Panama is compact enough to be crossed in one day, and interesting enough that you will not want to. The Caribbean and Pacific coasts are just a few hours away, cloud forest are nestled between them, and the country is in US dollars, making it one of the least complicated countries in Central America to take your first trip. These 10 spots account for it.
The City and the Canal
1. Panama City
Over the top of Casco Viejo, the colonial district which has been restored, hang a series of skyscrapers of glass that are visible from the ground, from the roof and through the piling scaffolding of the facades of some of the old houses. Include the ruins of the original city of 1519 (Panamá Viejo), which was sacked by Henry Morgan.
2. The Panama Canal
The viewing platforms at Miraflores Locks and the museum that provides an explanation of how ships are raised 26 metres between oceans. Agua Clara, on the Caribbean side, features the newer, much larger expansion locks. It is also possible to take a partial transit by boat.
3. Soberanía National Park
Half an hour to the rainforest from downtown. Pipeline Road is one of the world’s most popular birding trails and the Gamboa region provides sloths, monkeys and canal cruises on the Chagres waters of the canal.
The Caribbean Side
4. Bocas del Toro
A series of stilt bars, surf breaks and mangrove channels. Isla Colón is the base, Bastimentos and Zapatillas have the best beaches. Cross-island boat transportation is regular, please check the operators and conditions.
5. The San Blas are called Guna Yala.
Some 365 islands under Guna autonomy and covered with palms, traditional molas. Visits are made through the Guna operated boats and accommodation and the community rules on photography, drones and behaviour apply – respect them.
6. Portobelo
This Spanish treasure town, with UNESCO designated fortifications, is the cultural heart of Congo, which was built by communities of freed African slaves. St. Thomas has numerous nearby quiet and diving beaches.
The Highlands
7. Boquete
Specialty coffee farms, the Quetzal Trail and a cool mountain town are the name of Chiriquí. A clear day at sunrise will see both oceans visible from the summit of Volcán Barú when reached by night.
8. El Valle de Antón
The town is located at the heart of a sleeping volcano, two hours from the capital. Waterfalls, hot springs, a Sunday handicraft market and short hikes such as La India Dormida.
The Pacific Side
9. Coiba National Park
A UNESCO marine park that extends from Santa Catalina and hosts whale sharks, mantas and reef sharks. There’s also the best surf in Panama at Santa Catalina. Access can be restricted, book with licensed operators.
10. The Azuero Peninsula
Pedasí for Panama’s beaches, Isla Iguana for the country’s largest Carnival, and villages for pollera dressmaking and mask carving are all the cultural heartland of Panama.
Planning Notes
When to Go
The dry season is from mid-December to mid-April, and is best on both coasts. On the Pacific, expect whale-watching conditions to improve, prices to drop and day time rain in the green season from July to October.
Money matters and how to get around.Money and transportation.
The US dollar is legal tender and will be used to buy coins, which are available in balboa denominations. Distances are relatively small, with few drives longer than five hours and domestic flights to Bocas and David. In the rural areas, renting a car is convenient.
Guna Yala Specifics
Guna territory requires community fees and in practice organised transport for entry. They are able to travel independently, and have their own governance.
How Long
Ten days equals 1 city, 1 Highland stop and 1 coast. Two weeks is enough time to experience both of the coasts in leisurely fashion.