19 Most Lovely Locations To Go to In Panama

2. Panama Metropolis

The capital of Panama is a contemporary, thriving metropolis stretched 10 km alongside the Pacific coast from the ruins of Panama Viejo within the east to the coast of the Panama Canal within the west.

I liked its vibrant contrasts, a fusion of historical historical past and modern structure of the XXI century. Its enterprise middle has formidable skyscrapers and energetic, fashionable areas sit aspect by aspect with quiet streets infused with historical past.

I’ve to confess although, the town has a business-focused really feel, however there are some gems to be discovered. My favourite half was the picturesque historic district, the Previous City of San Felipe which had historical structure and impressively preserved traditions.

I additionally frolicked folks watching in Plaza Mayor and exploring the museums, church buildings, and the monastery ruins, then recharging my batteries by stopping at one in every of its many cosmopolitan eating places.

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

My highlights…

• Staying on the beautiful and distinctive Lodge La Compania – I completely adored its excellent Casco Viejo location and the Seventeenth-century Jesuit convent it was housed in! 
• Testing the big Artisan Market which was full of handcrafted merchandise.
• Visiting Plaza De La Independencia which was residence to stylish boutiques and conventional eating places.

3. Playa Venao

The Azuero Peninsula is understood for its beautiful seashores and is most well-known is the favored seashore resort of Playa Venao, which is 35 km from Pedasi.

I used to be an enormous fan of this dreamy, laid again gem the place we stayed for every week and didn’t get bored! It actually was a beautiful tropical paradise. 

Water sports activities fanatics worldwide rush to Playa Venao to hone and showcase their browsing expertise and its additionally an important diving spot too as its residence to beautiful coral reefs, tropical fish and even close by ship wrecks. The shore is dotted with diving faculties the place we may simply lease gear and take classes from skilled instructors.

I liked simply kicking again, sunbathing on the lengthy, vast sandy seashore, taking a swim within the heat sea, eating on the funky seashore eating places (many had DJs too!), and simply sipping on a signature cocktail at an open-air bars and gazing on the waves!

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

My highlights…

• Staying on the really distinctive Alaya Yoga & Surf & Retreat – I liked the Insta-worthy pods, the unimaginable views, the dreamy non-public scorching tub and the zen-like yoga lessons!
• Having fun with a melon cocktail whereas gazing on the sundown at Selina’s Seaside Bar – there have been additionally some energetic seashore events after darkish too!
• Stress-free with a rejuvenating scorching stone therapeutic massage on the beautiful Nourish Spa – my therapist was simply so pretty too! 

4. Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro is a series of islands within the mouth of the Chiriqui lagoon within the nation’s northeast. The archipelago consists of 9 comparatively massive islands, 52 small islands, and greater than 200 islets. It is usually a backpacking and vacationer magnificence spot.

Boasting inexperienced palm forests, an unlimited shoreline of white sand, and crystal clear water, Bocas del Toro is one in every of Panama’s most well-known vacationer areas, and for good cause: it’s severely beautiful! Pristine landscapes are interspersed with fashionable resorts.

Followers of scuba diving and sea fishing flock to the islands all 12 months spherical to see a few of the greatest coral reefs on the planet, a lot liked for his or her distinctive underwater gardens.

The snorkeling right here can also be chic and might simply spot stingrays, crabs, and many types of colourful tropical fish species.

• Location: northwest, close to the border with Costa Rica
• Location Map
• Finest 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 non-public deck was a very idyllic expertise! 
• Renting an E-bike (from Flying Pirates Bocas) and driving round Bocas City then heading to the beautiful Playa Bluff seashore.

5. Casco Viejo

The engaging space of Casco Viejo sits east of Panama Metropolis, the nation’s capital and I liked this place! That is the very first settlement constructed by Europeans on the Pacific coast. It was based in 1519 and shortly turned one of the crucial necessary buying and selling facilities on the continent.

The transit route from Peru to the Previous World, carrying the Incas’ gold and silver, ran by the city. In 1671, a pirate raid led by Henry Morgan virtually razed Panama Viejo, forsaking numerous ruins.

Nevertheless, a few of the buildings survived till today, particularly, the sq. tower of the Cathedral de Panama Viejo, ruins of Santo Domingo and San Francisco convents, the well-preserved La Merced church and San José temple, the King’s Bridge, in addition to remnants of the partitions that served as safety in opposition to pirates.

On the finish of the previous century, the previous quarters of Panama Viejo have been acknowledged as UNESCO World Heritage websites.

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

My private highlights…

• Sipping on a cup of espresso comprised of the well-known geisha beans, which have been domestically grown.
• Wandering to the Plaza Francia and photographing the skylines of the town.
• Purchasing for the colourful handmade conventional crafts.

6. El Valle de Antón

El Valle de Anton is a city and eponymous nature reserve settled within the crater of a long-extinct volcano that rises to 600 m above sea stage and has a diameter of virtually 5 km.

The reserve is valued for its distinctive moist mountain forest ecosystem, and for my part, it’s value visiting. The jungle is carved by vacationer routes main from one attraction to a different. The spellbinding waterfalls Chorro de Las Mozas and Chorro El Macho are the highlights of El Valle de Anton.

The encompassing forests are steeped in orchids and the nationwide flower of Panama, Flor del Espiritu Santo (The flower of the Holy Spirit). The ample foliage conceals Rana Dorada, a uncommon frog with an amusing look.

Due to its volcanic origin, this place has preserved some traces of geothermal exercise, boiling thermal springs, and therapeutic mud swimming pools that includes a novel mineral composition.

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

My highlights…

• Having fun with a dawn hike through the scenic Sleeping Indian Path.
• Crossing the excessive suspension bridge by the rainforest and reaching the beautiful El Macho Waterfall. 
• Visiting the colourful farmer’s market (which was open seven days every week) and sampling native meals and produce, such because the tasty deep-fried skinny plantains.

7. Pearl Islands

The Pearl Islands lie 40 miles southeast of Panama Metropolis within the Gulf of Panama. Comprised of 97 islands, the archipelago turned identified to Europeans in 1513 when an Indian chief revealed a secret concerning the mysterious islands adorned with pearls.

Since then, pearl mining has turn into the main commerce on the islands. Nonetheless, the archipelago turned one of many favorite vacation locations for the good and the nice (former US President Jimmy Carter, Spanish Prime Minister Adolfo Suarez Gonzalez, and the Shah of Iran stayed right here), and I used to be an enormous fan, too!

The Pearl Islands have 83 wonderful seashores, quite a few pretty inns and visitor homes, and one of the crucial engaging snorkeling spots.

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

My private highlights…

• Kayaking on the pristine waters, which took me previous beautiful surroundings.
• Stress-free on the beautiful Isla Saboga which supplied a beautiful restaurant and nice snorkelling.
• Exploring the plush jungles on foot with an area information.

8. Gulf of Chiriquí

Based in 1994, the Gulf of Chiriquí Nationwide Marine Park is positioned on the Pacific coast of Panama within the bay of the identical title.

The park is unfold throughout 25 volcanic islands coated with pristine tropical forest. The tranquil waters across the islands are thought of the most effective diving place, and I’d extremely suggest diving right here in case you can. They accommodate the second-largest coral reef within the japanese a part of the Pacific.

Divers can contact reef inhabitants reminiscent of whales, sharks, manta rays, and dolphins. The jagged volcanic peaks rising 30-60 meters above sea stage are replete with numerous species, whereas the coastal areas permit recognizing relict types of wildlife.

As an illustration, super-cute sea turtles could be noticed nesting on the native seashores.

• Location: west, close to the border of Costa Rica
• Location Map
• Finest 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

Positioned 40 km north of Panama Metropolis, the Soberania Nationwide Park boasts intensive swaths of tropical forest. It is without doubt one of the greatest birdwatching spots on the earth, inhabited by a couple of thousand feathered species.

Soberania Park is the one place to watch the Topped Eagle and the Sunbittern. The park retooled the previous five-floor radar tower to make birdwatching extra handy. I recommend heading for his or her statement deck to see uncommon birds of their pure surroundings! 

Dense rainforests have numerous pure options that are perfect for mountaineering. The park’s spotlight is the putting thickets of cotton timber towering 60 meters above the sky. A number of the routes have snug campgrounds.

• Location: middle of the nation
• Location Map
• Finest 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 fowl’s eye view above the cover.
• Mountaineering the scenic Plantation Highway path which was residence to a number of waterfall viewpoints and unique tropical vegetation.
• Going for a swim within the pure swimming pools of the El Charco Path, surrounded by picnic spots and scenic magnificence.

10. Boquete

A small village, Boquete is one in every of Panama’s hottest vacationer points of interest. It’s additionally very fairly. Nestled within the valley of the Caldera River, it’s surrounded by mountains on three sides, which largely decide its panorama.

Within the west, Boquete borders the Baru volcano. From the north, the city is confined by the Talamanca mountain vary. Town’s japanese outskirts merge with the Jaramillo Mountains. Boquete begins a captivating seven-hour journey to the Baru volcano, the nation’s highest summit.

At its prime, you can be amazed by the magnificent view of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. The city additionally options cozy parks, espresso plantations, and an deserted palace (I like to recommend visiting!).

Accompanied by a information, you may discover the jungles teeming with unique birds, together with Quetzal, the sacred Indian fowl with shiny plumage and a protracted tail. Whereas mountaineering within the jungles, you may try waterfalls and a mountain canyon with a pure water pool.

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

My private highlights…

• Making an attempt out the enjoyable zipline, which missed the forest.
• Happening the hanging bridges tour, the bridge right here is Central America’s second longest and highest.
• Happening an fascinating jungle tour and seeing unimaginable birdlife.

11. Santa Catalina

Santa Catalina is without doubt one of the greatest browsing spots in Panama. This small village is positioned within the Veraguas province on the coast of the Gulf of Chiriquí. Santa Catalina’s seashores, Playa Santa Catalina and Playa Estero are identified for mighty waves as much as 10 meters excessive.

The ebb and stream fluctuate inside 8 meters, thus creating strong tides. The seashores are smeared with black volcanic sand and supply a shocking view of the solar setting behind the horizon. You would possibly need to discover different bay seashores simply exterior Santa Catalina.

The stroll will take roughly 2.5-3.5 hours. You may lease a small boat or a yacht for an unimaginable crusing expertise or a visit on the excessive seas.

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

My highlights…

• Watching the surfers trip the waves at La Punta Seaside.
• Watching the solar go down at La Coquita residence to spectacular black sand shadows at night time.
• Kayaking over to the white sand seashore on Isla Catalina and mountaineering as much as the point of view on the island.

12. Isla Taboga

Twenty kilometers from Panama Metropolis is the charming, historic Taboga Island. 4 centuries in the past, it was the positioning of the primary deepwater port within the area.

Frequent pirate raids pressured the locals to construct a system of defensive buildings on the close by Island of El Morro.

That they had served for 300 years and, within the XIX century, have been used because the headquarters of the Pacific Steam Firm.

The pirates’ defences have been preserved to today. Apart from them, Isla Taboga is legendary for its seashores, statement platform close to the partitions of the previous American navy bunker, the oldest in Latin America church of the XVI-XVII centuries, an array of tropical rainforests, quite a lot of hibiscus and bougainvillea gardens, and one of many largest colonies of brown pelicans.

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

My highlights…

• Strolling by the quiet Spanish-settled village, which was full of fairly colourful homes.
• Spending the day sunbathing on Playa Restinga and strolling alongside the sandbar to Isla El Morro throughout low tide.
• Strolling to the point of view at Cerro de la Cruz and seeing a spectacular view of the island and the encompassing ocean.

13. Sundown Coast, Azuero Peninsula

Sundown Coast is known as for its expansive shoreline within the western portion of the Azuero Peninsula. You’ll love visiting Sundown Coast as a result of, with the Azuero Peninsula’s form, that is the one space the place you may see a panoramic shoreline sundown, therefore its title. 

While you go to Sundown Coast, I recommend stopping by Coiba Nationwide Park to see essentially the most intensive coral reef within the Pacific. Soar in and go scuba diving or snorkeling to catch the attractive coral reef. I like to recommend deep-sea diving for top-of-the-line undersea experiences worldwide! 

Jaguars, crested eagles, and howler monkeys inhabit Coiba Nationwide Park and the bird-watching alternatives listed below are additionally unimaginable; I used to be fortunate sufficient to identify a scarlet macaw! 

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

My highlights…

• Catching a powerful sundown over the shoreline with a tropical cocktail in hand!
• Going snorkeling and seeing the beautiful coral reef. 
• Making an attempt enjoyable boogie boarding (which was simpler than my surf classes)!

14. Los Cangilones

Los Cangliones is your go-to vacation spot for village buying and canyon views whereas leaping within the close by waters.

The bus to get there’s low cost and solely prices $1.50 per individual per trip. A mini grocery store greets you when the bus drops you off so you may decide up any snacks or seashore provides you want. 

It’s a quick stroll to the canyons and waters, the place you may privately sunbathe, swim, and sightsee, relying on how many individuals are close by.

I’d recommend packing an enormous picnic to benefit from the beautiful views after a enjoyable swim within the water! 

• Location: Gualaca, approx. a 40 minuted drive from Boquete
• Location Map
• Finest time to go to: December to April (the dry season)

My favourite highlights…

• Shopping for a packed lunch on the native grocery store and spending a day by the canyons.
• Watching the braver guests bounce off the pure rock formations into the aqua-colored waters.
• Swimming by the crystal-clear canyon that stretches over 40 meters in size.

15. Punta Chame

Punta Chame is a tiny metropolis with solely a inhabitants of 443, however the seashores are untouched and exquisite. The waters to the left are shallower and calmer, so it’s simpler so that you can go kitesurfing. 

Stroll the white sand for a beautiful beachside expertise. Be ready as a result of it goes 22 miles lengthy. A portion of the seashore meets the Pacific Ocean.

Make it an entire day journey to discover this stretch of seashore land to see its huge magnificence whereas taking some swims in between. 

Be conscious of jellyfish within the water or washed up on the seashore. They’ll sting even when they’re useless, so tread with warning! 

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

My private highlights…

• Hiring a paddleboard which was a enjoyable technique to discover the coast!
• Exploring the petite metropolis’s fishing village and surrounding areas by bike.
• Making an attempt kite browsing! The ocean circumstances listed below are excellent for all talents.

16. Isla Perro

This paradise-like Island is a part of the San Blas Islands however I believe it deserves a particular point out. Crystal blue waters and tropical palm timber encompass the small island.

Due to its clear waters, snorkelers like to discover marine life all through Guna Yala. 

Essentially the most distinctive side of Isla Perro is the shipwreck in entrance of the Island. Snorkelers can discover artefacts from the military gunboat washed ashore a few years in the past. You may even see the rusty bow protruding from the water with a low tide. 

If you don’t want the water journey to finish, lease one of many 30 campsites out there. Then, the subsequent day, you may discover extra of the territory. 

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

My favourite highlights…

• Going snorkeling within the clear turquoise waters and discovering a shipwreck and a fairly coral reef.
• Capturing pictures of the dreamy palm timber and beautiful clear water for my Instagram.
• Making an attempt volleyball on their courtroom (I wasn’t a lot good, although, sadly)! 

17. Pedasi

Pedasi is a small fishing city well-known for year-round snug 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 is usually 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 through the migration seasons.

The native waters are bristling with numerous fish, together with ten tuna species. So, I’d suggest wildlife recognizing right here! 

• Location: south-eastern tip of the Azuero Peninsula
• Location Map
• Finest 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!
• Happening an unimaginable Turtle Watching Tour and recognizing tremendous cute sea turtles.

18. Isla Grande

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

Suppose you resolve to absorb the solar. The seashores have every thing you want: sunbeds, umbrellas, coastal bars with numerous unique drinks, and comfy eating places to get acquainted with conventional Panamanian delicacies. Lively 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 concerning the traditions and customs of Panama, you’ll want 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 allure when you’ve got spare hours.

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

My highlights…

• Sipping on a handcrafted signature cocktail at The OC Bar & Lounge which supplied beautiful views overlooking the Caribbean Ocean.
• Taking a ship tour across the shoreline and seeing stunning 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 go by its lock system yearly. The Canal’s thread stretches throughout a collection of historical lakes and marshes, and its banks are adorned with a large strip of virgin forests.

In my view, the most effective place to watch ships is positioned 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
• Finest time to go to: all 12 months spherical

My private highlights…

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

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