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From visiting the Panama Canal to getting up close with wild monkeys, Panama is the ultimate tropical destination with plenty to do. Here’s a bucket list to make sure you experience all that Panama has to offer!
Visit the Panama Canal
The Panama Canal, one of the seven industrial wonders of the world, is a must-see while you’re in Panama. The canal cuts through Panama, creating a shortcut for ships that previously had to sail around the southern tip of South America. Ships navigate through a series of locks in the canal, where they are raised up above sea level to sail across Gatun Lake, then lowered back down to sea level.
Visitors can watch ships transit through the canal locks at two spots: the Miraflores Visitor Center and the Agua Clara Locks Visitor Center. The Miraflores Visitor Center, located on the Pacific Ocean side of Panama, is the closest option for those staying in the Panama City and Casco Viejo areas. The center consists of observation decks to watch the canal in action as well as a museum focusing on the history of the canal.
The Agua Clara Locks Visitor Center is located on the Atlantic Ocean side of Panama, about an hour drive from Panama City. From the observation deck, visitors are able to see Gatun Lake, the locks, and the Atlantic Ocean. On a typical day, you could see a handful of ships waiting on both sides of the locks for their time to sail through.
Check out our Guide to Visiting the Panama Canal for more information!
Explore Casco Viejo
No Panama bucket list would be complete without including Casco Viejo, also known as Casco Antiguo. Founded in 1673, this charming historic district is home to stunning architecture and some of the best food in Panama. The area was designated as a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site in 1997. We recommend you start at Plaza de la Independencia, which is home to the Panama Canal Museum, Panama History Museum, and the Metropolitan Cathedral of Panama. Next head over to Plaza Bolivia, a space dedicated to Simon Bolivar. Bolivar was a political leader who urged Latin America to break free from Spanish rule. Continue on to the Museum of Colonial Religious Arts, housed inside the ruins of the Santo Domingo Convent. The ruins are free to explore and are one of the most beautiful sites in Casco Viejo.
You can then wrap up your tour of Casco Viejo at Plaza de Francia. The plaza tells the story of the role of the French in the construction of the Panama Canal. On one side of the plaza you’ll find a monument to Carlos Finlay, a Cuban doctor who discovered that mosquitoes transmit yellow fever. This disease greatly affected those who helped construct the canal. The plaza offers stunning views of both Casco Viejo and the financial district of Panama City.
Our Casco Viejo Walking Tour post has more information – with a map included!
Go to Monkey Island
If you’re looking for a real adventure, add Monkey Island to your Panama bucket list. Monkey Island is actually a collection of small islands where you can get up close and personal with, you guessed it, monkeys! Capuchins, howlers, and tamarins are the most common types of monkeys you will see. Monkey Island was by far our favorite place in Panama. We recommend visiting the island by going on an Ocean to Ocean and Jungle Tour. This tour through Viator is a great option, taking you to see sites on the Pacific and Atlantic sides of Panama!
Tour Fort San Lorenzo
Not too far from the city of Colon and the Agua Clara Locks Visitor Center is Fort San Lorenzo. The fort was built with the intention of protecting the Chagres River, a waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Over the years the fort suffered many attacks, including from pirates such as Captain Henry Morgan. The area is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We suggest spending about an hour there.
Sample Geisha Coffee
Did you know that Panama grows some of the world’s most expensive coffee? That’s right! Panama is one of the top producers of Geisha coffee, which was selling for $2,500 per pound in 2021. Geisha coffee is known for its tea-like taste. We recommend stopping by Cafe Unido in Casco Viejo to sample some of the famous coffee, along with their delicious breakfast sandwiches. Casa Sucre and Sisu Coffee Studio are also good options.
Try Panamanian Food
Panama is a great destination for foodies. The number one dish you need to try is sancocho, a chicken soup that contains cilantro and potatoes. You can find it on the menu at Diablicos in Casco Viejo, along with other Panamanian classics such as ropa vieja and arroz con pollo. We also recommend trying some ceviche and empanadas.
Visit El Valle de Anton
Another great addition to your Panama bucket list is a day trip to El Valle de Anton, a town housed inside the crater of an extinct volcano. The valley is located about two and a half hours from Panama City and can be reached either by renting a car or going with a tour group. We recommend going with a tour group so that you don’t have to worry about transportation and can have a local guide show you the best sites. This tour is a good option.
While in El Valle de Anton, check out the Sleeping Indian Girl hike and Butterfly Haven.
Relax on the San Blas Islands
If you’re looking to swim in some crystal clear water, check out the San Blas Islands! Located off the north coast of Panama, these islands are an archipelago consisting of 365 islands, 49 of which are uninhabited. Getting to the islands is a bit of a journey – the car ride from Panama City is about four hours each way. You can go there as part of a day trip on this tour.
Explore the Metropolitan Natural Park
Want a tropical escape without leaving Panama City? Head over to the Metropolitan Natural Park! Spanning 573 acres, the park is the city’s only wildlife refuge and is home to animals such as sloths, iguanas, and white-tailed deer. The park is about a 20-minute car ride from Casco Viejo.
Check out our TikTok to see what our trip to Panama was like!
Disclaimer: All information presented in this post was accurate at the time of our trip. Attractions, availability, circumstances, operating hours, prices, etc. are subject to change and this post may not reflect the most up-to-date information. Readers are advised to do their due diligence in researching the location prior to travel. Hyperlink content may be out-of-date and is not sponsored by or affiliated with Scenic Sites unless otherwise noted.
Visited October 2022 | Posted March 2023
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