Facts about Panama:
- Location
At the crossroads of Central and South America, bordered by Costa Rica and Colombia, with coasts on the Pacific and Caribbean.
- Capital & people
Panama City is the capital; population about 4.5 million.
- Famous feat
Home to the Panama Canal, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
- Coastlines
Over 2,900 km of shoreline, dotted with islands like Bocas del Toro and the San Blas archipelago.
- Biodiversity
Rich tropical forests that host jaguars, harpy eagles, and hundreds of bird species.
- National dish
Sancocho, a hearty chicken soup with root vegetables and corn.
- Culture motto
A lively mix of Latin, Afro-Caribbean, and Indigenous traditions.
Highlights of Panama
Bocas del Toro
Panama's Caribbean dream
Our first stop in Panama was the Bocas del Toro archipelago, a slice of Caribbean paradise in the country’s northwest. The province spans over 4,000 km², combining a stretch of mainland with a scattering of islands, the most famous being Isla Colón, Isla Bastimentos, and the Cayos Zapatilla.
Bocas still feels like a tropical dream, though it’s rapidly changing as new tourist resorts appear. Visiting outside of peak season, we had the chance to enjoy its beauty at a slower pace.
We explored golden stretches like Playa Bluff and Playa Estrella, hiked to a bat-filled cave (La Gruta) where tiny strawberry poison dart frogs hopped across the rocks, and wandered the beaches of Bocas del Drago.
Highlights included birdwatching at Isla Pájaros (home to the elegant red-billed tropicbird), island-hopping to Cayo Coral and Cayo Zapatilla, and meeting sleepy sloths at Isla de los Osos Perezosos. Not every stop was magical—Bahía de los Delfines was a disappointment—but the variety of excursions made it unforgettable.
To top it off, I even tried surfing for the first time near the famous Wizard Beach, riding waves in turquoise waters.
Boquette
Into the cloud forest
From the Caribbean coast, we traveled inland to the highlands of Boquete, in the province of Chiriquí. Nestled among volcanic mountains that rise to 3,000 m, Boquete is known for its cool climate, coffee plantations, and misty cloud forests.
One of the most legendary hikes here is the Sendero Los Quetzales, where travelers dream of spotting the rare and resplendent quetzal bird. We hiked the trail with high hopes, but the timing wasn’t on our side—no quetzal this time. Still, the hike was spectacular, weaving through mossy forests and offering sweeping views of the mountains.
Santa Fé
Village life in the highlands
Our next destination was the small town of Santa Fé, tucked away in Panama’s rural highlands. Unlike the more touristic areas, this stop gave us a glimpse into authentic local life.
We stayed in a village where we met local farmers, learned about their traditions, and saw how they live off the land. The surrounding landscape was a beautiful mosaic of rainforest patches and farmland, perfect for slow hikes and quiet reflection.
Santa Fé felt less like a tourist destination and more like a cultural exchange—a rare and refreshing pause in our journey.
Santa Catalina
Surf on the pacific
From the highlands, we made our way back to the Pacific coast and the small fishing village of Santa Catalina. Once remote and quiet, it’s now famous among surfers for its world-class waves.
Encouraged by the good conditions, we grabbed boards again and spent our days surfing and swimming in the warm Pacific. Life here moves slowly, and sunsets over the ocean were the perfect way to end each day.
Pedasi & Playa Venao
a tropical christmas in panama
Around Christmas time, we arrived in Pedasí, a charming little village on Panama’s Azuero Peninsula. The town immediately felt warm and welcoming, with friendly inhabitants who seemed genuinely curious about visitors.
Pedasí is a visual delight. The houses are painted in bright, cheerful colors, and many walls feature fascinating murals and artwork. While the village clearly wants to charm tourists, the locals gave the impression that this was still their home first and foremost. People happily offered fruits from their gardens, like sweet star fruit, and were eager to chat—even if our Spanish wasn’t perfect.
Experiencing Christmas in Pedasí was truly special. The tropical holiday didn’t come with snow or cold, but the spirit of the season was palpable. On Christmas Eve, the entire community gathered in the streets. Everyone greeted strangers warmly, offering hugs, smiles, and hospitality. One family even invited the whole neighborhood into their home, sharing a meal with everyone who wanted it. Watching and participating in this generous, inclusive celebration felt like seeing the true meaning of Christmas in action.
Just outside the village lies Playa Venao, a beautiful, crescent-shaped beach. To reach it, you can either hitchhike or rent a small, rusty bike from the village. Riding there yourself is far more fun—and definitely worth the effort for the golden sands and rolling waves.
Pedasí left us with lasting memories of community, warmth, and simple joys, and it was the perfect pause in our Panamanian adventure before heading back inland or continuing along the Pacific coast.
El Valle de Antón
Life inside a crater
After the coast, we headed inland again to El Valle de Antón, a town uniquely located inside the crater of an ancient, extinct volcano. Walking along the crater rim, with views over the valley and town, was both surreal and breathtaking.
The area is also home to prehistoric petroglyphs, remnants of an almost forgotten civilization carved into the stones. These mysterious traces gave the place a timeless feel.
The only drawback? Weekends attract crowds from Panama City, turning the otherwise peaceful town into a busy getaway spot. Visiting during the week, however, allowed us to experience its magic more quietly.
Panama City
a metropolis of contrasts
Our final destination in Panama was Panama City, which felt almost like a culture shock after weeks in remote villages and on quiet beaches. Suddenly, we were surrounded by glass skyscrapers, endless traffic, and buzzing crowds.
Still, the city had its own charm. From a viewpoint outside the center, we enjoyed a panoramic look at the skyline, and climbing to the top of a skyscraper offered an even more impressive perspective.
We explored the old ruins of Panamá Viejo, the original colonial city destroyed in the 17th century, and strolled through the Casco Viejo, the charming historic quarter with restored colonial architecture, lively plazas, and street cafés.
Of course, no trip to Panama is complete without visiting the Panama Canal. Watching enormous ships pass through the locks was fascinating for a moment, but honestly, it didn’t leave as deep an impression as expected. More exciting for me was wandering the fish market, tasting fresh ceviche, and, for nature lovers, venturing out to the Pipeline Road, a birdwatching paradise just outside the city.
