Compact yet captivating, Panama is a land where two oceans join, cloud forests conceal rare wildlife and vibrant traditions endure. If you’re seeking a destination that balances culture with adventure and untamed nature, consider this Central American gem for your next trip.
Our Latin America Travel Specialist, Kristen Lanskail-Morris, recently travelled throughout the country for two weeks. From witnessing a sunrise atop Baru Volcano to artisan encounters in the Azuero Peninsula, she answers all your most pressing questions.
What is your standout memory?
“Walking up the trail through to the top of Baru Volcano, where it opened up to mesmerising views of both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, is something permanently imprinted in my brain. I was especially lucky, as I visited Panama in the rainy season, when clear days are rare this time of year (late September/early October). But, lo and behold, there it was right in front of me – a panorama that’s as impressive as it is absorbing, quite literally taking your breath away.
There are seven craters on the volcano, and you can see the outline of the broken crater of two or three of them from the top. The peak is about 3,450 metres above sea level, towering over everything in the vicinity, and it was last reported to have erupted in the mid-16th century.
After getting there just before sunrise, I had about an hour or so to enjoy the views and take pictures; then I was treated to a full breakfast picnic. There were sandwiches, granola bars, bananas, juice boxes, coffee, hot chocolate and marshmallows to tuck into, starting the day off just right. You get another hour before packing up and saying farewell to those dramatic views.
Please do note that it’s very cold up here! So, wrap up nice and warm. The driver provides jackets and gloves, since these aren’t necessarily needed throughout the rest of your trip.”
Where is Panama, and how do I get there?
“Panama is the southernmost country of Central America, linking the subregion with South America. To get there, you’ll take a connecting flight from London via Amsterdam, Paris, Madrid, or a country of your choice. Typically, we use connecting flights from Amsterdam.”
When is the best time to visit Panama?
“During the dry season, which is approximately mid-December to April.
Hot, sunny days and minimal rainfall provide the perfect conditions for exploring Panama’s many idyllic islands, mountainous trails, hot springs, verdant valleys and cloud forests.”
Our Reefs & Rainforests of Costa Rica & Panama sample itinerary is best experienced during this period. You’ll explore two of the world’s most wildlife-rich countries, including the chance to see the resplendent quetzal in misty forests alongside expert bird guides.
Why should I visit Panama, and who is it for?
“The Panamanian nature and scenery, from its impressive, smouldering volcanoes to its picturesque, white sand beaches, is often overlooked in Latin America. If you’re searching for a travel experience that incorporates culture and wildlife elements, you’re in the right place!”
What was your favourite..
..place to explore?
“Boquete, because it’s a hiker’s dream!
The four main hikes in the area include Sendero Los Quetzales (Quetzal Trail), Pipeline Trail, La Piedra De Lino Trail (Rock of Lino) and Lost Waterfalls Trail.
As the name suggests, the Quetzal Trail is home to the extravagant, vividly coloured resplendent quetzal – in addition to dense vegetation from giant ferns to orchids and more. Throughout the five or so hours it takes you to complete the hike, keep your eyes peeled for the star bird. It may be perched on an ancient tree, such as an oak, cedar or its favourite, the aguacatillo.
The Pipeline Trail is 20 minutes from town and takes between two-and-a-half and three-and-a-half hours to complete. Your goal with this one is to follow an old water line to a thousand-year-old tree, all while observing birds and howler monkeys that move through the canopy around you. Eventually, you’ll end up at a beautiful, hidden waterfall (Cascada Escondida).
La Piedra De Lino Trail climbs through the La India Dormida (The Sleeping Indian) group of mountains, ascending through a valley, crossing streams and visiting waterfalls in the process. It’s relatively straightforward and packs a lot in despite its short distance.
But perhaps the most well-known hike in the area is the Lost Waterfalls Trail. You proceed through dense cloud forest towards three magical waterfalls. Listening to the rush of the water tumbling into the pool below is something you won’t get out of your head; it’s incredibly peaceful. This one is steep at the beginning and end, and takes about three-and-a-half hours.
Another hike to be aware of is the one to La Artilleria, which can be done as an alternative to Baru. At the top, your reward is a panoramic view of Boquete and its gorgeous surrounds. Though do bear in mind that you’re mostly hiking through an open area as opposed to a forest.”
..accommodation to stay in?
“Three stood out to me on this trip, each located in different regions of Panama.
I loved Central Hotel Panama’s location in the Casco Viejo district of Panama City. You’re right on the main square and immediately feel immersed in Latin America the moment you step outside. There are humble vendors and buskers, such as a violinist who plays in the evenings, plus shops and restaurants a stone’s throw away, all of which create a cosy atmosphere.
Panamonte is set in a lush, green cloud forest of Boquete. I could have sat and enjoyed the beautiful nature for hours, which is placed in the middle of the hotel between the rooms.
Inside, the interior almost resembles that of a plantation style building. The rooms are huge, providing plenty of space to relax, and the restaurant uniquely opens out to the street.
My last favourite was Bocas Del Mar. Situated in Boca Chica, the hotel features very nice grounds and manicured gardens, with paths winding throughout. Whether it’s tucking into delicious Panamanian food at the restaurant overlooking the gardens or kayaking over to the big island, Boca Brava, there’s lots to see and do during your stay here.
..excursion to do?
“It would have to be the aforementioned Baru Volcano Tour. Though the Azuero’s Historic Tour is a close second, since you get to visit local artisans and an optional stop at an agritourism farm.
The first was an artisan drum maker located in the district of Parita, 12 minutes outside Chitre. Señor Lavarro (pictured below) practices a very carefully guarded traditional method of making drums. He produces them by hand with Panamanian tools, adapting the rustic style of drums made by African slaves brought to Panama to play Congo music.
You’re walked through the production process before he performs a solo.
From here, you can experience the optional La Mula agroturistic farm tour.
Birdwatching, trail walking to Sarigua, and a cowboy/farm tour are all available. Interestingly, with Sarigua, the desert isn’t natural. It became a desert due to over-cultivation by pre-Hispanic civilisations, and the area was abandoned for farming; now, it’s a desert. Once destroyed, the land began to erode, forming the Martian-looking environment you see today.
The second artisan was pottery maker Mr Hector, at a pottery shop in La Reina, Chitre. He explained to me how he prepares the clay from dirt and other raw materials, making it with a hand machine. After a demonstration of forming something out of the clay and how the oven process works, he gives you the opportunity to try creating something yourself.
As you can see, it’s a lot of fun!
Following lunch, I met the master mask maker, Mr Jose Gonzales. He crafts custom fantasy masks for locals to use in parades and cultural performances such as Corpus Christi (as well as some movies!). They’re incredibly intricate and ferocious-looking, so I can only imagine how they’d look in action, watching the performers dance joyously through the streets of Panama.
Plus, you can enjoy a workshop in which you paint a tiny mask.
The last stop was a traditional finca, where you meet the dressmaking ladies.
Featured in annual beauty pageant competitions, the dresses they create take over a year to produce, since they utilise hand-weaving techniques. Every band of the top is embroidered and stitched together, whereas the skirts are completely hand-embroidered. The outfits cost thousands of dollars and include real gold jewellery and crystal headdresses.
To conclude, the ladies dressed me up in a traditional dress and headband for a photo shoot!
Overall, the artisan stops were very engaging, each with its own unique interactive component. I also have to praise my guide, ‘Malcy’, who was very friendly and knowledgeable throughout.”
What wildlife did you see?
“All sorts of marine species, from whales to fish, turtles and many pufferfish (which are my favourite!). There were also iguanas, hundreds of hermit crabs, agouti, frigatebirds and pelicans.
I photographed these little guys hanging about overhead during a boat tour of the Panama Canal, during which I saw three different monkey species in total (white-faced capuchins, mandarin marmosets and black howler monkeys).”
Our 14-night Panama Nature Explorer example tour takes you to see the country’s wildlife-rich landscapes, including tropical birds in Soberania National Park. Coiba Island also features, where you can snorkel to see marine life such as turtles and manta rays.
What is the food like in Panama?
“Traditional Panamanian food tends to focus on rice, beans, chicken, pork and fried or sweet plantains. But there’s a lot of international cuisine and cattle farming, so beef and seafood are more popular at slightly higher-end restaurants. All-in-all, I enjoyed a tasty array of meals!”
What did you think of the beaches?
“The beaches I visited were mainly rocky or debris-covered, except for those on Coiba Island, which are simply beautiful (see my image below) and the final beach on my tour of Boca Chica.
The San Blas Islands would have been lovely had the weather been clear, and the beaches in Bocas Del Toro are stunning. I didn’t get to visit them on this trip, but I actually used to live there, and they’re some of the nicest I’ve ever seen.”
What three tips do you have for visiting Panama?
“Number one – split your time between the city and nature. There’s much more to discover beyond Panama City and the Panama Canal. Boquete offers mountains, coffee farms and hiking, whereas the San Blas Islands are rustic Caribbean and Bocas del Toro provides laid-back islands and gorgeous beaches to explore.
Number two – understand the financial situation. Panama uses the US Dollar (USD) alongside the Panamanian Balboa, so USD bills are accepted everywhere. Yet you’ll often get Balboa coins as change (same value as USD coins). Cards are widely accepted in cities, but carry cash for islands and rural areas. Cash machines are easy to find in populated areas.
Number three – plan around the weather and pack light. Panama is hot and humid year-round. Its dry season is the best time to visit (December—April), while the rainy season (May—November) sees short, heavy showers. So, pack breathable clothes, good walking shoes, sunscreen and a light rain jacket. Bug spray is highly recommended in jungle and island areas.”
In one sentence, how would you describe your experience?
“My trip through Panama was diverse, blending history, landscapes, wildlife and authentic cultural encounters with standout moments like standing on the top of Baru Volcano at sunrise, hands-on artisan traditions in Azuero, Coiba’s marine life and an unforgettable coffee tour that really brought the country to life.”
Follow in Kristen’s Footsteps with Rainbow
Inspired to discover Panama for yourself? Get in touch to begin crafting a journey shaped entirely around you. From misty cloud forests to volcanic peaks and wildlife-rich islands, we’ll design a bespoke itinerary that captures the very best of this captivating country.
Reefs and Rainforests of Costa Rica and Panama is a great starting point for your Latin America travels. Tailor it to your preferences by speaking with a Travel Specialist today.
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