Panama is that cool cousin of Central America who knows all the best secret spots. This skinny little country packs tropical beaches, cloud forests, and cosmopolitan cities into one unforgettable summer playground.
Forget what you think you know – Panama is way more than just a famous canal.
Summer (May-November) brings emerald landscapes, empty beaches, and lower prices with the rainy season’s short afternoon showers.
We’re talking surfing Pacific waves in the morning and hiking misty volcanoes by afternoon. Ready to dive into Panama’s most epic spots? Grab your sunscreen – this adventure starts now.
1. Panama City – Where Skyscrapers Meet Jungle
This capital city throws together glass towers and colonial charm like nobody’s business. The Casco Viejo district will steal your heart with pastel buildings and hidden plazas where salsa music spills from open windows.
For killer views, hit the Biomuseo’s rainbow roof or Ancon Hill’s sloth-filled trails. Foodies, make a beeline for Mercado de Mariscos – the ceviche here will ruin all other seafood for you.
Pro tip: The Amador Causeway at sunset is pure magic with Panama City glittering across the bay.
2. San Blas Islands – The Caribbean’s Last Paradise
Imagine 365 palm-covered islands where the Kuna people still live free from modern stress. No wifi, no chain hotels – just thatched huts on sand so white it hurts your eyes.
Snorkel shipwrecks one day, then charter a sailboat to deserted islands the next. The Kuna’s mola textiles make unforgettable souvenirs. Just remember: This is their home – respect the rules and they’ll share paradise with you.
3. Boquete – The Mountain Escape of Your Dreams
This highland haven swaps Panama’s heat for eternal spring weather. The valley of flowers blooms year-round, with coffee farms clinging to misty hillsides.
Hike the Quetzal Trail hoping to spot the legendary bird, or take a dip in Los Cangilones’ natural pools. The local ice cream made from fresh fruit? Life-changing. Don’t leave without trying geisha coffee – it’s like drinking liquid gold.
4. Bocas del Toro – The Caribbean’s Party Playground
This archipelago knows how to work hard and play harder. By day, zodiac tours zoom to Starfish Beach and Dolphin Bay. By night, Biodegradable Bar hosts full-moon parties over the water.
Stay in stilted bungalows at Cayo Paraíso, where the only neighbors are friendly sloths. The chocolate farm tours here will make you believe in love at first taste.
5. Santa Catalina – Surf Mecca Without the Crowds
This sleepy fishing village hides world-class waves that pros keep secret. Playa Estero serves up consistent breaks for all levels, while nearby reefs challenge experts.
When you’re not surfing, snorkel at Isla Coiba – Panama’s answer to the Galápagos. The sunset fish BBQs on the beach? Absolutely legendary.
6. El Valle de Antón – The Volcano You Can Walk Inside
This crater town sits inside an extinct volcano – how cool is that? The Sunday market bursts with organic produce and handmade crafts from Ngäbe artisans.
Hike to India Dormida waterfall or soak in natural hot springs. The square trees in the jungle? Real thing – scientists still can’t fully explain them.
7. Pearl Islands – Where Survivor Was Filmed
These Pacific gems served as the backdrop for Survivor, but you’ll be living large. Contadora Island’s nine beaches mean you can have one to yourself most days.
Stay in a luxury villa or go glamping under the stars. The dolphin-watching tours here have a near-100% success rate – bring your camera!
8. Isla Taboga – The Island Escape Just 12 Miles From Panama City
Ditch the city grind without the hassle—this “Island of Flowers” is just a 20-minute ferry ride from the capital. Taboga’s colorful village and car-free streets feel worlds away from skyscrapers.
Hike up to the Mirador de la Cruz for panoramic ocean views, then cool off at Playa Restinga’s gentle waves. The abandoned WWII barracks add a dash of history to your beach day.
Local secret: The best empanadas come from Doña María’s roadside stand—stuffed with fresh seafood or sweet plantains.
9. Volcán Barú – Summit a Volcano for Sunrise Over Two Oceans
Here’s your chance to stand on a peak watching both the Pacific and Atlantic at dawn. The 7-hour night hike to Panama’s highest point (11,398 ft) isn’t easy, but that 360-degree sunrise view? Absolutely priceless.
Prefer wheels? 4×4 tours can get you 90% up before the final climb. On clear days, you’ll spot Costa Rica’s distant mountains. Pro tip: Pack thermal layers—it drops below 40°F at the summit.
10. Portobelo – Pirates, Forts & Bioluminescent Bays
This UNESCO-listed harbor town was once Spain’s treasure vault—now it’s all about laid-back Afro-Caribbean vibes. Explore cannon-lined forts where pirates like Sir Francis Drake once attacked.
After dark, kayak through glowing waters at Playa Huertas—the bioluminescence here rivals Puerto Rico’s. Don’t miss congri (Cuban-style rice and beans) at Restaurante Patty’s—it’s soul food perfection.
11. Pedasí – The Tico Border’s Hidden Gem
Skip crowded Costa Rica—this charming surf town near the southern tip delivers empty beaches and authentic Panamanian culture. Playa Venao’s golden crescent is surf central, while Isla Iguana offers snorkeling with sea turtles.
The annual Carnival (February) turns the streets into a confetti-covered dance party. For something quieter, horseback ride through cattle ranches at golden hour.
12. Gatún Lake – Monkey-Spotting in the Canal’s Heart
Half the fun of the Panama Canal happens off the tourist boats. Gatún Lake’s islands swarm with white-faced capuchins and howler monkeys—many will board your small boat looking for snacks.
Book an eco-cruise from Gamboa to see giant cargo ships glide past primeval jungles. The Soberanía National Park trails here have more bird species than all of Europe.
13. Playa Las Lajas – The Pacific’s Longest Stretch of Sand
Move over, Costa Rica—this 7-mile beach near David is Panama’s best-kept secret. The black volcanic sand stays cool underfoot, while the consistent waves attract surfers in the know.
Stay at boho-chic cabanas right on the shore. Morning brings local fishermen selling just-caught dorado—grill it up with mango salsa for the ultimate beach lunch.
14. Cerro Punta – Switzerland of the Tropics
Who knew Panama had alpine vibes? This mountain town grows 90% of the country’s vegetables amid rolling green hills that look straight from the Alps.
Hike through La Amistad International Park—a UNESCO site shared with Costa Rica. The local trout farms serve their catch pan-fried with garlic—simple but stupidly delicious.
15. Isla Coiba – The “New Galápagos”
Once a prison island, now a marine paradise—Coiba’s pristine reefs host whale sharks, manta rays, and schooling hammerheads. The jungle interior hides scarlet macaws and rare endemic species.
Base yourself in Santa Catalina for daily dive trips. The Pacific’s clearest waters (100+ ft visibility) make this a bucket-list spot for underwater lovers.
16. Chitré – Panama’s Cultural Heartbeat
Most tourists blow past this inland city—big mistake. Chitré’s folkloric festivals feature devil dancers in elaborate masks, while the Museo de Herrera showcases pre-Columbian gold.
Foodies flock for tamales wrapped in banana leaves and lechona (stuffed pork)—though vegans will love guarapo (sugarcane juice) with fresh yuca fritters.
Final Call
From Caribbean dreamscapes to Pacific adventures, Panama delivers nonstop summer magic. Whether you’re beach-hopping, cloud-forest hiking, or city-exploring, every day brings new surprises.
So what’s your move? Start planning now before everyone else discovers Central America’s best-kept secret.
Your Panamanian summer starts with one decision – where to first?