Panama may be small in size, but it’s gigantic in experiences. Its unique fusion of history, modernity, wild biodiversity, heavenly beaches and living cultures turns it into one of the most diverse destinations in Central America. From the buzz of its capital to the calm of its islands, Panama delights travellers from across the globe with landscapes and experiences for every kind of adventure.
Portobelo
A cosmopolitan city with a historical soul
Panama City is the best starting point for discovering the country. Its contemporary skyline stands in striking contrast to the colonial charm of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Amid cobbled streets, historic plazas and restored façades, visitors uncover cafés, galleries, rooftops and a cultural scene humming with energy.
Visitor centre at Agua Clara
Just minutes from the city, the Panama Canal promises a must-see experience unlike any other. From the visitor centres at Miraflores or Cocolí, onlookers can watch ships pass at close range and grasp the historic significance of this engineering feat that links two oceans and reshaped global trade.
The capital doubles as a culinary hub, home to everything from celebrated chef-driven restaurants to bustling spots like the Seafood Market, where ceviche is the undisputed star.
Living culture: a country of diverse identities
Panama is a richly layered cultural mosaic, where Indigenous, Afro-Antillean, European and Latin American traditions blend seamlessly.
Fuerte San Fernando
On the Caribbean coast, the Guna Yala region opens a window into the life of the Guna people, renowned for their intricate molas, their sea-infused lifestyle and their autonomous governance of the territory.
In the Darién rainforest and other regions, the Emberá and Wounaan communities keep their ancestral traditions vibrantly alive, inviting travellers to dive into their art, music, dances and rich way of life.
Museums such as the Biomuseo, designed by Frank Gehry, complete the cultural picture, revealing how the isthmus emerged and why it became a cornerstone of the planet’s biodiversity.
Panama is a destination where visitors can connect with genuine stories, vibrant traditions and an ever-evolving cultural identity.
Lush nature and one-of-a-kind biodiversity
Strawberry poison dart frog
Panama is one of the planet’s top hotspots for biodiversity per square kilometre. The country is home to cloud forests, rainforests, mangroves, volcanic peaks and two oceans teeming with marine life.
Just outside the capital, the Soberanía National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise. In the heart of the city, the Metropolitan Natural Park offers the chance to wander among giant trees and along tropical paths without stepping outside the urban landscape.
In the Chiriquí mountains, destinations such as Boquete and Barú Volcano bring cool air, secret waterfalls, scenic trails and landscapes that feel lifted from another world. This is also where the renowned Geisha coffee is grown, one of the most exclusive in the world.
On the Caribbean side, Bocas del Toro dazzles with its turquoise waters, jungle-fringed beaches and vibrant marine life. And on the Pacific, the Gulf of Chiriquí is ideal for spotting humpback whales between July and October, as well as for snorkelling, kayaking or diving.
Two oceans with beaches for all tastes
Island Wailidup, San Blas
Few destinations in the world allow visitors to enjoy beaches on both the Caribbean and the Pacific on the same trip.
Along the Caribbean, the islands of San Blas (Guna Yala) serve up an idyllic blend of white-sand shores, crystal-clear waters and unmatched cultural authenticity. In Bocas del Toro, beaches such as Red Frog Beach, Cayos Zapatilla and Starfish Beach offer a blend of calm waters, vibrant reefs and an irresistibly laid-back Caribbean mood.
Over on the Pacific, destinations like Playa Blanca, Santa Catalina, Isla Coiba and the islands of the Gulf of Chiriquí span the spectrum – from all-inclusive resorts to far-flung corners ideal for surfers, divers and travellers eager to fully unwind.
Adventure for all levels
Canopy Tower
Panama is a perfect playground for adrenaline seekers and lovers of active experiences. Up in the mountains, Boquete pairs cloud-forest canopy tours with trekking, rafting and the climb to Barú Volcano, where clear dawns reveal both the Caribbean and the Pacific in a single sweep.
At sea, Coiba ranks among Central America’s top diving destinations, while Santa Catalina and Playa Venao have earned global fame for their world-class surf.
With its blend of safety, easy access and remarkably varied landscapes, the country is the perfect setting for truly unforgettable adventures.
Cuisine: a journey of flavours
Santa Clara, Chiriquí
Panama’s cuisine reflects its multicultural history. From sancocho – a national favourite – to fresh seafood, ceviche, coconut rice and Afro-Antillean dishes, every region of the country features its own wonderful flavours.
In the capital, signature restaurants take local cuisine to new heights, while traditional eateries and markets further inland reveal a more authentic side of the country. In Boquete, Geisha coffee tastings are a must for lovers of good coffee.
Panama is an ever-evolving culinary destination that fuses tradition, creativity and high-quality local products.
A country of endless surprises
Island Barro Colorado
Panama is a destination that exceeds expectations. Its natural diversity, cultural wealth, urban buzz, beaches on two oceans and outstanding cuisine turn every trip into a one-of-a-kind experience. Whether for a short getaway or a longer adventure, Panama inspires discovery, exploration and truly unforgettable experiences.
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