Things to Do in Panama: Top Attractions

What to do in Panama? Travelers looking for thrilling adventures and enthralling sites know that Panama has it all, thanks to its remarkable tourist potential. National parks, natural wonders, cultural landmarks, historic avenues, and even beach getaways all make Panama a go-to destination. 

Without wasting much time, let’s take a look at the best things to do in Panama and activities that will help you create the perfect itinerary for your trip.

Stroll Through the Charming Streets of Casco Viejo

Considered to be the Old Quarter, this part of the city is the center of everything in the culture and history of Panama City: it is one of the top Panama things to do. Originating in 1673, it today serves as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, providing an interesting fusion of antiquated and twentieth-century elements. It’s easy to get lost within the cobblestone roads filled with colonial-style houses with floral and iron stitchwork-decorated balconies.

You will definitely not be bored in the Old Town: things to see in Panama are truly diverse here. For history buffs there are some noteworthy places to visit such as the stunning Metropolitan Cathedral, Santo Domingo Church which has as its base a set of ruins and Plaza Francia which was built in honor of the French efforts to build the Panama Canal. This area also serves as an ideal location for art galleries and some small shops where handmade crafts, jewelry and other traditional souvenirs are sold.

At the end of the day, Casco Viejo comes into full blossom with its restaurants, rooftop bars, and music venues. Even during the day, coffee lovers would find this area fitting to their needs, and for those who enjoy cocktails, the area has the perfect view of modern Panama’s skyline. All in all, this area should be visited by all the tourists.

Visit Bocas del Toro

What about beach things to see in Panama? For a beach lover this place beats all the places in Panama, if you are looking for a tropical paradise, then look no further with Bocas del Toro, situated on the eastern side of Panama along the Caribbean Sea. This Archipelago is comfortable and dotted with nine principal islands and a myriad of smaller islands that surround it. This area is blessed for nature/ beach lovers, adventure seeking people and eco-tourists.

• Our recommendation would be to start from Isla Colon, which is the global hub and is where Bocas Town is situated. General transportation would be easier, where you could go on a tour from a boat to other islands that are surrounded nearby. 
• Zapatilla Cays offers the perfect snorkeling and diving experience due to its unparalleled sea, while Isla Bastimentos Red Frog Beach can be used for swimming and sunbathing during the summer season or on warm days. 

Bocas del Toro has a lot more than captivating beaches; it is home to a lot of biodiversity, too, which would be a huge compliment for nature seekers. Exploring the wild would give you the opportunity to witness sloths and monkeys in their natural habitat, or you can go on a dolphin-watching trip to Dolphin Bay. 

Another reason people flood the Archipelago is for the food; a range of Caribbean-inspired dishes containing coconut, fresh seafood, and plantains is a food lover’s dream.

Explore Panama City

One of the fun things to do in Panama is city exploration! Nobody would argue that Panama is not one of the most fascinating and beautiful places to visit in Central America. The capital is the intersection of the past and the present in the most exquisite manner possible. It is an active cultural, urban and innovative center. From historical monuments to modern day attractions, visitors are not disappointed with the array of options available for Panama activities.

There is no doubt that one of the historic places to experience in Panama is the Panama Canal. There are more than a million ships that pass through the Panama Canal. For more information on the Panama Canal and how it works, visit the Miraflores Visitor Center and observe the ships being passed through this marvel of engineering, where it was built and how it works.

You can also visit the Biomuseo – a museum with exhibits that are suitable for children of 5 years and older and who are not only educational but also visually pleasing. The museum was designed by Frank Gehry and aims to show the world of Panama’s astonishing biological diversity. It is a definite go-to spot for all family members.

One can also go cycling independently or take group rides or jog or simply spend a lazy afternoon while absorbing the stunning scenery at Amador Causeway. If you love to shop until you drop, check out Multiplaza Mall or Albrook Mall where you can find locally owned shops at cost-effective prices as well as both local and international luxury brands.

Check Afro-Panamanian Culture in Portobello

Portobello, a settlement on the Caribbean coast of Panama, is small in area but is quite densely populated with history because it used to be a center for Spanish trade and treasure transportation and serves as a center of Afro-Caribbean culture today. Portobello is a place worth visiting today.

• Among the notable structures are Fort San Lorenzo and Fort Santiago that have managed to endure the test of time. Within the colonial period, these designated locations were regarded as critical defense zones. These sites undeniably support the fact that Panama participated in the international stage.
• October is the month when the Portobello community celebrates the Black Christ Festival. Worshippers from around the country travel to the church located in San Felipe for a tribute to the Black Christ statue. If you’re not in Portobello during the festival, the church is still worth a visit to admire the architecture and understand the area’s culture.
• Also, do not miss out on the region’s Afro-Caribbean-influenced dishes. You can never go wrong with a plate of coconut rice or fried plantains served with fresh seafood.

Unwind in El Valle

El Valle de Antón is an exquisite little town that lies on a magnificent crater of an old and extinct volcano – the most perfect place for nature lovers to unwind. With greenery all around, El Valle and the rest of the area is rich in things to do Panama that can revive a person.

The numerous breathtaking waterfalls, geological formations, and beautiful viewpoints make hiking one of the most common activities in Panama. If you want some splendid valley views, start from La India Dormida, a mountain range that looks like a sleeping woman. Don’t forget to bring your camera as you will want to capture these views!

Did you know that El Valle enjoys great establishments because it has great wildlife diversity and is an excellent place for birdwatching enthusiasts? Be on the lookout for bright toucans, hummingbirds, and even the rare golden frog. Alternatively, if you’d like more interaction with the wildlife, drop by El Nispero Zoo and Botanical Garden which includes both native and non native animals.

For those wishing to rest, the town boasts natural hot springs that will assist in relaxation. The Sunday market is a great place to lose yourself in as locals offer handcrafted items accompanied with organic food and traditional delicacies. The environment alongside the cool air gives El Valle that distinct atmosphere that both tourists and locals enjoy.

Enjoy the Isla de Coiba and the Pacific Islands

Coiba Island is also regarded as one of Panama’s natural beauties, offering lots of interesting stuff to do in Panama. This island is situated in the Pacific Ocean on the southwestern side of Panama and is one of the most breathtaking islands in the country, with its pristine, serene beaches, inviting waters, and a range of teeming marine life. 

This island was formed out of an ex-convict prison facility and is further protected as the Coiba National Park, which makes it a great destination for adventure and leisure tourism for nature-loving people. 

Isla De Coiba has a plethora of thrilling activities, some of which include: 

• Diving and snorkeling: Engage with an array of sea life from whale sharks, turtles, and manta rays and search coral reefs. 
• Hiking: Dedicated trail paths that lead to jungles where various unique plants and animals can be seen. 
• Soaking in the Beaches: White sandy beaches that remain untouched. 
• Whale watching: Humpback whales migrate through these waters from July to October. 

For divers and snorkelers interested in marine wildlife, this is an appealing location with underwater reefs and clear water; Coiba is frequently regarded as one of the best scuba diving locations on the planet.

Sail the San Blas Islands

If you have been searching for secluded palm fringed sun-drenched beaches with turquoise waters and the wisdom of indigenous culture, hop on to San Blas islands boasting over 300 islands. The Guna Yala people are the rulers of this land and reside in these islands in a traditional manner. 

Let us visit them with a purpose: 

• Meet the Guna Yala people: The perfect chance to learn of a unique culture; do not let it pass. 
• Wild and Unspoiled: A large number of islands remain mortal-free and offer an unrefined feel. 
• Set sail for different islands: Visit different islands that have their own set of magic. 
• Enjoy maximum seawater activities: Sailing, snorkeling, and kayaking are quite common here. 

When you visit San Blas, you can expect beauty served with simplicity. We recommend trying to snorkel with colourful reefs or sunbathe in the Chichime and Isla Perro islands. 

Boquete 

Located in the western half of Panama, a small but beautiful highland region, this town offers an appealing cool climate to enjoy the dense dots of lush greenery and a wide array of coffee. This is certainly a hub for the best things to do in Panama (outdoor options) and eco tourism. 

Top things to do when in Boquete: 

• Coffee Farm Tour: One can delve deeper into Panama’s coffee scene while enjoying a freshly brewed cuppa by visiting coffee farms.
• Explore the Cloud Forest Trails: For enthusiasts of nature, malaria, or wildlife in general many astonishing views are to be had when traversing the Lost Waterfalls and Volcan Baru Trails.
• Ziplining: Eclectic experiences await flying through the treetops when ziplining through the cloud forests.
• Relax in Hot Springs: Health benefits of relieving muscle tension, easing pain, and other ailments can be enjoyed with a soak in the natural hot springs that are abundant in the region, which can be very soothing especially to the middle aged.

Boquete allows users to indulge in the realms of Panama Parties alongside the allure having jaw dropping attractions, an example being the Boquete Flower and Coffee Festival which witnesses multi-national tourists catering the best of what they bring to the region. Whether you enjoy coffee or appreciate even the slightest detail in nature, this place caters all.

Try Coffee on an Estate in Chiriquí

Chiriquí Province is considered a Heaven for Coffee Enthusiasts from around the world as it is located in western Panama’s highlands region, which is known for its exquisite coffee growing. 

Due to the stark difference in climate, geography, and careful cultivation practices, this region is home to some of the most premium coffee beans in the world, including the award-winning Geisha beans. Chiriqui Coffee Estate isn’t solely focused on coffee; it is a blend between science and art where you truly appreciate the coffee-making techniques at peak level. 

What makes Chiriqui coffee different?

• Microclimates: Ingeborg and Volcán have microclimates that aid every bean in maturing slowly, thereby increasing the taste.
• Geisha Coffee: This particular coffee type is uniquely known as “the champagne of coffee” due to its floral tones and fruit notes.
• Sustainable Farming Practices: A good portion of Chiriquí estates are pro biodiversity which is kept intact through safe farming practices. 

As it is common practice, most coffee farms will conduct tours and invite visitors to sample the coffee while exposing them to shamatic activities to do in Panama such as planting, harvesting, roasting and brewing.

1. Finca Lérida: This estate will take you on a guided tour of their coffee plantation, hiking trails, and to their lodging. 
2. Hacienda La Esmeralda: If you wish to learn more about specialty coffee, then this is the estate to visit, as they specialize in growing award-winning Geisha coffee beans.
3. Kotowa Coffee Estate: Kotowa has a long-standing tradition and allows visitors to walk through sustainable coffee methods and conduct tastings themselves. This estate is family-owned and operated. Visiting such estates grants the kind of opportunity where farmers are engaged and their work and craftsmanship understood, after which one can simply not leave empty-handed without stories and coffee bags.

Spot neon frogs in Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro is a vibrant archipelago that showcases some of Panama’s most captivating wildlife, including the famous poison dart frogs. These tiny, neon-colored frogs, often no bigger than a coin, are an iconic symbol of the region. Their vivid colors – ranging from red and orange to blue and green – serve as a warning to predators about their toxicity.

• Isla Bastimentos: Red Frog Beach is named after the tiny amphibians that inhabit this area. The frogs are most easily seen during guided jungle walks.
• Isla Solarte: Known for its lush mangroves, this island is another excellent location for spotting frogs in their natural habitats.
• Cayos Zapatilla: These pristine islets offer more than just snorkeling; they’re also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

Bocas del Toro is not just about frogs. The islands are teeming with diverse wildlife, including:

• Sloths: Often spotted lounging in trees.
• Dolphins: Frequently seen in Dolphin Bay.
• Birds: Parrots, toucans, and other tropical species fill the skies.

If you’re into photography, don’t forget your camera. The bright neon frogs and the region’s rich biodiversity make for some unforgettable snapshots.

Conclusion 

Now you know what each and every person must see in Panama. There is a tremendous selection of wildlife in Panama, so there is at least one experience for every person. Multiculturalization of the Casco Viejo, deep dive tours in the clear waters of Isla de Coiba or enjoying a mug of exceptional coffee in Chiriqui are all places worth seeing and experiencing. The history, coupled with nature and adventure, is astounding. 

For beach-loving travelers the Bocas del Toro and The San blas Islands offer not only beautiful sceneries but wonderful tropical wildlife while culture and Panamanian folklore mixed with African Trinidad will astonish those interested in history. 

The stunning natural beauty of Panama will remain in the minds of travelers forever, as well as the friendliness and hospitality of the local population without doubting the numerous sights to see.

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