Things To Do
Panama City Travel Guide
Alejandro created a COMPREHENSIVE guide detailing what to explore in Panama based on the amount of time you are able to spend in the country. Check it out here! If you don't have time to read all 20 pages, don't worry, below we've included a highlight of some of our favorite things to do in Panama.
Panama Canal
A trip to Panama isn't complete without a visit to one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, the Panama Canal. Start with a video (narrated by Morgan Freeman!) that shows you how the canal was built and then head outside for an up close view of the ships passing through.
Casco Viejo
Travel back in time as you wander the cobblestone streets of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Casco Viejo blends rich history, lively squares, and sweeping bay and skyline views, the perfect place to duck into a hidden café for a quick bite or watch the sunset from a rooftop balcony with a cocktail in hand.
Amador Causeway
Panama’s famous boardwalk is a stunning place for a stroll, a bike ride, or simply to take in the views of ships passing beneath the Bridge of the Americas. Don’t miss the Biomuseo, designed by Frank Gehry, which celebrates the country’s remarkable biodiversity.
Playa Blanca, Bijao, Buenaventura
Looking to extend your stay in Panama? Escape the bustle of the big city and take a scenic two-hour drive west to unwind on white sandy shores of the Pacific or play a round of golf (or two!) at one of Panama's exclusive beach clubs.
San Blas Islands
If the waves of the Pacific aren't your style, opt for the Caribbean Coast and visit the lands of the indigenous Guna Yala peoples. San Blas is an archipelago of over 370 islands and looks like a scene straight out of a postcard. For the adventurous, book a stay on a sailboat or catamaran and spend your days kayaking, snorkeling in clear blue waters, and exploring uninhabited islands. Finish the day under millions of stars with dinner of fresh fish or lobster caught by local fishermen only hours before.
El Valle de Antón
Located within the valley of an extinct volcano, El Valle is a two-hour drive from Panama City. Here you can enjoy stunning hiking trails (try La India Dormida or a sunrise hike at Cerro La Silla) or take a swim in nearby waterfalls or hot springs. If you're lucky you may even spot an endangered Panamanian Golden Frog which can only be found here!