From jungle adventures to paradise islands: our favorite destinations in Panama
Panama is best known for the Panama Canal and its (modern) capital city, but the country has so much more to offer. Think lush green mountains, tropical islands, hidden waterfalls, and charming villages. In this blog, we share five places in Panama you simply can’t skip. From colonial architecture to the Caribbean coast – these are our favorite spots for your trip to Panama.
1. Panama City: Modern Skyline & Historic Center
Panama-city is a vibrant mix of old and new. On one side, you have modern skyscrapers, rooftop bars, and shopping malls. On the other, the charming old quarter: Casco Viejo. Here, you can stroll through colorful streets lined with colonial buildings, cozy cafés, boutiques, and stunning street art.
The two areas are connected by a long waterfront boulevard – perfect for walking, cycling, or cruising on an electric scooter with views of the skyline.
The world-famous Panama Canal is only a 30-minute drive from the center. Visit the Miraflores Locks for an impressive view of massive container ships passing through the country. The visitor center offers a fascinating look into the canal’s history and engineering.
Tip: Visit Casco Viejo at sunset when it’s cooler. The rooftop terraces offer amazing views over the skyline and bay.
2. Santa Fe: Untouched Nature in the Mountains
In the heart of Panama lies the charming mountain village of Santa Fe – the place to be for peace, nature, and adventure. The area is full of rainforest, rolling hills, and countless waterfalls. Perfect for hiking, birdwatching, or escaping the city heat.
Santa Fe is still largely undiscovered by tourists, making it feel wonderfully unspoiled. There aren’t many organized tours, so a rental car or taxi is useful. Even the drive to get there is an adventure, with beautiful views and a bumpy road.
Tip: Bring sturdy hiking shoes. Many trails are muddy and steep, but they’ll lead you to the best viewpoints and waterfalls.
3. Boquete: A Mountain Town Among Coffee Plantations & Waterfalls
Boquete , located in northern Panama at the foot of the Barú Volcano, is a charming mountain town with a cool, fresh climate perfect for outdoor adventures. Visitors can go hiking, ziplining, rafting, or explore the spectacular Lost Waterfalls.
The trail to the Lost Waterfalls is a must-do: you’ll walk through misty cloud forest and pass three impressive waterfalls. You can take a taxi or local bus to the trailhead, or start hiking from Boquete itself (which takes about 3 hours).
The town itself is full of cozy cafés, coffee shops, and markets. You can also book a coffee tour to learn everything about Panama’s world-famous coffee.
Tip: Head out early to avoid crowds and heat. Wear good hiking shoes and bring water shoes if you want to get close to the falls.
4. Bocas del Toro: Island Hopping in Caribbean Vibes
In northwest Panama lies the island group Bocas del Toro– a tropical paradise with more than 200 islands. The most popular are Isla Colón, Bastimentos, Carenero, and Zapatilla Island, each with white sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, and laid-back Caribbean vibes.
Isla Colón
The largest and most popular island, Isla Colón, offers great restaurants, hip cafés, cute shops, and lively nightlife. You can easily get around by bike or rent a quad to explore every corner in a day.
Tip: Bocas del Toro is also easy to visit from Puerto Viejo in Costa Rica. Costa Rica. Read here how to get there the easiest way.
Zapatilla Island
From Isla Colón, you can take a day trip to Zapatilla Island, an uninhabited island with white sand and turquoise waters. The trip usually includes dolphin watching, snorkeling at Coral Beach, and lunch at a waterfront restaurant. You’ll spend about 1.5–2 hours on Zapatilla Island to explore and swim.
Price: € 35 – 45 per person
Tip: Bring snorkeling gear and sunscreen – there’s no shade on the island.
5. San Blas Islands: Back to Basics in Paradise
Off Panama’s Caribbean coast lie the San Blas Islands – more than 300 tiny islands with white sandy beaches, palm trees, and turquoise seas. Most are uninhabited and managed by the Guna (the indigenous people), who protect the environment and keep mass tourism away.
You’ll sleep in simple huts on the beach, eat fresh fish, and live entirely by the rhythm of the sun. During the day, you can snorkel, swim, or hop between deserted islands. At night, you’ll enjoy a starry sky like you’ve never seen before. Most travelers book a tour from Panama City, which usually includes transport, meals, and accommodation.
Tip: For the ultimate San Blas experience, book a sailboat and spend the night on the water.
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Hi, we are Marlo and Tessa and have developed an enormous passion for traveling through our world trip in 2022. We like to share this with you through our adventures and tips, so that you too can make such an incredible trip.
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About us
Hi, we are Marlo and Tessa and have developed an enormous passion for traveling through our world trip in 2022. We like to share this with you through our adventures and tips, so that you too can make such an incredible trip.
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