Carolina & Rob
Things to do
San Blas Islands
San Blas is an autonomous indigenous province that is run by the Guna people. The islands are owned and maintain by the Guna, you won't find fancy resorts - you'll be staying in an island owned by a Guna Family. You can plan a day trip - depart from Panama City at 5 AM, drive 3 hours to a water taxi and hit the beach at 9:30. You'll be back in Panama City around 7 pm. Alternatively, you can plan to stay here longer!
Miraflores Locks
Enjoy a Panamenian lunch with views of the Panama Canal.
Colón Island
If you plan to stay longer, we absolutely recommend visiting Bocas del Toro. This is the ultimate secluded getaway. We recommend Azul Paradise Hotel in Isla Bastimentos. You will be awestruck by the palette of blues, water activities, fresh food, and excellent staff. You can get to Bocas del Toro by air (approx 45 minutes from Albrook Gelabert Airport in Panama City) or by car (approx 8-10 hours). Please do not hesitate to reach out to Carolina for more info!
Boquete
If you are a nature and hiking enthusiast, look no further. It is located in the western-most Province of Chiriquí, about 37 miles from Costa Rica. It lies on the Caldera River, in Panama's green mountain highlands. Do not forget to pack your hiking boots and a light jacket! Boquete is also known for its coffee farms and award-winning geisha beans. If you are also a coffee enthusiast like Carolina, take a tour and enjoy a cup! Link to Carolina's recommendations in Boquete: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1o4SQTwdkFAAWdWTN6hir1lr6vRNOawyEM7zNCPTO7FA/edit?usp=sharing
Coiba Island
If you like scuba diving, or you've been itching to try it - this is the place! Rob and I scuba for the first time in March 2020, and we got hooked. Coiba is known as the Galapagos of Central America and it was declared a a World Heritage Site in 2005. There is so much diversity underwater, and the visibility is extraordinary! There are multiple ways to get here, so reach out to Carolina for more info.
Contadora Island
Isla Contadora is located in the Gulf of Panama. Contadora was the island where the Spanish counted the pearls that were harvested from the other islands in the archipelago, hence the island's name, which means "the one that counts." This is a quick trip from Panama City by ferry in 1.5 hours or by air in 20 minutes.
Gulf of Chiriquí
We visited El golf de Chiriqui right before the pandemic. This place was memorable. We stayed at Cala Mia, and we thoroughly recommend this hotel. They provided top-notch service, personalized snorkel and island hopping tours, and fantastic meals. The islands we visited were Islas Secas, Parida, and Boca Brava. They can also organize scuba diving tours to Isla Coiba.