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10 Top Tourist Attractions in Panama

Last updated on October 1, 2020 in Panama 16 Comments

While visitors to Panama may come for the Panama Canal, they stay for everything else. Known as the “Crossroads of the Americas,” Panama is not only the geographical point where North America meets South America but also where the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans meet in the country’s famed canal. The original meaning of the word “panama” means “abundance of fish,” and fishing is just one of the many water sports and activities that visitors to Panama can enjoy. More highly developed than neighboring Central American countries, Panama enjoys a modern infrastructure, making travel through the tropical paradise easy and convenient. Here are the top tourist attractions in Panama that are well-worth visiting.

10. Playa Las Lajas

Playa Las Lajaswikipedia/Ayaita

Playa Las Lajas is a beautiful beach that extends for more than 13 km (8 miles) along the Gulf of Chiriqui on the Pacific Coast. With little current and perfect water temperatures, Las Lajas is ideal for swimming and bodysurfing. Rustic shacks and cheap restaurants are clustered on the beach at the end of the road. For now it remains a hidden treasure still undiscovered by the large hotel chains and hordes of tourists.

9. Isla Taboga

Isla Tabogaflickr/Adam Reeder

Located about 20 kilometers from Panama City, Isla Taboga is Panama’s favorite escape out of the city to bathe in its sandy beaches, ride Jet Ski’s, speed boats and fishing charters. First settled by the Spanish in 1515, Isla Taboga has a charming village with the second-oldest church in the western hemisphere, a few narrow streets with a few restaurants and great views to Panama City from the top of the Island.

8. Pearl Islands

Pearl Islandsflickr/f. ermert

Indigenous peoples populated the Pearl Islands until Spanish Conquistadors discovered the archipelagos’ wealth of pearls in the 1500s. The islands gained new popularity after being featured on the reality television show Survivor. The islands feature lush forests surrounded by white sandy beaches. Contadora Island is the most developed of the Pearl Islands, with several resorts and an airstrip. Visitors can charter private yachts to cruise and explore the islands.

7. Amador Causeway

Amador Causewayflickr/cormac70

The Amador Causeway connects the three islands by the entrance to the Panama Canal to the mainland. From the causeway, there is a terrific view of Panama City, and the Bridge of the Americas. Many Panamanians like to spend their weekends jogging, riding a bicycle or rollerblading down the causeway, or having a meal or drinks in one of the many restaurants and bars on the islands.

6. Sendero Los Quetzales

Sendero Los Quetzalesflickr/tripleyew

Sendero Los Quetzales near the small town of Cerro Punto is one of Panama’s most beautiful trails. The 9 km (5 miles) route starts east of town and takes between four and seven hours. The trail winds through the cloud forest of Parque Nacional Volcán Barú and follows the Río Caldera, crossing it several times en route. It ends in the mountains above Boquete. The trail can also be hiked in reverse, but it’s entirely uphill from Boquete. Because the trail is not well marked it is recommend to hire a guide or join an organized tour.

5. Santa Catalina

Santa Catalinaflickr/Alex Proimos

The international surfing community has tried to keep this idyllic spot a secret, but the word is out that Santa Catalina offers world-class surfing. Located on the Chiriquí Gulf, the town doesn’t offer a lot in the way of amenities, but its beautiful beach surrounded by jungle forests makes it an ideal destination for those who wish to enjoy Panama’s natural beauty.

4. San Blas Islands

San Blas Islandsflickr/whl.travel

Located in Eastern Panama, the San Blas Islands is the best place to explore the rich culture of Panama’s indigenous people, the Kuna. The Kuna people view this area as their own but are warm and welcoming to visitors. One member of the tribe is stationed on many of the area’s tiny tropical islands, and for a nominal fee, they allow visitors exclusive use of the island for the day.

3. Coiba

Coibaflickr/laszlo-photo

The waters of Panama are unmatched in their level of marine diversity, and nowhere is this more evident than in the Coiba National Marine Park. The island of Coiba is the largest island in the park, as well as the largest island in all of Central America. More than 800 species of marine life are present in the area. The park is known as one of the best places to enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving on the Pacific Coast.

Whale sharks can be seen in large numbers between February and May, while humpback whales frequent the area between June and October to give birth to their calves. What’s more, the island’s pristine beaches are ideal for relaxing and sunbathing. This nature lover’s paradise can be reached by boat rides and tour operations from the mainland in coastal towns like Santa Catalina, and Mariato on the Azuero Peninsula.

2. Bocas Town

Bocas Townflickr/Roman Konigshofer

The capital of the Bocas del Toro Province, Bocas del Toro is a favorite spot for scuba divers, and as the dives are shallow, it’s particularly suited for particularly for beginners. An extensive coral reef features colorful varieties of tropical fish. Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1502, the area remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in Panama. In Bocas del Toro, visitors routinely hike through the lush rainforest to enjoy empty stretches of beautiful shoreline.

1. Panama Canal

#1 of Tourist Attractions In Panamaflickr/wirralwater

The Panama Canal stands as one of the world’s greatest feats of engineering. Visitors can take either a partial or complete crossing of the canal. Crossings take four to eight hours. Many visitors choose to explore the canal by visiting the Miraflores Locks Museum. From the restaurant located at the top floor of the museum, visitors can watch transiting vessels in the canal below.

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Comments

  1. Mathieu Rybarczyk says

    August 31, 2019

    My wife and I went this July for our wedding anniversary to Panama we had an awesome time. The Panama Canal is one of the best experience to do. But my favorites is Monkey Island. Those monkeys are so cute and adorable not to mention hilarious

  2. lucy says

    June 7, 2017

    @Kristin from MN, I have not taken a ferry to those places but I do know that motion sickness can occur when move in anything that can rock around or shake.

  3. Kristin from MN says

    September 29, 2014

    Has anyone taken the ferry to the Pearl Islands or the boat to San Blas? We will be there this winter. I want to go to both of those places, but I’m very prone to motion sickness. Have you heard if people that suffer motion sickness tend to get sick on the ferry/boat rides to these islands? Thanks!

  4. touropia says

    August 8, 2014

    @Summer, you could visit Casco Viejo in Panama City, soak in the hot springs in Boquete, hike Volcan Baru, see also https://www.touropia.com/best-places-to-visit-in-panama/

  5. Summer says

    August 7, 2014

    So for someone who is from the Caribbean where sun, sea and sand is an everyday occurence, is there anything else to see besides the Panama canal?

  6. saleem shah says

    March 10, 2014

    Pearl Islands It’s so beautiful!

  7. Abigail says

    January 26, 2014

    I would love to visit the Sab Blas Islands! It’s so beautiful!

  8. Marion C says

    January 14, 2014

    Hi everyone,
    If you are with family wanting to spend a day out on a sailing boat and spend the day at isla de Taboga, I know a great deal (55$/pers i think) lunch and drinks included!

  9. ethanbrown says

    January 7, 2014

    Santa Catalina,Pearl islands and Volcan Baru are most attractive places in panama. I decided whenever i have one week vacation, Really wanna to visit these places..

  10. Hanita says

    December 17, 2013

    I’ve been guiding tours in Panama the last two years, and yes! This is a real top list of hot places to visit in Panama. I do recommend diving, snorkeling, fishing, trekking and hiking activities. You’ll find adventurous spots at the capital, Panama city, and into the all country.

    Thanks for sharing quality info!

  11. scarlette says

    November 18, 2013

    i’m going there soon! Its seems beautiful

  12. Dany says

    July 6, 2013

    i live in panama

  13. Vicky says

    September 18, 2012

    It’s a toss up between Panama and Cuba for my next big trip – I think Cuba’s winning though. Is Panama just lots of beaches?

  14. matt says

    August 14, 2012

    I remember visiting Panama about 5 years ago and was one of the most beautiful places to visit.

  15. Armands Balodis says

    July 24, 2012

    I would like to visit one of the tiny San Blas Islands and experience loneliness like Robinson Crusoe.

  16. John Rica says

    May 26, 2012

    You are covering all the beautiful places of central America and best part of this that you are also providing brief description of all the places.

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