Places to visit in Panama

Panama’s iconic capital city is like nowhere else in Central America. One minute you are passing tall skyscrapers and the next, surrounded by elegant colonial buildings in the old quarter of Casco Viejo.

At first glance it can seem chaotic, but there’s plenty of fun to be had and the contrast appeals to children in particular. Faded grandeur, modern malls, cobbled streets, designer boutiques, artisan stalls and ‘too cool for school’ rooftop bars and restaurants. Think Singapore meets Havana meets Ibiza. And most importantly, Casco Viejo is very safe.

One cannot underestimate the importance of the canal to Panama. It put the country firmly on the map and is the lynchpin to its economy. But is not just some boring waterway. Yes, it is the link between Atlantic and Pacific and thus the main trade route for container ships but the entire zone is full of fascinating spots – La Soberania National Park, which packs an abundance of wildlife, Gamboa Rainforest Reserve where you can take an aerial tram or zipline through the rainforest and even the villages that were created during the building of the canal and now form educational hubs. And getting up close to those absolutely massive ships and observing how the locks work is actually incredibly fascinating. We promise!

The eco-adrenaline capital of Panama. Boquete not only provides relief from the humidity of the lower climes, but also the perfect location for some outdoor fun! This small plantation town is on the edge of Barú Volcano National Park, at 3,475m home to the highest point in Panama (you can actually see both Pacific and Caribbean from the summit!). Its rich, volcanic soil results in some wonderful local produce to enjoy, including the much sought-after Geisha coffee.

The area is an outdoor-lover’s dream, with a variety of nature trails, rivers and waterfalls to explore, as well as opportunities for climbing, zip-wiring, hanging bridges and cloud forest hikes. It is also the base for exploring El Amistad – or Friendship – National Park, the largest nature reserve in Central America, uniquely managed by both Panama and Costa Rica. The whole area is renowned for its incredible birdlife and there is a high chance of spotting the elusive Resplendent Quetzal.

Imagine your perfect Caribbean island replete with palm trees, mangrove forest, coral reef, crystal-clear turquoise seas, white sand beaches and colourful marine life and you have – Bocas del Toro. This idyllic archipelago is undoubtedly one of Panama’s highlights, where the taxis are all boats and the pace of life slows considerably. Whilst the main town has a bit of a party reputation (which can be also be fun for older teens of course!), short speedboat transfers whisk you away to your island idylls – whether this is simple cabanas, luxury over-water bungalows or rustic chic eco-resorts.

With lots of great family-friendly rooming options, Bocas del Toro is the perfect place to wake up to the sounds of howler monkeys in the forest and the crash of waves at the beach; to snorkel with tropical fish and turtles; kayak the mangroves and watch the sunset from a beachside fish restaurant with your toes in the sand.

Whether you are based on the mainland – perhaps at the charming surf town of Santa Catalina or the beach resort at Bocas del Mar – or on one of the luxury private islands in the Gulf of Chiriqui, such as Isla Palenque or Islas Secas, the Pacific coast of Panama offers families water-based fun and superb marine wildlife experiences.

Snorkelling, kayaking, SUP, diving, surfing, whale-watching (in season) are just some of the activities we can include for families on this coast. And the marine reserve of Coiba National Park is the jewel in the crown. Far less busy than Bocas del Toro, this is where you will see the most incredible biodiversity packed into one area – it is like a mini Panama!

Also known as Guna Yala, these Robinson Crusoe-esque series of islands lie like a chain of rough pearls along Panama’s north-eastern coast. Devoid of any luxury hotels (or any decent hotels at all, just very simple eco-lodges with swaying hammocks), the best way to experience these islands is on a multi-day cruise, sailing from one idyllic beach to another. Or day trips can also be arranged from the fabulous Ordovician resort on nearby Isla Grande or from Panama City – though it may be tempting to stay…

El Valle de Anton is a place to escape the humidity and bustle of Panama City – for locals and travellers alike. In less than 2.5 hours you can find yourself surrounded by serene nature, stunning scenery and a lovely calm atmosphere of this tranquil area, set in the centre of an ancient volcanic caldera. This is a great spot for families to start experiencing Panamanian countryside on e-bike and hiking tours, visiting sites such as La Piedra Pintada, a huge boulder engraved with pre-Columbian engravings, Cerro Cara Iguana, with its fantastic views over the entire caldera and El Mercado del Valle, a bustling open-air market.

Visit hidden waterfalls, swim in crystal-clear pools and enjoy encounters with exotic plants and colourful birds whilst being surrounded by the sounds of nature. El Valle de Anton offers a perfect blend of exercise, relaxation and cultural discovery.