Nestled on a tropical isthmus between South and Central America, Panama is too often overlooked as a tourist destination. With the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, steep rugged mountains, upland plains, rolling hills, virtually untouched jungle, pristine beaches, and over 1000 islands, there is something for every variety of adventurer in Panama.
1. Ziplining
What better way to explore the diverse landscapes of Panama than soaring above them? Here are some of my personal favorites.
One of the best zipline tours by far is the Bastimentos Sky Zipline Canopy Tour. It could very well be the highest point (pun intended) of your trip to Bocas del Toro. This canopy tour has seven tree-based island ziplines, 13 elevated platforms, and a very exhilarating four-feature tree challenge comprising a traversable canopy net. It's a great opportunity to see one of the most beautiful national parks in the world from a bird’s-eye view.
Another highly rated tour, (which I’m saving up for because it’s a little out of my price range at $249 USD) is the Canopy Tour in Anton Valley. They’ll pick you up from your hotel or lodging in Panama City, as well as drop you off after the six hour tour. The tour includes four lengthy canopy lines around Chorro Macho in the Anton Valley. Another perk of this tour is they include a visit to the local handicraft market! Other well-known tours are the Panama’s Cloud Forest Zipline Canopy Tour in Boquete for $65 USD and Zipline Gamboa which offers a unique view of the Panama Canal. Boquete Tree Trek Eco Adventure Park offers ziplining for $65, as well as accommodation, a restaurant, a canopy tour, bird watching, geisha coffee tour, tea tour and more.
2. Hike to the peak of Volcán Barú
The views from atop Volcan Baru are an impressive sight. It is also Panama’s tallest peak.
On a good day, you can see both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. You can hike it on your own or join one of many local tours. The most popular trail is the Sendero Los Quetzales (or the Quetzals Trail), which runs between Cerro Punta and Boquete. The trail is 5 miles long (about 8 km) and takes at most six hours to hike. Many choose to go all the way to the summit (which I’d suggest), but please note it is a serious and rugged trek that will take a whole day. But you won’t regret it! I’d suggest getting a spot to stay for a night, so you're not as rushed. For an affordable hostel in the area with a series of additional hikes and stuff to do, check out:
https://www.thelostandfoundhostel.com/rooms/#book-now
3. Snorkeling
Panama has some of the most awe-inspiring snorkeling in Central America, due to its diverse aquatic ecosystems and easy access to coral reefs.
I was thrilled to discover snorkeling two years ago because I am not a spectacular swimmer, but I am interested in aquatic environments. Fortunately, the mask and life jacket do all the hard work for me. I was pleased to discover there was absolutely zero shortage of good snorkeling spots in Panama’s wide array of national parks and nature reserves. My favorite by far was at the Chiriqui Marine National Park. The reserve consists of over 25 small navigable islands and a total of 19 coral reefs. I have never seen so much fire coral! It’s a beautiful red spiraling coral that will blow your mind. There is also a ton of colorful fish and sea anemones near the reef. Most shops charge around $65 to a few hundred dollars.
I spoiled myself this year with some quality snorkel gear of my own so that I could go without a tour guide. If this is more your jam, you can rent or buy your snorkel gear and reef hop. To snorkel without a guide I suggest going towards the outermost islands of Chiriqui Marine National Park. The ferries between each island are relatively cheap and most of the reefs are easy to access without a boat.
4. Surfing
Though too often overlooked, Panama is home to a handful of truly amazing surf spots.
The best time to go is between April and June. July and August are also good months to hit some big waves. Some of the most reliable and easiest to reach are in the island chain of Bocas del Toro. It’s also not too far from the border of Costa Rica.
Santa Catalina used to be more of a small fishing village that primarily locals would surf, but it’s now the most renowned spot on Panama’s Pacific coast. It also hosts several large surfing competitions each year. Playa Venao, along the Azuero Peninsula’s southeast coast, was also once primarily just a local surf spot. The water here is known to have plenty of long and easy waves, but boasts larger waves as well, making this beach suitable for beginner and intermediate level surfers. The town has plenty of amenities now, too. Other surf spots worth checking out are Playa el Palmar, Silverbacks, Playa Paunch, Playa Malibu, and Morro Negrito.
5. Island Hop
Did you know there are more than 1400 islands in Panama? With a wide array of wildlife, wild nightlife, sandy beaches, and unparalleled beauty, there is something for every kind of beach adventurer.
Easily one of the most well known and arguably the most authentically Caribbean island experiences is Bocas Del Toro. To find out more about this amazing island chain check out this page:
The easy to reach the island chain is made up of a total of nine islands. There are plenty of nature tours, tranquil beaches, bird watching, tranquil beaches, bars, and restaurants If you’re interested in letting loose, check out the infamous Filthy Fridays, Central America’s first and only island-hopping party crawl. For more information check out their website:
Pearl Islands, named the Pearl Islands in 1503 by the Spanish conquistadors, because they were once at the center of the international pearl trade. The Pearl Islands are a group of more than 200 islands and islets lying about 30 miles off the Pacific coast of Panama in the Gulf of Panama. It’s more of a resort island chain, but incredibly beautiful and relaxing. If you get down to the area, there are plenty of islands to traverse. Most of the islands are barely populated or entirely uninhabited. The largest in the chain is Isla Del Rey, and Contadora is well known for a variety of resorts and tourist attractions. My favorite is Isla Saboga, where you can experience some authentic island culture.
Another island to make my list, also made my snorkeling list are the islands at Chiriqui Marine National Park.. Of course, the snorkeling is amazing, but the beaches here are great too and there are plenty of restaurants, parks, and other amenities.
6. Hiking
Panama has a lot to offer when it comes to adventurous hikes.
One of my favorites is The Lost Waterfall trail in Boquete. With a small fee of $7 USD, you can hike through a beautiful jungle with amazing views of the valley below and breathtaking waterfalls. You will not regret this memorable hike!Another famous hiking destination is located in the Anton Valley. El Valle de Anton is a town in central Panama. What makes this valley extra unique is that it’s in the crater of an extinct volcano. The valley is surrounded by mountains and cloud forests. North of the town is the Cerro Gaital National Park with three protected hills with trails that have spectacular views of the ocean and is home to hundreds of native bird species. Soberania National Park is another great hiking destination. It is a dense tropical forest. If you’re lucky (or unlucky) enough, you might even spot an elusive jaguar. More likely, you’ll spot one of many species of monkeys or birds that inhabit the park. While you’re there, be sure to check out Gatun Lake, the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center, the Centennial Bridge, or the Parque Municipal Summit. For some hiking trails with caves and amazing waterfalls, check out El Cacao in the Capira District.
7. Bird Watching
There are 1000 bird species in Panama, from the elusive quetzal to the 59 varieties of hummingbirds.
Panama is home to a truly extraordinary abundance of beautiful birds. I never used to consider birdwatching adventurous until I started doing it in Panama and Costa Rica and realized how much amazing nature and wildlife I saw in the process of searching for birds. Some of the most well known bird-watching locations are: Pipeline Road, the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center, Soberania National Park, and Chagres National Park, La Amistad International Park, Sendero de Los Quetzales, and Darien National Park. But of course, you can see birds anywhere that has sky. So keep your eyes peeled!
The top birds of interest include the harpy eagle, the collared aracari, the resplendent quetzal, the lesser violetear, the keel-billed toucan, the great green or scarlet macaw, or one of 320 different kinds of hummingbirds.
8. Explore the Nivida Bat Caves.
One of Bastimentos’s most impressive natural wonders, Nivida is a giant cavern system where you can watch as thousands of nectar bats fly overhead from a boat in an ancient subterranean lake.
The cave borders Parque Nacional Marino and Isla Bastimentos. Unfortunately, you cannot enter the caves on your own, but there are plenty of tours, typically around $35 or $45 USD, which is well worth it. The tours all begin with an enchanting hike through lush mangrove forests. Followed by approximately a 25-minute walk from the pier to the mouth of the cave. On this short hike, keep an eye out for sloths! Expect to spend less than an hour inside the cave system. You’ll want to wear something that can get wet. All the tours I’ve looked into supply headlamps and life jackets. This tour is sure to be a memorable experience.
9. Go Extreme Sport Fishing
With water on two sides and prime fishing ground, Panama offers plenty of extreme fishing options.
I’ll honestly say I’ve never gone on any of these professional big fishing tours. One day, I hope to have enough money. If you do happen to have between $2.5k and $6k laying around and are passionate about fishing, take the voyage! It’d be worth it just for the impressive picture of you and your catch. If you have the funds, my research brought me to Panama Nautical Club, near David, Chiriqui. The private fishing resort is on a private island owned by a New Zealander who ensures top quality for his guests. The resort can host up to 28, with sleeping options for pets, family, and friends. The resort also has two restaurants, local beer and wine, beach club, full spa, yoga studio, water toys, hiking, diving, and horseback tours for days when you aren’t fishing. There are twin diesel sport fishing boats with full shade and fighting chairs. They'll even vacuum seal your catch for free! Check out their website here:
https://panamasportfishing.com/
10. Try the Street Food in Panama City
Not all adventures require thousands of bats overhead, the jungle racing by beneath your feet, or leg cramps.
Before you board your plane or bus out of the country, you’ll want to try some of the street food in Panama City. The food trucks and street vendors are a truly authentic sampling of the fusion of cultures unique to Panama City. Here is a snapshot of my favorite restaurants and food trucks that won’t break the bank.
Lumpia will always float to the top of my favorite food lists, and this one is no different. If you haven't had lumpia before, it is basically a Philipino version of a fried egg roll, with a veggie-meat mix inside similar to a spring roll. El Corazon Lumpia Bar which is located inside Luna Castle Hostel makes amazing lumpia worth going out of your way for.
For some fantastic and Famous Burgers try the food truck Esa Flaca Rica; expect a line. If you're looking for another good burger with a veggie option try the Anti-Burger Food Truck.
For a traditional local breakfast, lunch, or dinner and a bit of history, try Cafe Coca-Cola which was originally opened in 1906. It is still the oldest operating diner in Panama.
For some nice tacos check out Tacos La Neta in the San Francisco neighborhood or their other location in Casco Viejo.
If really cheap vegan food is your jam, try the cafeteria-style deliciousness offered by Loving Hut.
I also really enjoy La Tapa Del Coco, which serves up Afro-Caribbean-Panamanian fusion food. Panama City even has many dim sum options such as the Golden Unicorn.