Panama has drawn explorers, traders, and dreamers for centuries. Long before the Spanish arrived, indigenous civilizations thrived along its coasts and in its rainforests. Later, the isthmus became a crossroads of the world, a vital link between oceans that shaped the course of global trade and history.
Bridging North and South America, Panama is a land of contrasts — modern skyscrapers rise over the waters of the Pacific, while dense jungles hide ancient petroglyphs and rare wildlife. The Panama Canal, an engineering marvel, transformed global commerce, but the country’s real treasures lie beyond the locks: Caribbean islands with crystal-clear waters, cloud forests teeming with biodiversity, and vibrant cultures shaped by centuries of migration.
For those ready to explore, the best places to visit in Panama offer a journey through history, nature, and adventure.
Best places to visit in Panama
8 places to visit in Panama
Questions about the best places to see in Panama
What is the best place to visit in Panama?−
For many, the highlight is Bocas del Toro, a laid-back Caribbean archipelago with beaches, snorkeling, and overwater bungalows. But Panama has a lot more going on.
Panama City mixes modern towers with a historic old quarter and, of course, the Panama Canal. Boquete brings cool highland air, coffee farms, and cloud forest trails, while the San Blas Islands are all hammocks and island-hopping.
The best tailor-made trip links a few of these spots: coast, mountains, and city, with enough downtime to enjoy them.
