When it comes to traveling to Central or South America Panama might not be high on your list… but it definitely should be.
I got to spend a month studying abroad in Panama while I was in university. It was my first time traveling abroad and I absolutely fell head over heels in love (both with traveling and with Panama).
Panama has everything that a traveler could want… mountains, breathtaking beaches, untouched islands, rain forests, sea-life, cities that are a perfect mix of modern and colonial and so much more. For those of you who aren’t quite sure what type of traveler you are (or you just want a little bit of everything), I would recommend a trip to Panama to pinpoint what kinds of adventures really get you going.
Where: Panama is located in Central America and actually belongs to the continent of North America, not South America. It is situated between Costa Rica and Colombia.
Language: Spanish is the primary language spoken in Panama. It definitely helps to have at least a basic idea of common Spanish phrases.
Currency: Technically the currency of Panama is the Panamanian Balboa… but the country actually has 2 universal currencies. The Balboa is about 1:1 to the US Dollar and the USD is used basically everywhere. Credit cards are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels and grocery stores but it helps to bring some cash if you want to head into the more remote regional areas.
Panama offered food and living at all price points, luxury and budget both. While you have options for street food as well as fast food, if you decided to go to a restaurant you could have a meal for two starting at $30 (one appetizer + two main courses).
When To Go: Panama’s temperatures are usually 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, and it is always humid. As in so humid you will take at least two showers a day—just embrace it.
Because Panama has such a tropical climate instead of changing temperatures there’s a wet and a dry season. Dry season is from mid-December to mid-April and holidays are especially popular. Low season occurs from mid-April to mid-December and has sporadic rain showers but also lower prices. Bring summer clothes but also pack a long sleeves or jacket as the AC is blasting in most indoor places.
What to do:
In short, there’s a little bit of everything! Modern skyscrapers, rainforests, pristine beaches, diving paradises and more.
Panama City : Panama City could be an entire post! (especially as I spent most of my time living in and exploring Panama City). From the Panama Canal to Casco Viejo, there is much to explore. Panama City, similar to the rest of the country, offers a ton of variety. From old to new and parks to casinos, you can’t get bored here.
Casco Viejo: Most of Panama City is ultra-modern and looks similar to Miami, but a little peninsula in the city called Casco Viejo is a historical must-see. If you love cobblestone streets and quaint neighborhoods, then this spot is for you. This area was once nearly abandoned with the modernization of the rest of the city, but it’s having a major resurgence.
During the day, go to see the historic churches in this area. Since it is a Catholic country, there are beautiful old churches to visit like the Catedral Metropolitana with gorgeous bell towers reminiscent of The Hunchback of Notre Dame.This is also where a lot of the newest restaurants and nightclubs are located.
Visit the Panama Canal: You can’t go to Panama without going to see the Panama Canal. And trust me, it’s worth it. The views from the observation deck are breathtaking. Plus, the Canal Museum exhibit lets you learn about the locks and exactly how they work before you see ships ascend and descend in the water as the sea levels change.
Did you know it takes a ship 8 to 10 hours to cross the canal? Stop by the Miraflores locks and museum to learn more about the Panama Canal and watch a ship pass through!
Parque Natural Metropolitano: Two main walking trails (the nature trail & the tití monkey trail), join to form one long loop. On the loop, a 150m-high mirador (lookout) offers panoramic views of Panama City, the bay and the canal all the way to the Miraflores Locks. This was the last thing I did before leaving Panama and it was the perfect end to the perfect trip.
Boquete: This scenic garden area is located in Panama’s mountainous Chiriquí Highlands and is a famous destination for Americans looking to retire in Panama. Visit Boquete for excellent hiking, premier coffee plantations and incredible food. I didn’t get a chance to visit Boquete but I’ve heard nothing but great things about this region.
San Blas Islands: Anyone visiting Panama hears about the San Blas islands almost immediately. They are VERY well known in Panama as being the most pristine islands. White sand beaches, palm trees galore, and hammocks to relax in, needless to say – I really enjoyed my stay on San Blas! It’s by far the most beautiful place I’ve ever been.
San Blas is an archipelago of 378 islands in the Caribbean Sea. Only 49 of these are inhabited by the local, self-governing Kuna tribe. Get around by boat, snorkel in the coral reefs and relax on the islands. Expect rustic beach huts and bare bones infrastructure – the indigenous Kuna carefully control tourism and are devoted to preserving their ecological marine landscape.
When I went to San Blas we were lucky enough to get to stay in a “hotel” in these huts right on the beach. It was a completely surreal experience. We spent 3 days without electricity or running water. It was something I will never ever forget!
Bocas del Toro: This spot is quite popular for surfing and snorkeling. This Panamanian province has some of Panama’s most popular beaches like Starfish Beach as well as a biodiverse rainforest on the mainland.
Islands upon islands, it was a remarkable area filled with a variety of things to do including beach hopping, surfing, and some crazy nightlife.
Tour the rainforest
The Gamboa Rainforest is only a 45-minute drive outside of Panama City. Indulge in a day of touring the lush rainforest, beginning with a tram ride through the canopy. Keep an eye out for sloths, butterflies and white-faced capuchin monkeys, among other exotic animals.
Getting to visit Panama was an unbelievable experience. If you’re thinking about going.. just go!
