13 days in the Panamanian Caribbean

What to do

Welcome to our capital! Are you ready to start exploring? Let’s start at the Cinta Costera. Enjoy the ocean breeze and walk along this promenade that takes you from the tall skyscrapers of the city center to the Casco Antiguo, or old town.

A neighborhood full of colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and stories tucked behind every door. Visit the museums, watch the sunset from one of the terraces, sample the city’s exquisite cuisine, and enjoy its nightlife.

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Do you have time for a little more exploration? Take a day trip to the islands that lay closest to the city. Take a ferry to Taboga and unwind while you look out for dolphins and whales on this short trip. On the island, walk through the village and enjoy a day at the beach.

What to do

Ready to continue the adventure? Now that you were able to enjoy the Pacific Ocean on day one, it’s time to explore the Panamanian Caribbean. Let’s go from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea in one day. Before arriving in Portobelo, the province’s tourist capital, stop off at Buenaventura.

Tours to Venas Azules depart from here. You can embark on a tour of small mangrove islands that make up a paradise of turquoise sea, surrounded by a small, lush forest. Swim in crystal-clear waters and don’t forget to take your camera for the perfect photo.

Return to the port and continue your tour. Have you ever imagined being surrounded by pirate legends? The town of Portobelo is a blend of history, Afrodescendant culture, and tradition. It’s a port that leads to beautiful beaches, a walled city that saw conquest, pirates, and plundering, but that continues to shine with the colors of Congolese culture.

Visit it to see part of the monumental complex of forts and batteries declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visit the church and learn about the history of the Black Christ, walk down its narrow streets amidst colorful houses, and, of course, play with the Congolese devils to the sound of the drums.

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Want to explore beaches that few have ever visited? Head to the port and take a boat tour to nearby beaches and islands, such as Playa Huerta and Playa Blanca. On the other side of the bay you can discover the Fuerte de San Fernando, a historic fortress built during the Spanish colonial era. Contact local operators for birdwatching tours, a hike through Portobelo National Park, or a kayaking trip in the bay.

What to do

Looking to connect with the sea? Take a boat to the pristine Isla Mamey, a small island where you can relax and reconnect with nature. Facing the white-sand beach, the turquoise water is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. If you’re looking for a little more, hike the trail that takes you to the highest part of the island for a panoramic view of the paradise you’re visiting.

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Looking to connect even more with your surroundings? Take advantage of the camping areas and don’t miss out on the chance to sleep under the stars. Pitch your tent or hang up a hammock and spend as many nights as you like enjoying paradise. There’s a restaurant and restroom facilities.

What to do

Want to experience the true warmth of the Caribbean? Take a boat from the port of La Guaira and visit Isla Grande. Don’t be fooled by its name, Isla Grande is actually less than 30 km² in size, but it has a huge spirit. It’s the perfect place if you’re looking for a Caribbean beach with a good selection of activities, such as snorkeling, restaurants specializing in Afrodescendant cuisine, and beachfront accommodation.

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Have time for a quick stop before reaching Isla Grande? Be sure to chat with your guide and ask to stop by the natural pools. You’ll find another spectacular mangrove walk that will take your breath away.

What to do

The route to La Guaira is well trodden. From there on, the path is for true explorers.

Ready for one last beach before heading back? Head to the end of the road, cross the Cuango River, and enjoy the last beach in Costa Arriba. Disconnect from everything and just enjoy the ocean and the golden sand. You’re at the end of the road and away from any large-scale construction, but you can still find accommodation and a community.

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Let’s get to know the locals and their wonders! On the way from La Guaira to Cuango, you’ll pass through several historic towns where you can find rental houses, campsites, and hostels overlooking beautiful beaches where you can swim in crystal-clear waters and snorkel over coral reefs. Make stops in Nombre de Dios, Viento Frio, and Palenque.

The main attractions here are the beaches and the close contact with nature. Feel free to explore and find secluded spots where you can take a break and enjoy the beauty of the Caribbean coastline.

What to do

We’ve finished our tour of Costa Arriba, and now we’re heading to Costa Abajo. Return to the Sabanitas turnoff and follow the main road to Colon, the provincial capital.

Visit the Agua Clara Visitor Center to learn about the new Panama Canal locks. Learn how this massive engineering feat, a canal expansion undertaken by Panamanians between 2006 and 2016, was carried out.

Ready to see more of the Panama Canal? Take the internal shuttle to the Gatun Locks observation deck. Cross to the other side to see the original locks, a construction of over 100 years old that remains at the forefront of technology and global trade.

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Do you have a little extra time and want to explore the city of Colon? This small town, known as the “little cup of gold,” has a warm, cheerful, and picturesque vibe, and its people’s history deserves a great deal of recognition. Unlike Portobelo, Colon’s culture is Afro-Antillean, something you’ll notice even more in its cuisine.

Looking for something delicious? Stop by a bakery to try pan bon, a very famous local dish. Also, try icing glass, a seaweed-based drink traditional to the Afro-Antillean culture of this part of the Panamanian Caribbean.

What to do

Looking to take a little trip back in time? Visit Castillo de San Lorenzo Real de Chagres to complete the historic complex of monumental forts and batteries that has been declared a World Heritage Site. Walk through the reconstructed castle to get a sense of the impressive walls that protected the treasures, and learn more about the history of pirates and the Chagres River route.

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Be inspired by the nature around you! The forest surrounding the castle is part of San Lorenzo National Park, a 14,000-hectare protected area. Explore it, visit the batteries, hike the trails in search of wildlife, and discover hidden beaches.

What to do

Ready to experience more of the power of the Caribbean? The beach landscape of Costa Abajo is a little different from what you’re used to. Here, you’ll mostly see cliffs that the waves crash against powerfully and the Caribbean can be felt in the air. The natural pools are set back, and the waves invite you to play carefully among the rocks. At Palmas Bellas, you can spend some time in cliff-top cabins to enjoy the scenery for a few days.

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Did you enjoy this so much you wanted to stay a little longer? Along the way, you’ll find glamping options: an experience to connect with nature, sleeping in a tent, but with all the comforts you could need.

What to do

One more town before the end? Reach the end of the road, enjoy the scenery, and stop in the last town on the road. Here, the landscape changes again. Visit a beach without waves and take a boat from the mouth of the Miguel de la Borda River.

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Ready to discover a secret in the middle of the Caribbean? Take a boat ride upriver to Chorro San Lucas to discover a hidden landscape and bathe in the waterfall’s natural pool, surrounded by lush greenery and freshwater.

What to do

Want to explore the hidden side of the Panama Canal? On the way back to the city, you’ll find Gamboa, a town built exactly halfway along the Panama Canal. On the banks of the Chagres River and Gatun Lake, Gamboa is surrounded by a pristine forest, a haven for hundreds of native species that are part of the unique biodiversity of the Panama Canal basin.

Head to the port and take a tour of Gatun Lake, an essential part of the canal. Sail among the enormous ships on their interoceanic journey, visit an island full of monkeys, and look for turtles, crocodiles, and other native species.

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Head to Gamboa to visit a butterfly farm, see sloths, ñeques (agoutis), and cats, and climb a bird-watching tower. Visit the pipeline trail, one of the trails in Soberania National Park that connects Gamboa to Panama City, and discover the tropical rainforest and everything it holds.

What to do

Ready to experience something unforgettable? The Chagres River is home to the Emberá-Wounaan indigenous community. Take a tour with them; they will open the doors of their ancient home to you, so you can learn about their culture, art, and cuisine. Navigate the river, swim in natural pools, and learn all about our ancestors. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.

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If you’re feeling particularly adventurous and have more time to enjoy yourself, book a private tour of Barro Colorado Island. The island has been the Smithsonian Institution’s tropical research center for over 100 years, a haven for nature and biodiversity experts and enthusiasts. Please note that prior reservations are required to visit Barro Colorado.

What to do

Do you have more days to explore? Panama City has it all. Take the time to explore the three hidden cities in this small but powerful capital. Visit Panama Viejo, the exact spot where Panamá was born. Tour the ruins and the Plaza Mayor Museum to walk through history and learn about the Conquest, the founding of the city, the gold that passed through, and the pirates who destroyed it. Return to Casco Antiguo, the second largest city, where survivors of pirate attacks took refuge, and visit all the museums.

Finally, explore the new city, surrounded by skyscrapers, and visit the best restaurants in our culinary hubs to discover why we’ve been given the honor of the Creative City of Gastronomy title. Remember, don’t miss out on the opportunity to dine at an inn and sample our exquisite fried foods.

Here, you’ll discover that Panama City is more than just buildings and shopping. Visit the Metropolitan National Park, a green lung in the middle of the city full of wildlife. Climb to the top of Ancon Hill for the best panoramic views of the city. Walk along the Amador Causeway, where you’ll have the Pacific Ocean on both sides.

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Panamá is home to dozens of cultures that have formed solid colonies, eager to share their traditions, religions, and cuisine. When you visit, be sure to explore the religious temples that open the door to these worlds within a single reality. Visit the Bahá’í, Hindu, and Chinese temples. Dine in a Vietnamese or Greek restaurant, and don’t miss out on some dim sum, the famous Chinese breakfast. Let yourself be carried away by their stories, which are as much ours as they are the world’s, and discover more paths to explore.