Welcome to Panama

Panama is much more than just a canal. This small country at the narrowest point of the Americas is one of the most fascinating travel destinations in Central America — and still a hidden gem. On just 75,517 km², Panama combines an astonishing diversity:

• Two oceans, one country — Panama is the only country in the world where you can have breakfast by the Pacific in the morning and dinner by the Caribbean Sea in the evening. Only 80 km as the crow flies separate the Atlantic and the Pacific.
• The Panama Canal — One of the greatest engineering feats in human history. Watching the massive Neopanamax freighters squeeze through the Miraflores Locks is an unforgettable experience.
• Untouched Caribbean islands — The San Blas Islands (Guna Yala) with their 365 palm-fringed coral islands, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant Guna culture are a Caribbean paradise without mass tourism, hotel fortresses, or cruise ships.
• Tropical rainforest — Over 30% of the country is under nature protection. The Darién National Park (UNESCO) is home to one of the last untouched rainforests in Central America. And in Gamboa, just 30 minutes from Panama City, howler monkeys swing through the treetops.
• Panama City — the Miami of Central America — A glittering skyline rising from the rainforest, colonial Casco Viejo (UNESCO), vibrant rooftop bars, and a cosmopolitan flair unmatched in Central America.
• Boquete and the Highlands — First-class coffee plantations (the legendary Geisha coffee!), cloud forests, the Volcán Barú (3,475 m), and the chance to spot the mythical Quetzal bird.
• The US dollar as currency — Panama uses the US dollar, making travel incredibly easy. No exchange rates, no money exchange worries, no surprises.
• Safety — Panama is one of the safest countries in Central America. The tourist regions are well protected, and the infrastructure is the best in the region.

Panama is the country that connects continents and separates oceans — a tropical hub between North and South America, between Caribbean longing and Pacific adventure. Those who come here find everything: metropolis and jungle, beach and mountains, modernity and ancient indigenous cultures.

Panama can be divided into four major travel regions, each with its own character and completely different experience:

Panama City & Canal Zone

For whom: City explorers, history enthusiasts, foodies
The capital is a fascinating contrast: The colonial Casco Viejo (UNESCO) with its pastel-colored facades meets a skyscraper skyline reminiscent of Dubai. The Panama Canal with its Miraflores Locks is just 15 minutes from the center, and the rainforest begins on the outskirts in Gamboa.

Bocas del Toro

For whom: Beach lovers, surfers, party enthusiasts
The Caribbean island archipelago in the northwest is Panama's tropical paradise: Turquoise waters, overwater bungalows, surfing at Bluff Beach, snorkeling in coral gardens, and the most relaxed atmosphere in the country. Bocas Town also offers the best nightlife outside the capital.

San Blas Islands (Guna Yala)

For whom: Adventurers, cultural travelers, peace seekers
365 palm islands of the indigenous Guna, who control tourism themselves. No Wi-Fi, no luxury, but the most Caribbean Caribbean experience imaginable: crystal-clear water, lobster straight from the sea, and a starry sky that surpasses all.

Highlands & Chiriquí

For whom: Nature lovers, hikers, coffee enthusiasts
The highlands around Boquete with the Volcán Barú (3,475 m), first-class coffee plantations, cloud forests full of Quetzals, and pleasantly cool temperatures are Panama's green lung and a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

1. Experience the Panama Canal at the Miraflores Locks — Huge container ships glide through the locks, just meters away. The visitor center explains the history of this world wonder of engineering. → Chap. Panama City
2. Stroll through Casco Viejo — The colonial old town district (UNESCO) with its restored palaces, rooftop bars, art galleries, and views of the modern skyline is Panama's most atmospheric place. → Chap. Panama City
3. Relax on the San Blas Islands — Swim in turquoise waters on a secluded palm island of the Guna indigenous people, eat fresh lobster, and marvel at the starry sky at night — pure Caribbean. → Chap. San Blas
4. Island hopping in Bocas del Toro — From island to island by water taxi, surfing at Bluff Beach, snorkeling at the Zapatilla Reef, and cocktails in the evening on "Calle 3". → Chap. Bocas del Toro
5. Visit coffee plantations in Boquete — Panama's Geisha coffee is among the most expensive and best in the world. Experience the entire production on a farm and drink the freshest coffee of your life. → Chap. Highlands
6. See the sunrise from Volcán Barú — From Panama's highest point (3,475 m), you can see both the Pacific AND the Caribbean at the same time in clear weather. Start at 1 a.m., but it's worth it a hundred times over. → Chap. Highlands
7. Search for the Quetzal in the cloud forest — The legendary god bird of the Maya with its emerald green plumage and meter-long tail lives in the cloud forests of Boquete. With a guide, you have a good chance of spotting it. → Chap. Highlands
8. Paddle through the rainforest in Gamboa — Kayak through the channels of Gatún Lake, surrounded by howler monkeys, toucans, and crocodiles — just 30 minutes from the skyscraper skyline. → Chap. Panama City
9. Make chocolate in Bocas del Toro — Roast, grind, and make your own chocolate on an organic cocoa farm — from fruit to bar. → Chap. Bocas del Toro
10. Buy Guna Molas as souvenirs — The multi-layered, hand-sewn textile artworks of the Guna women are much more than souvenirs — they are living art and an expression of one of the oldest cultures in the Americas. → Chap. San Blas
11. Visit the Emberá indigenous people — By dugout canoe to an Emberá community in Chagres National Park, experience traditional dances, get Jagua tattoos, and swim in the waterfall. → Chap. Panama City
12. Try Panama's street food — Ceviche at the fish market, empanadas at the street stand, raspados with syrup, and coconut water straight from the fruit — a tropical land of plenty. → Chap. Food & Drink