My prime suggestions for issues to do in Panama:
A couple of months in the past Rachel and I have been chatting about our summer season plans and once we realized we each had the identical two weeks in August free Rachel was like, let’s go to Panama collectively!
Neither of us had been to Central America earlier than so we have been tremendous excited to get to discover a brand new area, but in addition at a little bit of a loss as to the place we must always really go. In the tip we opted for Panama, and I’m so glad we did as a result of I can’t think about a greater introduction to Central America.
Basically we wished to go someplace with a number of lovely nature, enjoyable cities and cities, cute boutique inns, and a superb number of issues to accomplish that we didn’t get bored over the 2 weeks. And Panama completely delivered.
Now, as we’re each full time journey bloggers, Rachel and I are each tremendous into journey planning. You ought to have seen the spreadsheets and Google docs that went into planning this Panama journey. It was just a little excessive, to say the least. I most likely spent extra time researching the perfect issues to do in Panama and the perfect locations to go to in Panama than I really did, effectively, in Panama.
We drafted so many alternative Panama itinerary prospects and it appeared like as quickly as we had determined the place to go in Panama we have been discovering one other cool place to go. But in the tip we did handle to slender down a two week Panama itinerary that I LOVED.
It’s simply such a tremendous nation, and actually made for the perfect expertise in Central America.
So, if you need to fall in love with Panama too, listed here are my prime selections to do in Panama:
Visit Panama City
I spent 4 days in Panama City and completely cherished it, so that you positively shouldn’t skip it! In reality we had initially deliberate to keep in Panama City for 3 days however we cherished it a lot as soon as we arrived that we prolonged our keep for an additional day.
I had anticipated Panama City to simply be the required start line for our journey, however really town ended up being a spotlight of my complete time in Panama. It’s a stupendous and numerous metropolis with a lot happening, and I really feel like I may have spent a complete week there exploring.
Here are some issues to do in Panama City, Panama (and you may merely scroll down previous the celebs for issues to do in Panama outdoors of Panama City)
★ The Panama Canal
Okay, you guys know I’m not normally one for museums and historic websites, however I used to be tremendous excited to get to see the Panama Canal in actual life! And whereas I had a sneaking suspicion the canal can be underwhelming in individual, it really was actually cool and one of many highlights of my time in Panama City.
You may keep in mind out of your center faculty historical past class, however the Panama Canal was an infinite venture – in reality it was began a number of instances earlier than they really found out how to full it. And it’s had an excellent impression on the nation. The Panama Canal museum goes into all of the historical past of the venture, after which you’ll be able to go outdoors and watch the canal in motion.
★ Get misplaced in Casco Viejo
I actually loved Panama City and will have fortunately spent extra than simply 4 days there, and my favourite space was positively Casco Viejo.
This space used to be actually run down, however now Panama City is investing so much in it and plenty of the outdated buildings have been refurbished and reworked into boutique inns, fashionable cafes and eating places, and exquisite little outlets.
I requested a neighborhood what he considered Casco Viejo’s transformation and he mentioned that whereas in a approach it’s a bit unhappy to see the world change, the revitalization has fortunately had a extremely optimistic impression on locals and it’s nice to have an space that has such vacationer attraction as effectively.
Plus Casco Viejo is just the perfect place for a photoshoot! I imply, you’ll be able to’t anticipate two bloggers to go anyplace with out taking an embarrassing variety of pictures for Instagram. What can I say?
★ Stay at a extremely distinctive boutique resort in Panama City
I break up my time between two beautiful inns in Panama City, and I actually couldn’t say which I loved extra!
First I stayed on the American Trade Hotel, which was the right luxurious resort expertise in the center of Casco Viejo. The rooms have been lovely and the breakfast scrumptious, and I type of felt like I used to be on a film set. You can learn extra about my keep on the American Trade resort right here.
And then for my remaining two nights in Panama City I stayed at Las Clementinas, which has lovely flats. It was so enjoyable getting to faux like I used to be a neighborhood in Casco Viejo, and so they had so many beautiful touches like filling my fridge with breakfast treats. You can learn extra about my keep at Las Celementinas right here.
★ Have lunch at El Trapiche
One of the perfect meals I had in Panama was at El Trapiche in town middle. I cherished that it’s in a much less touristy space of town, however nonetheless tremendous straightforward to get to (our taxi driver knew the identify of the restaurant so we didn’t want to trouble with instructions).
This additionally felt like probably the most authentically Panamanian meals in Panama City, and our waiter was actually pleasant and gave us another suggestions for what to do in Panama City. Definitely cease by and take a look at considered one of their sandwiches if you happen to get the prospect!
Read more: Panama Travel Guide: Costs, Itineraries, & More (Updated 2022)
★ Have lunch at Super Gourmet in Casco Viejo
Super Gourmet is like an American model deli with a Panamanian twist. Another place effectively price testing for lunch! We each had sandwiches and ordered some cookies for takeaway, as a result of who can resist a superb quaint chocolate chip cookie? Definitely not me.
Granted this place was stuffed with Americans after I visited, so that you may not be getting probably the most “authentic” expertise right here. But hey, I don’t dwell in the US and actually miss American meals, so I actually cherished feeling like I used to be again residence in Massachusetts for half an hour!
★ Sample the chocolate at Oro Moreno Tropical Chocolate Cafe
Read more: Where To Travel In Panama (7 Amazing Places To Visit)
This is one other beautiful place to go to in Casco Viejo, the place they make their very own chocolate. They use native flavors and I critically may have spent all afternoon sampling their superb candies. You can even keep some time and get a espresso or sizzling chocolate to drink right here.
This would even be an excellent place to decide up some items for individuals again residence – so long as that is the tip of your journey, as these candies will certainly be melting whenever you’re in San Blas.
★ Visit the golden altar on the Church of San Jose
If you go to you’ll be able to learn in regards to the altar’s fascinating historical past (which I received’t spoil right here!), plus it’s proper in Casco Viejo so there’s actually no purpose not to pop in to see it. You solely actually need 5 minutes to take a look at the altar, so pop in and get a fast style of Panama’s historical past.
★ Have a drink at a rooftop bar in Casco Viejo
There are so many beautiful rooftop bars to select from in Casco Viejo, and so they have the perfect views! I went to Barlovento which had a very nice vibrant but laidback vibe. It’s positively a backpacker hub so an excellent place to meet individuals – however don’t fear, the texture isn’t too younger. I’m in my 30s and didn’t really feel too outdated there (in contrast to another Panama City bars haha).
★ Take a strolling tour of Panama City
I’m not normally one for strolling excursions, however Rachel loves them so she signed us up for the PTY Life Panama Detour. And it completely received me over!
We spent 5 hours exploring Joey’s favourite areas, stopping at meals vans, utilizing public transport, and having cocktails at a rooftop bar. It was an excellent intro not simply to Panama City, however to Panama as a complete, and it was actually fascinating to get an American expat’s perspective on town and nation.
★ Have a drink on the prime of the W Hotel
I do know I mentioned to have a drink at a rooftop bar in Casco Viejo, however as a part of our strolling tour we additionally stopped on the W Hotel’s rooftop bar, which is in the brand new a part of town, and it was actually cool to see the distinction! There’s a pool up there and it’s only a excellent place to hang around away from the bustle of town beneath.
It’s additionally a bit extra of a complicated crowd, if that’s what you’re searching for. Feel free to put on your prettiest cocktail costume right here!
★ Ride the subway
And that is one other factor we did on the strolling tour. Panama City’s subway is definitely fairly straightforward to navigate, it’s clear, tickets are like 30 cents and I at all times discover driving public transport is a good way to get a really feel for a brand new metropolis. Just perhaps attempt to keep away from rush hour, as it could get fairly crowded.
★ Visit the Santa Ana market
If you head in direction of the Avenida Central from Casco Viejo you’ll get to Santa Ana, and proper subsequent to the church you’ll see just a little coated market. Here you will discover native handicrafts at native costs – approach higher than the fancier vacationer boutiques in city.
We tried on native sandals, hats, and jewellery and it was such a enjoyable approach to get to know the native tradition right here a bit higher.
★ Buy an actual Panama hat
You know the long-lasting Panama hat that President Roosevelt made well-known on the opening of the Panama Canal? Well, it’s really from Ecuador.
If you need an actual Panama hat you’ll want to go to a neighborhood market (just like the Santa Ana market talked about above) and search for a straw hat with black stripes. I believe they’re really cuter, plus Panamanians will get excited to see you sporting an actual Panama hat, so it’s a good way to make mates!
★ Get a sim card on Avenida Central
I do know lots of people desire to disconnect whereas touring, however if you happen to’re not a kind of individuals, it’s tremendous straightforward to purchase a sim card in Panama City. Though if you happen to don’t need to convey alongside your passport to register the brand new sim card, simply purchase one from one of many many telephone outlets alongside Avenida Central.
They don’t register them right here, and a Digicel sim card will value you $1. Then I paid $5 for every week I wished service for, which gave me limitless knowledge (!!). So for $11 I received a sim card with limitless knowledge that I may use for 2 weeks in Panama. I had fairly good service too – it was solely on San Blas that I misplaced connection.
★ Stop by Cafe Coca Cola
Apparently this diner has been round so lengthy that Coca Cola doesn’t thoughts that it’s borrowed their identify.
★ Have lunch at Mahalo
This Hawaiian themed restaurant in Casco Viejo is tremendous cute, plus the meals was fairly good too! I had a hummus platter (I can’t get good hummus in Norway!) and Rachel had a curry. Definitely take a look at Mahalo if you happen to’re in want of a meal. The greenery and tikka bar additionally make the right backdrop from and Instagram put up, simply saying.
★ Take an eco journey by way of the Gamboa Rainforest
Did that Panama City is on the sting of a rainforest? You can take a day tour like this one by way of the rainforest to see some thrilling wildlife, or this aerial tram tour by way of the rainforest. I didn’t even have time to do that, however I actually remorse not seeing a little bit of Panama’s rainforest, so it is going to be on the prime of my listing the following time I go to Panama.
★ Visit an Embera Village
I’m not likely one for village excursions as they have an inclination to make me really feel just a little uncomfortable, however if you happen to’re you’ll be able to take a day journey out to a conventional Embera village, together with a canoe journey up a river and a stroll to a jungle waterfall. You can e book a tour right here.
Visit the San Blas Islands
Over my travels by way of some eighty international locations around the globe, I haven’t come throughout many locations that look as picture-perfectly like paradise because the San Blas islands. In reality I believe the one place that might perhaps rival it was my boat journey island hopping by way of Indonesia, after which I used to be type of actually fortunate my boat didn’t sink so… if you happen to’re searching for a safer journey to paradise, San Blas is ideal!
I’ve additionally written a complete weblog put up about my three days crusing in San Blas, together with every part you want to know when planning a visit to San Blas. I discovered the method of planning our journey there fairly complicated as there was plenty of conflicting info on-line, so right here I’ve tried to break it down for you, as a result of really getting to San Blas is de facto easy.
I positively suppose that crusing on a non-public catamaran is the easiest way to see San Blas, so if you happen to’re searching for one thing to splurge on in your journey to Panama, that is it. I imply, when else are you going to give you the chance to sail by way of paradise by yourself non-public catamaran? Unless that’s the type of life you already lead, in which case I’m jealous inform me your secrets and techniques!
And on that notice, if you happen to solely have time to go to one place in Panama, I’d select San Blas. It’s simply so distinctive and I’m already dreaming of returning at some point. The seashores are a few of the most lovely in the world, and the tradition is so relaxed and calming.
I additionally cherished getting away from cell sign for just a few days and completely unwinding with out worrying about my emails and work obligations. Because I’m completely the kind of one that would e book a soothing vacation at a resort after which spend my time mendacity on the seaside checking my telephone each twenty minutes. So unhealthy! So if I actually need to disconnect and really loosen up, I would like to get someplace the place I can’t even examine my telephone – and for me San Blas was that place.
(*3*)
Talk to locals
Read more: 10 Best Places to Visit in Panama
I used to be just a little nervous about my lack of Spanish abilities (or extra like responsible – what American doesn’t converse any Spanish??), however everybody I met in Panama was so laidback and pleasant that communication was by no means an issue. Most individuals spoke actually good English, and it seems Spanish is sort of only a higher enunciated model of French/Latin – who knew? (Everyone knew.)
And the individuals in Panama actually are so good. They’re clearly pleased with the place they arrive from and have been at all times keen to hear the place else we had visited and what we thought in regards to the nation. Like, I’m getting an enormous smile on my face simply pondering again to the conversations I had with locals in Panama.
Take taxis with out worrying about getting ripped off
Speaking of pleasant Panamanians, by no means have I ever traveled anyplace with such good taxi drivers! And very long time readers right here will know that I’m not a fan of taxi drivers. But all of our drivers right here have been so pleasant and by no means argued over costs with us. It was so refreshing to give you the chance to take taxis with out stressing over discovering one, or discovering one which wouldn’t vastly overcharge me.
Fingers crossed I’m not jinxing my taxi journey to the airport later as we speak…
Enjoy being secure
I imply, there are secure and unsafe areas in any nation, however as a complete I by no means felt like I wanted to fear whereas touring by way of Panama. People have been pleasant and useful and I felt actually snug wherever I went.
Relax – Panama is very easy
In reality if I have been to sum up my sixteen days in Panama in one phrase it might be “easy.” I don’t imply that in a boring approach, however I can’t keep in mind the final time I had such a simple journey by way of a rustic I didn’t dwell in – a lot much less the place I didn’t even converse the native language.
Transport was a breeze, they use the US greenback right here so I didn’t have to fear about forex conversions, all of our lodging was superb – like, I can’t consider any massive stresses I had on this journey.
Explore Panama’s idyllic island escapes
I already talked about San Blas, however Panama has so many different beautiful island escapes. I additionally spent 4 days on Isla Palenque on the Gulf of Chiriqui and 4 days on Isla Bastimentos in Bocas del Toro, and would have cherished to go to the Pearl Islands and extra islands on the Gulf of Chiriqui.
Isla Palenque felt like my very own secluded island in the center of nowhere – I critically felt like I used to be a personality in a novel staying right here! The vegetation was so distinctive, the water excellent, and I believe my time on the island was probably the most loosen up I’ve been all yr.
Plus how beautiful is that this bungalow? I cherished how they mixed conventional and trendy right here and it had all of the luxuries I wished whereas nonetheless feeling like an genuine island escape. And every bungalow is surrounded by bushes so it felt like we have been completely alone on the island – till we went to the pool and restaurant, which was just like the social middle of the island.
Drink all of the espresso
To be sincere I don’t know a lot about espresso and customarily will get pleasure from a cup of on the spot espresso simply as a lot as some fancy brew, however it was nonetheless enjoyable to hear Panamanians speak about their native espresso beans. We spent two days in Boquete, which apparently will get referred to because the Napa Valley of espresso.
I attempted the well-known Geisha espresso, which is de facto unique, and to be sincere it tasted similar to regular espresso to me, however different individuals advised me it was a few of the greatest espresso they’ve ever tasted. So if in case you have extra refined style than mine you’ll most likely adore it.
I additionally actually cherished how there are such a lot of cafes in Boquete. I may not be into espresso, however I really like the ambiance of a espresso store (and the pastries!), and Boquete has some really beautiful ones.
Stop by Boquete
Speaking of Boquete, there’s much more to this highland city than espresso! It feels completely totally different than Panama’s coastal areas, and affords a number of hikes, ziplining, and even sizzling springs. It’s additionally an enormous expat hub, which is nice information for anybody craving an American-style turkey sandwich.
Boquete additionally was a favourite of outdated Hollywood stars, so you’ll be able to really feel like a complete celeb hanging out right here.
Go to Boquete Tree Trek
If you’re up for an journey, positively take a look at Boquete Tree Trek! Here you’ll be able to go ziplining and stroll alongside the Cloud Forest’s well-known hanging bridges.
Have a meal at Boulder 54 in Boquete
I speak extra about locations to eat in Boquete in my Boquete journey information right here, however Boulder 54 deserved an additional point out as a result of it was top-of-the-line meals I had in Panama! The ambiance was beautiful, and every dish was fantastically crafted.
It’s a brand new restaurant so you’ll be able to really feel such as you’re really in the know by going, and whereas I used to be there they’d dwell music. This is unquestionably the type of place to get just a little dressed up for, if you happen to really feel prefer it! It was additionally an excellent place for eavesdropping on the expat crowd right here – it turns on the market’s various gossip in Boquete – who knew?
Travel Panama on any funds
While you’ll be able to journey pretty cheaply by way of Panama on the backpacker path, there are additionally a number of mid-range and household choices, in addition to some critically beautiful luxurious inns. And the identical goes with transport – most locations it appeared like you possibly can take the native bus on a budget, a vacationer shuttle for a bit extra, a non-public automobile for extra, Air Panama home flights, and even constitution a non-public aircraft to get you the place you need to go.
Or one other in style possibility right here is to hire a automobile for a highway journey!
Eat all of the meals
I’m new to Central American meals so I can’t actually say if it’s higher in Panama than in different components of the area, however critically, a lot yum. My favourite meals was in Panama City, although I additionally didn’t thoughts eating on freshly caught lobster each evening in San Blas.
I used to be additionally impressed by all of the choices most locations.
Read more: Panama Travel Guide: Costs, Itineraries, & More (Updated 2022)
Cover a various vary of landscapes
When we initially began planning this journey we thought we’d spend a couple of week in Panama after which head into Costa Rica, till we realized how a lot there really is to see in Panama. Remember how I mentioned we had to redraft our Panama itinerary so many instances? It was simply so tough to slender down the place to go in Panama when there’s such a various vary of choices there.
From the abandoned islands of San Blas to the skyscrapers of Panama City, the highlands of Boquete, and the backpacker occasion scene on Bocas del Toro, it looks like we visited about 5 totally different international locations on this Panama journey. And that’s what makes Panama such a superb introduction to Central America as effectively. It actually feels such as you’re getting a style of all kinds of features of the area.
But if you happen to don’t have a lot time, my private favourite areas to discover the place Panama City, San Blas, and the Pacific islands. San Blas would most likely prime the listing as a result of the seashores and water there’s simply unreal, although Panama City is an in depth second – I’d say it’s considered one of my favourite cities that I’ve visited in a very long time!
Visit each the Caribbean and Pacific
Speaking of Panama’s numerous choices, you too can hang around on each the Caribbean and Pacific coasts whereas right here!
Everyone warned me that the Pacific is a disappointment after the Caribbean, however I really actually cherished my time on the Pacific. It was quieter with fewer vacationers (and fewer inns – so e book in advance), the climate was a bit extra stormy, however in the course of the day we nonetheless had sufficient solar for me to get sunburnt, as regular. I really discovered the thunderstorms at evening actually thrilling, plus it meant that it wouldn’t get too sizzling.
But if it’s white sand seashores and turquoise water you’re searching for, then you actually need to head to San Blas. I imply, everybody wants to go to San Blas as soon as in their lifetime, if they’ll. It’s actually like a true-life paradise! It’s arduous to consider how shut it’s to the US. Like, I used to suppose you had to go approach out into the Pacific Ocean to discover water and seashores like that.
And positively take a look at the Gulf of Chiriqui
Speaking of the Pacific, you’ll be able to learn extra about my time on the Gulf of Chiriqui right here, however for now I’ll simply say that if you happen to’re searching for an idyllic island escape, positively come right here. It felt like being on a abandoned island, and was positively probably the most distinctive expertise I had in Panama.
Like, I believe most individuals visiting Panama go to Panama City, San Blas, Bocas del Toro, and even Boquete, however I don’t know many individuals who ventured down to the Gulf of Chiriqui. And the tradition there appears fairly distinctive too. The islanders have their very own historical past and traditions, and appear very pleased with their little nook of the nation. And for good purpose! The Gulf of Chiriqui is critically beautiful.
In reality, if you happen to’re searching for a quiet getaway – or perhaps a honeymoon retreat! – you possibly can contemplate heading straight to Isla Palenque. Sure, you’d miss out on plenty of Panama’s different choices, however you possibly can additionally skip the exhausting of touring everywhere in the nation and easily bliss out on the seaside. I might love to return with my boyfriend sometime and simply hang around on the seaside all week.
See whales on the Gulf of Chiriqui
If you go to the Gulf of Chiriqui between July and October you’ll have the prospect to spot the humpback whales which have come from each the north and south poles to give beginning!
I had gone on whale watching excursions in Africa and Norway earlier than so I wasn’t certain if this could simply really feel like extra of the identical, however I swear, seeing whales in actual life won’t ever get outdated. They’re so huge, it’s actually loopy to get so shut to them and watch them surfacing after which diving down to discover meals.
Enjoy a boutique lodging paradise
While my hostel days are lengthy gone, I’m not an enormous fan of the large chain luxurious inns that look the identical no matter what nation you’re in, so I used to be so excited to discover so many lovely boutique inns in Panama! Each featured such lovely and distinctive designs that I type of need to say that every resort I stayed at in Panama was my favourite.
The American Trade Hotel is ideal old style luxurious and has an fascinating historical past of its personal. While Las Clementinas affords beautiful flats that may make you are feeling like a neighborhood – effectively, a neighborhood residing in an excellent fashionable condo getting breakfast baskets delivered to your room every morning. Can this be my life perpetually?
3 Things NOT to do in Panama
But what must you skip out on in Panama?
I might extremely advocate NOT visiting the San Blas Islands initially of your Panama journey. You see, I visited them first, and so they type of ruined the remainder of Panama’s islands for me, as a result of nothing else can examine to San Blas. So attempt to save the perfect for final, if you happen to can.
San Blas is such a particular expertise, however I really feel like I couldn’t absolutely respect it as a result of I used to be nonetheless so excited for the remainder of my Panama journey. Whereas if I had saved it for final I might have realized that it was the perfect a part of Panama.
I might additionally keep away from reserving lodging in Bocas del Toro on Airbnb. I normally love Airbnb, however I had a little bit of a nightmare expertise attempting to e book this place, and I heard from different vacationers that they’d related issues in Bocas del Toro (the remainder of Panama is completely wonderful for Airbnb although!). It was simply such an pointless stress in an in any other case completely stress free journey planning course of.
And lastly, don’t simply go to Panama City and skip the remainder of the nation! Panama City is a good start line, but when I had solely visited town I actually don’t suppose I might have left with an correct impression of Panama. The seashores are actually the place it’s at!
Or if you happen to solely have time for Panama City, promise that you just’ll come again to discover Panama’s islands at some point. I promise it’s price it!
Though I really feel like I ought to add that I’m additionally SO glad I made time for town. When I first began planning my Panama journey I figured the perfect of Panama can be on the seaside, however now I do know that the nation has superb issues to supply from seashores to cities to highlands to the rainforest – you actually will fall in love with Panama if you happen to give it an opportunity. That’s a promise!
Getting to Panama
As a US/Norwegian citizen, I may go to Panama for up to 180 days with out a visa.
I flew KLM from Amsterdam direct to Tocumen International Airport and it was a very easy, easy flight. When you exit the airport there will likely be lots of people attempting to get to take their taxi. I ignored them and walked straight by way of the group and located a driver who wasn’t hassling me, however my good friend Rachel took one of many first individuals and we each ended up paying the identical (I believe it was $20 to my resort downtown).
And I actually cherished flying out of PTY. They’ve simply redone it and there are many American chain eating places – which was very thrilling for me as an American residing overseas, haha. I positively had my fill of bagel sandwiches at their Dunkin Donuts!
Packing for Panama
Panama is tremendous laidback, so you’ll be able to actually put on no matter you need right here. I lived in clothes and shorts, because it was so sizzling right here.
Oh and make sure to convey sunblock and a hat (or purchase a hat in Panama City!), because the solar right here is not any joke. I received so burnt on San Blas, it was actually unhealthy.
Find more Where to travel in panama – Indochina Airlines
Source: 🔗