What are the top places to visit in Panama?

Panama City

Panama City, at first glance, is totally cosmopolitan and modern and has been called the “Miami of Central America” with its Manhattan-like skyline. There is a wide array of dining opportunities and excellent nightlife exists. However, one can find distinctly different areas in the city such as Casco Viejo, a neighbourhood of historical buildings and cobblestone streets. There are also some excellent beaches not far from the centre of the city.

Panama City is the country's political and administrative centre and capital and largest city. Located at the Pacific entrance of the world-famous Panama Canal, it is home to many high-rise buildings yet it is surrounded by tropical rainforests to be enjoyed on a Panama vacation. Today Panama City is by far the wealthiest city in Central America. With the completion of the Panama Canal in 1914, the city became a hub for international business. Despite being a modern and cosmopolitan area, Panama City still maintains ties to its past including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Panamá Viejo, the site of the original city. Not far from comfortable hotels visitors on Panama vacations have the opportunity to embark on journeys through the spectacular rainforest making Panama City a destination that truly has it all.

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The Panama Canal

It is from Panama City that usually one first meets the famous Panama Canal which is 77 kilometres/48 miles in length travelling all the way from the Caribbean Sea to Panama’s second-largest city, Colon on the Pacific Ocean. The canal cuts right through the narrowest segment of Panama. A trip along the canal reveals many interesting facets and attractions while on trips to Panama. There is Gatun Lake, an artificial man-made lake formed by building a dam. In the middle of the lake is Barro Colorado, a nature reserve that the Smithsonian Institute has been using to study in great detail its consequences as a rainforest.

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San Blas Islands

San Blas Islands provides a place to relax and enjoy yourself during your Panama vacation. It is an archipelago that is made up of approximately 378 islands and cays, only 49 of which are inhabited. 

The archipelago’s main inhabitants are the Kuna people who originally came from Colombia but have lived on the islands since before Christopher Columbus visited in 1502. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Panama government tried to stifle many of the Kuna’s traditions which led to a violent uprising in 1925. The result of this uprising was that the Kuna people were given permission to use their own forms of government. The archipelago’s economy is based on coconut sales, fishing and tourism as many people come to explore these incredibly unique islands. The area is surrounded by some of the oldest reefs in the world that are teeming with marine wildlife, making for excellent snorkelling and swimming. There are opportunities on a Panama vacation to visit Kuna villages to see this fascinating culture first hand or visitors can choose to relax on a pristine beach in this island paradise.

More information about touring San Blas Islands 

Bocas del Toro

Located close to the Costa Rican border, Bocas del Toro is an archipelago in Panama that is made up of six islands, several uninhabited islets and two national parks to be enjoyed on a Panama vacation. The archipelago is home to Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park, the first marine park in the country containing a great deal of Caribbean wildlife. Bocas del Toro also shares UNESCO World Heritage-listed La Amistad International Park with Costa Rica. The opportunity to see flora and fauna, on trips to Panama whether on land or water, is incredible, making Bocas del Toro one of Panama’s most popular tourist destinations.

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Best time to visit Panama

The climate of Panama is tropical with little seasonal variation. Temperatures are usually high as is the humidity. The average low temperature felt in Panama is 21˚C (69.8˚F) while the average high temperature is 34˚C (93.4˚F). On the Pacific side of the country, temperatures are slightly lower than that experienced on the Caribbean side. Areas that are located at a higher altitude often encounter cooler temperatures. Panama’s rainy season usually runs from May to November and is characterized by short bursts of rain that are followed by sunshine. While thunderstorms are common during this time of year, Panama itself is outside of the hurricane belt. The Caribbean side of Panama can experience rainfall year-round. The country’s dry season runs from December to April and is characterized by northeasterly trade winds and Panama can go weeks without rain.

What type of tours is available in Panama?

You can simply have a stopover package in Panama City but to really see Panama, it is suggested to combine Panama City with the Panama Canal. You can add to that the San Blas Islands or Bocas del Toro. If the canal really appeals, take a cruise from one end to the other and enjoy a unique experience.  

Book your Panama vacation today with Goway. You won't be disappointed!

 "Globetrotting with Goway" blog articles

For some additional reading, the following articles are from our blog “Globetrotting with Goway”….. a great source of information for those people who are, or who want to be, world travellers!

The Inspiration Behind the Panama Canal

Guests Cruise With Freedom on Norwegian Cruise Line

Panama Travel Information

At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to a Panama vacation.

Learn about the history and culture of Panama, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read Panama's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Panama for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our Panama tours today!

Extend Your Trip in Latin America

After your Panama Tour, why not consider another of Goway's Latin America tours. These include a large selection of other exciting countries in Central and South America. We offer Chile vacation packages and Easter Island tours, Ecuador vacation packages which include Galapagos cruises, Peru vacation packages which include Machu Picchu tours and Brazil tours including Iguassu Falls tours among many others.