10 Days in Panama City
A modern metropolis located between the lushness of the rainforest and the Pacific...
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The Riviera Pacifica in Panamá is a beach and mountain area with beautiful waterfalls just over an hour's drive from Panama City. Here you will find adventure activities and activities to enjoy with the family. The tourist offer covers beaches with waves and schools to practice surfing, mountains for hiking and restaurants with local and
international cuisine.
Start your adventure on the sea at Punta Chame with kite, surf or foil lessons. Here you can learn from experienced instructors in one of the best places to practice water sports in Panamá. The wind and wave conditions are ideal for practicing these sports, no matter your level. As if that weren't enough, the beachy vibe of the place invites you to spend the day surrounded by locals who have surfed these coasts all their lives.
After your adventure at sea, enjoy an authentic Panamanian meal in a diner, they are small casual restaurants, especially in those located at the entrance to Playa Coronado. Depending on the time you arrive, the experience will include the traditional breakfast: hojaldre, torrejitas, lechona, to name a few dishes. If you arrive for lunch, the menu includes sancocho, rice with chicken, patacones and chopped steak, among others. It is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the country's culinary culture.
Embark on a fishing and sailing trip to the Otoque and Bona islands, which in addition to being absolutely paradisiacal, have towns that you can visit. The latter is a nesting and breeding site for thousands of tropical seabirds, so you can enjoy bird watching on your route. Also enjoy the excitement of fishing in one of the classic weekend areas among fishing enthusiasts in the country. It is an all-day experience that is perfect for lovers of the sea and nature.
After two days at sea, it's time to head to the mountainous side of the Riviera Pacifica. Explore the impressive circuit of waterfalls called Las Filipinas, hidden gems in the Altos del Maria area, located in the town of the same name. These are easy to access and
highly recommended for families. Continue the adventure in the Cajones de Chame, a set of canyons through which the Chame River passes. Here you can enjoy the afternoon exploring or you can also venture into tubing down the river, an adrenaline-pumping activity. It is a day full of emotions and contact with nature.
One of the most famous places to see Panamá from above is Cerro Picacho de la Laguna de San Carlos, which is 3.5 km long and consists of a walk of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
You can't leave without spending time at the foot of Cerro Picacho, where you're sure to find more people enjoying the surroundings. After the hike, relax with a picnic at Laguna de San Carlos. This peaceful place is perfect for resting,enjoying an outdoor lunch and admiring the scenery. Bring a blanket and your favorite food to enjoy the lagoon.
It's time to return to the sea to enjoy the Panamanian Pacific. Embark on a catamaran from the Vista Mar dock for a day of sailing. Throughout the year, dolphins come out to greet the boats, and during mating season, you can go whale watching for humpback whales, which choose the warm Panamanian waters to have their young. The tour operators will approach them cautiously and at a respectful distance. You will live an unforgettable experience.
During your catamaran tour you can enjoy water sports that get your heart racing while you enjoy the view. This is the ideal time for snorkeling, island hopping to discover different beaches and kayaking. Explore the crystal-clear waters,discover the marine life
and paddle around paradise islands. It's a perfect day to enjoy the sea, adventure and the natural beauty of the Riviera Pacifica.
This is one of the most impressive hiking spots in Panamá. With a wooden walkway over the treetops, Cerro La Gaita,located within the Altos del Maria residential complex, in the Sora area, welcomes you. Once you reach the parking lots,you will climb under lush trees, then pass through stairs that lead to the wooden platform at the top. Enjoy the scenery calmly, as the climb is not too long. Once at the top, the weather can offer you a spectacle with fog that will make you feel like you're in a movie.
The Riviera Pacifica is a destination with many beaches and enjoying them is very easy. Whether it's in its all-inclusive resorts, hotels with day passes or in the lodges you'll find along the coast. Other options include Pipa's Beach House, a full-service beach club with facilities for lunch and small ranches to spend the day. Restaurants such as Kilian, which serves international cuisine, and Casa Greca, famous for its pizzas in the area, complete the gastronomic offer. There are many options, but all have one thing in common: atmosphere, music and seafood delicacies such as ceviche or fried fish.
Continuing in the Sora area, which is part of Chame, you can explore the El Manglarito waterfall, which is another hook for hiking enthusiasts. This waterfall is located in a rocky area with a cool climate that contrasts with the heat of the beach. The formation of
the waterfall is peculiar, as it does not fall straight down, but forms an inverted L shape that makes it even more attractive. Like most waterfalls in Panamá, El Manglarito ends in a pool of fresh water where you can cool off after the hike.
Every waterfall and trail adventure in the Riviera Pacifica should include a good Creole lunch, the kind you can find in the town's diners. Savor traditional Panamanian dishes such as rice with guandu, fresh seafood, stewed chicken, fried plantains and fair salad, among others. It's a delicious way to end your trip, enjoying the authentic flavors of Panamá.
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