(Lonely Planet) There’s much more to Panama than a world-famous waterway.

Beyond the canal, this Central American country offers so much to explore – like myriad islands, wildlife-rich tropical forests and miles of pristine coastline on two oceans.  

This narrow land bridge – and biological corridor – between Costa Rica and Colombia may be compact, but it packs a lot in. From a cosmopolitan capital filled with state-of-the-art skyscrapers to the splendid isolation of the Guna Yala Archipelago, from adrenaline-fueled adventure in the highlands around Boquete to island hopping in Bocas del Toro, there’s a good chance you’ll want to extend your trip here.

Here’s our guide to the best places to visit in Panama.

Panama City overflows with culture and nightlife

Central America’s most stylish capital is a tale of three cities. Downtown is a skyscraper-packed hub of international finance, glitzy shopping malls and upscale restaurants. Across the bay, tombstone-like ruins are all that’s left of the original city, Panama Viejo, which was sacked by pirates in 1671.

Next comes Casco Viejo, which, after an ambitious restoration, has become the city’s hippest neighborhood. Boutique spots like the American Trade Hotel and stylish rooftop restaurants and bars such as Casa Casco fill the pastel-colored colonial mansions that line its cobblestone streets.

To escape the urban jungle, hike the trails of the Parque Natural Metropolitano, or cycle along the scenic Amador Causeway, where the striking Frank Gehry–designed BioMuseo celebrates the natural and cultural history of the isthmus. Oh, and you might have heard of a little canal nearby. 

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Don’t miss the Panama Canal

The world’s most famous shortcut, the Panama Canal – dubbed “the big ditch” – has been a vital trade route between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans since it opened in 1914. An awe-inspiring feat of engineering, this man-made marvel operates around the clock and moves more than half a billion tons of goods a year.

The easiest place to watch the canal’s mechanics in action is from the viewing platforms at the four-story Miraflores Visitor Center – try to time your visit with the arrival of a mega-ship, and don’t miss the 3D movie. You can get even closer to the locks on a partial (6–7 hours) or full (10–12 hours) canal transit with Ancon Expeditions.

The best time to visit Panama 

Head to Boquete for outdoor adventurers and fabulous coffee

Adrenaline junkies should head to the highland town of Boquete, where adventurers have their pick of rappelling, rock climbing and rafting. From the foothills of Volcán Barú, you can hike up to the summit for a show-stopping sunrise, or whizz above the slopes on a zip line. Hiking along its misty cloud forest trails in search of hidden waterfalls and elusive quetzals, shrouded in greenery and serenaded by birdsong, is a must.

After sweltering in Panama City, Boquete is – quite literally – a breath of fresh air, where shade-grown coffee plantations stretch to the horizon in an undulating patchwork of greens. Sample Panama Geisha, one of the world’s most expensive cups of joe, then feast on farm-to-table fusion fare at Italian-run Retrogusto.

Bocas del Toro is the best spot for sun, sea and cerveza

Simultaneously backpacker party hub, couples’ chilled-out Caribbean paradise and ex-pat enclave, the three main islands and scores of uninhabited islets that make up Bocas del Toro have something for everyone. 

Bocas Town on Isla Colón is party central, and everything from hostels to handicraft stores are housed in brightly painted, charming clapboard buildings. Go starfish spotting at Playa Estrella, where the calm waters are perfect for snorkeling. Then kick back over killer cocktails and just-caught fish at over-the-water El Último Refugio.

For jungle-backed beaches, coral-fringed cays and magical surf breaks at Wizard Beach, island-hop to Isla Bastimentos. Home to a namesake marine park, this important conservation area contains mangroves, monkeys, crocodiles and caiman, among other wild things, with superb snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities to match.

Become a willing castaway at Comarca de Guna Yala (San Blas Islands)

Indulge your inner Robinson Crusoe on this string of jewel-like tropical islands off Panama’s Caribbean coast – all swaying palms, icing-sugar-soft white sand and azure water. The San Blas archipelago has an island for every day of the year (plus a few to spare) which offer the chance to disconnect from the world: there’s no internet, TV or telephones. Instead, idle your time away, sunning, swimming, snorkeling and stargazing. 

This semi-autonomous region is home to the indigenous Guna people, who’ve fiercely protected their culture and customs – including molas, the hand-embroidered textiles designed and sewn by Guna women. 

With their no-frills cane-and-palm-thatch cabañas, the island lodges are all owned and run by families from the more densely populated village-islands, such as Playón Chico.

The 10 best beaches in Panama 

Santa Catalina is perfect for surfers, snorkelers and scuba divers

A fishing village turned surfer haunt, Santa Catalina in the Gulf of Chiriquí has some of the best year-round breaks in Central America – no wetsuit required. Laid-back fishermen sell the catch of the day from the shade of a mango tree: expect sushi with a tropical twist.

And if you aren’t there to surf, this is the jumping-off point for Parque Nacional Coiba. At this former penal colony, dubbed “Panama’s Galápagos,” you can swim alongside the gentle giants of the sea: whale sharks (December to April) and humpback whales (August to November), along with whitetip reef sharks, rays, hawksbill turtles and shoals of technicolor fish. To access the park, you’ll need to book a tour in town.

Soak in Afro-Panamanian culture in Portobelo

Strolling around the unhurried streets of Portobelo, it’s hard to believe this was once one of the most important ports in the Caribbean, where treasure plundered from the Incas was shipped back to Spain. The ruins of often-sacked fortresses remain, with Fuerte San Jerónimo the most popular. The stone Customs House, once piled high with Peruvian gold, stands out among the clapboard houses.

Portobelo’s African roots stretch to the Congo, and two spirited and spiritual festivals celebrate the vibrant local culture: the colorful and rhythmic biannual Festival de Diablos y Congos; and October’s Festival del Cristo Negro, when the Black Christ  – a life-size wooden statue steeped in myth and legend – is removed from Iglesia San Felipe and paraded around town. Spaces like Casa de la Cultura Congo help keep traditional art and music alive.

Make merry at Península de Azuero’s traditional fiestas  

Farming, folklore and fiestas are the lifeblood of the Azuero Peninsula, the country’s cultural heartland, bordered by the Gulf of Chiriquí to the west and the Gulf of Panamá to the east.

Las Tablas puts on the country’s largest and loudest Carnaval celebration: expect flamboyant costumes, exuberant music and energetic dancing. Further south, the streets of Pedasí are lined with well-preserved colonial buildings. Playa Venao, a golden sweep of sand with world-class surf, is another 40 minutes south.

And for wildlife spotting, the reserves of Isla Iguana and Isla Cañas – one of the few places on the planet where olive ridley sea turtles go to nest in large numbers – are just short boat hops away.  

The post The 8 must-visit places in Panama appeared first on The Panama Blog.

(TravelAwaits) I simply prefer to be outside more than inside and am often labeled a “nature lover.” Vacationing in national or state parks for over 30 years, I occasionally met a few wild things but rarely veered off a maintained trail. Sadly, I missed many beautiful and fascinating aspects of our planet — the animals on the other side of my secure corridor.

It all changed when I retired. A courage vein tugged and I created a bucket list that eventually included exploring the Americas below Mexico and seeing as many adorable animals as possible. Would these creatures be as adorable closeup as they are on the screen in the nature documentaries I’d seen? I took a deep breath and followed my bird-watching buddies to a primeval rainforest in Panama for 10 days to find out. 

It was the vacation of a lifetime and the beginning of a passion for cruising, crawling, climbing creatures that thrive in a rainforest.

According to National Geographic’s Resource Library, “a rainforest is an area of tall trees and a high amount of rainfall.” The entry goes on to state that “rainforests are Earth’s oldest living ecosystems, with some surviving in their present form for at least 70 million years.” Thousands upon thousands of avian, insect, reptile, and mammal species are found under a rainforest canopy. 

Over 60 percent of Panama is covered in forest, resulting in the largest forest cover of any country in Central America. But that was not always the case. During the period when the United States built the Panama Canal, vast areas of the forest were destroyed, losing essential habitat for many animals whose diets are primarily insect-based. A measureless swamp after annual tropical rains resulted in creating the perfect habitat for malaria-carrying mosquitoes now without natural predators. Today, the forests have returned, along with reptiles, bats, and birds, greatly reducing the threat of malaria. 

To get the most out of a Panama rainforest excursion, join a tour group with professional guides (more on my recommendation below) who will explain the beauty and importance of each animal encountered, all at a safe distance. Panama is a beautiful country, full of nature adventures, great food, and charming villages. Venture outside the “city box” into the natural side of Panama and discover amazing creatures, stunning flowers, and soul-pampering peace. 

Let me share a few of my favorite wild animal encounters in Panama’s rainforest, plus a few just-plain-fun things to do, and where to stay, while visiting this unique Central American country.

1. Sleep In A Radar Station

Canopy Tower was originally built in 1963 as a U.S. military radar station during the Cuban Missile Crisis to defend the Panama Canal. Located in the middle of Soberania National Park, the facility has been transformed into a charming bed and breakfast, recently awarded the 2020 Terra Incognita’s Top Ethical Ecotour Providers. 

2. Wine And Dine On Top Of A Jungle

On the third floor of Canopy Tower is an elegant restaurant with 360-degree views of the forest canopy. Breakfast every morning included European and Panamanian specialties accompanied by fruit-eating toucans nearby. Delicious chef-cooked meals in the evenings were backdropped with amazing sunsets and squawking parrots flying to their roosting trees.

3. Hang Out With A Sloth

Just outside the restaurant is a wrap-around deck with an honored regular resident. One unique tree allowed to grow above the deck level is the favorite perch for a three-toed sloth. Seen almost every day, it is probably the most photographed sloth in history! 

4. Take A Hike With An Ant

Nearby Soberania National Park spans 55,000 acres across Panama. One of the many hiking trails deep into the park is the Camino de Cruces, built in 1527 to link Old Panama City to the port of Venta de Cruces. Parallel to the foot trail is a four-inch-wide leafcutter ant highway. Ecological engineers, they cut small pieces from leaves to carry back to their underground nest, not to eat, but to rot, creating fungus that feeds the colony. These little ants can carry up to 50 times their own weight, which is comparable to a human lifting two cars above their head.

5. Tangle With A Trogon

Once a petroleum pipeline thoroughfare during World War II, Pipeline Road now serves as the main access through Soberania National Park. Holding the record for the most bird species spotted within a 24-hour period, finding distinctive birds was our goal on this day. Soon, a black-tailed trogon posed for photos, daring us to get closer. There are eight species of trogons in Panama, all colorful and with an attitude. Look high in fruit trees for bright orange and red feathers. 

6. Spread Your Wings With An Anhinga

The Chagres River runs through the middle of the Soberania forest, giving visitors many opportunities to see creatures that live around water, including anhinga. As large as a wild turkey, these birds can be intimidating as they dry their wings after fishing, which is a must, or else they cannot fly. Look for them perched in trees or sitting on rocks.

7. Cross The Centennial Bridge

Built in 2004, the Centennial Bridge is one of the most beautiful bridges in South America. Designed to mimic the mountains and appear to float among the clouds, the bridge can be seen for many miles. 

8. Discover Sweet Flowers With A Honeycreeper

Flowers abound in a rainforest near the equator, where the climate allows a year-long growing season. There are over 1,200 species of orchids alone in Panama. Tour packages tailored to hunting orchids are common. The green honeycreeper, a small active bird the color of the forest, is often found circling flowers.

9. Crawl To Adventure With A Caterpillar

The silk moth caterpillar is a common rainforest resident, but do not touch. Not only do they blend in perfectly with their environment, but they also ensure their survival with an artsy hairdo. Each spiky bristle is filled with toxins that cause fiery stings — making the caterpillar unappetizing to predators. This caterpillar will turn into a colorful moth with large spots resembling eyes — another survival technique in their everyday adventure to stay alive.

10. Hum Along With A Hummingbird

Over 30 percent of hummingbird species in the world live in Central America, such as this violet-bellied hummingbird found at the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center. Hundreds of hummingbirds greet visitors at the center loaded with hummingbird feeders along the deck. A 174-step spiral staircase with interpretive panels takes visitors through the growth levels of a rainforest, from seedling to the canopy.

11. Get A Suntan With An Iguana

Of all the animals encountered in a rainforest, amphibians and reptiles are often the most fascinating. But no one can deny that the showstopper is the magnificent green iguana. Able to grow as large as 6 feet from head to tail, this herbivore can surpass 20 pounds in a healthy rainforest. A cold-blooded reptile, iguanas are often spied sunbathing on top of rocks.

12. Blend In With A Butterfly

The survival of most rainforest creatures depends on camouflage, and the goatweed leafwing butterfly, resembling a dead leaf, is a perfect example. Because each butterfly relies heavily on its host plants, many of the 1,800 species of butterflies in Panama are seasonal.

Pro Tip: April through December is the best time to visit for butterfly enthusiasts.

13. Take A Selfie With An Elephant Tree

Panama has 3,043 tree species, but a favorite is the ceiba tree. Nicknamed the elephant tree because of their massive trunks, they make perfect resting spots after a long hike.

14. Howl With A Baby Monkey

Gatun Lake borders Soberania National Park and is a haven for monkeys with various monkey species protected by the park living on a group of islands. However, they roam freely among treetops and can be found throughout the forest. The largest and most prevalent is the howler monkey. Catching a group carrying their infants was an extraordinary experience. Extremely quiet slipping between trees, when humans intrude, they howl loudly in protests that can be heard for miles.

15. Go Fishing With A Kingfisher

Calamito Lake inside Soberania National Park has a marina with a pleasant deck and benches great for observing water wildlife such as graceful egrets and stocky herons. Watching green kingfishers suddenly swoop from a standstill and pose to catch fish — and cheering when they’re successful — is a favorite spectator activity. 

16. Do The Wave At The Canal

Completed in 1914, the Panama Canal continues to save ships almost 8,000 miles on their journeys, which would otherwise take them around the South American continent. Less than an hour’s drive from Panama City, the canal is a favorite family getaway destination on weekends, with groups timing their trips to when a cruise ship uses the 40-mile canal. Slipping by slowly from one level to another, the ship is within 10 yards of hundreds of spectators. Each side waves to each other, sometimes with cruisers waving flags from their home countries and those on land holding up Welcome To Panama signs.

The post 16 Amazing Adventures In The Panama Rainforest appeared first on The Panama Blog.

(TravelAgentCentral) Panama has announced, with immediate effect, the lifting of mask requirements in outdoor spaces and open-air areas. This has been done to provide visitors unencumbered access to the country’s natural wonders.

Ivan Eskildsen, minister of tourism, said the decision to ease restrictions came on the back of the improvement of COVID-19 conditions. “Mask removal in the outdoors is the latest step in keeping visitors and locals safe, and to help satisfy their wanderlust through our commitment to preservation of nature and culture, while empowering local communities,” he said.

The new policy is particularly good news for hikers to explore a range of hikes at all experience levels—from easy strolls to moderate hikes and more serious trails for the seasoned trekker.

Travelers can explore Panama through three distinct heritage pillars identified in the country’s “Master Plan for Sustainable Tourism” introduced in 2020. The pillars include Cultural Heritage, which showcases Panama’s history and multicultural diversity, a blend of African, North American, Spanish influences, as well as the country’s seven indigenous ethnic groups; Green Heritage, which takes visitors across 13 national parks and protected areas making up one-third of the country; and Blue Heritage, which covers the Pacific and Atlantic oceans with experiences including whale-watching, turtle conservation and marine exploration across Coiba National Park, a diving destination part of the Easter Tropical Marine Corridor (CMAR) along with the Galápagos Islands, created to conserve biodiversity and promote the sustainable use of marine resources.

The post Panama Lifts Mask Regulations in Outdoor Spaces appeared first on The Panama Blog.

(TravelNoire) Isla Bastimentos is one of the most unapologetically Caribbean destinations located in Bocas del Toro, Panama. I came across it by chance while visiting Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. Apparently, $30 USD would get me to Bocas in under 3 hours. So off I went to cross the border and discover what Panama’s Caribbean was going to be like in contrast to the reggae-infused beach life of ‘pura vida’ in Puerto Viejo.

Bocas del Toro is a top destination for travelers looking to enjoy what can only be described as bliss in this Central American country. Bocas is truly enjoyed when each island is appreciated for what it has, that is to say, don’t expect to find everything on one island. This is why island-hopping in Bocas del Toro is an experience, because each island feels like a new country, despite being only a few minutes apart by water taxi.

Isla Bastimentos had the most distinct feel for me. It stood out because it has a wealth of Caribbean history and legacy that is hard to ignore, and usually quite hard to retain in hyper-touristic destinations.

When arriving on the main island, Isla Colon, everyone I came into contact with mentioned that I would love Bastimentos. The response to hearing that I am from Jamaica heightened the urgency; everyone, from taxi-drivers to stall vendors, were quick to tell me how much I will feel at home when visiting Bastimentos.

After a few days of getting a feel for the rhythm of Bocas Town in Isla Colon, the restaurants, the access to an ATM and the Caribbean corners of this particular island, I was ready for a new, more remote island experience.

When first arriving at the dock, already the difference between Isla Colon and Isla Bastimentos could be felt. The colors, the smell of food and jerk, the sound systems making their presence known at 9 in the morning, it felt more familiar than anything.

Another difference, the significant increase in Black Panamanians on the island. It always does something to my spirit to meet and have conversation with other Black people from across the diaspora while traveling. The beauty of Bastimentos was being able to hear the Creole, Guary Guary, which has huge similarities to Patwa in Jamaica. The conversation often switched between English, Guary Guary and Spanish seamlessly.

The inhabitants of Bastimentos are also deeply proud of their Jamaican roots. Conversations usually found themselves to Jamaica and how many on the island have grandparents or great-grandparents who came from Jamaica.

Black travelers will not only enjoy Isla Bastimentos for the vibe, but also for the retreat into nature. Isla Bastimentos ultimately has one main strip, 2 very small supermarkets, a handful of overwater restaurants and guest-houses and a lot of hilly nature. There is no ATM and no cars on this island, so it really is a place to take it slow.

One main natural attraction is Wizard beach, popular not only for the beach but the slightly excessive hike that it takes to actually arrive at this beach.

Wizard beach is on the other side of the island, the route to arrive is through the jungle. If it rained the night before, which it almost always does, then you’re in for one of the longest 25-minute hikes of your life, complete with mud, several water breaks and the occasional prayer that the end will be in sight very soon. The hike was intense, even for me, someone who enjoys hiking. The beauty is arriving on the other side and being met with an almost completely empty beach for yourself and the heartwarming sense of sea salt in the air, cooling you off.

A note, because it is so off-the-beaten path, it is advised not to make this journey with valuables and to have your wits about you while en route (as you would). Also, don’t wear shoes that are hard to clean or that are precious to you…

Bastimento, translating to ‘supply’, is a true description of this island experience. On Isla Bastimentos, there is unmistakable abundance. An abundance of authenticity – meaning the jungle is jungle, there is no path other than the one trampled by those who pass through, the coconut oil is pure and made fresh from someone who likely lives just around the corner. Likewise, when the electricity and lights shut out, you get no apologies, just Caribbean humor heard up and down the dock as locals make do until the lights and music are switched back on.

The island is attractive for Black travelers because it doesn’t pretend to be anything. Travelers come to rest, to soak up the good vibes, and to experience a version of the Caribbean that moves at its own pace. Unlike Isla Colon which is beautiful in its own way, it doesn’t seem to cater for anything or anyone, it doesn’t need to. The true fabric of Bastimentos is easy to reach and even easier to fall for as a Black wanderer looking for a semblance of home and ease.

Arriving in Panama as a Black traveler is sure to be a treat. In Isla Bastimentos, more so. It has that extra something, that perfect balance between going slow and living entirely.

The post Why Every Black Traveler Should Add Isla Bastimentos, Panama To Their Must-Visit List appeared first on The Panama Blog.

(Caribbean Journal) It remains one of the great frontiers for Caribbean travel aficionados: Bocas del Toro, the spectacular archipelago in the Caribbean waters off the coast of Panama. 

For years, it’s also been home to the vast majority of overwater bungalow resorts in the region, at least until Sandals entered the space several years ago. 

But now there’s another significant new addition: Bocas Bali, a luxury overwater resort in the heart of Bocas del Toro. 

The resort, which opened late last year, has a mix of 16 overwater villas, along with a 70-foot freshwater pool and an eatery called Elephant House. 

Most notably, Bocas Bali has created what it calls the world’s first “aerial beach,” an elevated, 90-foot-long, 20-foot-wide beach set on a platform. 

“We have the most picturesque private island retreat at Bocas Bali and the only thing missing was the beach,” says Dan Behm, owner and founder of the hotel. “We wanted to create an experience in a class by itself that pays homage to the incomparable natural setting while providing our guests the luxury of a private beach experience on our exclusive island.”

The beach, called Kupu-Kupu (which comes from the Indonesian word for Butterly), has white sand, lounge chairs and a lounge called the Tipsy Bar. 

Green quartz-tiled stairs cascade down from the beach to allow guests to go straight into the water. 

The property is also 100 percent off the grid, powered by solar energy, using an eco-friendly wastewater treatment system and a construction process that specifically avoided any coral interference. 

“Sustainable luxury is the core of Bocas Bali,” says Scott Dinsmore, general manager of Bocas Bali. “We are very proud of what we have created.”

For more, visit Bocas Bali. 

The post The Caribbean’s Newest Overwater Bungalow Resort Is in Panama appeared first on The Panama Blog.