spectacular rock formations.
The Pearl Islands are less known than other Caribbean destinations, making them much quieter and less crowded. The islands can be reached by small plane or ferry from Panama City. The area is ideal for fishing, sailing, and whale watching, as whales pass through the region during certain seasons.
El Valle de Antón
A magical highland village located in a huge volcanic crater, about 600 meters high.
El Valle is one of the largest inhabited volcanic craters in the world. The village attracts visitors with its pleasant, cool climate and natural beauty, and is also a popular weekend getaway for Panamanians. The area is rich in geothermal activity, resulting in hot springs and therapeutic mud baths.
In the village center, there is a colorful handicraft market where indigenous people and local artisans sell their handicrafts, fresh vegetables, and fruits. The nearby Chorro El Macho waterfall, a 35-meter-high waterfall, offers a stunning sight in the middle of the rainforest. The path leading to the waterfall also has a zipline course for adventurers.
The area around El Valle is full of hiking trails of varying difficulty levels. The La India Dormida rock formation hiking trail is a popular choice, offering beautiful panoramic views of the crater and surrounding mountains. The Canopy Adventure park offers zipline courses and suspension bridges at rainforest canopy level. Several orchid gardens are also found in the area, where Panama’s rare and exotic orchid species can be admired.
Veraguas
Panama’s only province whose shores connect to both the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans, offering particularly diverse experiences for travelers.
Its capital is Santiago, the province’s cultural and economic center. The region is famous for its rich biodiversity and pristine natural treasures: it contains Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site with world-class diving opportunities.
The beaches are sought after by surfers and beach lovers, while the mountainous areas are ideal for hiking, discovering waterfalls, and bird watching. Veraguas is a special blend of coastal adventures and authentic Panamanian countryside atmosphere, making it equally attractive to those seeking active recreation or peaceful rest.
Coiba National Park
Panama’s largest island and the surrounding smaller islands form this national park, part of UNESCO World Heritage.
Coiba Island has a special history: for decades it operated as a penal colony, which paradoxically preserved its pristine nature since development was minimal because of this. After the prison closed in 2004, the island became a national park and today is one of the world’s richest marine biodiversity areas.
The park’s waters contain 760 fish species, 33 shark species, and the world’s second-largest coral reef system in the Pacific Ocean. For divers, Coiba is a true paradise: they can dive among giant schools of fish, whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and dolphins. The park’s waters are so clear that visibility often reaches 30 meters.
Inside the island is a tropical rainforest home to many rare and endemic species, including the Coiba agouti and Coiba howler monkey. Hiking on the island, we can discover waterfalls, hidden coves, and pristine beaches. Coiba National Park is only accessible with permission, through organized tours, which ensures the area’s preservation.
Taboga Island
The „island of flowers” is located just 20 kilometers from Panama’s capital, making it a perfect day trip destination.
Taboga is a tiny, charming island decorated with colorful flowers, especially bougainvilleas, whose purple and pink flowers are found everywhere. The island’s only small village is cozy and car-free, where narrow cobblestone streets lead to beaches and viewpoints.
The main beach, Playa Restinga, has white sand and calm waters, perfect for swimming and relaxing. Around the island, snorkeling opportunities are excellent, and with luck, dolphins or even whales can be observed. The surrounding waters have rich marine life, and you can swim among colorful fish and corals.
The island also has historical significance: the San Pedro Church, built in 1550, is one of the oldest churches on the American continent. During the hike to the island’s highest point, there are breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and distant Panama City. Taboga is easily accessible by ferry, so many Panamanians and tourists alike choose it for weekend recreation.
Portobelo
A historic port town on the Caribbean coast that is part of UNESCO World Heritage.
Portobelo was once one of the most important ports of the Spanish colonial empire, where gold and silver arriving from the Americas were collected before being transported to Spain. Due to the city’s strategic importance, massive fortifications were built for its defense, whose ruins are still visible and accessible today.
The most significant fortifications include San Jerónimo Fort, Santiago de la Gloria Fort, and San Fernando Fort. These massive stone walls and gun emplacements serve as living historical monuments from colonial times. The city fell victim to pirate attacks several times, including Henry Morgan’s infamous plundering of Portobelo in 1668.
It is interesting not only for its historical values but also for its cultural traditions. The Black Christ statue, which locals revere as El Cristo Negro, has great religious significance and is visited by thousands of pilgrims annually. On October 21st, the Black Christ festival, colorful parades and celebrations take place in the city.
The nearby beaches and diving opportunities further enrich Portobelo’s appeal. The surrounding coral reefs are home to colorful marine life, and several shipwrecks are found in the waters that divers can explore.