Category: What to do

Are you considering a Panama family vacation? Then look no further than our handy guide to visiting Panama with a family!

Travelling in Panama with your family is easy, fun and action-packed with so many activities on offer to cater to all ages and preferences. 

When planning your trip, the first question on your mind is likely to be:

Is Panama safe for family vacation?

In summary, yes! We know that parts of Central America have had a reputation for crime and might not be considered the best choice for families, but Panama is well developed and has a much lower rate of crime than its neighbouring countries.

There are frequent and reliable transport links between different cities, and the locals are super friendly and helpful.

As with any destination we recommend doing some research before you book accommodation, in case there are any particular districts or neighborhoods that should be avoided.

But rest assured that Panama is generally considered a safe country, and with so much on offer for it’s growing tourist crowds, we think you’ll love it for your next family vacation!

Read our detailed guide: Safety in Panama

Is Panama Family Friendly?

Panama is only small, but it’s very developed meaning that getting there is easy, and getting around is well catered for as well. We know that when you’re travelling with family, it’s important that the destination is easy to navigate and your itinerary is easily accessible. 

Thankfully, transport links in Panama are great and there are plenty of tour providers available to take the stress out of your planned activities!

As a country whose tourism industry is largely centred around the great outdoors, there is a lot of fun and adventure to be had in the rainforests, the mountains and on the sandy beaches of Panama’s Pacific and Caribbean coasts.

The kids will love the thrill of whizzing through the trees on a rainforest zipline, spying on the cheeky and playful monkeys swinging from the trees and splashing in the warm waves of the surrounding ocean. 

While the adventures are endless in Panama and guaranteed to be a hit amongst families, an added bonus is that your Panamanian vacation can also be educational. As one of Latin America’s top eco-adventure destinations, a vacation in Panama will bring you closer to wildlife, biodiversity and the culture of local communities.

Visits to the country’s best national parks and eco reserves are great for exploration, with the opportunity to spot rare species of birds and wildlife and learn about their natural habitat, the ecosystems of the tropical rainforest and the importance of preservation and conservation. 

Much of the country is built on natural resources and, with one of the most complex ecosystems on earth, Panama is a naturally beautiful and ecologically diverse vacation spot.

We think it is the ideal destination for your next family vacation, which will guarantee to keep the kids busy whilst enhancing their knowledge and compassion for the environment in an adventurous way.

Panama Resorts for families

In Panama there are plenty of options for your family vacation. Some of the best family resorts in Panama are located in and around the capital, Panama City. You might typically expect that high-rise hotels would be more commonplace in a capital city, but this is one of the benefits of choosing Panama as your next vacation destination.

The city is located near the coast with plenty of surrounding beaches in a landscape where the jungle meets the sand. Panama City’s resorts are located near the beach and are complete with multiple pools, bars and restaurants, spas and massage centres for the grown-ups and entertainment programmes for the little ones.

Most resorts offer water sports and activity packages, transporting you through the jungle on magical outdoor adventures. Yet within easy reach, you have the hustle and bustle of Panama City with its shops and restaurants, museums and galleries and of course, the stunning and iconic old town of Casco Viejo.

We find that this contrast makes Panama City one of the top destinations for a vacation with your family, as it really will cater to everyone’s needs and preferences. Plus, transport links from Panama City are excellent, meaning it’s a great base for exploring other parts of the country!

With endless amenities catering to adults and little ones in a tropical paradise setting, another great location for family resorts is Isla Bastimentos. Located in Bocas del Toro province and surrounded by the Caribbean sea, it is a family-friendly location with plenty of activities on offer in an idyllic island setting.

Read more: Best Beaches in Panama

When you’re considering Panama family resorts, all inclusive options are available and may be the most economical option, not to mention convenient. 

For the best Panama family vacation packages, consider traveling during the wet season – or, as we prefer to call it, the “green” season. Panama experiences year-round pleasant temperatures, so as far as the heat goes there really is no bad time to travel.

The seasons are defined by the rain, and the wet season falls between April and November in most of the country, while December to March is the dry season (and the peak of the tourist season).

Take a look at our month-by-month guides to see what you can do during the rainy season, but trust us, the short daily downpours should not deter you from travelling during the wetter periods. In fact, the natural landscape of Panama thrives in the rain and some of the best outdoor activities can be enjoyed at this time of year.

The trees are beautiful bright green and the wildlife vibrant and excited from the rain. Plus, the cost of travel and accommodation will be significantly cheaper – around 25-30% – than during the dry months, which is ideal for a family as we know these trips can get expensive.

Be sure to book in advance to get the best deals, and check out our other guides to start planning your itinerary!

Sprawled along the coast of the Province of Colon, Fort San Lorenzo and the surrounding ruined village of Chagres are one of the very few standing testaments of the political and socio-economic atmosphere of the Central American seaboard. The history of which is extremely colorful, sometimes violent, and involved many tries to gain control over this beautiful and lush territory. There are multiple components to the fortifications on the site sprinkled across the shores:

• San Fernando fortifications
  • Lower Battery
  • Upper Batter
  • Hilltop Stronghold
• San Jeronimo Battery Fort
• Santiago fortifications
  • Castle of Santiago de la Gloria
  • Batter and Hilltop Stronghold
• Old Santiago Fortress
• Ruins of Fort Farnese
• La Trinchera
• Buenaventura Battery
• San Cristobal
• San Lorenzo Castle
  • Upper Battery

Why is Fort San Lorenzo here?

The examples of the military architecture built by the Spanish Colonial Authority in the New World during the 17th and 18th centuries are best shown in this series of fortifications and castles. The Bay of Portobelo was first planned out to be fortified in 1586 after multiple pirate attacks on the town of Chagres and Portobelo’s harbour in the mouth of the Chagres River. It was significant to fortify the area because these two towns were the Carribean trade stops for the route through Panama from Peru. These trade routes were made to bring Incan gold and silver from South America, through Panama and back to the Kingdom of Spain. Other posts along the route were built in Veracruz, Mexico, Cartagena Colombia and Havana, Cuba. Research has shown that Fort San Lorenzo was part of a greater defense system across the seaboard.

The 400 year old ruins of San Lorenzo and Chagres were constructed primarily of massive blocks of cut coral. The armament of the fort was one of the most impressive in the era. With many historians suggesting that Fort San Lorenzo was actually the most heavily fortified and heavily defended territory in the entire world at the time. 

What’s the best way to see Fort San Lorenzo?

To get a good look at the well-maintained architecture, you can book a tour that will take you through this impressive stretch of human innovation and defense structures. The closest way to get to Fort San Lorenzo is to visit the Carribean city of Colon. You are also able to get through to the ruins from Portobelo as well as from Gatun. It is possible to visit in your way from Panama City to Colon. You can use a private car transfer like Daytrip which enables you to make such stops along the way.

Read our guide: How to get from Panama City to Colon

Do you need to book in advance to visit Fort San Lorenzo?

If you wanna have a tour, prices start at $50, and it is recommended to book your place at least two to three days in advance, and you are able to cancel up to 24 hours to be eligible for a full refund. Fort San Lorenzo is open from 8AM to 4PM.

Hidden away in the foothills of Panama City is a curious structure. An almost egg-shaped building with radiating pillars. Is it an observation tower? One with beautifully well-kept gardens and a 360 view of the city? 

No, this is the Templo Baha’i, or the Baha’i Temple. This relic of Latin American brutalist architecture is a symbol of religious acceptance in the country for a religion persecuted in the country of its roots. This building is pretty easy to get to, and does not involve much of a hike since it is not too far away from the nearest taxi station. 

For a great photo-op, cultural insight and a stunning view\\ from what seems like the top of the world, the Templo Baha’i is a modern day architectural wonder for religious observers, photographers and architecture buffs alike!

What is the Baha’i Faith?

The Baha’i Faith is one of the latest of the Abrahamic Religions to form, teaching the importance of the unity of the people with aspects of all religions. Established by Baha’ullah in 1863, it took hold in what is modern-day Iran, and quickly spread to the Middle East. After much backlash by the majority-Muslim population, the Baha’is then decided to spread the religion to other parts of the world, where they are able to practice their religion without fear of persecution. 

At its heart, Baha’ism looks to achieve the goal of the unified world with the guaranteed prosperity of all nations without discrimination of nations, race, creeds and sexual orientations. Universal love, for the lack of a better statement.

Also read: Best things to do in Panama City

How did it get to Panama?

In 1919, Martha Root, a teacher of the Baha’i faith travelled around Central and South America to spread the message of Abd’ul Baha, the founder and head of the Baha’i Faith. This is where Martha wanted the faith to take hold, as the Panama Canal would have created a perfect place to facilitate organic growth with travellers through the Canal. After which, it took awhile for the religion to actually manifest itself in the country. In 1936, after the death of Abd’ul Baha, there was a call to implement the religion worldwide and this was especially important in every Republic in the Americas. In 1940, the first pioneers settled in the country and hosted many conferences to try to convert as many people as possible. For the most part, it was successful, with many people of the Indigenous background also converting, a head feat to achieve. In the late 1940s, Panama City hosted many congregations of the faith internationally, to create unity between the Baha’i in Central America, Mexico and the West Indies. 

One of the most impressive followers of the Baha’i Faith was the large-scale conversion of the Guaymi people, an indigenous people in Panama. Their efforts, beginning in the 1960s, involved the funding of education in indigenous lands, and spreading the spiritual similarities with indigenous religions. 

The biggest wave of the Baha’i Faith in Panama was the large scale migration of the Baha’i followers from the Middle East who faced persecution in almost all Middle Eastern countries with the exception of Israel, for which its relative instability attracted the Baha’is to relocate to Central America. The immigration of Middle Eastern people has been a consistent trend in Latin America, and are an embraced people in the region. This caused the Baha’i population to grow to 60,000 people in Panama. 

The Baha’i Temple

The Baha’i temple in Panama City was founded in 1972 by Ruhiyyih Khanum and Zikrullah Khadem, after the death of Shoghi Effendi. This temple serves as the nucleus of the Baha’i Faith in Latin America. The temple was built on the mountain of Beautiful Song (La Montana del Dulce Canto) overlooking Panama City and the Pacific Ocean. The temple was constructed with local stones, which signifies the importance of the indigenous land in which the temple was built on unceded territory, and as a homage to the culture. 

Its brutalist architecture may seem weird from the distance, but the architectural significance of its round shape and radiating pillars signify the world and the spread of the religion of peace. Being the first Baha’i temple in Latin America, it is open to all visitors and contains Baha’i text in multiple languages, including English and Spanish. 

Do you need to book in advance to visit the Templo Baha’i?

The Baha’i temple does not receive many non-Baha’i visitors, so the temple is open to the public during the hours of 9:00 to 18:00, and you do not need to book in advance to visit the Templo Baha’i.

What’s the best way to see Templo Baha’i?

The serene beauty of the Baha’i temple sits in stark contrast with the hustle and the bustle of Panama City. Its beautiful location on top of the mountain and surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens makes great photographic opportunities, great historical insight on a religion that you would not otherwise find in a country like Panama, and it is a great getaway to take a short break from the busy metropolis atmosphere of Panama City. The view is 360 degrees and the gardens are beautifully well designed with flowers that are both local and brought in from all parts of the world. Butterflies usually frequent the garden and it is a great place to meditate and reflect in the peaceful quiet of the mountaintop.

Next, read: Best things to do in Colon

Originally planned by the French, and after a failed attempt in the 1880s, the United States took over and built a 50 mile stretch of the Panama inland. Opened in 1914, this marvel of human innovation was built as a lock canal. A lock canal is a canal built in terrain that is uneven. Rather than shaving down the terrain to make a streamlined canal for ships to freely pass through, which is more expensive and affects the surrounding environment, a lock canal is built to create minimal economical and ecological damage. Examples of a streamlined canal would be the Suez Canal in Egypt. After the handover of the Panama Canal to the Panamanians in 1999, Panama became a country of economic prosperity as well as a beacon of prosperity. This is a wonderful feat achieved in a place where there is massive instability and inequality. 

Is it worth seeing the Panama Canal? Where can you visit the Panama Canal?

The Panama Canal has since become a beacon of trade, and a testament to the achievements of human innovation. It is open to the public for people to learn, enjoy and explore this magnificent structure. There are twelve locks that make up the Panama Canal, and most of them are open for public viewing. The most popular and dramatic one is probably the Miraflores Locks, as it involves multiple steps, and is close in proximity to Panama City.

The Miraflores Locks Visitor Centre

One of the locks that form part of the Panama Canal is the Miraflores Locks. These are one of the 12 locks dotted along the canal. The Miraflores lock is one of the most significant as it is a two-step flight that takes each ship up the terrain. This allows transit for the ships to cross through the Pacific Ocean port in Panama City, below the Bridge of the Americas, and into the Carribean sea, or vice versa. 

The following schedule for the ships going through the Panama Canal is 06:00 to 15:15 for ships that travel from the Pacific into the Carribean, and 15:45 to 23:00 for ships that travel from the opposite direction. The rest of the times are available for either, however it should be reserved in a slot-based time frame. 

A visitor’s centre was built to allow the tourists who visit Panama City to have a full view of the operations of the Panama Canal. Bring some binoculars and a touch of curiosity, as you are going to view one of the most unique facets of human innovation in the world. 

The operation itself takes about thirty minutes, and you will be able to have an explanation of all the mechanisms by an operator as well as reading material and observation platforms to view the furthest point with a binocular. The centre has a four floor museum with interactive features. This focuses more on the history, and the effect on the surrounding ecology. 

How do I get to Miraflores Locks Visitor Centre?

You can either book a boat tour that will take you along the locks and through some of the other parts of the canal for a 6 hour time frame. You can enjoy the operations of the canal, learn about its mechanisms, as well as enjoy some brunch and sun! 

If you choose to go to the Miraflores Lock Visitor Centre on your own itinerary, you can take a taxi or a bus. It is very affordable and an extremely short drive from the actual city. There is a taxi service option that can take you to the centre, where you are able to view the operation for the thirty minute duration. The taxi driver will wait for you as the operation happens, and will be able to drive you back to Panama City. There will be a round-trip price involved, so agree on a price beforehand.

There is also a direct bus to the centre from the Albrook Bus Terminal in Panama City. However, the direct bus services are infrequent, so it is recommended to inquire with the local information centres. For adults, the admittance to visit the Miraflores Locks Visitor Centre is 15.00 USD, with lower rates for children and senior citizens. If you are a Panamanian national, you are able to be admitted for as little as 3.00 USD. The visitor centre is open from 8:00 to 17:30. 

For waterfall lovers, Panama is the ideal destination. From one side of the country to the next, there are hundreds of stunning waterfalls to visit, swim in and take a well-deserved break by! Panama is known mostly in the tourism sector for its beaches and its many forts and ruins, and its indigenous reserves. What is overlooked for much of the time is the beauty of the cascades rushing down the foothills of the Panamanian landscape. 

The waterfalls in Panama are some of the most impressive and extremely diverse in the world, and while it is achievable to do a waterfall tour and visit almost all of them, this is a guide on the best waterfalls in Panama, where they are, what to bring and what to do! 

What to bring when visiting waterfalls in Panama?

The best thing about visiting waterfalls in Panama is that you are able to complete two activities in one — hiking and sightseeing! Panama offers an astronomical range of beautiful hikes! They are easy to gauge and they are in varying difficulties. You can take an easy nature walk, or a serious trek, but one thing is the same: nature is beautiful! 

Since you are going to be walking in a tropical rainforest for much of these hikes, it is recommended to exercise a high degree of caution with respect to reading your environment. Do not touch the wildlife and interfere with their daily natural activities. It is potentially unsafe for both yourself and the animal or organism, and generally just not a very nice thing to do. Make sure to bring trekking shoes or hiking gear to pack some essentials and to be able to walk through the highly varying terrain under your feet. Make sure they are waterproof as hiking trails can be unpredictable and rivers can sometimes swell, leaving you to either hike around soft and wet soil, or walking through a bit of the water! Mosquito and insect repellent is an essential and is important to apply to yourself, so you can protect yourself from any insect-borne ailments. 

Read our detailed guide: Safety in Panama

For clothing, it is recommended to bring light and airy but athletic clothing, as well as some light rainwear if you are travelling in the rainy season. Now, enough about the technicalities. Let’s look at some waterfalls!

Panama’s Waterfalls

The Lost Waterfalls of Panama

Located by the beautiful small town of boquete at the foothills of Panama, the Lost Waterfall hike is one of the best attractions that bring people from all over the world to the town. Tours can be arranged that will be able to take you to the waterfalls, but you do have the option to go by yourself. Every half hour, there is a bus that will take you to the hiking trail, or you can alternatively take a taxi. Entrance fee is 7.00 USD, and the hike begins. Throughout the lush forest there are three of these lost waterfalls. The trick it to listen to the waterfalls as you go, and you will be able to find them. Listen to the cascades fall into the crystal clear gorges. The good thing about these waterfalls is that you do have the option to take a dip or a bit of a refreshing shower as a welcome escape from humidity. 

Anton Valley Waterfalls

The Anton Valley area is one of the most beautiful places in Panama. Located in the crater of an extinct volcano, past eruptions made the area extremely fertile and ripe for forests to grow and water formations to go in different directions. With this, the Anton Valley waterfalls formed. The two most famous are the El Chorro Macho and the Lovers Falls. Nestled deep inside the forest, El Chorro Machi is a delightful place to view the beautiful turquoise cascade rushing down the cliffs. The combination of the water and the green colour of the surrounding forest makes a beautiful sight to see. The Lovers Falls is ideal for a bit of a treat for nature lovers! The forest turns into a rocky path with cool spots to lounge in as well as the allowance to take a dip under the falls. The Lovers Falls are a tamer than other waterfalls, so you can splash around at your leisure! 

Yayas Falls

Flowing down near Penonome, Yayas Falls is a great place to spend a great conclusion to a somewhat arduous stair-based hike. This is definitely the perfect hike for people who like to trek to a beautiful goal on top! This one is great because it is a hike less traveled by, and paths that have less tourists are more popular with locals to traverse. This stunning waterfall is definitely worth a visit, and is great for photo opportunities as well as an enticing place to have a bit of a snack with the atmosphere of the rushing waters by you. 

Also, read our guide: The Best Beaches in Panama

Chorro de La Chorrera

This waterfall may not be too grand and dramatic, but it is a perfect place to find a relaxing and quiet time and to take a small dip in the gorge below. It is definitely one of Chorrera’s principal attractions. Take an easy stroll from the residential quarter of the city before arriving at the base of the waterfall. Here, you can set up a picnic or have an afternoon snack under the sun, while watching a beautiful waterfall rush past you! It is not exactly for bathing, but it is a perfect place to admire a nice natural attraction for an afternoon promenade in Panama’s second busiest city.

Aguila Waterfalls

The Aguila Waterfalls is one of the perfect places where you can step into a whole new world. It is a bit of an interactive height, so be prepared to walk through the crystal clear and cool waters of the Panamanian forests. The ferns and trees shooting into the sky with the tropical sunshine peeking through the forest. The terrain varies greatly as you approach the waterfalls. It goes from dirt trails, to multiple rive crossings, through to rocky canyon ways while finally reaching the multitude of waterfalls. A beautiful wall of water to reach with a cave option to explore as well! Admire the blue waters, vine covered boulders, and pleasant sunshines! 

From seaside attractions to the Panama Canal, it is not worth forgetting to visit the amazing nature walks that dot this beautiful country!

Panama lies between the Pacific Ocean and the Carribean Sea, a link between the North and South American continents, the gateway to the world’s economy. While a small country, the majority of the population live along the country’s long coasts. Aside from the economy of the Panama Canal and its burgeoning financial prosperity, Panama’s tourist economy is heavily based on the amazing beaches that frame the country. 

Does Panama have good beaches?

With the Pacific Ocean rushing to the shores with high winds, ripe for sailing, breezy climate great for sailing,  and hidden bays with miles of powdery sand all to yourself, the Pacific coast of Panama is a place of independent exploration and curious discoveries. The Carribean coast brings forth another side of Panama’s charm. The tame, warm waters almost hug the shores, where you can hole up on the beach for hours in the velvety hot air, the calm currents making great opportunities for splashing around and exploring the life underneath, and the brilliance of the turquoise waters that will glisten in the Carribean sun. 

A country of contrasts, the beaches will dazzle you with versatility and hospitality; whichever side you may choose!

Does Panama have clear water? Why is the sand black in Panama’s beaches?

Panama has one of the most beautiful waters in the region, and the activities to do are almost endless! Further, the waters around Panama’s shores are clear. This is due to the absence of organisms like plankton and other particles. Temperate oceans tend to facilitate plankton because of the biomes that suspend them throughout the waters, making the base of the food base in those oceans. Tropical ocean water is warm and extremely sterile as a result, making tropical waters generally nutrient-poor. Thanks to coral-reefs, the adaptation in the distribution of nutrients has created a good environment for tropical fishes to thrive.

Panama’s territory lies under what is commonly known as the ring-of-fire. This is a geological feature of the earth where volcanic and seismic events are commonplace around the rim of the Pacific Ocean. This means that Panama is no stranger to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions throughout its history. For thousands of years, the accumulation of volcanic ashes settling in the ocean, soil and dirt have created a heavily fertile landmass, as well as heavy minerals that, after weathering and erosion, turn into the black sand that you see today. These sands are glittery and beautiful and are not all tar-black like you would imagine. Lots of beaches in Panama have gold sand and peachy sands that are in part, thanks to the deposits of black sand.

Can you swim in the oceans in Panama? Are Panama’s beaches safe?

Panama is famed for its endless shores and great beach culture. This reputation does not come from nowhere. The country sells itself as a place where you can explore its many beaches and the possibilities are endless of where you can visit for a dip. With this being said, it is good practice to exercise great caution when you are visiting a beach away from population centres or any tourist sites as they are less likely to travel by. For the most part, most beaches have safe swimming areas when they are around or near tourist centres, but it is recommended to do safety-checks first. This is because most beaches do not employ lifeguards and, especially in the Pacific Coast, there are many riptides that dot the coast, so make sure to do some research with any of the beaches that you plan to go to. 

Read our detailed guide: Safety in Panama

Are there sharks in Panama?

Although the warm waters around Panama’s coast facilitate an ideal environment for sharks, most commonly bull sharks, shark attacks are rare. Between 2003 and 2009, there have only been four shark attacks. Two of which occurred thanks to fishermen actively irritating sharks, one of which are the typically docile nurse shark. According to the Wildlife Museum organization, the odds of being attacked by a shark are 1 in 3,748,067. So, breathe a sigh of relief and bring some swimming gear!

What are the nicest beaches in Panama?

Playa Bonita

The closest beach to Panama City, Playa Bonita is definitely a great place to begin your beachside journey through Panama. Mostly serviced by Dreams Playa Bonita, as well as other resorts, Playa Bonita is located on a calm section of the Pacific Ocean. The proximity of Playa Bonita to a metropolis might be worrying, but the Panamanian government as well as the trajectory of the sea currents keep any potential water pollution away from these beaches, so you will be safe swimming in these waters. It is recommended that you exercise caution when walking through the waters as some portions of the beach are slightly rocky, so ask a staff member to tell you where to look out for. 

Playa Blanca

Two hours away from Panama City on the Pacific Ocean, is the Playa Blanca area just by the town of Farallon. Most people who visit Playa Blanca stay at the Playa Blanca Resort, which services much of the beach. It is easily accessible from the Panamericana highway, and is well connected to inland tourist attractions. Playa Blanca is a very clean beach and extremely safe to swim in. The waters are warm and peaceful, and somewhat emulate the Carribean coast waters. Activities along Playa Blanca include but are not limited to swimming, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, fishing and boating. 

Boca Chica

A small fishing village on Panama’s Pacific coast, this village services the Gulf of Chiriqui. This is one of the protected areas of Panama, which facilitate awfully clean and pristine beaches and waters. This is perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. There are easy access to the beaches and some opportunities to visit the beaches in islands like Isla Palenque, Isla Bolanos, Isla Gomez and Isla Mono. Marvel at the trees spilling into the sea and the breathtaking bays and coves!

Rio Hato

One of the most impressive beach destinations in Panama, Rio Hato is surrounded in blissful isolation from the hustle and bustle of the rest of Latin american destinations. Surrounded by multiple national parks, the beaches that line endlessly along its coasts provide the best opportunities for you to have beaches all to yourself! With a landmass of 140 square kilometers and a population of 15,701 inhabitants, it’s very easy to find yourself having all the amenities to yourself. Visit the Playa Farallon where you can lay out by the beach while having beach access to restaurants and bars. 

Read our detailed guide: What to do in Rio Hato

Bocas del Toro

Located on an archipelago of islands on the Carribean coast, this is one of the most breathtaking areas of Panama. There is a huge abundance of coral reefs, which make it ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are many resorts and cabanas to stay in in Bocas del Toro. The beaches are mostly powdery, white sand. The crystal clear waters are ideal for swimming and boating. Bathe yourself in the warm Carribean waters, to get a full idea of how beautiful this country is!

San Blas

San Blas, Panama is another archipelago of islands located in the Pacific Coast. A little bit more isolated than Bocas del Toro, you can find islands all to yourself in these areas. Other than the beaches, San Blas has increasingly become a burgeoning scene for ecotourism and pristine environments. The best thing about San Blas is that you can book essentially all year round, since hurricanes are rare to make landfall in this area. Enjoy the culture of these islands by visiting these islands, which are the ancestral lands of the Guna people, and take a tide on one of their Cayukos, which is a traditionally built dug-out canoe. With lots of culture, beauty and relaxation, San Blas is definitely a list topper!

Keep exploring: Best Waterfalls in Panama