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Are you ready to explore Panama’s beauty and biodiversity? Every type of tourist will find something to enjoy in this small Central American nation, from the vibrant metropolis of Panama City to fertile farmland, picturesque mountain landscapes, beaches and remote private islands. Panama provides a wide range of vacation options, including breathtaking beach getaways, numerous natural wonders, as well as cultural attractions. We’ll introduce you to the Top 10 tourist destinations in Panama in this post, from Panama City’s metropolitan center to Bocas del Toro’s laid-back Caribbean charm. So prepare to pack your bags and discover all that Panama has to offer!
Panama City is Panama’s capital and largest city – it is a modern, cutting-edge metropolis with a booming economy and a promising real estate market. The city is nestled in a sea of lush, green vegetation, beautifully contrasting it’s high rise buildings and creative architecture. The historic Casco Viejo district, with its gorgeous colonial style architecture and vibrant street life, is yet another cultural landmark that you may want to see when exploring Panama City.
You might also want to visit the Metropolitan Park, a beautiful green oasisnot far from the city center which is home to a wide variety of animal & plant species – it also offers stunning views of Panama City’s skyline and the ocean in the back. In your free time you can check out the Amador Causeway, a popular location for picnics, biking, walking and socializing. Overall, living in Panama City is perfect for those looking for a vibrant metropolitan life while enjoying nature at the same time.
This Caribbean archipelago located in the North-Western region of Panama consists of a number of beautiful islands, each with its own different character and charm. Here, in addition to a laid-back Caribbean culture and lifestyle, you’ll be able to enjoy white-sand beaches, lush green jungles, and crystal-clear sea waters as well as a diverse animal kingdom, including dolphins and monkeys.
Spend your days relaxing on the beaches, sightseeing the different neighborhoods or snorkeling the stunning coral reefs of Bastimentos Island! Bocas del Toro offers a wide range of hotels, AirBnBs and eco-resorts, so there is something to enjoy for everyone. If you are looking for a place to buy, Bocas offers you anything from pristine permaculture farms and private islands to beachfront properties and dense jungle landscapes.
Boquete is a charming mountain village, hidden away in the high mountains of the Cordillera de Talamanca in the popular province of Chiriqui. The town is renowned for its magnificent natural beauty, including numerous coffee plantations, flowing waterfalls, and hiking trails. Due to Boquete’s mild climate and breathtaking landscape, the small town continues to attract expats and retirees from the US and Europe, looking for a peaceful place to live and enjoy the vibe of Panama.
You can go white-water rafting on the Chiriqui River or check out the famous Boquete Flower and Coffee Market, which is held annually each January. Also, you may visit the Hacienda La Laguna, a working coffee farm where you can learn more about how coffee is made as well as sample different varieties of coffee plants. Located right at the base of Volcan Baru, the soil surrounding Boquete is perfectly suited for crop production and cattle farms.
The largest and most developed island in the Bocas del Toro region is called Isla Colon.
The island is known for its easygoing Caribbean atmosphere, pristine nature and gorgeous beaches, including the famous Playa Bluff and Playa Estrella. Days on Isla Colon can be spent exploring the numerous local shops, snorkeling the coral reefs, or sunbathing on the beautiful beaches.
For those interested in exotic animal species, the Bocas del Toro Wildlife Refuge on Isla Colon, which is home to a variety of avian and marine species, is unquestionably worth a visit. There are several eco resorts and hotels on Isla Colon, so just lay back and soak up the charming vibe of Panama’s Caribbean coast!
The San Blas Islands are a collection of 365 tiny, mostly uninhabited islands off the Caribbean coast of Panama, located in the North-East of Panama City . The islands are accessible by boat or plane, and you may spend your days snorkeling, scuba diving, or soaking up the sun on pristine white sand beaches.
You can also visit the Kuna communities and learn about their unique way of life and culture. The native Kuna Yala people have long coexisted peacefully with their natural environment and should always be treated with respect when visiting their home. The San Blas Islands are a true gem of the Caribbean and a paradise waiting to be explored!
Isla Contadora is a small but very attractive island in Panama’s Pearl Islands archipelago near the Pacific coast – famous for its white beaches, crystal-clear sea water, and luxury resorts, the island is also becoming a popular snorkeling, diving, and sunbathing destination for tourists and expats alike – it also features a number of excellent restaurants and stores just waiting to be discovered!
You might also take a boat tour to explore the adjacent islands or visit the Isla Contadora Nature Reserve, which is home to a variety of plant and animal species. No matter your personal preferences, on Isla Contadora there is something to enjoy for everyone!
El Valle de Anton is a picturesque mountain village surrounded by beautiful woodlands and waterfalls in the Panamanian province of Coclé – it is a place you should definetely visit! The town is well-known for its many hot springs, which are said to have several therapeutic benefits, as well as its weekly outdoor market where you can discover handcrafted products, local specialties, as well as fresh produce like fruit, vegetables or animal products.
A scenic trip to the adjacent waterfalls is yet another possibility for you, as is stopping by the nearby El Nispero Zoo, which is home to a large variety of exotic animal species. When looking for a nice place to stay and enjoy the local athmosphere, the Los Mandarinos Boutique Hotel might be exactly what you were looking for!
Portobelo is a historically important port town on Panama’s Caribbean coast and is famous for its old town, spectacular colonial architecture and a rich cultural heritage. The town is home to a number of historic monuments, including the Fort of San Felipe de Portobelo – which was constructed back in the 16th century in order to protect Portobelo’s inhabitants against attacking pirates – as well as the Church of San Felipe, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
To fully immerse yourself in the local culture and way of life, simply go on a boat tour of the nearby islands or find yourself shopping at the local market, which is widely known for its fresh seafood and homemade crafts. You may also want to check out Portobelo National Park, which is home to a wide variety of unique plant and animal species – but to keep the park pristine and protected from trash, always make sure to be respectful and not leave anything behind!
Playa Venao is a popular surfing and holiday destination on Panama’s Pacific coast, famed for its long, sandy beach, picturesque landscape and steady waves – expats, young people and tourists are drawn to it especially, as it is one of the most beautiful areas in all of Panama! Sunbathing, swimming, and stand-up paddleboarding are additional popular activities on the beach, as well as playing ball or simply enjoying the breathtaking sunsets over the ocean.
Visit the surrounding villages of Pedasi and Tonosi, which are known today for their lovely restaurants and artisanal stores, or stay at one of the local eco-lodges, AirBnBs or campsites. You will find many young people in the area, as they are drawn in by beautiful surroundings and a laid back lifestyle.
Santa Catalina is a charming coastal town on Panama’s Pacific coast, best known for its surf breaks and relaxed athmosphere. The town is a renowned surfing hotspot, but it’s also a fantastic place for snorkeling, diving, exploring and napping on the beach. You may stay at one of the local surfer’s hostels or eco-lodges, or you can explore the nearby Coiba National Park that’s home to a diverse mix of exotic flora and wildlife!
You can also head to Santa Catalina Beach, which is famous for its stunning sunsets and exciting surf breaks – just lean back and enjoy its beauty!
Overall, Panama is a diversified and vibrant country with something to offer for everyone. Whether you prefer exploring the city or relaxing on a distant island, this lovely Central American nation has plenty of fascinating and unique experiences and locations to offer. While it can be difficult to describe the beauty of Panama merely by using words, visiting the country for yourself will definetely leave you speechless! There are dozens of awe inspiring places in Panama that didn’t even make it to the list, including Boca Chica, David, The Buenaventura Resort,
Punta Mala, Penome, Chitre, Soberania National Park, Santiago de Veraguas and many more.
