Tourist guide: what to do and see in Panama

If you go to this part of Panama City, you will find the remaining parts of the original city and former capital of the country. The settlement, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dates back to 1519, when Pedro Arias Dávila and 100 other inhabitants made it their home. The area now known as Panama Viejo (or Old Panama) was the first permanent European settlement on the Pacific Ocean. Once there, you can explore the archaeological site of the Catedral Primada Basílica Santa María la Antigua de Panamá, as well as various historical ruins. Continue to the top of the iconic bell tower and see the Panama City skyline from the city's original “skyscraper”. On your tour, keep in mind that the layout and size of Panama Viejo have remained virtually unchanged from its original form, as no architectural renovations have been made.

Panama's Casco Antiguo, also known as Casco Viejo, or the “old quarter”, is the historic district of Panama City. Listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, the district dates back to 1673 and features busy squares and picturesque brick-paved streets lined with colorful buildings. The area is ideal for walking, learning about history and enjoying a variety of good food. Come enjoy the city's best dining, cultural, and photo opportunities, and stay to mingle and meet the locals in the heart of nightlife. In this way, you will be able to discover a bit of religious history in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Panama City located in the main square, Plaza Mayor, as well as in the Church of San José, famous for its incredible golden altar. Along the way, be sure to stop at the Plaza de Francia, a beautiful site that pays homage to the French involvement in the construction of the Panama Canal. The square is also home to Las Bóvedas, a monument that was once used as a defense against pirate attacks. Next, visit Paseo Esteban Huertas, where you will be amazed by the impeccable view of the city's skyline and bay. The Old Town is also home to the best museums in the city, such as the Canal Museum and the Mola Museum, which exhibits traditional textile art made by the indigenous group of the Guna. You'll also find the iconic stone arch at Arco Chato, which is the remains of a church built by Dominican friars.

It is undoubtedly the most famous tourist attraction in Panama, so much so that its visit is a must for anyone traveling to the country. Built to shorten the travel time between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, the Panama Canal was inaugurated on August 15, 1914, after ten years of work. In the late 19th century, the French had tried, but disease, technical errors, and misuse of funds led the plans to failure. The Panama Canal uses a system of locks that lifts ships 26 meters high and each transit lasts between 8 and 10 hours.

The capital of Panama actually combines 3 cities in one: a historic district, a reconstructed district and very modern areas. This vibrant and dynamic urban center is a truly cosmopolitan city in the middle of the tropics, so be prepared to see huge skyscrapers surrounded by nature that will amaze you. And don't forget that Panama City is home to one of the 7 man-made wonders of the world: the famous Panama Canal.

Isla de Taboga, or Isla de las Flores is a volcanic island that has a rich plant life and wonderful beaches. Located on the Pacific side of the country in the Gulf of Panama, this majestic island is 20 km from the capital, which allows you to make a day trip from Panama City. In addition, you will be able to enjoy impressive views from one of its highest points, Cerro Vigía or Cerro de la Cruz and you will be able to visit the second oldest church in the western hemisphere. After all this visit you can relax on one of its quiet beaches or enjoy a drink in one of its picturesque bars near the beach..

In Bocas del Toro you will find a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere. Additionally, Bocas is home to a tropical rainforest, some of the area's indigenous peoples such as the Ngäbe and Teribes, as well as many of the country's most popular beaches. There are three main islands in Bocas del Toro: the main one, Isla Colón; Bastimentos, one of the largest islands in Panama; and the small Isla Carenero. In addition, there is a natural laboratory for the study of evolution and climate change, as well as the first Hope Spot (or "point of hope") of Mission Blue, a program focused on the rehabilitation and preservation of the marine ecosystem in Panama. For this reason, Bocas del Toro is ideal to spend the day exploring the local nature and then enjoying the nightlife. If you have diving experience you may be able to take a dive and you will be able to enjoy Caribbean coral species as well as a wonderful variety of tropical reef creatures including cat sharks, manta rays and many species of crabs and lobsters.

The province of Chiriquí offers you endless experiences. If you are looking for an active adventure like rafting, hiking, zip lines, snorkeling, sport fishing or rock climbing, you are in the right place. The Gulf of Chiriquí is the marine treasure of the province. Its protected waters of the Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park encompass 25 islands and 19 coral reefs where easy access from the small fishing village of Boca Chica will allow you to explore tropical islands teeming with wildlife; you will be able to spot turtles, dolphins and whales. You'll have a memorable experience, whether it's hiking through the mangroves of the islands, kayaking around the coasts or snorkeling in the reefs. You can also enjoy bird watching, orchid farms, natural pools and hot springs, walks on deserted beaches, pampering spas, and golf for a relaxing vacation. You can not lose this.

If what you are looking for is a beach vacation in a great resort, with beautiful white sand beaches and blue waters, you are in the right place. This busy area comprises a corridor of beaches along the Pacific coast, conveniently located just outside of Panama City and easily accessible by car. Specifically on the Riviera there are several hotel options: basic, all-inclusive and even luxurious resorts, as well as several golf courses. Close to the beautiful nature of Valle de Antón, the Pacific Riviera combines the natural and urban worlds in true Panamanian style.

El Valle de Antón is a beautiful mountain town located in the crater of an extinct volcano. Located on the mountainside of the Pacific Riviera, a visit to this place is a perfect complement to a trip to the beach. Not only is there plenty to do and see there, but you'll also be able to beat the low-lying heat, as the city is 600 meters above sea level. In the Anton Valley you will find beautiful landscapes, streets full of flowers and lush green mountains. You will also be able to enjoy the fresh air of the mountains and temperatures that range between 10 and 25 ºC, which makes the valley the perfect place for walking.

Due to its location in the Dry Arc of Panama, the province of Los Santos has the largest number of sunny days a year for your vacations. This province, which is geographically located in the heart of Panama, is a mixture of tradition, charm and modernity. You can enjoy huge and spectacular waterfalls, small quaint museums, restaurants with outdoor terraces and beaches without crowds. It is one of the smallest provinces in Panama, approximately 6,000 square kilometers where you can relax and feel part of nature.

Playa Venao is a picturesque town located on the Pacific coast of the Azuero Peninsula where you can enjoy black sand beaches and surf. There are several boutique hotels, surf shacks, a few camping spots on the beach, and a few dining and shopping options. Surfing is the main attraction at Playa Venao, since the orientation of the beach is perfect for the swells from the south. But you can also have a good time practicing deep sea fishing, snorkeling, diving or enjoying whale watching. As for activities on land, you will have the opportunity to go hiking, horseback riding, yoga, relax in an ecological spa or visit the weekly market of Pedasí.

Santa Catalina was once a small fishing village and today it has become a world renowned surf destination for beginners and professionals. Located on the Pacific coast of the Veraguas province, Santa Catalina is the ideal place if you like to surf or if you ever wanted to learn. You have to take into account that the town is not very developed and there are hardly any restaurants and accommodations. If you are an experienced surfer you should go to the black sand beaches of Playa Santa Catalina, where you will find powerful waves. And for beginners and those who want to try surfing, they should head to Playa Estero, where the waves are smaller. In addition to surfing, Santa Catalina is also the starting point for most excursions to the Coiba National Park.

The Coiba National Park is a marine reserve located off the Pacific coast of Panama in the Gulf of Chiriquí and has one of the greatest biological diversity in the world. And it is that Coiba is a first-class diving destination located in the same corridor as the Galapagos Islands, which offers access to the Damas Bay reef, the largest on the western coast of the American continent. By diving into its waters, you have the opportunity to see manta rays, whales and hammerhead sharks. And if you come between December and April, you might even see some of the biggest fish in the ocean, whale sharks!

In the north of Panama, on the beautiful blue shores of the Caribbean, lies a small town known as Portobelo. Today, picturesque fishing boats sway to the rhythm of the sea, while the lush vegetation blends with the blue of the Caribbean behind them. A closer look reveals the remains of Spanish colonial forts and the last relics of this city's legacy as the largest Spanish colonial port in Central America, and the reason it has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the present.

Panamanian cuisine is unique. Some of the best restaurants in the city can be found in the Casco Antiguo where the country's traditions merge to offer the best of Panamanian cuisine prepared by top-class chefs. And it is that if you visit Panama you cannot leave without trying the ceviche, a seafood dish made of raw fish cured in citrus juices and seasoned with chili. For something more substantial, order “ropa vieja”, a spiced beef dish, or the traditional Panamanian soup known as “sancocho”. And of course, get ready to enjoy delicious tropical fruits.

Located on the slopes of the Barú volcano, the highest point in the country, the Highlands of Panama are home to farms where the most valuable coffee in the world is produced: Geisha. Thanks to this rich volcanic soil provided by the Barú volcano, the winds from the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, the climate is ideal for agriculture, providing incredible and delicious coffee that you can taste.

The beach city of Panama is located in front of the Coiba National Park and has clear waters and spectacular views where surfers can enjoy the waves throughout the year. In addition, in Santa Catalina you can enjoy waves of up to 20 to 30 feet, and just a 30-minute walk away is Punta Roca, a great point break where the waves can only be ridden during medium or low tide. On the opposite side, a 30-minute walk to the southeast, Punta Brava has left-hand waves that can be twice as big as Santa Catalina.

Panama offers exciting aerial adventures for all ages and experience levels. You will glide over centuries-old forests, you will contemplate virgin rivers and waterfalls and you will be able to glimpse an impressive flora and fauna. You can go to the Tree Trek Gamboa adventure park 35 km from Panama City inside a lush tropical jungle bordering the Panama Canal and Soberania National Park. There you can enjoy a 1.4 km long zip line that is divided into 10 cables and 13 platforms and see exotic animals and plants from it. Likewise, Gatun Lake Canopy Zipline offers a high-flying excursion on the Caribbean side of Panama over Gatun Lake, which empties into the Panama Canal. Located on the slopes of Volcán Barú, the Volcán Barú Zip Line at Finca El Oasis is 2.5 km long and is divided into 8 cables and 13 platforms. Here you can also find the Falcon line, 1.4 km long, a zip line with 4 platforms in total. Visitors will enjoy views of La Amistad International Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the slopes of the famous Barú Volcano. Find another adrenaline-pumping zip-line adventure through the cloud forest at Boquete Tree Trek and Eco-Adventure Park that features a circuit of 6 hanging bridges.

Panama is home and pilgrimage site for more than 1,000 species of birds. The tropical isthmus is home to various migratory and endemic birds due to its geographic location between North America, South America, and the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. In addition, Panama is home to 10 percent of the world's known bird species, and is also one of the top five migratory bird corridors in the world. All of this makes Panama the perfect year-round destination for bird watching, although each season can bring different sightings; from endemic to migratory birds that escape the winters of North and South America.

On the coasts of Panama, sea turtles live, grow and thrive under a warm sun and safe beaches where ideal conditions are offered for sea turtles to live and develop throughout their different life stages. As a result, more than 200 of our beaches serve as protected nesting sites for these turtles. And it is that the conservation of sea turtles is a priority in Panama, since the five species of turtles found in Panama are classified as endangered such as the loggerhead turtle, the olive ridley turtle and the leatherback turtle, the hawksbill turtle and the green turtle On your visit to Panama you can witness first hand these marine creatures.

Panama has access to the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, thus having the ranges with the greatest biodiversity in the world. Panama can have all kinds of environment on offer to suit virtually every diver and you can dive two different oceans in one day and see two completely different underwater wonders. Humpback whales, reef sharks, and possibly killer whales are frequently mentioned in Coiba Marine Park dive logs. Around the offshore islands, the sheltered waters attract a rainbow of butterflies and angelfish and the reef sharks and stingrays that follow suit. Dive amidst whale sharks, schools of turtles in Coiba National Park; observe through a mask multicolored fish and beautiful reefs in the Caribbean; see the miracle of life flourish in the warm waters of Panama and remember that you can always come across with a surprise left behind by pirates. In Panama, you can dive in two different oceans, so the water temperatures vary considerably: the Atlantic is cool while the Caribbean is warm and tropical. The peak periods for sightings of humpback whales, reef sharks and orcas are in the months of August and September. These are some of the most recognized places for scuba diving in Panama: Coiba National Park, UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, Portobelo, Las Perlas Archipelago, Bocas del Toro, and the Gulf of Chiriquí, among others.

In its natural beauty, its extraordinary biodiversity and unique landscapes, Panama is incomparable. More than a third of the country is made up of protected natural reserves, focused on the conservation of their ecosystems. Most of these protected areas are part of the National Parks system, which includes 13 national and marine parks and one international park. Some of these parks are located near the heart of the city, just 30 minutes from downtown. These are some of the National Parks around the country for your next nature-filled adventure in Panama. These are some hiking trails that you cannot miss on your next visit to Panama: Los Quetzales Trail, El Pianista, India Dormida Trail, Hike to the top of Volcán Barú, Metropolitan National Park, El Cerro Ancón, Camino de Cruces , Caldera River, Paso Culebra Trail, Lost Waterfalls and La Amistad International Park.

In the heart of Panama is a 230-hectare park known as Parque Natural Metropolitano. This nature sanctuary is considered the lung of the capital city, being the only tropical forest located so close to a metropolitan area in all of Latin America. This park is home to great biodiversity: some 284 species of flora, including trees that reach up to 35 meters in height; 283 species of birds, 38 types of snakes, 20 types of amphibians and up to 45 types of mammals.

The imposing Barú volcano is the twelfth highest peak in Central America and the only place in the world where, on the clearest days, you can see the Atlantic and Pacific oceans at the same time. Thanks to the volcanic soil of the area, the internationally recognized Geisha coffee is produced here. This premium coffee is grown at high altitudes and is one of the most expensive coffee varieties in the world. This volcano has seven craters and several hiking trails and most trails.

In Panama you will be able to find Shopping Centers with immense dimensions such as Metromall, Multiplaza Pacific Mall or the Albrook Mall Shopping Center. If you travel with children it can be a great option to entertain them, with play centers for children's activities, bowling alley, little train and shuttle service. kangaroo. In addition, you can find in them an endless number of à la carte restaurants for all tastes and wonderful craft markets with products made by hand.

Just 160 km southwest of Panama City is one of the most important archaeological sites in Panama. First discovered in 1925, El Caño was not formally investigated until the 1970s and even then, investigations were very superficial. Until, in the early 2000s, a team of archaeologists investigated the El Caño site and found several extensive cemeteries that revealed the existence of a pre-Columbian civilization that may have lived in the area between 700-1000 AD. This epic discovery has been widely publicized by National Geographic and is still part of an ongoing archaeological investigation that you can witness in person.

In Panama you have several museums to visit and have a cultural and interesting time. If you wish, you can visit the Museo de la Mola, a place that invites you to explore and learn about molas, or the Panama la Vieja museum where you can discover important archaeological ruins. But if what you like is architecture, you have to visit the Biomuseo, a place designed by the famous architect Frank Gehry that constitutes his first architectural work in Latin America. Other cultural places of interest in Panama are the Museum of Contemporary Art; the Museum of the Interoceanic Canal Museum of Panama or the Miraflores Visitors Center. 

If you visit the indigenous communities of Panama such as Guna, Teribe, Buglé, Ngäbe, Naso, Emberá and Wounaan you will learn about tradition and the nature of their people. Most of these communities live in protected territories located around the country and practice ancestral forms of government, maintain dances and songs, and cling to their deep cosmological beliefs and cultural expressions. In addition, the indigenous Panamanians are skilled artisans and make exquisite wood carvings, marvelous miniatures from the hard ivory palm kernel, beautiful baskets, masks, bags woven from plant fibers, and colorful clothing.

The beach town of Panama is located in front of the Coiba National Park and has clear waters and spectacular views where surfers can enjoy the waves throughout the year. In addition, in Santa Catalina you can enjoy waves of up to 20 to 30 feet, and just a 30-minute walk away is Punta Roca, a great point break where the waves can only be ridden during medium or low tide. On the opposite side, a 30-minute walk to the southeast, Punta Brava has left-hand waves that can be twice as big as Santa Catalina.