Panama has countless attractions, and many more to discover, but these are, in consideration of this blog, the places you must-visit in Panama.
1. Casco Antiguo
Panama City, built after the previous city was burned.
Its colonial, neoclassical, Afro-Antillean, French and Art Deco street and buildings, some of its buildings have been restored, and others have even been turned into museums.
The place has squares, historical monuments, churches like the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Church of the Altar de Oro (Golden Altar), museums like the Panama Canal Museum, restaurants, bars, clubs, hotels, as well as the Presidential Palace and the first hotel in Panama, Hotel Central, still in operation.
The Casco Viejo has witnessed many historical events.
It is a favorite place for Panamanians and visitors to walk among its streets, take some photos and enjoy some craft beer. World Heritage.
2. Biomuseo
The Biomuseo is located in the Amador Causeway, it explains in a clear and modern way what the world was like before Panama, how the Isthmus arose and the changes that took place.
It has several rooms, you can see the animals, in real size, that previously inhabited America, some are interactive and one of the things I like is the earthquake simulator.
3. Beaches
Panama has several beaches, the most beautiful are those with crystal clear water and white sand.
Bocas del Toro has many facilities (lodging, hotels, tour operator offices, water and land activities, airport), most are in Colón Island and from there you can travel to the other islands, some are wildlife refuges.
San Blas (Guna Yala), is a region that also has facilities, although not so much, however, it has a large number of Virgin Islands and is home to the indigenous Gunas.
Iguana Island, one of my favorites, is a small paradise, located in the Pacific (Los Santos), it is a wildlife refuge.
4. Boquete
Located in the Chiriquí Province, it offers a cool and pleasant climate, it is known for La Feria de las Flores, coffee (being Geisha the most expensive coffee in the world), trails like Los Quetzales, and of course it is the main starting point to climb the Barú Volcano, the highest point in the country.
One of the things I love about Boquete is, after doing some activity, being able to enjoy some strawberries with cream and chocolate.
One of the trails that I liked the most is the Hanging Bridges.
5. Panama Viejo
First city of Panama in the current capital, it is currently an archaeological site where you can appreciate how it was built, climb the tower of the Cathedral.
From there appreciate the new city and visit the museum and learn what they were like and how they lived.
World Heritage.
6. El Valle de Antón
Of Course, this is one of 10 Places you will want to see in Panama, the most interesting thing about this place may be that it is the crater of a volcano and it is inhabited, so you can sleep inside a volcano.
Due to its height and vegetation, it has a cool climate.
This site has become a tourist place, due to the interest of all its attractions such as
- India Dormida Hill (mountain that has the shape of a lying woman),
- Gaital Hill (highest point and Natural Monument),
- El Níspero Zoo (where you can see the golden frog, endemic to Panama),
- Hot Springs,
- Serpentarium,
- Petroglyphs,
- square trees,
- trails,
- waterfalls (El Águila, Las Mozas, El Macho),
- and the market.
Due to its location it is a weekend getaway, either for the day trip or for the entire weekend.
One of the things that I enjoy the most is simply walking through its streets, seeing the landscapes and enjoying the weather.
7. Barro Colorado Island
Barro Colorado Island was previously a hill, but after the waters of the Panama Canal were flooded it became an island.
The importance of this place is that it is a study island, where man does not intervene, it is a Smithsonian research site for tropical forests.
It also belongs to the Mesoamerican Corridor, this means that the animals’ migration point. Natural Monument
8. Know some of the Indigenous Communities
Panama is a country where indigenous people can live in regions or their own communities, thus maintaining much of its essence.
Some of which you can visit are Guna Yala, Emberá Querá, Emberá Tusípono, Emberá Druá, Emberá Majé Cordillera.
The interesting thing is to know the culture and how they use what they need of the moderate thing to continue.
Some of them live or visit the capital, but some of them, especially the Emberá will dress like the city dwellers.
9. Panama City
Modern and cosmopolitan city, with skyscrapers and attractions, among them, the Cinta Costera and the Causeway of Amador, used by many to practice sports and amuse themselves by the sea.
It is also the place for shopping lovers, for its malls and squares, with multiple stores and boutiques of international designers.
It also has countless restaurants (designated a Creative Gastronomic City by UNESCO), it also has hotels, bars, clubs, museums, among others. A good viewpoint of the City is Ancón Hill.
10. Panama Canal
The Panama Canal, one of the greatest attractions of this isthmus, could not be missing, a great work of engineering, with more than 100 years, that shortens distances for ships.
You can visit Miraflores Locks and the new ones of the Expanded Canal, see closely the passage of ships and learn about their history, challenges and benefits for trade.
You can also choose to cross it with a tour operator, either half transit or full transit.
Other places you may like
- 7 Panamanian Craft Beers Yon Can Get at the Supermarket
- 7 Churches of Casco Antiguo
- Ancón Hill, Tropical Humid Forest and Viewpoint of Panama City
- 5 Panamanian Breakfasts that You Must Taste