10 Best Places to Visit in Panama

10. El Valle de Anton

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El Valle de Antón is a small town situated in the crater of an extinct volcano, and surrounded by lush rainforests and sharp peaks. Look up- those "mountains" surrounding El Valle are actually the edges of the giant crater. The beautiful flowers and dense tropical forest come rich volcanic soil El Valle has a near perfect year-round spring climate and is home to a famous near-extinct Golden Frog.

9. Pearl Islands

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The Pearl Islands are a group of 200 or more islands and islets (many tiny and uninhabited) lying about 30 miles (48 km) off the Pacific coast of Panama in the Gulf of Panama. The islands feature lush forests surrounded by white sandy beaches. Contadora Island is the most developed of the Pearl Islands, with several resorts and an airstrip. Visitors can charter private yachts to cruise and explore the islands.

8. Volcan Baru

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The Volcán Barú is an active stratovolcano and the tallest mountain in Panama, at 3,474 metres (11,398 ft) high. Volcán Barú offers a true adventure for experienced hikers and mountain climbers. Less adventurous visitors will enjoy the hot springs located around 30 minutes from the town. The springs are fed from the thermal waters below the dormant volcano.

7. Gulf of Chiriqui

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The Gulf of Chiriquí is a part of Panama that encompasses Coiba National Park and Golfo de Chiriquí National Park. The region contains one of the largest coral reefs in the Pacific, one of Central America’s richest mangrove forests, many sandy beaches and Coiba, the largest island in Panama. The Gulf of Chiriquí also includes one of the most famous big game fishing areas, Hannibal Bank. The unspoiled and largely undiscovered coastal and marine environments in this area provide many great opportunities for boating, surfing and scuba diving.

6. Santa Catalina

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The international surfing community has tried to keep this idyllic spot a secret, but the word is out that Santa Catalina offers world-class surfing. Located on the Chiriquí Gulf, the town doesn’t offer a lot in the way of amenities, but its beautiful beach surrounded by jungle forests makes it an ideal destination for those who wish to enjoy Panama’s natural beauty. Santa Catalina is one of the best places to visit in Panama.

5. Boquete

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Boquete is a small town on the Caldera River, in the green mountain highlands of Panama. Known as the “Valley of the Flowers”. Whether taking a zip line over through the canopy of the Cloud Forest, soaking in the hot springs along the Caldera River or whitewater river rafting on the Chiriquí Viejo, travelers will find plenty to do around the mountain village of Boquete. Its scenic location, temperature, and natural environment make it popular with Panamanians and attracts tourists from all over the world.

4. Panama Canal

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The Panama Canal stands as one of the world’s greatest feats of engineering. It is a vast and complex canal system built to allow ships passage between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Visitors can take either a partial or complete crossing of the canal. Many visitors choose to explore the canal by visiting the Miraflores Locks Museum. From the restaurant located at the top floor of the museum, visitors can watch transiting vessels in the canal below. The Panama Canal is a key source of Panama’s thriving economy and has become a major tourist attraction.

3. Bocas del Toro

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Bocas del Toro is a province of Panama comprising an archipelago off the Caribbean coast, plus adjacent mainland with biodiverse rainforest. Bocas del Toro is a popular tourist destination where natural, unspoiled beauty and outdoor adventure are the main attractions. Numerous beaches offer white sands and activities like sailing and diving. Jungle trekking, canopy tours and mangrove kayaking provide visits to Ngobe Indian settlements as well as views of exotic birds and exotic animals.

2. Panama City

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Panama City, Panama's capital, is a modern city framed by the Pacific Ocean and man-made Panama Canal. Casco Viejo, its cobblestoned center, contains colonial-era landmarks like the neoclassical Palacio Presidencial as well as bougainvillea-filled plazas lined with cafes and bars. While a visit to the city’s most famous attraction, the Panama Canal, ranks at the top of most sightseeing itineraries. Panama City is one of the best places to visit in Central America.

1. San Blas Islands

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The San Blas Islands of Panama are an archipelago comprising approximately 365 islands and cays, of which only 49 are inhabited. They lie off the north coast of the Isthmus of Panama, east of the Panama Canal. The San Blas Islands are one of the most popular places to visit in Panama due to their unspoiled beauty, indigenous people and simple way of life. Electricity and modern conveniences are limited on the islands, which offers a relaxing atmosphere and appealing solitude to many tourists.