Panama vacations

At the meeting point of North and South America lies Panama City. Famous for its iconic canal, you’ll also find fascinating Indigenous museums and first-rate Latin cuisine.

A jumping-off point for exploring black sandy beaches and coffee plantations, this laid-back town is an introduction to the lesser-known side of Panama.

Marveling at the Panama Canal, one of the world’s engineering wonders, is one of the top things to do in Panama. Watch massive container ships inch through the maritime shortcut just outside Panama City. The best viewing spots are from the Miraflores Visitor Center or at the Agua Clara Locks Visitor Center, where you can get a panoramic perspective.

Panama is a spectacular place to see animals in their natural habitat. Witness humpback whales migrating off the country’s Pacific coast. Dive with massive (and gentle) whale sharks. Tour Gatun Lake to visit Monkey Island, home to howler monkeys, toucans and iguanas. And bird-watchers should keep their eyes peeled for colorful fowl like the elusive quetzal.

Panama is a surfers’ paradise, with bucket-list breaks on both coasts. On the Caribbean side, head to Bocas del Toro for the famous big wave, Silverbacks, as well as less intimidating waters. On the Pacific side, laid-back Santa Catalina is also a surf hub. Never set foot on a board? There are plenty of places to rent gear and take beginner lessons.

This ribbon of land sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea offers plenty of world-class beaches. Stick to the Caribbean side for powdery sand and crystal-clear waters. You’ll find both in steady supply in the Guna Yala and Bocas del Toro archipelagos. Head to the Pacific side for adventures like whale watching and reef diving.

Panama’s diverse landscape takes center stage in its extensive national park system. Parque Nacional Coiba is a prime diving spot and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hike past volcanic craters and summit the country’s highest peak at the Parque Nacional Volcán Barú. And explore unspoiled rainforests in Parque Nacional Darién. Parks often require permits or even guides, so plan ahead.

The more traditional restaurants in Panama serve dishes like ‘sancocho,’ a hearty chicken and vegetable stew, and ‘hojaldra,’ a fried flatbread. Fresh seafood is also central to the Panamanian diet. And you won’t find it fresher than in the ceviche at Panama City’s sprawling fish market, Mercado de Marisco. Coffee lovers shouldn’t miss the plantations in mountainous Boquete.

The most exciting museums in Panama are in its capital city. The Frank Gehry–designed Biomuseo explores Panama’s natural wonders through large-scale installations, an aquarium and gardens. Visit the Museo de la Mola to learn about the elaborate textiles crafted by the Indigenous Guna people. And dive deep into the city’s history at Panamá Viejo, the ruins of a 16th-century Spanish settlement.

Panama’s dry season stretches from December to April, the perfect months to maximize beach time and Pacific coast surfing. If you want to surf the Caribbean coast, the breaks are best during the wet season. Take note of any public holidays that fall during your travel dates. Not only do businesses shut down, but locals are vacationing too, making for more competitive travel bookings.

Cheap trips to Panama are possible if you can resist the high-end resorts and restaurants. An inexpensive meal will cost about ten Panamanian balboas (B/.). You can get a domestic beer for about B/.2 and a cappuccino for around twice that.