With one foot dipped in the Caribbean Sea and the other in the Pacific Ocean, Panama is one of the most attractive destinations of Central America. Cosmopolitan Panama City is simply exploding with things to see and do, visitors can cross the great Panama Canal, and adventure tours throughout the country and coastline take on an eco-friendly edge. Whether you choose to stick to the main sights or get off the beaten path, you’re certain to fall under Panama’s spell.
Don’t miss these Panama attractions
- Cross the Panama Canal by boat
- Coiba National Marine Park
- Visit the indigenous territories at San Blas Islands
- Spanish forts at Portobelo
- Jeep tour to Volcan Baru
Best of both worlds
The tiny country that packs a punch means you won’t need to spend weeks experiencing all it has to offer. Panama’s small size means you can get from one coast to the other with relative ease to unearth a unique and wonderful array of water activities.
On the west, you can discover an underwater playground teeming with 800 species of marine life at Coiba National Marine Park and join humpback whale watching tours from August to October in the Gulf of Chiriqui. To the east along the Caribbean Sea, you can explore the indigenous territories of pristine San Blas Islands by canoe.
The great outdoors
Keen adventurers will revel in all that Panama has to offer. Bouquete is the country’s adventure capital and it boasts a great range of active pursuits, including whitewater rafting, zip-lining, and jeep tours to Volcan Baru.
From Bouquete, you’ll find some great hikes to join, including the Quetzal Trail. Best explored with an experienced guide, the trail takes you through some beautiful landscapes, with a chance to spot native wildlife. You can also hike through the cloud forest of Parque Nacional Volcan Baru.