Is Panama worth visiting?
Is Panama worth visiting or worth spending an extended period of time in?
Sandwiched between the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans, Panama is an incredibly diverse country with one of the most unique national identities.
From its stunning islands and mountainous landscapes to its warm and friendly people, this Central American nation really is a must-visit.
In this article, we’ll list the seven best things to see and do in Panama, as well as cover any other important information you’ll need to know.
Is Panama worth visiting?
Yes! We recommend all travelers stop in this colorful nation, which certainly has its own particular feel when compared with the other Central American countries.
Where is Panama?
Technically still part of North America (or Central America – geographical semantics aside), Panama is the last frontier before South America.
Only a strip of impenetrable jungle sits between this nation and Colombia, with this country also having two different oceans to its east and west.
Given its location, this region is also home to many mountainous peaks and volcanic landscapes, which include rainforests in certain areas too.
How far is Panama from Costa Rica?
Another popular country in Central America, Costa Rica actually borders Panama to the north and is pretty easy to travel from.
The popular island archipelago of Bocas del Toro is the closest destination to Costa Rica, from which it’s a 3-4 hour journey from the town of Puerto Viejo.
Many also decide to head to Boquete within the Panamanian mountains, with the bus taking roughly 8 hours to reach the town from Costa Rica.
Those who are looking to head straight to the capital can either fly from San José, or take the 11-13 hour bus from Puerto Viejo across the country.
7 Reasons to Visit Panama
Are you still wondering if Panama is right for you? Here’s 7 fantastic reasons why you should head to this diverse nation.
1. Explore the stunning San Blas Islands
Ranked annually as some of the most beautiful islands in the world, this archipelago lies just off the Caribbean coast of Panama.
With as many as 365 small islands and cays, many head here on a tour or yacht where it’s easy to find your own slice of remote paradise.
Even more interestingly, is that the native Kuna Yala tribe live here, who welcome travellers and show them their island ways which include catching fish and also touring the different islands.
Despite pressure from the mainland Panamanian government, the Kuna Yala have fiercely fought to keep these islands under autonomous rule, and you’ll feel the air of mystery and novelty when arriving here.
We highly recommend heading on this multi-day trip of the San Blas, where you’ll visit many of these stunning tropical islands. Staying in a private cabaña, you’ll have all meals included as well as activities such as hiking through the rainforest and snorkeling in the very best spots.
2. Wander the streets of Panama City
The diverse capital is the beating heart of this nation, and is usually the first point of entry into the country (its international airport is arguably the best connected in all of Latin America).
As with any large city, there’s many great areas to explore, and here you’ll want to begin in Casco Viejo (which is home to an abundance of beautiful, colonial Spanish architecture). Some of the best landmarks to visit include the Metropolitan Cathedral, Plaza Herrera as well as the Church of the Mercy.
From here you can then walk along La Cinta Costera, where you’ll find many authentic places to have lunch (there’s an abundance of seafood dishes here too if that’s your thing).
Just be careful walking around alone outside of Casco Viejo at night, given crime can be an issue in certain areas of the capital.
3. Go Hiking in Antón Valley
Whilst growing in popularity, this mountainous region is still missed by quite a few travelers heading through Panama. Situated on top of an ancient volcanic crater, this region flourishes with an abundance of forests and jagged peaks.
This makes it a perfect place to go hiking for the weekend, with one of our personal favourites being Cerro Gaital. Weaving between trees and along stone steps, at the top you’ll be greeted with some unforgettable views of the region.
La India Dormida is another popular hike, and after all is done you can relax in the hot springs of Pozos Termales. The town of Antón itself is where you’ll want to base yourself, and you can easily get here from Panama City by taking a bus from the Albrook Station (it takes around 3/4 hours).
Those who are strapped for time can head on this day tour, where you’ll head on a jungle hike, visit the hot thermal pools as well as visit an authentic market which is perfect for picking up a novel gift.
4. Diving off Coiba Island
Whilst the Caribbean coast is usually more renowned for its beautiful stretches of coast and wildlife, here in Panama the Pacific also has some spots that can rival.
One of these is Coiba Island, which was actually once home to a penal colony! The diving here is truly incredible, with many hammerhead sharks and many at rays known to frequent the waters close to the island.
And even if you’re not into diving, you can easily go snorkelling or enjoy the wildlife on-land, which includes white-faced monkeys.
There are also many world-class beaches worth spending time on, filled with white sands and enclosed by wild jungle.
Those looking to stay longer on the island can also find small rustic cabins, where you’ll enjoy a stunning Pacific sunset with literally no one else around.
5. Head to the Coffee-rich Region of Boquete
Those who are after unspoiled nature and fresh mountainous air will fall in love with Boquete. Similar to the Anton Valley, here you’ll find awesome hikes such as that to the Volcán Baru National Park (at 3474m it’s home to the tallest peak in Panama, so you’ll want to prepare well and also be in relatively good shape).
It’s also a great place for those looking for an adrenaline fix, with plenty of activities offered such as zip-lining, hiring a quad bike or walking along the hanging bridges which are suspended way over the rainforest.
This region is also famous for its coffee, and has arguably the best growing conditions and produce found in this southern portion of Central America.
There are plenty of tours you can take such as this awesome tour, where you’ll visit a coffee plantation, learn how it’s made and also get to taste a variety of the good stuff.
6. Marvel at the Panama Canal
No trip to Panama can be complete without a visit to this revolutionary creation. Known as one of the most difficult architectural projects to have ever been completed in history, the Panama Canal is the bridge between traders and large vessels heading between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
Measuring in at a pretty lengthy 82 km long, you can visit the very best part within Panama City. The Miraflores Lock is one of 12 different locks along this waterway, where you can enter and learn more about how it was made and also get close-up to the giant boats that steadily cross this really narrow waterway.
You can easily take an Uber or taxi to the lock, and we recommend coming early in the morning before the hordes of tourist buses begin to arrive.
We also recommend joining this day tour, which includes a private guide around the Canal as well as a city highlights tour too. You’ll have all transport provided for you.
7. Island Hopping on the Bocas del Toro archipelago
Wrapping up our list, it’s impossible not to mention Bocas del Toro. A series of tropical islands located in the north of Panama, they have become wildly popular in recent years.
Some of the best things to do here include visiting the world-class Bluff Beach as well as Red Frog Beach (the latter is known for these incredible amphibians, as well as numerous sloths and monkeys that live in the nearby jungle).
If you love the sea and its local inhabitants, then you’ll also want to head to Starfish beach where you’ll find dozens of these bright-orange beauties lying in shallow waters.
The Bocas del Toro is a popular last spot to visit in Panama, and actually is an ideal place to then cross into Costa Rica to continue your Central American adventure. This Shuttle Service is the most ideal way of getting over, which drops you off in Puerto Viejo.
Is Panama worth visiting?
And that’s all for our guide on why you should visit Panama.
This Central American country has the perfect balance of colorful city streets along with stunning natural beauty. From hiking through the rainforest to walking along the Panama Canal, you’re sure to have a memorable time here.
While here, be sure to read our comprehensive backpacking Panama itinerary, where we have even more travel tips and suggestions for your trip here.
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