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Vacations in Panama: From the Caribbean Coast to Panama City

Looking for an unforgettable vacation? Panama, Central America's hidden gem, offers pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history. Start in Panama City, where modern skyscrapers meet colonial charm in Casco Viejo. Don't miss the iconic Panama Canal or the lush rainforests of Soberanía National Park. In Panama, you'll also find affordable overwater villa options that rival the Maldives or Bora Bora. Ready to explore? Our guide covers top attractions, accommodations, and insider tips to make your Panamanian adventure unforgettable. Discover why Panama is a favorite for US travelers!

Panama Information

Panama is located in Central America, bordered by Costa Rica to the west, Colombia to the southeast, the Caribbean Sea to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the south. Its strategic location makes it a vital hub for international maritime trade via the Panama Canal.

Capital: Panama City, a vibrant metropolis known for its modern skyline, historic Casco Viejo district, and the famous Panama Canal.

Language: Spanish is the official language. However, English is widely spoken in tourist areas and by many locals, especially in Panama City.

Currency: The official currency is the Balboa (PAB), which is pegged 1:1 with the US Dollar. US dollars are accepted everywhere, making it convenient for American travelers.

The Best Time to Travel to Panama

The country has mild temperatures between 84 and 90 degrees all year round. Storms are possible on the Caribbean coast between May and October.

From January to April it is the dry season in Panama and it can get very hot. The rainy season begins in May, September, and October and there is a mini rainy season in June, July, August, and December. It is worth visiting Panama at this time. Nature is in full bloom here and it is not as crowded as it might be during peak travel times.

  • High season: January to April

  • Big rainy season: May, September, October

  • Small rainy season: June - August, December

Highlights in Panama

You shouldn’t miss these sights:

  • The Panama Canal and the lock systems

  • The old town of Panama City

  • The Caribbean beaches on the Atlantic

  • The rainforest in Soberanía National Park

Panama's Culture

Open, warm, and hospitable: you won't be alone for long in Panama and the locals are happy to show you their country. Are you looking for a typical souvenir? You can buy the famous Panama hats on every corner.

Our pirate tip: Pay attention to the quality of the Panama hat and invest a dollar or two more for a “real” Panama hat.

Popular Accommodations in Panama

From a simple hostel in the old town of Panama City to a luxury hotel with a rooftop bar, you will find a wide range of accommodation throughout the country. Panama also offers overwater bungalows in the Bocas del Toro region, making for a bucket list experience for travelers.

Our pirate tip: On the San Blas Islands you can relax in huts right on the beach at the Yandup Island Lodge.

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Attractions, Highlights, and Sights in Panama

The Panama Canal is just one of the many attractions of the Central American country. Panama is best known for the canal of the same name, which connects the Pacific with the Atlantic. The Panama Canal is one of the most important waterways in the world! Over 14,000 ships pass through it every year. The canal was opened in 1914 and is one of the country's most important attractions.

Panama is located between Colombia and Costa Rica and may seem quite small on the map, but the Latin American state has a lot to offer. In Panama you will find ruins from Spanish colonial rule, green rainforests, and turquoise lagoons. Central America Travel to Panama is possible all year round thanks to the tropical climate.

The capital, Panama City, is the liveliest and most modern metropolis in Central America. Panama City is a place of contrasts! The distinctive skyline with its numerous skyscrapers reflects modern Panama, the center of international trade and finance.

In the heart of the city you will find the Casco Viejo district, which is reminiscent of the colonial era with its cobblestone streets and charming buildings. Another attraction are the ruins of Panama Viejo, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The San Blas Islands promise a paradise on earth. The archipelago is located off the coast of Panama in the Caribbean Sea and attracts visitors with house-high palm trees and quiet beaches. Here you can relax and recharge your batteries. The province of Bocas del Toro also offers fantastic beaches and beautiful landscapes. If you want to conquer the waves of the Atlantic, you have come to the right place! The region is ideal for surfing.

Popular Destinations and Regions in Panama

City or jungle, Caribbean or Pacific coast? In Panama you don't have to choose between either/or.

Surf Paradise Bocas del Toro on the Caribbean Coast

The Bocas del Toro archipelago is a true Caribbean paradise: beautiful beaches, warm, turquoise water, and a fascinating underwater world await you on the Atlantic coast of Panama.

The island archipelago, right on the border with Costa Rica, is a true surfer's paradise . It is colorful here and you can find wooden houses everywhere, some of which are on stilts in the water. The surf spots are not too crowded and you get enough waves all to yourself. What's more, you have an almost Tahiti-like atmosphere with a wild and lush jungle backdrop and clear water. The best swells for surfing come between November and April , and there is another short surfing season in June and July.

What is the best way to get to Bocas del Toro? From Costa Rica, for example, you can walk across the Rio Sixaola bridge. You will be met in Panama with a shuttle that will then take you to the water taxi that will take you to your chosen island. There are also flights from Panama City to the island of Colón. From here you can then continue on with the water taxi. One of the most beautiful beaches on Bocas del Toro is Bocas del Drago. A deserted Caribbean beach where you could spend hours.

Panama City: Metropolis on the Pacific

It couldn't be more of a contrast. Panama City is the economic, political and cultural centre of the country. As you approach the airport, you can see an impressive skyline in front of you and countless ships heading for the famous Panama Canal. Eight of the tallest skyscrapers in Latin America can be found in Panama City. From the Plaza de Francia, you also have a wonderful view of the skyline of the new town. In the Metropolitan National Park, you can catch a glimpse of the rainforest. The historic district of Casco Viejo is a stark contrast to this. Here you will find colonial buildings and narrow streets, some dilapidated, some beautifully restored, dating back to the 17th century.

The Region Around the Barú Volcano

At 11,482 feet high, Barú is the highest mountain in Panama. From its summit, athletic mountaineers can see both the Atlantic and the Pacific on the horizon in clear weather.

San Blas Islands

Are you looking for a Robinson Crusoe-like hideaway? Then the San Blas Islands off the north coast of Panama are just the place for you. You'll find fine, white sandy beaches, bathtub-warm water that sparkles crystal clear in the sun, and coconut palms providing shade. The best bit: there are hardly any people to disturb you. Life is still simple here. There is no internet connection. Let's be honest, it's good to really switch off sometimes. You sleep in a tent or in a simple cabaña (hut) right on the beach. Here you can really unwind and leave the stress of everyday life behind you. From Panama City you can organize a tour to the San Blas Islands. You will be picked up from your accommodation in a 4x4 vehicle and taken to the harbor, where you will board a water taxi and be taken to your chosen accommodation.

Surfing in Santa Catalina on the Pacific

I have one last tip for the surfers among you. This time we're going to the Pacific coast of Panama. Here you'll find warm water all year round and a great choice of beach and reef breaks for beginners and advanced surfers, with world-class waves almost all year round. There's not much else to do here. Santa Catalina is a small, sleepy village with a few restaurants and a supermarket and that's it. But you don't need more than that when you have the sea as your playground.

The Anton Valley in Panama

Head into the middle of the extinct stratovolcano and discover El Valle de Anton. The sleepy village is surrounded by lush and green hills and lies in the middle of the collapse crater. El Valle de Anton is perfect for hiking and exploring the beautiful nature. Here you can relax in hot springs and put a mineral-rich mud pack on your face, and there are plenty of waterfalls to discover during the day.

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