Panama surprised me. I came for the canal, but I found so much more—mountains in the clouds, islands that whisper joy, history etched in stone and steel. It’s a country that feels like a bridge not just between continents, but between moments: quiet and loud, modern and ancient, lush and stark. I remember thinking, “This place doesn’t have one story—it holds a dozen, all at once.” And somehow, they all found a way to touch me.
Best Things to Do in Panama
Standing in Awe at the Panama Canal
I thought I knew what to expect—the Panama Canal is an icon. But standing there, watching massive ships glide silently through, I felt something deeper. The scale, the patience, the sheer ambition of it all. I remember thinking, “This is what determination carved into water looks like.” It’s not just a feat of engineering—it’s a quiet triumph that keeps moving day after day.
What I Loved Most: Watching the locks in motion at Miraflores, feeling the air shift as cargo passed through like clockwork—century-old precision still at work.
My Highlight? Lunch at the Miraflores Restaurant, right on the viewing deck. A local fish ceviche, sweet plantains, and a cold Balboa beer while watching the ships—history and flavor on one plate.
Plan Your Visit:
- Location: Miraflores Visitor Center, Panama City
- Hours: Daily, 8am–5pm
- Vibe: Monumental, meditative, mechanical elegance
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning or early afternoon when traffic is steady
- Cost: Around $10–15 USD for visitor access
Finding Stillness Above the City at Ancon Hill
Climbing Ancon Hill felt like stepping into a quieter world. The city noise faded. The trees closed in. And at the top, all of Panama City stretched below, with the Pacific glittering beyond. I remember thinking, “How can a city this fast hold a view this slow?”
What I Loved Most: Spotting toucans and coatis on the trail and hearing nothing but leaves moving and my own breath as I reached the summit.
My Highlight? A simple picnic of fruit and pastries from a local bakery, eaten slowly on a stone wall at the overlook—soft breezes, soft thoughts.
Plan Your Visit:
- Location: Near Avenida de los Martires, Panama City
- Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset
- Vibe: Natural, reflective, panoramic
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning for cooler temps and wildlife sightings
- Cost: Free
Color and Curves at the Biomuseo
The Biomuseo is impossible to ignore—bright, geometric, joyful. But it wasn’t just the architecture that left an impression. Inside, the story of Panama’s land bridge felt alive, urgent, beautiful. I remember thinking, “This museum doesn’t just show you the world—it shows you how it all connects.”
What I Loved Most: The biodiversity gallery—lush, immersive, full of movement. And the way every exhibit made the science feel personal.
My Highlight? Grabbing a maracuyá (passionfruit) smoothie from the open-air café afterward, sipping it slowly while the building’s colorful canopy framed the sky.
Plan Your Visit:
- Location: Calzada de Amador, Panama City
- Hours: Wed–Sun, 10am–4pm
- Vibe: Artistic, ecological, educational
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning for cooler weather and fewer crowds
- Cost: Around $18 USD for adults
Breathing Deep in the Highlands of Boquete
Boquete wrapped around us like a cool breeze after heat—green, quiet, slow. Coffee farms blanketed the hills, and the scent of roasted beans drifted from every corner. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of place that teaches you how to exhale.” Morning mist, mountain trails, and the soft rush of waterfalls—it felt like nature’s lullaby.
What I Loved Most: Hiking the Pipeline Trail, crossing wooden bridges as birds called overhead and a gentle stream followed us like a soundtrack.
My Highlight? A cup of Geisha coffee at Finca Lérida, paired with a warm cheese empanada—rich, aromatic, and shared with a view that never stopped giving.
Plan Your Visit:
- Location: Chiriquí Highlands, western Panama
- Hours: Open year-round; trail and tour hours vary
- Vibe: Refreshing, serene, green
- Best Time to Visit: December to April for dry skies and clear views
- Cost: Free to explore; coffee tours from $25 USD
Island Escapes and Caribbean Blues in Bocas Del Toro
Bocas wasn’t a single place—it was a feeling scattered across islands. We hopped from boat to beach, salt in our hair and laughter in the air. I remember thinking, “This is the color of freedom—this water, this sky.” Coral reefs, reggae rhythms, barefoot dinners—it all felt like a long, joyful exhale.
What I Loved Most: Snorkeling in Starfish Beach, the water so clear and still, and the starfish scattered like golden secrets beneath the surface.
My Highlight? Lobster ceviche and fresh coconut water from a beach shack on Isla Bastimentos—no menu, no shoes, just bliss.
Plan Your Visit:
- Location: Bocas del Toro Archipelago, Caribbean coast
- Hours: Ferries and tours run daily
- Vibe: Laid-back, tropical, festive
- Best Time to Visit: September–October or February–April for drier weather
- Cost: Water taxis from $5 USD; tours and lodging vary
Crossing Continents at the Bridge of the Americas
We drove across the Bridge of the Americas just before sunset—the canal on one side, the Pacific on the other. And in that moment, it felt like everything was connected: oceans, lands, lives. I remember thinking, “How many beginnings have crossed this bridge?” It was less about the structure and more about what it symbolized—motion, connection, passage.
What I Loved Most: Pulling off at the lookout just past the bridge, watching ships glide beneath, golden light catching their steel edges.
My Highlight? Stopping for empanadas and tamarind juice from a roadside stall nearby. Sweet, tangy, and just the right pause before continuing on.
Plan Your Visit:
- Location: Spanning the Panama Canal at its Pacific entrance, Panama City
- Hours: Open access; driveable 24/7
- Vibe: Grand, symbolic, transitional
- Best Time to Visit: Sunset for unforgettable views
- Cost: Free to drive or walk
Clouds, Birds, and Peace in Cerro Azul
We climbed into the clouds on our way to Cerro Azul, and it felt like entering a different country—cool, misty, quiet. The tropical heat faded, replaced by mountain air and birdsong. I remember thinking, “This is where the sky comes down to rest.” From hidden waterfalls to parrot-filled trees, everything felt unhurried, unbothered, untouched.
What I Loved Most: Watching hummingbirds dart past while we stood on a wooden balcony sipping strong Panamanian coffee, the fog rising and falling like breath.
My Highlight? Fresh trout grilled simply at a local family-run restaurant—tender, lemony, served with yuca fries and a view that disappeared into clouds.
Plan Your Visit:
- Location: About 1 hour east of Panama City
- Hours: Accessible all day; restaurants open mid-morning to evening
- Vibe: Misty, peaceful, undiscovered
- Best Time to Visit: Morning for clearer views and active birdlife
- Cost: Free to explore; food and lodging vary
Sun and Sea at Coronado’s Pacific Shore
Coronado had that effortless vacation feel—sun-warmed sand, wide skies, and no one in a rush. It wasn’t showy, but it was easy to love. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of beach town that doesn’t ask for attention—it just gives you space to be.” We swam, we sipped, we sat under palm trees doing absolutely nothing. And that was everything.
What I Loved Most: The contrast—lush golf courses just minutes from the wild Pacific surf, and the kind of sunsets that quiet a whole beach.
My Highlight? A grilled snapper sandwich and cold maracuyá juice from a beachfront kiosk—barefoot and happy with sand between every toe.
Plan Your Visit:
- Location: About 1.5 hours southwest of Panama City
- Hours: Open beach access daily
- Vibe: Casual, sunny, chill
- Best Time to Visit: Dry season (December to April) for clear skies
- Cost: Free beach access; food and rentals optional
Leaving Panama with a Heart Full of Color
As we left Panama, I realized I wasn’t ready to go—not really. There were still birds I hadn’t seen, waters I hadn’t floated, foods I hadn’t tasted. But maybe that’s what makes Panama unforgettable. It doesn’t try to give you everything—it leaves you wanting more. I remember thinking, “Some places mark your passport—Panama marks your memory.” I’ll be back. There’s more sky, more sea, more soul here than I can carry in just one trip.
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