🇵🇦 Top Things to Do in Panama — Attractions & Experiences

Panama offers a diverse array of exciting experiences, from exploring the Panama Canal to relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Bocas del Toro, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler.

Top Attractions

Unique Experiences

• Take a gondola ride through the Panama Canal, offering a unique perspective on this engineering marvel
• Visit an indigenous community, such as the Guna or Kuna people, to learn about their traditional way of life and culture
• Go on a coffee tour in the Chiriqui Highlands, where you can learn about the production process and taste some of the world's best coffee
• Take a surfing lesson in the Pacific coastal town of Santa Catalina, known for its consistent waves and beautiful beaches
• Explore the street art scene in Panama City, where you can find vibrant murals and graffiti in neighborhoods like Casco Viejo and El Chorrillo
• Attend a traditional festival, such as the Boquete Flower and Coffee Fair or the Panama Jazz Festival, to experience the local music, food, and culture

Outdoor & Nature

• Explore the Darien National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most biodiverse places on the planet
• Hike to the Volcan Baru, the highest peak in Panama, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape
• Visit the Gulf of Chiriqui, a protected area known for its whale watching, snorkeling, and diving opportunities
• Relax on the beach in Pedasi, a charming coastal town on the Azuero Peninsula
• Go on a jungle trek in the Soberania National Park, where you can spot monkeys, sloths, and toucans

Cultural Experiences

• Visit the Museum of Biodiversity, designed by Frank Gehry, to learn about Panama's unique wildlife and ecosystems
• Explore the Casco Viejo neighborhood, with its charming colonial architecture, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage
• Attend a traditional dance performance, such as the Tamborito or the Cumbia, to experience the local music and dance
• Visit the Panama Viejo, the ruins of the old city, to learn about the country's history and colonial past
• Take a cooking class, where you can learn about traditional Panamanian cuisine and ingredients like coconut, plantains, and seafood

Hidden Gems

• Visit the town of El Copé, known for its stunning natural beauty, hiking trails, and traditional cuisine
• Explore the island of Contadora, a hidden gem in the Pearl Islands, with its beautiful beaches, snorkeling, and diving opportunities
• Go on a horseback ride through the rolling hills and scenic countryside of the Azuero Peninsula
• Visit the village of Gamboa, a charming town surrounded by rainforest, with its stunning views and outdoor activities
• Relax in the hot springs of the Chiriqui Highlands, a natural and rejuvenating experience

Day Trips

• Take a day trip to the Colon Free Zone, a major shopping and trade hub, with its duty-free stores and vibrant atmosphere (distance: 50 miles, travel time: 1 hour)
• Visit the Portobelo National Park, a historic site with its stunning natural beauty, hiking trails, and scenic views (distance: 60 miles, travel time: 1.5 hours)
• Explore the town of Gamboa, with its stunning natural beauty, outdoor activities, and traditional cuisine (distance: 30 miles, travel time: 45 minutes)
• Go on a day trip to the Pearl Islands, a beautiful archipelago with its stunning beaches, snorkeling, and diving opportunities (distance: 50 miles, travel time: 2 hours)
• Visit the Soberania National Park, with its stunning natural beauty, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities (distance: 20 miles, travel time: 30 minutes)

Planning Tips