Panama Travel Blog: Where Two Worlds and Oceans Meet

Welcome to Panama: Gateway Between the Worlds

Panama is a country like no other — connecting North and South America, and linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans via the legendary Panama Canal. But beyond the canal lies a world of rich biodiversity, indigenous culture, cosmopolitan energy, and coastal tranquility.

Whether you're trekking through jungles, discovering tribal islands, or gazing over the skyline of Panama City, this tropical gem invites you to explore its duality — old and new, wild and urban, land and sea.

🚢 The Panama Canal: A Modern Marvel

• One of the 7 Engineering Wonders of the Modern World, the Panama Canal is a must-see.

• Visit the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center to witness ships rising and falling through massive chambers.

• Take a partial or full-day Panama Canal cruise for an unforgettable experience navigating this human-made waterway that reshaped global trade.

🌆 Panama City: Old Soul, Modern Pulse

Panama City is a blend of glimmering skyscrapers, colonial architecture, and lush rainforest in its backyard.

• Casco Viejo (Old Quarter) – A UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with Spanish colonial buildings, boutique hotels, and rooftop bars.

• Cinta Costera – A scenic coastal walkway great for biking, sunsets, and skyline views.

• Amador Causeway – Offers views of the canal entrance, the BioMuseo (designed by Frank Gehry), and access to oceanfront dining.

🏝️ San Blas Islands: Caribbean Paradise

• Located in the Caribbean Sea, the San Blas Archipelago is made up of 365+ islands — many completely uninhabited.

• Home to the Guna Yala people, this area offers a truly authentic indigenous experience.

• Stay in eco-friendly huts, snorkel coral reefs, and experience no internet, no stress — just sea and stars.

🌳 Eco-Adventures & Jungle Treks

Panama is a biological bridge between two continents. It’s teeming with wildlife, waterfalls, and cloud forests.

• Soberanía National Park – Ideal for birdwatching (over 500 species!) and spotting monkeys and sloths.

• Boquete – A cool highland town surrounded by coffee plantations and hiking trails, including the trail to Volcán Barú, Panama’s highest point.

• Bocas del Toro – Caribbean islands with colorful vibes, coral reefs, and overwater bungalows.

☕ Coffee, Cuisine & Culture

• Panamanian coffee, especially from Boquete, is world-renowned. Try the rare and expensive Geisha coffee.

• Local dishes like sancocho (chicken soup), ceviche, and patacones (fried plantains) are hearty and delicious.

• Influences from Afro-Caribbean, Indigenous, Spanish, and Chinese cultures are woven into food, music, and art.

🎉 Festivals & Traditions

• Carnival in Las Tablas – Panama’s largest celebration with parades, costumes, and non-stop dancing.

• Semana Santa – Easter celebrations marked by processions and devotion.

• Guna and Emberá communities – Learn about Panama’s Indigenous heritage through immersive village visits.

🌟 Why Visit Panama?

• Witness the iconic Panama Canal

• Enjoy Caribbean and Pacific coasts in one trip

• Trek through cloud forests and volcanoes

• Explore vibrant, modern cities with colonial charm

• Connect with indigenous cultures and off-grid island life

• Experience wildlife diversity found nowhere else on Earth

📍 Travel Tips

• Capital: Panama City

• Currency: Balboa (PAB) & US Dollar (USD)

• Language: Spanish

• Best Time to Visit: December to April (dry season)

• Connectivity: Very well-connected; Panama City is a major air hub