Best things to do in Panama

21.07.2023 - 07:40 / roughguides.com

Boasting cloud-forested highlands, idyllic palm-topped small islands, vibrant indigenous cultures, riotous festivals, water sports, and Central America’s most ebullient capital city, Panama is truly an amazing country. Here is our list of the best things to do in Panama.

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

The exploration of Panama City is best started on foot in the old colonial heart of San Felipe, more commonly referred to as Casco Viejo (sometimes Casco Antiguo).

Here the city’s historical monuments and tourist attractions are packed into its narrow streets. Visit Panama City, specifically Casco Viejo, for eating fresh seafood and other Panama food. Or visit a local coffee shop for speciality coffee.

Find accommodations at any budget in Panama City.

Casco Viejo, Panama City, Panama © Robin Runck/Shutterstock

The iconic Panama Canal is the only connection between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Located between North and South America — to fully appreciate the engineering brilliance and majestic beauty of the Panama Canal, you need to experience it on a boat trip.

You may feel you’ve ‘done’ the Canal after a morning gazing at ships manoeuvring through the locks from the observation deck. But it’s hard to beat the excitement of gliding under the Puente de los Américas, and approaching the mighty mitre lock gates head-on, as they open and empty before you.

Dreaming of experiencing the Panama Canal? Our Highlights of Panama trip will take you through the famous Panama Canal before heading out to the tropical rainforest. Our trips are completely customisable and are crafted by local craft experts.

A trip through the Panama Canal is one of the essential things to do in Panama © Shutterstock

The Guna (pronounced ‘Guna’ or ‘Kuna’, depending upon the dialect) – or the Dule (pronounced ‘Dule’ or ‘Tule’), as they call themselves – are Panama’s highest-profile indigenous people. They inhabit a vast semiautonomous region (or comarca) along the eastern Caribbean coast in Central America.

Guna Yala is like nowhere else in Panama: a mixture of idyllic palm-topped islets, island village tours, and a fiercely independent indigenous nation fighting to preserve its traditions while simultaneously adapting to change.

Pacific Ocean, Panama © rj lerich/Shutterstock

The fabled Darién Gap – roughly 12,000 sq km (4,633 sq miles) of dense tropical rainforest, swamp, and mountains straddling the border between Panama and Colombia. It constitutes the only break in the Panamerican Highway that stretches from Alaska to the tip of South America. Teeming with danger, this untamed jungle has fascinated explorers, outlaws, scientists, and adventurers for hundreds of