Stroll through the winding streets of Casco Viejo · 2.Watch giant ships cross the Panama Canal · 3.Soak your tired bones in the Caldera hot springs · 4, Panama City · Costa Rica vs. Panama · Trip to the province of Chiriqui The 13 best things to do in Panama With rugged trails and incredibly colorful neotropic life, Panama's national parks are some of the best in the world. Its highlands are full of labyrinthine coffee plantations, thundering rivers and waterfalls. Its coastline features kaleidoscopic coral reefs and epic waves that have attracted daring wave seekers since the 1970s.
Established in 1673 after pirate Henry Morgan transformed the original settlement of Panama City (now Panama La Vieja) into an ignominious pile of rubble and ash, Casco Viejo, once a defensive outpost, has undergone enormous changes. Don't miss the historic sites: the district's defensive walls have long been dismantled, but its wealth of 16th and 17th century structures remains intact. Among them, the church of San José has a priceless baroque gold altar that miraculously escaped the sacking of Old Panama by Morgan. Located 18 km (11 miles) from Boquete, the springs are rustic and discreet.
The services are basic and you should arrive early to avoid the crowds. During the dry season, you can dig your own pool on the banks of the Chiriqui River. Public transportation to the springs is rare; instead, consider taking a taxi or taking a tour. The city really comes alive during a couple of festivals: the Black Christ Festival and the Festival of Devils and Congos. The Black Christ Festival is held annually in October and pays homage to a 1.5 m tall (5 ft) Black Christ.
The statue parades through the city as pilgrims follow them with crowns made of thorns and purple robes. When the heat and bustle of the capital become unbearable, the city's residents retreat to the resort of El Valle, adorned with flowers. Located in the lush foothills of the province of Coclé, El Valle is only 2.5 hours from the capital, but with a style and atmosphere of another world. Exclusively for experienced surfers, La Punta's breakpoint generates powerful and consistent waves all year round, and reaches colossal heights of up to 9 m (30 ft) from February to August.
The Barú Volcano, which rises from the Talamanca mountains in western Panama, is the only place in the world where you can see the Pacific and Atlantic oceans at the same time, but only if you're very lucky. At 3,474 m (11,398 ft), the windswept summit of Barú is subject to very changeable and, at times, inclement weather conditions. Still, you're guaranteed a decent hike through several areas of vegetation, even if the weather gods they don't smile at you. Wrapped in forests and farmland, the extinct volcano is home to seven craters and 10 rivers, many endemic mammals and abundant avifauna.
All coffee lovers know that the best beans can offer a full-fledged mystical experience. Forget about communion wine, a cup of dark beer is your ticket to heaven. In Chiriqui, coffee production has been the pillar of the local economy since 19th century. Dozens of mist-covered estates dot the fertile hills below the Barú Volcano.
Established in 1922, Finca Lérida is one of the oldest producers in the country, and its extensive property includes hiking trails and secondary forests full of birds. Shimmering schools of multicolored fish line the ocean waters of Coiba Island, a global center of marine life; located 20 km (12 miles) from the Pacific continent of Panama, Coiba is the largest of Panama's many phenomenal islands. The bravest souls and adrenaline fanatics who don't regret it should go to Chiriqui Viejo, a true beast with more than 60 km (37 miles) of Class IV rapids and also some horrible Class V sections. Naturally, all rivers are noticeably wilder in the wet season. Of course, birdwatchers have plenty of options in Panama, and some of the most prolific habitats are the lowland rainforests surrounding the Panama Canal.
You won't see any quetzal there, but the 17-km (10.5-mile) pipeline trail in Soberanía National Park is a truly first-class site. In 1985, birdwatchers recorded a staggering 385 species in just 24 hours. More than 400 islands and islets form the homeland of the indigenous Guna (formerly Kuna), most of them happily uninhabited. The region largely lacks modern infrastructure and is self-governing as a semi-autonomous territory in Panama's remote eastern Caribbean.
While visitors to Panama can come through the Panama Canal, they stay for everything else. Known as the “Crossroads of the Americas”, Panama is not only the geographical point where North America meets South America, but also where the Pacific and Atlantic oceans meet in the country's famous canal. There's always something going on in the bustling Amador Causeway. This 3.5-mile ride snakes through the Panama Canal and connects the Causeway's four main islands to the mainland.
Not only will you be surrounded by gourmet restaurants and first-rate museums, but you'll also enjoy some of the best views of the Panama Canal and the Pacific Ocean. If you want to burn some calories during your trip, you can also take advantage of the trail provided for biking and running. The lush tropical atmosphere of Soberanía National Park makes it one of the best natural attractions in Panama. Located on the banks of the Panama Canal, this rainforest is one of the best places in the world for birdwatching.
In total, the park is home to more than 500 different species of birds, as well as more than 100 different types of mammals. Located off the coast of Panama are the Pearl Islands. Although there are more than 250 islands in total, most tourists choose to spend their time in Contadora or Isla Sabago. Most of the islands are unnamed and uninhabited. The El Valle volcano is located along the Central American Volcanic Arc in central Panama.
More than 200,000 years have passed since its last eruption, making it a safe and popular place for hiking, hiking and horseback riding. The Barú Volcano, easily one of Panama's most recognizable landmarks, looms over the mountainous highlands of the north. At 11,401 feet high, the active Barú Volcano is the highest mountain in all of Panama. There are numerous hiking trails along the volcano's slopes. One of the most popular activities in Panama is walking along the tranquil Los Senderos Quetzales trail, as it provides hikers with the opportunity to observe the rare and colorful quetzal bird.
However, if you're up for the challenge, it's also possible to hike to the top of the Baru Volcano. From the top, you'll have panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The rural island of Coiba is located off the northwestern coast of Panama. Not only is it the largest island in Central America, but it is also part of the Coiba National Park.
Between uninhabited beaches and colorful coral reefs, it's one of the country's best natural attractions. Diving and fishing are two of the most popular activities on Coiba Island. The ocean is teeming with tropical fish and vibrant marine life, which can be easily seen through the crystal clear, translucent waters. As it is protected by the Gulf of Chiriqui, Coiba Island is also a safe haven for humpback whales, sea turtles, dolphins and marlins.
The fascinating Bocas del Toro archipelago has it all. The nine different islands are home to two national parks, multiple white sandy beaches, colorful Caribbean-style houses and friendly people. No matter what you're interested in seeing, Bocas del Toro has plenty to do. Beauty and culture collide on the islands of Guna Yala.
Comprised of 365 individual islands, Guna Yala (formerly known as San Blas) caters to travelers interested in beaches, hiking, wildlife watching and snorkeling. Only 40 islands are inhabited, mainly by indigenous peoples known as Gunas. Despite its small size, the historic Casco Viejo is easily one of the most unique neighborhoods in Panama City. Covering just four avenues, Casco Viejo is lined with colonial houses, first-line coffee shops, and tropical-themed bars.
As you stroll through the narrow brick alleyways, you'll find beautifully preserved buildings that date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Take a look inside the Metropolitan Cathedral, which is located next to the central Plaza de la Independencia. You can also visit the ruins of the Arco Chato church, admire the works of art in the Museum of Religious Art or attend a show at the great National Theater. The Panama Canal, which crosses 51 miles through the center of the country, connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean through a series of locks.
This artificial waterway was built at the beginning of the 20th century and is considered to be one of the most complex engineering projects of the last 150 years. If you're planning to visit the Panama Canal, be sure to stop by the Miraflores locks. Here you'll find a museum, a restaurant and an observation deck that offers a panoramic view of the canal. The best time to visit it is before 11 in the morning, where you will see cargo ships and ships passing by the locks.
My wife and I went to Panama for our wedding anniversary this July and we had a wonderful time. The Panama Canal is one of the best experiences to do. But my favorite is Monkey Island. Those monkeys are so cute and adorable, not to mention that they're so much fun.
So for someone who comes from the Caribbean, where sun, sea and sand are a daily occurrence, is there more to see besides the Panama Canal? I remember visiting Panama about 5 years ago and it was one of the most beautiful places to visit. Bocas del Toro has an airport on Isla Colón, which is where many travelers arrive to the islands. If you're exploring Panama by car or public transport, most people come here after a stop in Boquete. From Boquete, you can drive about 3.5 hours across the mountains to the town of Almirante, and from here, take a 25-minute boat ride to the town of Bocas del Toro.
The most luxurious way to explore these islands is renting a sailboat. Your captain will chart a course through this spectacular region, stopping at stunningly beautiful locations. The boats are luxury catamarans and cruises last between three and 21 days. All food and drinks are included, and dining under the stars while the waves gently shake the ship is sublime.
One of the main attractions of Santa Catalina is Coiba Island. This lush island, now Coiba National Park, is almost intact and is considered a biodiversity hotspot, with nearly 200 species of birds, crocodiles, turtles and snakes. You can also take hikes such as the popular Los Quetzales Trail, which leaves the nearby Barú Volcano National Park, or do one of the several waterfall hikes that leave the circular road. A 20-minute boat ride from the Azuero Peninsula will take you to Iguana Island, a popular destination for warm-water snorkeling where travelers can find schools of colorful fish, turtles, rays and moray eels.
Santa Catalina, once a quiet fishing town on the southern side of Panama, has gained popularity among the surfer population. A popular tourist attraction that makes up a large section of the Panama Canal is Lake Gatún, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. Just outside of Panama City, Miraflores is the canal's most popular lock, as it's reliable and easily accessible. After falling into ruin during the reign of dictator Manuel Noriega, this neighborhood is now one of the most prestigious and popular places in Panama. Thanks to cobalt blue waters and tropical marine life, snorkeling and diving are two of the most popular activities.
At the heart of the volcano's crater is El Valle de Antón, a popular vacation spot for locals and tourists alike.
