8 places worth visiting in Panama

ArabiaWeather - There is a lot more to Panama than just the world's famous water canal. Yes, the Panama Canal is pretty big – and something you don't want to miss – but this Central American country offers so much more besides. With numerous islands, wildlife-rich tropical forests and miles of pristine coastline on two oceans, it will keep you under its spell for weeks.

Between Costa Rica and Colombia, this narrow land bridge and biological corridor may be small, but it packs a lot into it.

From a metropolis combining many modern tower blocks to exquisite isolation in the Guna Yala archipelago, there's a good chance you'll want to extend your trip here. Especially when you hear about the exciting adventures in the highlands around Phuket and the island hopping opportunities in Bocas del Toro.

These are the best places to visit in Panama

Panama City

Central America's Most Elegant Capitals is a tale of three cities. The city center is a center filled with high-rise towers of international finance, luxury shopping complexes and upscale restaurants. Across the bay, tomb-like ruins are all that remains of the original city, Panama Viejo, which was sacked by pirates in 1671.

Next up is Casco Viejo, which after an ambitious restoration, has become the city's coolest neighborhood. Luxurious venues like the American Trade Hotel and chic rooftop restaurants and bars like Casa Casco fill the pastel-colored colonial homes that adorn its cobblestone streets.

Planning tip: To escape the urban jungle, hike the Parque Natural Metropolitano nature trails, or bike along the beautiful Amador Trail, where the Umuosio celebrates Frank Gehry's striking design and tells the physical and cultural history of the slave sector.

Casco Viejo is the coolest neighborhood in Panama City © Shahira / Getty Images

Panama Canal

The world's most famous canal, the Panama Canal - nicknamed the "Great Moat" - has been and continues to be a vital trade corridor between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans since its opening in 1914. It is an inspiring engineering feat that operates around the clock and moves more than half a billion tons of cargo annually.

Planning Tip: The easiest place to see the canal mechanism in action is from the viewing platforms at the four-story Miraflores Visitor Center—try to time your visit with the arrival of a massive ship, and don't miss the 3D movie. You can get closer to the locks in a partial canal crossing (six to seven hours) or a full crossing (ten to twelve hours) with Ancon Expeditions.

Head to Volcan Baru in Phuket for the ultimate sunrise ©SmaxK/Getty Images

Phuket

Adrenaline junkies should head to the hill town of Phuket, where adventurers can choose from ziplining, rock climbing and boat trips. From the slopes of Volcán Baru, you can climb to the summit to watch a spectacular sunrise, or soar over the cliffs on a tightrope.

Hiking along misty forest trails in search of hidden waterfalls and elusive quetzals, covered in greenery and accompanied by the sounds of birds, is a must.

After being exposed to the sweltering heat of Panama City, Phuket is - quite literally - a breath of fresh air, with shaded coffee plantations stretching to the horizon in a harmony of green. Try Panama Geisha coffee, one of the most expensive cups of coffee in the world, then have a sumptuous farm-to-table inspired meal at Italian restaurant Ritrogusto.

Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro has something for everyone. At the same time, it's a party center for backpackers, a laid-back Caribbean paradise for couples, and a colony for foreigners. The three main islands and several uninhabited islands also contain some of the most beautiful beaches in Panama.

Bocas Town on Colon Island is a party hub. Everything from travelers' hostels to handicraft shops are housed in striking buildings painted in bright, eye-catching colours.

Take a starfish viewing trip at Istria Beach, where calm waters are perfect for snorkelling. Then relax and enjoy exotic cocktails and fresh fish at the latter's overwater restaurant, Refugio.

Planning Tip: For rainforest-backed beaches, coral-fringed islands and magical surfing spots at Wizard Beach, hop to Bastimentos Island. This important protected area is home to a marine park of the same name containing mangroves, monkeys, crocodiles and caimans, as well as other wildlife, with great opportunities for kitesurfing and scuba diving.

Guna Yala area (San Blas Islands)

Feel your Robinson Crusoe on this chain of beautiful tropical islands off the coast of Panama in the Caribbean Sea – featuring swaying palm trees, sugar-white sand and clear blue waters.

The San Blas Archipelago has an island for every day of the year (plus some reserves). This semi-autonomous region is home to the indigenous Guna people, who passionately protect their culture and traditions – including molas, the hand-embroidered cloth designed and sewn by Guna women.

With their simple cabanas made of sticks and palm roofs, each island retreat is owned and managed by families from the more populated village islands, such as Playon Chico.

Planning Tip: The San Blas Islands offer a chance to disconnect from the world — we're talking no internet, no TVs, and no phones — so be prepared to be away from your technology during your visit. Instead, spend your time sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling and stargazing.

Santa Catalina

A fishing village turned surfer's favorite, Santa Catalina in Chiriqui Bay has some of the best year-round breaks in Central America – no wetsuit needed.

Relaxed fishermen selling their catch in the shade of a mango tree: expect sushi with a tropical twist. If you're not there to surf, this is the starting point for visiting Nacional Coiba Park.

Planning Tip: Visit this former criminal settlement, nicknamed the “Galapagos of Panama,” at the right time of year, and you can swim alongside the gentle giants of the sea: whale sharks (December to April) and fin whales (August to November), as well as barrier sharks Whitefish, rays, turtle sea turtles, and technicolor fish. To get to the park, you'll need to book a city tour.

Portobello was at one time one of the most important ports in the Caribbean © SL_Photography / Getty Images / iStockphoto

Portobello

As you wander the unhurried streets of Portobello, it is hard to believe that this city was once one of the most important ports in the Caribbean, where treasures looted by the Incas were shipped to Spain.

Ruins of often plundered castles remain, among which the San Jerónimo Castle is the most famous. The stone customs house, once piled with Peruvian gold, stands out among the aged wood houses.

Portobello's African roots extend back to Congo and like Casa de la Cultura Congo it helps preserve traditional arts and live music.

Planning Tip: Visit the two lively and spiritual festivals that celebrate vibrant local culture: the colorful and balanced annual Diablos y Congos Festival, and the Festival del Cristo Negro in October, when the Black Christ – a life-size wooden statue surrounded by myths and legends – is transported from the Church of San Felipe and completed. Display it in the city.

Azuero Peninsula

Agriculture, folklore and ceremonies are the lifeblood of the Azuero Peninsula, the cultural heart of the country, surrounded by the Gulf of Chiriqui to the west and the Gulf of Panama to the east.

Las Tablas offers the country's largest Carnival celebration: expect dazzling costumes, lively music and lively dancing.

Further south, the streets of Pedasi are lined with well-preserved colonial buildings. Playa Venao, a golden beach with great waves, is another 34 km (21 mi) south.

And for wildlife viewing, the nature reserves of Iguana Island and Kanas Island – one of the few places on the planet where oiled sea turtles go to nest in large numbers – are just short boat rides away.

Read also: The best times and seasons for tourism in Panama

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Source: lonelyplanet