9 Best Places to Visit in Panama

Panama is incredibly diverse, offering everything from tropical islands to mountain towns. 

You can chill on the beaches of Bocas del Toro, chase waterfalls in Boquete, or explore the mix of modern and historic vibes in Panama City. All of which I enjoyed doing across multiple trips to Panama.

But with each area being so unique and your time being limited, it can be a challenge to decide where to go. 

Let’s find the best places to visit in Panama for your next adventure trip including why to visit and what they offer.

1. Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro is one of the best places to go in Panama for a beach trip. 

This cluster of islands in northern Panama is known for its beaches, snorkelling, surfing, and laid-back island vibe. Featuring no big hotels, only smaller boutique hotels and overwater accommodations, it doesn’t feel like other tourist destinations. 

Fun things to do in Bocas del Toro include visiting Zapatilla Island, seeing starfish at Starfish Beach, and going on a wildlife tour of Bastimentos National Marine Park. To commute around the islands, you can walk, use water taxis to island hop, rent a bicycle, or take private tours. I did a combination of them all.  

I enjoy Bocas so much that I keep coming back. Some of my favourite experiences have been scuba diving, spotting wild dolphins, touring a bat cave, and relaxing on beautiful white-sand beaches. 

2. Boquete

Boquete is one of the best destinations in Panama for adventure. 

This small town in northern Panama is great for those who love hiking, coffee tours, and enjoying cooler mountain climates. They take their coffee seriously here. And coffee with a view is easy to find with the tallest volcano in Panama in your backyard.

Boquete also features a lively arts and culture scene that draws tourists and retirees. Hosting the second largest music festival in the country. 

Attractions in Boquete include Baru Volcano, enjoying scenic landscapes, bird watching, and river rafting. 

During my visit to Boquete, I went on a sunrise jeep tour of Volcan Baru, swam in a waterfall, and did a coffee tour. I can’t wait to go back and explore even more.

3. Panama City

One of the best places to visit in Panama for history, adventure, and culture is the capital Panama City. 

Home to modern skyscrapers, a trendy Old Town and a rainforest, Panama City is a unique spot to visit. The only city in the world to have a rainforest within city limits. 

Most flights land here and it’s easy to get anywhere else in Panama from Panama City. But make sure you spend exploring the capital. It has one of the prettiest modern skylines I’ve seen.

Top attractions in Panama City include hiking at Ancon Hill or Metropolitan Natural Park to see wildlife, touring the trendy Casco Viejo, and visiting the Amador Causeway and Panama Viejo.

For a rich cultural experience that blends modern and historic, add Panama City to your Panama vacation itinerary. 

I love visiting and my favourite things to do in Panama City include hiking to lookouts, swimming in rooftop pools, and walking through Casco Viejo.

4. El Valle de Antón

For a relaxing yet adventurous destination, visit El Valle de Anton. 

Located in a volcanic crater, El Valle is one of the most unique places to see in Panama. It’s more relaxed than Boquete and kind of a hidden gem.

Its higher elevation keeps the weather cooler, perfect for enjoying hiking, visiting waterfalls, and relaxing in thermal springs. And its microclimate makes it a great place for flora and fauna to thrive. You’ll find over 100 species of local orchids and over 500 species of birds. 

During my visit to El Valle de Anton, I hiked Cerro Iguana for amazing views, swam in pools, and enjoyed the relaxing slow pace of the town. 

5. Panama Canal

You can’t visit Panama without a stop at the Panama Canal. And while part of the Panama Canal is in Panama City, the canal is its own destination. 

The best way to experience the Panama Canal is on a boat tour. You can sail along to Gatun Lake for close encounters with wildlife and a unique view of the Panama Canal’s operation.

Or join a cruise that travels from one side of the canal to the other.

Short on time? Opt for visiting the Miraflores Lock Visitor’s Center like I did. It’s so cool to see the ships go through the locks and it’s an easy day trip or layover activity. 

6. San Blas Islands

To experience untouched islands that offer a unique cultural experience, visit the San Blas Islands. 

Also known as Guna Yale, San Blas is made up of more than 300 islands along the Caribbean side of Panama. The weather is hot all year round, and beaches feature turquoise water. 

Belonging to the indigenous Kuna people, they do not allow tourism developments to overwhelm the islands and this keeps them pristine. 

This beautiful and unique place is one of the most visited places in Panama. You can visit San Blas on a day trip from Panama City or book an overnight getaway. Just prepare for minimal amenities if you plan to stay on the islands. 

Spend your time on uncrowded beaches, going on sailing adventures, and learning about Kuna culture.

7. Santa Catalina

For small-town beach vibes, head to Santa Catalina. 

Located in southwestern Panama along the Pacific Coast, this small town is known for its surf spots, fishing, and scuba diving. People often visit Santa Catalina due to its proximity to Coiba National Marine Park, rich in diverse marine life. 

Fairly undiscovered compared to the rest of Panama, the area is less developed and its natural beauty shines. 

Santa Catalina is a great place to visit in Panama for a low-key beach experience with opportunities for water sports and relaxation.

8. Isla Coiba

Both a marine reserve and a UNESCO site, Isla Coiba is a great place to visit in Panama for snorkelers and divers. Nicknamed the ‘Galapagos of Panama.’

This group of islands off the Gulf of Chiriqui is rich in biodiversity, so you’ll have the chance to see schools of fish, manta rays, and whale sharks. 

Isla Coiba also offers hiking, whale-watching tours, surfing, and fishing. A permit is required to visit, but the tour company will take care of that for you. You just need to get to Santa Catalina to boat to the island from there.

9. Portobelo

Portobelo offers a glimpse into Panama’s colonial past with its forts and museums. 

You’ll know you’ve arrived in Portobelo when you see the ruins of a Spanish castle and its old cannons. Along with colourful houses lining narrow streets. A very different vibe from Panama City, each part of Panama is unique. 

Attractions in Portobelo include learning about Afro-Congo culture and visiting Portobelo National Park.

The nearby beaches and coral reefs also provide a mix of cultural and outdoor activities.

Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Visit in Panama

The best places to visit in Panama are a mix of cities, beaches, rainforests, and small towns.

Panama City and Portobelo offer culture and nature. Boquete and El Valle offer fun adventures. Bocas del Toro and San Blas are known for their beautiful beaches.  

For a one-week trip, you can easily fit 2-3 of these and not be too rushed. For longer trips, you can add even more destinations and possibly visit them all.

Now you can start planning your itinerary for Panama.