Best Things To Do In Panama

Explore the best things to do in Panama — from the world-famous Panama Canal and San Blas Islands to Bocas del Toro’s tropical rhythm and Boquete’s misty cloud forests. A journey where two oceans meet in adventure.

Top Bucket List Experiences, Must-Do Things & Unmissable Attractions.

Transit the Panama Canal Sail through one of the world’s greatest engineering marvels, where colossal cargo ships glide between oceans via historic locks. Watching the Miraflores Locks in action feels surreal — a living monument to human ingenuity surrounded by tropical hills.

  • Insider Tip: Visit the Miraflores Visitor Center for panoramic views and museum exhibits.
    Timing / Best Time: Dry season (Dec–Apr) for clear skies and steady operations.

Explore Casco Viejo (Panama City’s Old Quarter) This UNESCO-listed district blends colonial charm and modern flair. Stroll cobbled streets lined with pastel façades, rooftop bars, and churches that whisper centuries of trade, piracy, and rebirth.

  • Best Way: Take a guided evening walking tour for history and live music ambiance.
    Good to Know: Many restaurants require reservations — weekends are lively but busy.

Relax in the San Blas Islands A necklace of 365 islands owned by the Guna Yala people, San Blas offers powdery sands, turquoise lagoons, and palm-shaded huts. You’ll sleep steps from the sea and wake to coral reefs at your door.

  • Insider Tip: Bring cash; cards aren’t accepted on the islands.
    Timing / Best Time: December–April for calm waters and dry weather.

Hike Volcán Barú At Panama’s highest peak, you can watch sunrise over both the Pacific and Caribbean on clear mornings. Trails wind through cloud forests alive with hummingbirds and orchids.

  • Best Way: Begin pre-dawn with a 4x4 or guided trek to reach the summit at sunrise.
    Good to Know: Dress warm — temperatures drop near freezing at the top.

Discover Bocas del Toro Archipelago A tropical mosaic of coral cays, surf beaches, and Caribbean rhythm. Ride water taxis between islands, snorkel reefs, and dance barefoot at beach bars under starlit skies.

  • Insider Tip: Stay on Isla Bastimentos for a quieter vibe than Isla Colón.
    Timing / Best Time: Jan–Apr and Sept–Oct for calm seas.

Spot Wildlife in Soberanía National Park A paradise for birders and nature lovers just outside Panama City. Howler monkeys echo through the canopy as toucans flash across the sky.

  • Best Way: Visit Pipeline Road early with a naturalist guide.
    Good to Know: Bring binoculars and bug spray — humidity is high.

Visit the Embera Indigenous Villages Accessible by canoe, these riverside communities share centuries-old traditions through dance, crafts, and storytelling. A powerful cultural exchange.

  • Insider Tip: Gifts like school supplies are appreciated.
    Timing / Best Time: Year-round; avoid heavy rains for smoother river travel.

Unique Experiences

Cross the Panama Canal by Train The historic Panama Canal Railway links two oceans through rainforest scenery — a short, nostalgic journey steeped in history.

  • How to Do It: Book tickets early; seats fill quickly during dry season.

Swim in a Natural Thermal Spring in Caldera Hidden in the highlands near Boquete, these bubbling pools offer warm relaxation amid jungle greenery.

  • Good to Know: Small fee charged by locals maintaining the site.

Join the Boquete Coffee Experience Tour hillside plantations where volcanic soil nurtures world-class Arabica beans. Tastings reveal rich, chocolatey notes.

  • Timing: Harvest season runs Nov–Mar for freshest samples.

Snorkel with Starfish at Playa Estrella (Bocas del Toro) Dozens of orange starfish dot shallow seagrass beds — a gentle reminder to admire without touching.

  • How to Do It: Take a water taxi from Bocas Town.

Dance at the Las Tablas Carnival Panama’s largest celebration bursts with parades, sequins, and infectious energy.

  • Good to Know: Held annually in February or early March before Lent.

Hidden Gems / Off-The-Beaten Path

Isla Coiba National Park Once a penal colony, now a marine reserve brimming with whale sharks, rays, and coral reefs. Divers call it “the Galápagos of Central America.”

  • Getting There: Boat from Santa Catalina (2 hrs).
    Timing: Jan–Apr for whale sightings.

El Valle de Antón A village nestled inside a volcanic crater, ringed by waterfalls and cloud forests. Perfect for hiking, markets, and cool mountain air.

  • Good to Know: Great weekend escape from Panama City.
    Timing: Dry season for outdoor activities.

Santa Catalina Surf Town A laid-back Pacific outpost with black-sand beaches and epic surf breaks.

  • Getting There: 6-hour drive from Panama City.
    Good to Know: Limited ATMs — bring cash.

Los Cangilones de Gualaca A natural canyon carved by turquoise waters — locals dive, swim, and picnic here.

  • Timing: Visit midday when sunlight illuminates the water.

Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge An uninhabited island off the Azuero Peninsula where frigatebirds nest and corals gleam.

  • Good to Know: Snorkelling gear recommended; shade minimal.
    Timing: Nov–May for calm seas.

Pedasí Village Colorful fishing town turned bohemian haven, known for crafts, kitesurfing, and relaxed charm.

  • Getting There: Four hours from Panama City by bus or car.
    Timing: Best from Jan–April for reliable winds.

Unusual / Quirky Experiences

Watch Ships Transit from a Rooftop Bar Enjoy cocktails as cargo vessels glide through the canal below — modern Panama at its best.

  • Why Go: Combines skyline views with maritime spectacle.
    Good to Know: The “Panaviera” sky bar offers the highest vantage point.

The Biomuseo (Frank Gehry’s Masterpiece) A riot of color and architecture on the Amador Causeway, exploring Panama’s biodiversity and geological history.

  • Why Go: Artistic, educational, and visually stunning.

Fuerte San Lorenzo Ruins Crumbled fortress walls overlooking the Caribbean, once attacked by pirates like Henry Morgan.

  • Good to Know: Combine with Gatun Locks for a full-day historic tour.

The Diablo Rojo Buses Wildly painted former U.S. school buses blasting salsa and flashing neon lights — Panama’s most flamboyant local transport.

  • Why Go: A moving piece of street art that defines urban culture.

Suggested Activities By Region / City

Panama City

  • Visit Casco Viejo’s cafés and art galleries.
    Insider Tip: Sunset from the rooftop bar of Tantalo is spectacular.

  • Watch the Canal from Miraflores Locks.
    Best Way: Arrive before 10am for morning transits.

  • Stroll the Amador Causeway.
    Good to Know: Rent bikes for a breezy scenic route.

Boquete

  • Tour coffee farms and taste Panama Geisha beans.
    Insider Tip: Try small family estates for authentic flavour.

  • Hike the Quetzal Trail.
    Best Way: Go with a local guide to spot rare birds.

  • Relax in Caldera hot springs.
    Good to Know: Bring water shoes and a towel.

Bocas del Toro

  • Snorkel at Coral Cay.
    Insider Tip: Combine with Dolphin Bay tour.

  • Visit Red Frog Beach.
    Best Way: Short hike from Bastimentos pier.

  • Explore Isla Zapatilla.
    Good to Know: Bring snacks — no restaurants on site.

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

Do’s / Recommended Activities: 

  • Surf Santa Catalina’s waves.
    Tip: Morning tides are best for consistent breaks.

  • Hike Volcán Barú at sunrise.
    Good to Know: Altitude adjustment helps before summit attempt.

  • Scuba dive in Coiba National Park.
    Tip: Book certified tours; currents can be strong.

  • Kayak through the Panama Canal Basin.
    Good to Know: Guided tours ensure safety near active shipping lanes.

Cultural & Food Experiences

Do’s / Recommended Experiences: 

  • Taste ceviche at Panama City’s Fish Market.
    Tip: Visit lunchtime when stalls are freshest.

  • Join the Azuero Peninsula’s Festival de la Pollera.
    Good to Know: Celebrates traditional national dress each July.

  • Dine on Caribbean lobster in Bocas del Toro.
    Tip: November–March is peak lobster season.

  • Take a rum-tasting tour in Panama City.
    Good to Know: Pedro Mandinga is the country’s first artisanal rum bar.