5 unmissable proposals in Panama

A impressive biodiversitythe richness of the Caribbean and Pacific coasts and a mix of cultures: Panama is positioning itself as a great destination for adventure, relaxation and sustainable tourism.

Far from the times in which It was considered just a place of passage or little known, today the fruits of years of hard work are collected showing that it is a destination with a lot to do and that it takes several days to take advantage of the opportunities and experiences there are to discover.

The Demand from travelers around the world grows and new tourist experiences also emerge to complement the classic “sun & beach”.

Traditional and modern at the same time, the destination attracts with its cultural heritage, its gastronomy, music and also its people.

Here is a selection of 5 unmissable proposals that combine sun, beach and ecotourism.

It is the most accessible national park due to its proximity from Panama City since it is 45 minutes by car.

Near the Panama Canal and crossed by the Chagres River, it has 22,000 hectares and protects environments such as the dry tropical forest, as well as many species of animals and the Chagres River.

Don’t forget to stop by Rainforest Discovery Centerconsidered a “bastion of ecotourism and environmental education.”

A spiral staircase will allow visitors to rise above the canopy of the jungle trees.

As with many national parks, hiking options are plentiful here.

For fans of the bird watching it is unmissable Pipeline Roada route that holds the record for the highest number of bird species observed in a 24-hour period: 357 species.

A figure that includes well-known and not so well-known birds, such as toucans, trogons, motmots, flycatchers, woodpeckers, hawks and tanagers, some of them super rare such as red-bellied woodpeckers, crested eagles, black toucans, syrystes, reddish fans, cuckoo -rufous-bellied terrestrial and harpy eagles, an endangered species.

One of the favorite destinations of tourists and also of Panamanians.

It is 45 minutes by plane from Panama City and is a destination that is characterized by its culture, its mangroves and reefs, its mountains covered with forests, ideal areas for surfing and much more.

Those who know the area well suggest tour on foot the La Amistad International Park (PILA) and the Palo Seco Protective Forest to see animals, visit the indigenous community Nose Tjër Diexplore their lands, sleep in their villages and learn about their customs.

Another suggestion is to visit Isla Colón, Isla Carenero and Isla Bastimentos to enjoy beaches, diving and scuba divingAfro-Caribbean culture and the beauty of life under the sea.

Throughout the Pan-American highwaythere is a stretch of 40 kilometers which stands out for its stunning beaches and green mountain slopes.

They are seduced by the beauty of the black sand beach of Coronado or the golden sands of Bijao, Playa Blanca and Buenaventura.

For the surfersthe waves of Chame are unmissable (especially in February, the time when kitesurfers flock to this destination), El Palmar, Playa Malibú and Playa Teta.

For the fishing fansthe season runs from December to February and then, in March, the tuna season arrives, ideal for those who like to fish in the high seas.

For the nature fansNot to be missed are the Antón Valley, the Chorros de las Mozas and Chorro de los Enamorados waterfalls, and the La India Dormida mountain. The same as exploring the Caldera Routea pilot initiative of the “1,000 kilometers of trails” project that was launched in 2021 and aims to develop trails throughout Panama.

It has been a World Heritage Site since 2005: the Coiba National Park is a marine reserve off the Pacific coast of Panama, in the Gulf of Chiriquí.

Ex colonia penal Located on an island, its access was historically limited. This allowed much of the area’s natural resources to remain intact. Currently, the marine park has one of the greatest biological diversities in the world.

It’s a renowned diving destinationwith access to the reef Damas Baythe largest on the western coast of the continent.

Underwater you can see manta rays, whales and hammerhead sharks. Between December and April, whale sharks are also seen.

Out of the water you can enjoy the local wildlife and go on excursions to see whales or take a hike through the jungle. Here there are more than 147 species of birds, monkeys, crocodiles and iguanas.

Attention surfers: the beaches around Coiba offer some of the best – and most consistent – waves in Central America.

He gulf of chiriqui It extends along the Pacific coast of Panama from the border with Costa Rica to the Azuero Peninsula. Has abundant vegetationcharming islands of white sand and one of the largest coral reefs in the Pacific.

The gulf is also home to one of the denser mangrove forests of Central America, as well as Panama’s largest island, Coiba. On your tour, you can explore the islands and mangrove areas of the National Marine Park. Additionally, due to the rich biodiversity of the Gulf, you will also find many conservation projects researching and protecting the area.

Charming and known for its cool climate, mountain landscapes and various outdoor activities.

Ideal for those who want to combine beach with more active tourism, with trails with waterfalls and animals, natural rock climbing. And also the possibility of tasting exquisite coffee and local food.

Adventure and nature options: from climbing the Los Ladrillos wall or kayaking or rafting on the Chiriquí Viejo River, to enjoying the hot springs of La Caldera and exploring fruit tree and Geisha coffee plantations.

In the coffee plantations you can learn the process of cultivation and production, planting and harvesting.

In the town of Boquete there are markets with crafts and traditional dishes made with fresh ingredients. Plus, farm-to-table experiences with local chefs, and visit orchid gardens.

Copa Airlines is the flag carrier and has a stopover program that allows passengers to make a stop in Panama from up to 7 days at no additional cost.

It has a tropical climate and its seasons are divided into the wet season (abundant rainfall, between May and November), and the dry season (December to April).

• Argentines can enter Panama with a passport that is valid for more than 90 days from the expiration date to the day they enter the country.

• $500 in cash to show financial solvency (regardless of credit cards).

• For now, vaccines are not mandatory.

• The local currency is the Balboa.

• 1 Balboa is equivalent to US$ 1, so the North American dollar also circulates.

• It is always recommended to carry change as it can be difficult to get.