18 Most Lovely Locations To Go to In Panama

After touring round Panama for 3 months, I used to be fortunate sufficient to uncover its most breathtaking spots – from cool surf resorts and hidden secret islands to quirky mountain retreats and unimaginable dive websites. I’ve listed my favourite locations…

1. San Blas Islands

I used to be utterly in awe of those pristine idyllic islands! The surroundings right here consists of dazzling turquoise waters, mushy white sandy seashores, and conventional thatched-roof huts – to me it felt like an escape from the fashionable world! 

• Location: off the northern coast of the nation within the Guna Yala area.
• Location Map
• Finest time to go to: January to April (the dry season)

My favourite highlights…

• Spending an evening in an Instagram-worthy over-water cabin which had a really pure trying rustic-chic design which actually slot in with the undeveloped vibe and restrictions of the islands. 
• Happening a 4-day island hopping boat tour which was a severely dreamy expertise – it was superior to fulfill up with a neighborhood Kuna household (who have been tremendous pleasant) and discover out all about their very attention-grabbing lifestyle! 
• Going snorkeling and seeing colourful coral reefs, brightly coloured parrotfish which had hues of blues, greens, reds, pinks, oranges, and yellows! 

2. Panama Metropolis

I assumed this was such a singular metropolis! Though the capital metropolis did have a really business-focused really feel, I found many lovely facets such because the hanging skyline of recent high-rises which sat side-by-side with the historic structure of Casco Viejo, the scenic city seashores that lined the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal. The entire place additionally had a dynamic and really cosmopolitan really feel! 

It’s positioned on the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, centrally positioned throughout the nation, and serves as its political, administrative, and cultural hub

I spent 4 days right here and explored the historic Casco Viejo district, visited the Panama Canal on the Miraflores Locks, sampled the nightlife within the full of life Calle Uruguay space, loved beautiful panoramic views from Ancon Hill, went people-watching in Plaza Mayor after which recharged my batteries in its cosmopolitan eating places and bars!

• 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 Resort La Compania – I completely adored its excellent Casco Viejo location and the Seventeenth-century Jesuit convent constructing it was housed in! 
• Trying out the big Artisan Market which was full of handcrafted merchandise – I ended up shopping for natural home-made soaps, domestically made pottery and colourful native art work. 

3. Bocas del Toro

This can be a gorgeous archipelago full of pure magnificence! I discovered vividly painted Caribbean-style wood buildings, tropical vegetation, and dreamy seashores starting from serene white sands to dramatic, wave-swept shores.

Each a preferred backpacking and vacation vacation spot, it’s positioned on the northeastern Caribbean coast of the mainland, close to the Costa Rican border. Spanning about 250 sq. miles, it’ made up of 9 primary islands and a number of other smaller islets, teeming with wealthy biodiversity and a full of life Caribbean tradition!

I stayed for 4 days after flying immediately from Panama Metropolis (which took an hour), snorkeled within the clear waters at Coral Cay, tried browsing at Crimson Frog Seashore (although I wasn’t a lot good!), explored the rainforests of Isla Bastimentos Nationwide Marine Park, and sampled the full of life nightlife in Bocas City.

• 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 personal deck was a very idyllic expertise! 
• Renting an E-bike (from Flying Pirates Bocas) and driving round Bocas City earlier than heading to the gorgeous Playa Bluff seashore for sundown.
• Going snorkeling in Cayo Coral and seeing stingrays, crabs, colourful tropical fish, spectacular coral reefs and distinctive underwater gardens.

4. Playa Venao

I used to be a giant fan of this dreamy, laid-back gem! I discovered an expansive crescent-shaped seashore with golden sands surrounded by tropical-forest hillsides, and dotted with low-rise, rustic buildings. I additionally beloved its surf-focused and boho, eco-friendly vibe.

It’s a quaint seashore group nestled on the Pacific coast of Panama’s Azuero Peninsula within the southeastern a part of the nation, famend for its wonderful browsing circumstances, full of life seashore bars, and beachfront eating places.

I stayed for 2 weeks and didn’t get bored! I spent it kicking again, sunbathing on the lengthy, large sandy seashore, taking a swim within the heat sea, eating on the funky seashore eating places (many had DJs too!) and sipping on cocktails within the open-air bars whereas 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 wow-inducing Alaya Yoga & Surf & Retreat – I beloved the Insta-worthy pods, the unimaginable views, the dreamy personal scorching tub and the zen-like yoga lessons!
• Having fun with a melon cocktail whereas watching the sundown on the common Selina’s Seashore Bar – there have been additionally some full of life seashore events (full with a DJ) after darkish too!

5. Casco Viejo

This can be a enticing historic space in Panama Metropolis! I assumed it was each fairly and charming with cobblestone streets lined with colourful colonial buildings and easy-on-the-eye plazas. I beloved its combine old-world attraction and trendy vitality and full of life avenue markets, stylish cafes, and buzzing nightlife.

Spanning an space of 0.8 sq. miles, it’s an UNESCO World Heritage Website, overlooking the Pacific Ocean from a small peninsula in Panama Metropolis, southwest of the fashionable downtown space. It was based in 1519 as the primary European settlement on the Pacific coast, it quickly developed into a significant buying and selling hub within the Americas.

I stayed right here for 2 days on the historic colonial boutique American Commerce Resort and explored the colourful colonial buildings, visited the historic San José church, sipped on Pineapple Basil Daiquiris cocktails within the rooftop bars whereas gazing on the skyline (my favourite was the cool Casa Casco), and strolled via charming Plaza de la Independencia.

• 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 produced from the well-known domestically grown geisha beans on the stylish Nomada Eatery – I additionally beloved the funky artwork displayed on the partitions. 

6. Pearl Islands

This pristine archipelago as soon as served because the set for the Survivor (the fact present)! Right here I discovered powdery white-sand seashores, beautiful turquoise waters, and charming seaside villas in a tropical atmosphere with a tranquil and unique vibe! 

Consisting of 200 islands and islets spanning round 250 sq. miles, they’re nestled within the Pacific Ocean, round 30 miles off the coast. They’re a preferred vacation vacation spot with upscale resorts, and actions on provide comparable to snorkeling, diving, and whale watching.

I took the 20-minute flight from Panama Metropolis and stayed for every week on the dreamy Mar Y Oro Resort and snorkeled and dived the spectacular coral reefs, relaxed on my favourite secluded seashore Isla Contadora, and found the plush forests and marine life round Isla del Rey.

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

My private highlights…

• Eating on the laid again Restaurante Gerald’s – on the paradise-like Contadora Island – I particularly beloved the Mango Mojito and the scrumptious tropical salad Panama fashion which got here with combined greens, herbs and slices of mango, pineapple, and papaya.

7. Boquete

This can be a highly regarded vacation spot! I’ve to confess I used to be charmed by its tranquil and small city vibe in addition to the beautiful surroundings which consisted of mountainous terrain cloaked in emerald-green espresso plantations and cloud forests and dotted with fairly alpine-style structure.

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

My private highlights…

• Staying on the super-cute 4-star Inn at Palo Alto – I beloved its location alongside the banks of the Palo Alto River, its lush inexperienced gardens, the handcrafted woodwork decor, the cloud forest views and the eucalyptus-scented spa, pool and jacuzzi, it was laborious to depart! 

8. Perro Chico Island

That is a part of the San Blas Islands however I personally assume it deserves a particular point out! It’s a paradise-like spot with divine white-sand seashores, swaying palm bushes, glistening turquoise waters teeming with marine life, and cute rustic thatched huts! I beloved the cool and distinctive ambiance right here – to me it felt like staying in a single day at a competition! 

Actually which means “Canine Island” it’s positioned off the Caribbean coast of the mainland within the northeastern a part of the nation.

I took a day journey boat tour there from the port of Carti island and spent a extremely fantastic day eating on coconut rice and fried plantains within the island’s cool little restaurant and bar, making an attempt all of the actions on provide (each water and land primarily based!), enjoyable in my hammocks and hanging out with the opposite vacationers on the within the evenings! It was pure bliss!

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

My favourite highlights…

• Absorbing the festive ambiance within the night – all of us sat spherical seashore bonfires ingesting cocktails from coconuts!
• Having a enjoyable recreation of volleyball with fellow vacationers (I wasn’t a lot good, although, sadly)! 
• Discovering the island’s shipwreck positioned simply offshore when snorkeling – the sunken military gunboat was surrounded by large manta rays and even a swordfish. I even noticed the boat’s sunken rusty bow peeking above the water at low tide! 

9. Gulf of Chiriquí

This huge bay positioned off the Pacific coast is rather like a paradise! I discovered it was an actual magnificence spot with a mixture of pristine, secluded white and volcanic sand seashores, lush, untouched islands, and quaint coastal villages with rustic structure, all set towards a backdrop of vibrant marine ecosystems and dramatic tropical landscapes. I discovered it the right place to disconnect and immerse myself in pristine nature!

It lies south of Chiriquí, stretching from the Costa Rican border within the west to the Azuero Peninsula within the east, proper on the western Pacific coast.

I discovered that it included a number of protected areas together with the a UNESCO World Heritage web site, Coiba Nationwide Park, and plenty of islands (with the town of David serving as a main entry level). It’s residence to unimaginable diving and snorkeling I noticed principally eco-tourists and journey seekers right here and lodging choices ranged from eco-lodges to boutique motels.

I took a ship tour from Boca Chica and stayed for every week on the stunningly positioned Seagull Cove Resort and in addition to snorkeling and absorbing the beautiful environment I had an superior expertise seeing super-cute sea turtles nesting on a seashore!

• Location: west, close to the border of Costa Rica
• Location Map
• Finest time to go to: December to April (dry season)

My favourite highlights…

• Snorkeling round Granito de Oro Island and seeing manta rays, reef sharks, inexperienced turtles and tropical fish circle the brightly coloured coral reefs.

10. Soberania Nationwide Park

This can be a very accessible protected space! It’s full of inexperienced rainforests, the historic Camino de Cruces mountaineering path and a tranquil, adventurous vibe. There are seashores right here however there was quite a lot of gorgeous pure landscapes and well-preserved colonial-era constructions.

It’s positioned within the central a part of the nation, solely round 25 kilometers north of Panama Metropolis. Spanning round 55,000 acres, it stretches alongside the japanese shore of the Panama Canal, spanning elements of each Panama and Colón provinces. I discovered lodging right here included eco-lodges, rainforest resorts, fundamental guesthouses, and the distinctive Cover Tower.

Soberanía Nationwide Park, overlaying 55,000 acres alongside the Panama Canal in central Panama, is a biodiverse rainforest with over 500 fowl species, quite a few mountaineering trails together with the famend Pipeline Highway, and it’s an necessary web site for each ecological analysis and birdwatching.

I drove 45 minutes from the capital on a day journey and paid the $5 entrance charge. I went wildlife recognizing on a Monkey Island boat tour, noticed unimaginable panoramic views from the Rainforest Discovery Heart’s commentary tower, and explored the rainforest on the Plantation Path.

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

My favourite highlights…

• Going for a swim within the cooling pure swimming pools of the El Charco Path referred to as “El Charco,” after which going for a picnic by the swimming pools earlier than heading again.

11. Santa Catalina

This small, distant coastal city is named being the very best browsing locations within the nation! It’s additionally a beautiful, tranquil spot with pristine black and white sand seashores, clear waters with mighty waves as much as 10 meters excessive, distinctive jungle environment, and charming rustic buildings. 

It’s nestled on the Pacific coast of Panama in Veraguas Province, round 90 kilometers southwest of Santiago, close to the doorway to Coiba Nationwide Park. I noticed that it principally attracted surfers, backpackers, divers and snorkelers and lodging included budget-friendly hostels, rustic surf camps, eco-lodges, mid-range guesthouses, and boutique motels. 

I drove 4 hours from Boquete and kicked again for every week on the boho-style 4-star retreat on the Villa Coco and went snorkeling and diving in Coiba Nationwide Park, went kayaking, and even had time to discover the jungle trails. 

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

My highlights…

• Watching the surfers deal with the vastly spectacular swells at La Punta Seashore was exhilarating – I perched on the rocky edge close to the palm-dotted level and sat for an entire hour!

12. Isla Taboga

This small volcanic island is often known as the “Island of Flowers!” I personally thought it was a dreamy place with tropical greenery, colourful colonial buildings, and pristine sandy seashores from secluded coves to expansive shores. 

I took a day journey right here by taking the 30 minute ferry experience from the Amador Causeway in Panama Metropolis and that was sufficient time to discover the historic San Pedro Church, hike up Cerro de la Cruz (which had excellent panoramic views), loosen up on the seashores and spot 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 via the quiet Spanish-settled village of San Pedro – I beloved the gorgeous colourful colonial-style homes, assembly the pleasant locals and shopping the hand crafted wooden carvings, textiles and native art work.

13. El Valle de Antón

That is picturesque city uniquely nestled within the crater of an extinct volcano! It’s full of charming, rustic buildings surrounded by verdant volcanic mountains, cascading waterfalls, and close to serene, unspoiled seashores. I beloved the peaceable, small-town the place time appeared to gradual. 

It’s positioned within the Coclé Province of Panama, round 75 miles west of Panama Metropolis. It sits at an elevation of 600 meters and has a cool local weather, wealthy biodiversity, and points of interest comparable to thermal springs, waterfalls and therapeutic mud swimming pools with a singular mineral composition. 

I took the three hour bus experience from Panama Metropolis and stayed for 4 days on the close by gorgeous hacienda-style Resort La Compania Del Valle. I went mountaineering the paths to Cerro Gaital and India Dormida, visiting the thermal springs and waterfalls (my favorite was the Chorro El Macho) exploring the attention-grabbing artisan market, and recognizing the uncommon golden frog which resides right here!

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

My highlights…

• Crossing the excessive suspension bridge via the rainforest after which mountaineering half-hour alongside the path to succeed in the gorgeous El Macho Waterfall. 
• Visiting the full of life farmer’s market (which was open seven days every week) and sampling the native meals and produce – I particularly beloved the skinny deep-fried plantains and making an attempt a ardour fruit chicha (a standard Panamanian beverage). 

14. Sundown Coast, Azuero Peninsula

This stretch of shoreline is residence to noticeably lovely sunsets! It’s a unspoiled and strikingly gorgeous spot the place I discovered conventional Spanish colonial structure, quaint fishing villages, pristine seashores and a wealthy biodiversity, together with dry forests and coastal mangroves. The vibe right here feels distant and I used to be soak up by its laid-back, boho vibe. 

It spans 80 to 100 kilometers alongside the western aspect of the Azuero Peninsula within the southern a part of the nation, dealing with the Pacific Ocean. It’s a preferred place for eco-tourists and people and cultural immersion! 

I drove 4 hours from Panama Metropolis and spent a really laid-back two weeks watching browsing at Playa Venao, exploring the standard villages of Cañas, Mariato after which stayed within the laid-back gem Casa Lajagua for every week in Pedasí. I hiked via dry forests and mangroves, and loved breathtaking sunsets over the unspoilt seashores! 

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

My highlights…

• Renting a TORQ Funboard from Shokogi Leases and having superior enjoyable on the waves! 

15. Los Cangilones

This enjoyable pure volcanic rock canyon made an excellent day journey from Panama Metropolis! After I bought there, I discovered a dramatic volcanic rock canyon, very clear turquoise waters which attracted adventurous swimmers, and easy stone ledges which made good locations for enjoyable.

It’s positioned in Chiriquí Province of Panama, close to the city of Gualaca within the western a part of the nation. 

I drove right here from Boquete, which took simply 40 minutes. After selecting up some picnic provides on the native grocery store, it was solely a 15-minute stroll alongside a barely rugged however well-marked path to the canyon. I spent the afternoon swimming, enjoyable, and exploring the hanging canyon.

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

My favourite highlights…

• Watching the braver guests soar off the rocks (which ranged from 6 to fifteen ft!) into the aqua-marine waters beneath!
• Swimming via the cool and refreshing canyon waters which stretched throughout 40 meters.

16. Punta Chame

This can be a slender, sandy and really picturesque peninsula on the Pacific coast! I used to be completely gained over by the lengthy, windswept white-sand seashores surrounded by glowing turquoise waters, charming beachfront lodging, unspoiled landscapes and a laid-back, breezy vibe!

Stretching round 20 kilometers in size, it’s nestled in Panama Oeste Province within the southwestern a part of the nation and has world-class kitesurfing circumstances. 

I drove 90 minutes from Panama Metropolis and stayed for a number of days watching the kite-surfers, having an attention-grabbing kayaking expertise within the close by mangroves and enjoyable on the cute native beachfront eateries! 

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

My private highlights…

• Watching the kite-surfers at Punta Chame Seashore and in addition from the consolation of the 4-star Nitro Metropolis Resort (which had an superior view)! 

17. Isla Grande

This can be a vibrant island gem! I assumed it was very enticing with glittering turquoise waters, dreamy palm-lined seashores, and colourful Afro-Caribbean homes.

It’s positioned off the Caribbean coast in Colón Province, close to the city of Portobelo within the northern a part of the nation and I noticed that it attracted snorkelers, scuba divers, backpackers and journey seekers. 

I drove Panama Metropolis which took 3 hours after which it was only a 10 minute boat experience, I stayed for 4 days for Ordovician Seashore Resort and spent it snorkeling, swimming, mountaineering to the El Faro lighthouse which had panoramic island views, and immersing myself within the full of life Afro-Caribbean tradition with its music, meals, and colourful traditions! 

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

My highlights…

• Sipping on a Caipirinha cocktail at the enjoyable The OC Bar & Lounge – I additionally was a giant fan of the dreamy Caribbean Ocean views and the very welcoming brother and sister homeowners! 

18. Panama Canal

That is thought to be one of many trendy engineering wonders of the world! I hate to confess I used to be additionally in awe of it and it was nice to see the large Miraflores Locks and sprawling canal set towards the plush tropical environment.

It’s positioned within the central a part of the nation and connects the Atlantic Ocean (by way of the Caribbean Sea) to the Pacific Ocean, with key entry factors in Colón on the Atlantic aspect and Panama Metropolis on the Pacific aspect. It’s stretches round 51-miles and it opened in 1914, dealing with over 14,000 ships yearly.

I noticed the canal and ships from the northeast of Panama Metropolis, close to the partitions of the large seven-hundred-ton sluice gates at Miraflores Locks after which visited the attention-grabbing Panama Canal Museum in Casco Viejo, the place I learnt all about it’s fascinating historical past!

• Location: runs from Colón to Panama Metropolis
• Location Map
• Finest time to go to: all 12 months spherical

My private highlights…

• Exploring the spectacular four-story interactive Miraflores Customer Heart – it was nice strategy to study concerning the canal’s attention-grabbing historical past in addition to having a extremely close-up view of ships being raised and lowered over 85 ft after they handed via the locks! 

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