Best places to visit in Panama
Panama Attractions
Beyond the iconic Panama Canal, Panama offers a diverse selection of experiences: a rich culture and history, lush rainforests, world class shopping, pristine beaches and stunning islands in both the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans.
The Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is both an engineering marvel and one of the most significant waterways on earth. The Canal locks at Miraflores are on the northeastern fringe of Panama City, where a platform offers visitors a good view of the locks in operation. There is also a museum which documents the Panama Canal history and other pertinent Panama Canal facts including a model of the canal expansion.
Casco Antiguo
This historical and charming neighborhood is Panama City’s historic district. Considered a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site, the district dates back to 1673, and features plazas and picturesque brick-paved streets surrounded by colorful buildings. The area is ideal for walking, discovering history and enjoying a variety of fine cuisine. Casco Antiguo is also home to several of the city’s top museums, including the Museo del Canal (The Canal Museum), and the Museo de la Mola, featuring the traditional textile art made by the Guna indigenous group. On your walk, you’ll also get the chance to do some shopping, with opportunities to buy local crafts and visit high-end boutiques.
Metropolitan Natural Park
This 573-acre park is located in the heart of Panama City. A nature sanctuary in the midst of a metropolis, it is the city’s only wildlife preserve, and the only tropical forest to serve as a public recreational park for a metropolitan area. Home to 227 bird species, 45 mammals, 36 kinds of snakes and 14 kinds of amphibians, the park offers five distinct trails, each with its own unique charm. For breathtaking panoramic views of Panama City, embark on the Mono Titi Road, which leads to the summit of Cerro Cedro. After your hike, be sure to visit the park's enchanting butterfly house.
Soberania National Park
Located just 45 minutes from Panama City, Soberania National Park encompasses 55,000 acres near the Panama Canal's construction site. This park features dry rainforest, a diverse array of wildlife, and the scenic Chagres River. Bird enthusiasts will delight in hiking Pipeline Road, where they can spot toucans, trogons, motmots, flycatchers, woodpeckers, hawks, and tanagers. History buffs can embark on the Camino de Cruces trail, built in 1527 to connect Old Panama City to the port of Venta de Cruces.
Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro is located in the northwest of Panama. It is an archipelago on the Caribbean Coast with a section of mainland. On the mainland you will find a bio diverse rainforest and peaceful beaches. The main island is Colon, home of the capital Bocas del Toro or Bocas Town. Other important island is Isla Bastimentos.
Boquete
Boquete is a popular destination for tourists seeking cooler temperatures than those found in the lowlands. This picturesque area is surrounded by mountains and the majestic Baru Volcano. In Boquete, visitors can immerse themselves in nature and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including golf, rafting, hiking, zip-lining, biking, and more. The annual Festival of Flowers and Coffee, held in January, is a major highlight for both locals and tourists alike.
El Valle de Anton
El Valle de Anton is a picturesque town nestled in the crater of an extinct volcano, surrounded by lush mountains and misty cloud forest. To the north, the Cerro Gaital National Park preserves three majestic peaks: Cerro Gaital, Cerro Pajita, and Cerro Caracoral. With trails offering breathtaking ocean vistas, the park is a haven for birdwatchers, boasting hundreds of endemic species like the vibrant red-legged honeycreeper, the striking bay-headed tanager, and the captivating blue-crowned motmot. The area is also known for its hot springs, artisan markets, and diverse wildlife, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
Darien
Darien Province is better suited for adventurous travelers and nature lovers. Due to the diversity of species, ecosystems and genetic legacy found here, it is one of the most important World Heritage sites in Central America. We recommend visiting this area with a professional guide which has experience and excellent knowledge of the area.
