15 best things to do in Panama

Panama is where continents collide, oceans meet, and cultures mix in unpredictable ways. One moment you’re drinking highland coffee in the cool mountain air, the next you’re snorkeling over coral reefs or dancing in the streets during carnival. The canal may be its most famous landmark, but there’s far more to discover. Hike through cloud forest, surf both coasts, or spend a few days off-grid in an Indigenous comarca. The capital is loud, lively, and full of surprises. If you’re after variety and edge, Panama delivers. Here’s our pick of the best things to do in Panama.

This article is inspired by our Rough Guides to Panama — your essential guide for traveling in Panama.

1. Soak up history and street life in Casco Viejo, Panama City

Panama City is a mix of steel-and-glass towers, tropical coastline, and centuries-old intrigue. But it’s Casco Viejo, the city’s historic heart, that really pulls you in. This UNESCO-listed quarter is all cracked colonial facades, shady plazas, and rooftop bars with views across the bay.

Wander past crumbling churches and boutique hotels tucked into 17th-century buildings. Visit the Museo de la Mola for insight into Guna culture, or step inside the cathedral on Plaza Mayor. You’ll find excellent ceviche at the Mercado de Mariscos, and some of the city’s best coffee shops are scattered throughout Casco’s walkable grid of cobbled streets.

By night, the whole place hums. Locals gather in open-air courtyards, cocktail bars spill onto balconies, and live music fills the air. As one of the best places to visit in Panama, Casco Viejo offers a rare mix of old-world charm and modern buzz.

How to get to Casco Viejo

From Tocumen International Airport, it takes around 30 to 40 minutes by taxi or rideshare. If you're staying in the modern city center, take the Metrobus or a short taxi. The area is compact, so the best way to explore is on foot.

When to visit Casco Viejo

December to April brings dry weather, blue skies, and cooler nights, ideal for rooftop bars and walking tours. The wet season from May to November sees fewer tourists, though afternoon showers are common. Visit in November or February to catch Independence Day celebrations or Carnival street parties.

2. Cruise through the Panama Canal from the water

If you're planning a trip to Panama, chances are the canal is already on your radar. You can watch ships pass through from the Miraflores Locks observation deck, but it’s far more impressive when you’re on the water.

Take a half-day transit by boat and you’ll glide through jungle-lined waterways, pass massive cargo ships, and float inside the locks as the water levels rise and fall around you. Moving beneath the Puente de las Américas and approaching the steel mitre gates as they creak open is the kind of slow-building thrill that sticks with you. It’s not just about the engineering; it’s about witnessing something that connects two oceans and changed global trade forever.

Add this to your Panama itinerary early, as tours fill up fast. If you’re into history, boats, or just curious about one of the most important canals on the planet, this is one of the essential things to do in Panama.

How to get to the Panama Canal

The Miraflores Visitor Center is around 25 minutes by taxi from downtown Panama City. For a partial or full canal transit, most boat tours include hotel pick-up and depart from nearby docks. Book ahead, especially during peak travel months.

When to visit the Panama Canal

Canal transits run year-round, but the dry season from December to April is the most comfortable time to be on the water. Book early if you're visiting around major holidays or during Panama’s Carnival, when local tourism spikes.

3. Experience the Guna Yala and meet the Guna people of Panama

Guna Yala is not just a group of islands. It’s an autonomous Indigenous territory with its own rules, language, and rhythm of life. The Guna people, also known as Dule, have lived here for generations, spread across more than 300 small islets along Panama’s Caribbean coast. Among the many islands in Panama, this region stands out for its cultural depth and independence.

Spend a few days here and you’ll see a side of the country that feels completely different. Village visits are usually led by Guna hosts who explain daily life, from their matrilineal family structure to the traditional molas they sew by hand. You’ll likely stay in a simple wooden cabin, eat fresh fish, and fall asleep to the sound of waves under your floorboards.

Guna Yala is not a luxury escape, and it isn’t trying to be. This is travel with meaning, not amenities. One of the most important Panama travel tips is to learn about Guna culture before you go. This is their land and their story, and visitors are guests, not tourists.

How to get to Guna Yala

Book transport with a licensed Guna tour operator. Most packages include a 4x4 ride from Panama City to the port at Cartí, followed by a boat trip to the islands. You can’t drive yourself without special permission, and boats only operate in daylight, so start early.

When to visit Guna Yala

The dry season from December to April offers the calmest seas and best weather. July and August are also possible, though short afternoon storms are common. Avoid Panamanian holidays unless you’ve booked well in advance, as local tourism fills up the limited accommodations fast.,

4. Explore the wild corners of Darién National Park

The Darién Gap is one of the last true frontiers in the Americas. A thick tangle of rainforest, rivers, and rugged hills, it marks the only break in the Pan-American Highway between Alaska and Patagonia. For centuries, this remote corridor between Panama and Colombia has lured explorers, scientists, and risk-takers. Even today, much of it remains off-limits without permission.

Within this vast wilderness lies Darién National Park, the largest protected area in Central America and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s home to jaguars, harpy eagles, and Indigenous Emberá and Wounaan communities, many of whom still live deep in the forest with limited outside contact.

This is not a place for casual hiking. Reaching the interior requires serious logistics and a local guide who knows the rivers and trails. But if you're chasing wild adventures in Panama, few experiences come close. As a Panama travel expert would tell you, this isn’t about ticking off landmarks. It’s about immersion, survival skills, and raw nature.

How to get to Darién National Park

The easiest access point is the town of Yaviza at the end of the Pan-American Highway. From there, most travel is by river. Trips should be arranged in advance through a licensed tour operator with experience in the region. Independent travel is strongly discouraged due to safety and legal restrictions.

When to visit Darién National Park

The best time to visit is during the dry season from January to April, when river levels are manageable and trails are more accessible. Avoid the rainy season, especially from May to November, when flooding and road closures make travel unpredictable and sometimes impossible.

5. Hike, raft and breathe mountain air in the Chiriquí Highlands

Cooler, greener and far quieter than the lowlands, the Chiriquí Highlands offer a different pace of travel. Tucked along the border with Costa Rica, this mountainous region is a magnet for hikers, birders and anyone chasing clean air and serious views.

The town of Boquete is your basecamp. From here, you can take a slow walk through the cloud forest at Finca Lérida or test your legs on the strenuous summit trail up Volcán Barú. At 3,475 meters, it's Panama’s highest point and, on a clear morning, you might spot both the Pacific and Caribbean from the top.

The area also draws adrenaline-seekers. For whitewater rafting and kayaking, head to Río Chiriquí Viejo, a fast-moving river that runs close to the Costa Rican border. The rapids range from beginner-friendly to intense, and outfitters in Boquete can help you choose the right section.

Add the highlands to your list of things to do in Panama if you want a break from the heat, some real adventure or just a quiet trail with a toucan overhead.

How to get to the Chiriquí Highlands

Fly from Panama City to David, then take a one-hour drive up to Boquete. Buses also run between David and Boquete, or you can hire a car if you plan to explore at your own pace. From Boquete, many trailheads and tour operators are within easy reach.

When to visit the Chiriquí Highlands

December to April is the dry season and the best time for hiking and river trips. The wet season, especially from May to November, brings lush green landscapes and more bird activity, but trail conditions can get muddy and river levels rise quickly.

6. Swim, snorkel and slow down in Bocas del Toro

Just off Panama’s Caribbean coast near the Costa Rican border, Bocas del Toro is where beach life meets jungle energy. The main island, Isla Colón, blends laid-back cafés, dockside hostels, and music floating through the streets. But the real draw is offshore, where coral reefs, calm bays, and some of the best beaches in Panama make island-hopping worth your time.

Snorkeling, paddleboarding, and dolphin-watching tours are easy to arrange. Red Frog Beach on Isla Bastimentos is great for wave-chasers, while Starfish Beach is better for swimming, especially in the early morning before the crowds arrive. You’ll also find mangroves, wetlands, and forest trails where you might spot sloths or poison dart frogs without much effort.

If you’re exploring Panama with kids, Bocas is a smart choice. Several beaches have gentle surf and shallow water, and boat trips can be tailored for younger travelers. Guesthouses on Isla Colón and nearby San Cristóbal often cater to families who want a mix of comfort and adventure.

How to get to Bocas del Toro

The quickest option is a one-hour flight from Panama City to Bocas Town on Isla Colón. Overland, take a bus or private transfer to the town of Almirante, then hop on a water taxi. You can also cross from Costa Rica, as the border is just a few hours away.

When to visit Bocas del Toro

September and October tend to be the driest months in this part of the country. December to April is also a good time to visit, though brief tropical showers are common. For fewer crowds, skip major holidays when accommodation gets snapped up fast.

7. Visit an Emberá village and see master woodcarving up close

Spending time with the Emberá is one of the most eye-opening things to do in Panama. These Indigenous communities live along the rivers of Darién and the Chagres region, keeping their traditions alive through music, storytelling, and world-class craftwork.

Village visits are usually arranged through local tour guides and include a river journey by dugout canoe, a warm welcome from the community, and an introduction to Emberá daily life. You’ll often see basket weaving, tattoo-like jagua body painting, and intricate woodcarving, a skill the Emberá are especially known for. Some tours include a short rainforest hike with a village elder who shares knowledge about medicinal plants, or a walk to a nearby waterfall.

Lunch is typically grilled fish or chicken with plantains, served on a palm leaf. Afterward, the community performs traditional dances with drums, bamboo flutes, and maracas. Visitors are welcome to join, but respectful curiosity is key. Unlike the Guna, the Emberá are usually comfortable being photographed, but always ask first.

How to get to an Emberá village

Most tours to Emberá communities leave from Panama City and include a drive north followed by a canoe trip upriver. Tours must be arranged in advance with a licensed operator, as many villages are not accessible independently. Locations vary, but the Chagres River is a common access point.

When to visit an Emberá village

The dry season from December to April is the best time for reliable river access and smooth travel. During the rainy season, from May to November, water levels rise and some communities may be harder to reach. Aim for weekday visits if you want smaller groups and more time to talk with locals.

8. Discover marine life at Coiba Island and Coiba National Park

If you want to understand just how rich Panama’s Pacific waters are, Coiba National Park is the place to go. This UNESCO-listed reserve protects one of the most biodiverse marine areas in the Americas, home to sharks, whales, turtles, and hundreds of tropical fish species.

At the center is Coiba Island, once a remote prison site and now one of the country’s most important natural treasures. Around it lie dozens of smaller islands and islets, surrounded by coral reefs and deep drop-offs that attract scuba divers from all over the world. This is where you might spot manta rays cruising past or humpback whales breaching in season.

Even if you’re not diving, snorkel tours offer a glimpse of what’s below the surface, with sea turtles, moray eels, and vibrant schools of fish just meters from the boat. The island itself is wild and largely undeveloped, with hiking trails, old prison ruins, and thick tropical forest that’s home to howler monkeys and endemic bird species.

How to get to Coiba Island

Most visitors access the park via boat from Santa Catalina, a small surf town on Panama’s Pacific coast. From there, day trips and overnight tours head out to the island. Boats take about 90 minutes each way, and you’ll need to book with a certified tour operator, as permits are required.

When to visit Coiba Island

Dry season runs from December to April and brings the calmest seas, making it the best time for boat trips and clear underwater visibility. July to September is humpback whale season, though sea conditions can be rougher. Avoid visiting during strong rains, as trips may be cancelled due to safety.

9. Celebrate the Festival de Toro Guapo in El Valle de Antón

Most of the year, El Valle de Antón is a quiet mountain town set in the crater of an extinct volcano. But every October, the streets explode into color and chaos during the Festival de Toro Guapo, one of Panama’s liveliest cultural events.

This isn't a bullfight. The “toros” here are costumed locals who charge through the crowds in handcrafted bull outfits, often made from wood or bamboo and decorated with ribbons, mirrors, and horns. It’s part street theatre, part dance battle, and part comic relief. Alongside the toros, there are folkloric performances, beauty pageants, and live music that runs late into the night.

It’s loud, playful, and rooted in tradition, offering an unforgettable glimpse into local culture. If you’re looking for authentic, community-driven things to do in Panama, this festival is worth planning around.

How to get to El Valle de Antón

From Panama City, take a two-hour drive or hop on a regional bus to El Valle. Buses leave from Albrook Terminal and run regularly. Once in town, everything is walkable, especially during the festival when the streets are closed to traffic.

When to visit El Valle de Antón

The Festival de Toro Guapo takes place in mid-October, usually over a weekend. Arrive early if you want to find accommodation in town, as rooms fill up fast. Outside the festival, El Valle is a great year-round destination for hiking, waterfalls, and cooler weather.

10. Take a day trip to the Pearl Islands

If you're short on time but still craving white sand and clear water, the Pearl Islands make for an easy escape from the capital. Scattered across the Gulf of Panama, this group of more than 200 islands and cays offers some of the most accessible beach getaways in the country.

Many visitors head to Isla Contadora, the most developed of the bunch, where you’ll find calm beaches, boutique hotels, and snorkeling just offshore. But several other islands are reachable by boat and offer quieter sands and richer marine life. Day tours typically include beach stops, swimming, and sometimes lunch on a secluded stretch of coast.

This archipelago is popular for good reason. The scenery is striking, the water is calm, and the logistics are simple. For anyone looking to explore some of the best islands in Panama without straying too far from Panama City, this is a solid option.

How to get to the Pearl Islands

Ferries to Isla Contadora and nearby islands leave from the Amador Causeway in Panama City and take about 90 minutes. Alternatively, short flights operate between Panama City and Contadora. Day tours can be booked through local operators and usually include hotel pickup and drop-off.

When to visit the Pearl Islands

Visit between December and April for dry, sunny weather and calm seas. July and August are also manageable, though short tropical showers are common. Avoid major holidays unless you book ahead, as boats and beaches can get crowded.

11. Sip world-class coffee in Boquete, then chase waterfalls and zip lines

Tucked into the Chiriquí Highlands, Boquete is best known for its cool mountain air, green hills, and world-famous coffee. But it’s also full of surprises.

This is the heartland of Panama’s specialty coffee scene, home to prized Geisha beans and small plantations that offer intimate tours. You’ll walk through lush fincas, see the roasting process up close, and end with tastings that rival any wine flight. It’s an easy, rewarding way to connect with Panama’s land and people, and one of the most unexpected things to do in Panama if you're used to associating coffee only with Colombia or Ethiopia.

But Boquete isn’t just for sipping. The forested slopes around town are packed with hiking trails, waterfalls, and zip lines. In fact, it’s home to one of the longest canopy tours in Central America, flying you through the cloud forest with volcano views. Whitewater rafting and rock climbing are also on offer, making it easy to mix morning relaxation with afternoon adrenaline.

How to get to Boquete

Fly from Panama City to David, then take a taxi or bus an hour north to Boquete. The road is well-maintained and scenic, especially once you start climbing into the highlands. If you’re driving, allow extra time for stops along the way.

When to visit Boquete

December to April is the dry season, ideal for coffee tours and zip lining with clear skies. May to November is rainier but greener, and many coffee plants are in bloom. Visit between January and March for the harvest season, when tours are at their most immersive.

12. Explore jungle trails and river life in Soberanía National Park

Just 30 minutes from downtown Panama City, Soberanía National Park feels a world away from the city’s noise and heat. This protected area covers more than 190 square kilometers of tropical forest and stretches along the Río Chagres, the river that powers the Panama Canal.

The park is one of the best places in the country for wildlife watching. Sloths, toucans, and howler monkeys are common sightings, and birders will want to get up early to hit Pipeline Road, one of the most famous birding spots in Central America. More than 500 species have been recorded here.

Gamboa, a small town on the edge of the park, is a good base for visits. From there, you can hike along well-maintained trails or explore the Río Chagres by kayak or boat. Either way, you’re deep in rainforest territory with easy access to both land and water.

How to get to Soberanía National Park

From Panama City, take a taxi or drive toward Gamboa, which sits at the edge of the park. The journey takes around 30 to 40 minutes. Several tour operators run day trips that include guided hikes or boat tours.

When to visit Soberanía National Park

The best time to visit is during the dry season from December to April, when trails are drier and visibility is better for spotting wildlife. Early mornings are ideal for birdwatching. During the wet season, trails can become muddy, but the forest is at its most vibrant.

13. Walk above the canopy at the Gamboa Rainforest Discovery Center

Perched on the edge of Soberanía National Park, the Gamboa Rainforest Discovery Center gives you a rare chance to see the jungle from above. A 32-meter observation tower rises above the canopy, offering 360-degree views of the rainforest and the Panama Canal. It’s one of the few places where you can spot toucans, howler monkeys, and giant butterflies all from the same platform.

Below the tower, a network of raised walkways leads through the forest and around a lake teeming with turtles, caimans, and herons. The early morning hours are best for birdwatchers, but even casual visitors will be amazed by the variety of life on display. The visitor center is small and low-key, but the setting is one of the most biodiverse corners of the canal zone.

How to get to the Gamboa Rainforest Discovery Center

From Panama City, take a 40-minute taxi or guided tour to the town of Gamboa. The Discovery Center is just outside town, along Pipeline Road. There’s parking on site, and guided walks are available but not required.

When to visit the Gamboa Rainforest Discovery Center

Dry season from December to April offers the clearest views and best trail conditions. Bird activity peaks in the early morning, so plan to arrive as soon as the gates open. During the rainy season, trails remain open, but expect muddy sections and occasional showers.

14. Surf and disconnect in Santa Catalina

Once a sleepy fishing village, Santa Catalina has become Panama’s top surf town without losing its edge. Dirt roads, salty air, and no-frills cabins still set the tone, but the waves here are serious business. Playa Estero is a great spot for beginners, while the point break at Playa Santa Catalina draws experienced surfers from around the world.

Beyond the surf, you’ll find a low-key coastal vibe, fresh seafood, and easy access to nearby nature. This is also the main jumping-off point for trips to Coiba Island, so it works well as a two-in-one destination. Don’t expect polished resorts or nightlife; this is the place to unplug and spend your days in or near the water.

How to get to Santa Catalina

From Panama City, take a bus to Santiago, then transfer to Soná and finally Santa Catalina. The whole journey takes around six to eight hours by public transport. If driving, it’s about a five-hour trip on paved roads most of the way, with a few rough patches closer to town.

When to visit Santa Catalina

The surf is consistent year-round, but the best waves roll in between March and October. Dry season, from December to April, brings sunnier skies and better visibility for snorkeling trips to Coiba. Town gets busier during Panamanian holidays, so book ahead if you’re visiting then.

15. Discover Afro-Caribbean culture in Portobelo

On the Caribbean coast, east of Colón, the small town of Portobelo is steeped in history, music and spiritual traditions. Once a key port for Spanish treasure fleets, its crumbling colonial forts are now overgrown and quiet, but the soul of the town lives on in its Afro-Caribbean roots.

Visit the Iglesia de San Felipe, home to the famous Black Christ statue, and explore the town's cultural museums to learn about Congo traditions and local festivals. If you time your visit right, you might witness a devil dance performance or a candlelit procession through the streets. This isn’t on every tourist’s radar, but for those looking to go deeper, Portobelo is one of the best things to do in Panama.

How to get to Portobelo

From Panama City, it’s about a two-hour drive. You can take a bus to Colón and transfer from there, but a rental car or private transfer is the more flexible option. The road into Portobelo winds through forest and past small villages, with plenty of scenic stops along the way.

When to visit Portobelo

October 21 is the Festival of the Black Christ, the town’s biggest event. It draws thousands of pilgrims and is an intense but powerful time to visit. Outside of that, any time from December to April offers dry weather and quieter streets. Many of the forts and cultural sites are open year-round.