Things to see and do on a trip to Panama

Panama is the ideal tourist destination for nature lovers. Throughout the country you will find the most spectacular landscapes in Central America, such as white sandy beaches surrounded by coconut trees, volcanoes surrounded by tropical rainforests home to hundreds of exotic birds or paradisiacal islands. The country also boasts some of the world’s largest marine parks, where you can snorkel among colourful coral reefs. But that’s not all, there’s much more to see in Panama.

The country still preserves a cultural heritage that can be seen reflected in the architecture of the area or in the museums that collect objects of the time. On your trip to Panama, you can’t miss out on the local cuisine, which is based on top-quality fresh produce, especially fish and seafood. In this post we help you plan your itinerary and tell you everything you need to know before you set off on your trip: the must-do stops to make, the best dishes to try and other travel tips to make sure everything runs smoothly.

What are the best places to see in Panama?

1. Bocas del Toro, the must-see in Panama

Bocas del Toro is the most famous beach destination in Panama. The scenery resembles that of the rest of the country, white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters with coral reefs and palm trees, however, there is no livelier corner than here. There’s plenty of life in the streets, which at night are filled with lights and bars welcoming tourists late into the night. If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed, we recommend a visit to the islands of Colón and Bastimentos.

You can get around the area by road, bike or boat to reach the islands. Bike hire is often a favourite way for tourists to get around the area and discover new beaches.

2. Boquete, the city of flowers

Boquete is another of the most important cities of the region of Chiriqui for its long tradition of farmers. In fact, it is known as the city of flowers for the aroma of coffee, flowers and fruit that intoxicates the streets. We also highlight the local handicrafts, a reflection of the region’s traditions and culture.

The city, which is only a 45-minute drive from David, can be seen very quickly, so it is recommended that you visit both on the same day.

3. Archipelago of San Blas

Of all the places to see in Panama, the islands of San Blas are probably the most frequented destination for tourists. The archipelago is located in the Caribbean Sea and is made up of 365 islands among which we find some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. The pristine beaches of San Blas are the perfect definition of paradise, with their crystal-clear turquoise waters, fine white sand and lush vegetation.

A curious fact is that these islands are inhabited and managed by the Guna ethnic group, who have managed to preserve their essence. On the islands of San Blas you can snorkel in warm, clear waters and see coral reefs teeming with marine life. You can also go kayaking, or take a boat tour of the islands. Most tourists choose to relax on the beautiful beaches and enjoy the sun. In this post you will find more information about the San Blas Islands: Things to see on a trip to the San Blas Archipelago Panamá?

4. Dry Islands, the paradise to see in Panama

On the Pacific coast are the Dry Islands, a virtually untouched natural area where the aim is to preserve nature and ensure a unique experience for tourists. This small archipelago is made up of 14 islands, only one of which is developed. Like the San Blas archipelago, the Dry Islands are the ideal place for diving, relaxing on the beach and other water sports.

The only downside to the place is the price. The islands are private, so the only way to get to them is through the resort that runs them, and as you can imagine, it’s not cheap. The Dry Islands are a luxury experience that, if you can afford it, is well worth it. In this post we tell you more about the Dry Islands: Things to see in the Dry Islands of Panama?

5. Portobelo and its colonial forts

Portobelo is the most charming town in the Colon region, and although it can be visited in a morning, it’s worth the stop to learn about colonial history and appreciate the ruins of its 17th-century forts.

• Santiago Fort: it is the point with the best views of the bay and still preserves cannons from the period.
• Jeronimo’s Fort: this fort is located inside the city and is a regular meeting point and playground for children and adults.
• Fort Fernando and Fernandino: these two forts are located on the hill surrounding Portobelo.

The town used to be one of the most important trading ports in the country, so the old town has some fine period buildings such as the Customs House. Nowadays, it is a beautiful fishing village. In this post you can learn more about Portobelo: Things to see and do in Portobelo?

6. David, the capital of Chiriqui

David is the capital of the Chiriqui region and a strategic point to move around the north of the country. Despite being the third-largest city in the country, the truth is that you can easily see it in a morning. The main tourist attractions are the Miguel de Cervantes Park, the historic centre and the José de Obaldía Museum of History and Art.

From the city you can also organise excursions to the Baru Volcano National Park, the Coiba National Marine Park and Boquete, another of the most beautiful towns in the Chiriqui region. Here is some more information about David: Things to see and do in David Panama?

7. Panama City

Panama’s capital is the gateway to the country as it is home to the main international airport, Tocumen International Airport. The city looks relatively fast, yet it’s the perfect place to stay as it has a wide range of hotels and communications with the rest of the country are very favourable to tourists.

Panama City is characterised as a city of contrasts, where the skyscrapers stand out above the poorer neighbourhoods. Must-sees in the city include the colonial-style historic centre, the Metropolitan Natural Park, the seafood market and the Calzada de Amador. It’s not one of the safest places in Panama, so it’s advisable not to go out at night.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

What to eat in Panama?

Panamanian cuisine is one of the richest in the world because of its long tradition of farmers and fishermen. Due to the influence of the coast, most of the dishes in the area are made from top-quality fish and seafood. It is usually served fried, but can also be found in stews and soups. In Panama, you will also find typical Latin American dishes made from corn such as tamales and many refreshing drinks made from coconut and other fruits. Here’s a list of some of the country’s most famous dishes:

• Fried porgo served with plantain chips.
• Caribbean lobster.
• Sanchoco, a corn and chicken soup.
• Tamales, corn dumplings stuffed with meat.
• Bienmesabe, a typical corn-based dessert.

How to get around Panama

Panama is not one of the safest countries in Central America, so it’s a good idea to know how to get around the area and to check out the best places to stay. If you’re travelling from Europe, you’ll arrive at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City. Once there, there are different ways to get around the country.

The most efficient option is to hire a car, which you can do at the airport itself. But if you prefer to travel by public transport, there are also options. The bus network is good, and taxis are also fairly accessible. If you prefer to travel between the islands, you can always find a boat or tourist boat for transfers. If you prefer to simplify your trip, then you have the option of booking group excursions that include transport.

When it comes to accommodation, it’s generally advisable to avoid big cities, as they tend to be the most dangerous areas, although you’ll be safe in your accommodation. In this post, we have prepared a selection of good accommodation in the different regions of the country: The best hotels and lodging in Panama

What should I consider before travelling to Panama?

• No visa is required to enter Panama, but a passport valid for at least 6 months is required.
• The country is not the safest, so avoid going out at night and keep an eye on your belongings.
• The official language in Panama is Spanish although there are more than 19 languages.
• Vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, MMR, tetanus-diphtheria, typhoid fever are recommended, but not compulsory if travelling from Spain.
• There are two currencies in Panama, the dollar and the balboas.
• It’s best to change money before you start your trip, as there are shops and restaurants that don’t accept credit cards.
• The weather is warm all year round, but May to December is the rainy season.
• Tap water is safe to drink in most parts of the country.
• Brace yourself for medical emergencies: travel insured.

How to prepare what to see on your trip to Panama?

Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers.
• Create your own itinerary and add suggestions from the app to it.
• Add the stops you’re most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
• Organise your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map (you can take inspiration from the routes presented in the post).
• Check out the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
• Make any modifications you need to make and you’re all set for your trip.
• Share your experience. Upload photos of the places you’ve visited on your trip to the app and recommend to other travellers what to see in Panama.

Frequently asked questions about travelling to Panama