The Best Places to Visit in Panama
Czechia (Czech Republic) is a landlocked country in Central Europe, known for its well-preserved historic cities (especially Prague), beer culture, castles, and of course the stunning medieval architecture. Nearly 11 million people call Czechia home, and the country sits next to Germany, Poland, Slovakia, and Austria. Historically, the country was a part of Czechoslovakia post-WWI, but split peacefully into two in 1993. Czechia is a country for those who have a strong appreciation for the cities, history and culture. It’s not an overly expensive country (Prague being an exception), and in some places beer is cheaper than water. Most only come for the capital, which is amazing, but there is more to explore amongst the rest of the country.
Capital: Panama City
Currency: Panamanian Balboa, US Dollar
Language: Spanish
When to visit: January to April
1) Panama City
Panama City is the capital and largest city of Panama, sitting right on the Pacific entrance to the famous Panama Canal. It’s the main hub for all Panama’s important stuff, and this is clear to see when you look at the massive skyline the city boasts. Historically, the city was founded in 1519 by the Spanish as a Pacific port for shipping gold and silver from Peru, and has rapidly modernized in recent years. Despite the photos, you can find historic charm as you explore deeper into the city.
Things to do:
Casco Viejo / San Felipe is the old city area, so you should walk the streets and explore plazas like Plaza de la Independencia, Plaza Herrera, and Plaza Francia. You can walk through the cobblestone areas to the end and see the Panama Canal Monument, too. The Metropolitan Cathedral is also inside Casco Viejo and has a nice interior. A must do when in Panama City though is to head all the way out to Miraflores Locks, where you can actually observe the operations of the Panama Canal and the passage of ships. And if you want views of the skyline, the Amador Causeway is a long strip of road you can walk, bike or drive down looking back at the marvels of the city. The Metropolitan Natural Park also looks down at the city, and it’s actually an urban rainforest right in the city with easy trails and places to spot wildlife. Lastly you can go to Old Panama, ruins from the city’s original site back in 1519.
How to get there:
Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is the modern airport serving the city with flights from all round the Americas.
You can also find local buses from big cities in Panama.
2) San Blas Islands
The San Blas Islands (also widely known as Guna Yala or Gunayala) are a stunning Caribbean archipelago off Panama's northeastern coast. It's an autonomous indigenous territory administered by the Guna people, the archipelago consists of over 365 islands, so locals say '“one for each day of the year.” Tourism is on the uprise here, mainly cause of the feel you get like you’re connecting with nature on these beautiful white sand islands.
Things to do:
To really experience the islands most tourists do island hopping expeditions. You can experience the beautiful white sand beaches, snorkelling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and all that kind of thing. Some of the popular islands are Isla Perro, Isla Pelicano, Isla Chichime, and more.
How to get there:
The main option is with a guide / tour company who take you to the port and put you on a boat to the islands.
3) Boquete
Boquete is a small mountain town in western Panama, known to have ‘spring-like weather’ all year round. It's one of Panama's most popular highland destinations, drawing expats (especially retirees), tourists, and nature lovers with its lush scenery and location inside a fertile valley. It has a cute, relaxed nature type vibe, with a little river running through to complete the look.
Things to do:
The central area is easy to explore on foot, so stroll through downtown and the main square - the town is tiny anyway. see the colorful church, local vendors, and nearby cafés, as well as grabbing fresh produce from the little stalls. Visit Boquete Bees and Butterflies - it’s a farm and coffee estate with bees and honey tasting, that kind of thing. A little outside the town, you can also do the Lost Waterfalls Trail. It’s a somewhat straightforward out and back hike taking you to 3 different waterfalls.
How to get there:
It’s not that easy to get to, so you can bus from Panama City to David then switch over to a bus to Boquete.
4) Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro is a province in northwestern Panama, best known for its Caribbean archipelago. The main hub is Bocas Town (Bocas del Toro town) on Isla Colón, the largest island. The province includes a mainland portion, as well as a bunch of little islands and islets, too. It used to be a region inhabited by indigenous groups before European’s came along and turned it to a Spanish colonial outpost. Today, tourists in Panama visit for the Caribbean lifestyle and vibe.
Things to do:
In Bocas Town, you can wander the streets and waterfront, where there’s a load of restuarants, bars and a reggae atmosphere around the place. Nearby beaches include either Playa Bluff or Bocas Drago, two of the best options (outside of Bocas Town). It isn’t uncommon to spot birds, monkeys, and more around the island. If you take a water taxi over to Isla Bastimentos, you can see the famous Red Frog Beach, a beautiful beach with tiny red poison dart frogs. Make sure you enjoy the water and swim and snorkel, as some of the beaches are really stunning.
How to get there:
Bocas del Toro International Airport (BOC) can get you here via Panama City domestically. It’s the most common option.
You can bus from around Panama to Almirante then take a boat to Bocas Town.
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