Mention Panama to someone and the first thing that comes to mind is typically the Panama Canal. It’s certainly a feat of human ingenuity and innovation, providing a shortcut between the Pacific Ocean & Caribbean Sea with a series of locks that lower and raise the water level. Impressive as it is, Panama is much more than that.
The country itself is quite small. Indeed, you can cross from the Pacific to Caribbean in about an hour at its narrowest spot so it’s easy to explore the country’s various ecosystems, climates, cultures and activities in one trip.
Read More
For example, in the Chiriqui Highlands, thrill-seekers can hike the extinct Baru Volcano or, for those less-inclined, a jeep tour to the summit for views of the Caribbean & Pacific is spectacular. For a caffeine boost, visit the many coffee farms dotted on the outskirts of Boquete, learning the fascinating process from crop to cup.
Just a 50-minute flight from Panama City is coastal town of Bocas del Toro, a natural sanctuary offering both relaxation and adventure. Explore the crystalline waters of the archipelago with island-hopping boat tours, picnicking on white sand beaches and dining at the many fabulous local restaurants in the evening.
For those in search of wildlife, Panama offers an abundance from big to small, and everything in between. Whether it’s whale-watching in the Gulf of Chiriquí, snorkeling and diving with sea turtles in the Coiba National Marine Park or seeking out birdlife in the verdant jungles, there’s truly something for everyone. And with Costa Rica right next door, one can check off two incredible Central American countries in one trip!