Between continents and cultures: a Panama travel guide

Weaving through the dense undergrowth of a Central American rainforest, towering trees and the buzzing chorus of birds and bugs, then within 30 steps, you find yourself surrounded by a jungle of concrete: soaring skyscrapers and the constant hum of Panama’s capital city. Few countries blend the ancient and modern worlds as seamlessly as Panama. This Panama travel guide will help you discover a destination rich in history and biodiversity, offering a truly unique vacation.

Panama acts as a bridge between North America and South America, allowing for the migration of thousands of plant and animal species, making this country one of the most biologically diverse on the planet. Today, Panama continues to act as a vital economic bridge between the two continents, allowing for trade ships to pass through its famous man-made canal. Read on to discover the best places to visit in Panama.

The best places to visit in Panama

Explore the Chagres National Park

Marvel at the Panama Canal

No Panama travel guide would be complete without marveling at the ingenuity and engineering marvel of the Panama Canal. Stretching 50 miles (80 km), the canal connects the Pacific Ocean with the Caribbean Sea, providing a direct route across the Atlantic. Seeing the massive scale of the canal and watching huge ships pass through the lock systems is a captivating experience. Be sure to visit either Miraflores, just outside Panama City, or the impressive Agua Clara locks on the Caribbean side.

Visit Boquete between the mountains

Boquete is a town nestled in the mountains of Panama’s westernmost province, Chiriquí. This small town is the perfect gateway to experience the natural beauty that Panama has to offer. The hiking here is incredible, and nearby Caldera Hot Springs provide a relaxing spot to soak your tired muscles.

Following the Los Quetzales Trail out of Boquete into peaceful mountain rainforest, you’ll discover one of the best places in the world for birdwatching, over 1,000 species call this area home. The trail winds between trees and climbs mountain ridges, leading you through remote parts of the country filled with birdsong. At the same time, you can savor the rich flavor of some of the world’s finest and rarest coffee, Boquete’s beans have been known to sell for $140 a pound, thanks to the volcanic soil that nourishes them.

Boquete sits in the foothills of Panama’s highest peak, Barú Volcano. With an 11,398-foot climb and near-freezing temperatures at the summit, scaling Barú may seem like a daunting challenge. But those brave enough to make the ascent will be rewarded with something extraordinary, a panoramic view stretching across the entire width of Panama, where you can watch the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean and the sunset over the Atlantic.

From Barú’s summit, Panama’s beaches may look like thin white ribbons between vast stretches of green and blue. But standing on their shores, you can immerse yourself in the culture of one of Panama’s indigenous groups: the Kuna Indians.

Visit the San Blas Islands and meet the Kuna people

Take a boat east from Golfo De San Blas, and you’ll find yourself among the idyllic sandy beaches of the San Blas Islands. Of the 378 islands, the Kuna people inhabit Aguja, Guanidup, Chichimei, Yandup, and El Provenir, collectively known as Kuna Yala. What truly makes Kuna Yala a unique destination is the political autonomy of its people. Their culture and customs remain a rich tapestry of tradition, relatively untouched by Panamanian government laws. The Kuna Indians maintain control over their way of life and tourism in the area.

Visiting Kuna Yala means experiencing life as the Kuna people live it. Their deep respect for living in harmony with the islands is central to their values, and visitors are encouraged to embrace this ethos. Scattered along the coasts are eco-lodges, peaceful retreats away from the noise of modern life, where your only connection is to the natural world.

Also in San Blas is Dog Island, though don’t expect to find any dogs here. Instead, its crystal-clear waters make it an ideal spot to explore marine life. Beneath the surface lie many surprises, including long-forgotten shipwrecks, making it a spectacular location for snorkeling. If you visit during a New Moon, you might even witness bioluminescence—tiny glowing lights created by plankton and small squid, creating a truly magical experience.

Bliss out in Bocas del Toro

Also on the Caribbean coast, but farther north near the border with Costa Rica, the Bocas del Toro archipelago offers some of the most beautiful beaches in Panama. Inland, you’ll find vast stretches of lush, forest-covered mountains, while tropical shores line the coast. The islands and reefs scattered across the turquoise waters make it a fantastic spot for snorkeling and spotting marine life.

The area has a laid-back Afro-Caribbean vibe, with Calypso and reggae providing the soundtrack to everyday life. Locals speak a unique Creole language called Guari-Guari, a blend of Spanish, English, and several African languages. It’s a fascinating and fun place to visit, well set up for tourists and popular with sun-seekers from Panama and around the world.

Visit Panama’s heartland on the Azuero Peninsular

The Azuero Peninsula lies on the less-visited Pacific coast of Panama and is often called the cultural heart of the country. It’s a quiet, green stretch of farmland and well-preserved colonial towns, with a big-wave coastline that attracts experienced surfers from around the world. The largest towns here are Las Tablas and Chitré, both offering an authentic rural Panamanian experience and bursting into lively carnival celebrations every February.

To see some impressive surfers in action (or to join them if you’re experienced) head to Santa Catalina. Beginners or those with less experience can take lessons or rent boards at Playa El Estero, just outside Las Tablas. Off the coast, several islands within protected marine reserves offer white sand beaches, calm waters, and great snorkeling. At the tip of the peninsula, Isla de Cañas is a protected nesting ground for several species of marine turtles.

Back to Panama City 

Heading back to the coast and just a short drive inland, you’ll find yourself in Panama City, surrounded by the rush of cars and people, or the calls of Geoffroy’s Tamarin monkeys and tree frogs, depending on where you stand. Panama is a country that thrives in the in-between, between continents, oceans, cultures, and ecosystems. It’s easy to assume that human settlement comes at the expense of the environment, but exploring Panama’s rich and vibrant culture shows you firsthand how both can thrive through coexistence.

Make it happen

If you’re ready to explore Panama’s stunning scenery, rich biodiversity, and vibrant culture, let our expert local guides help you plan the perfect trip. Start your journey today with our trusted Panama travel guide—just submit an inquiry to get started!