Megan started with SmarterTravel Media's Airfarewatchdog way back in 2008, moved over to FamilyVacationCritic, and finally SmarterTravel in 2021. Originally from Massachusetts, she has lived in Nova Scotia, London, and New York City. She has spent nearly every summer (or at least part of it) on Prince Edward Island. She has started to go out of her comfort zone while traveling- most recently exploring caves and boogie boarding on a FlowRider.
Panama is a popular tourist destination, and is becoming increasingly popular. While Panama City is worth a visit, there is so much more to the country than its capital. We've gathered some of the best hidden gems in Panama, from natural wonders, relaxing beaches, to historical landmarks that shouldn't be missed.
1. El Valle de Antón
Visit this village situated in the crater of an inactive volcano. Hikers will love the mountainous trails, and adventurers won't be able to resist the Chorro El Macho waterfall. Relax in the hot springs in the area - day passes are available at El Valle Resort, Pozos Termales, and Valle de Antón Suites. The main street of El Valle de Antón is brimming with shops to find something local to buy, and El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center is a great spot to learn about amphibians up close. If you are up for a real adventure, try zip-lining through Canopy Adventures. It's a 2.5-hour bus ride from Panama City (Albrook Terminal).
Best time to Visit: December to April (dry season) for hiking and outdoor activities
Where to Stay: The Golden Frog Inn
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2. Gulf of Chiriquí Marine Park
Adventure seekers will love the coral reef of Chiriquí Marine Park. Comprised of dozens of islands and 19 coral reefs, you'll have exceptional viewing opportunities in the pristine water as you SCUBA dive or snorkel along the coast. Prefer to stay with your feet on land (or on a boat?) - you'll love one of the whale watches. Between July and October, the waters are brimming with whales mating and calving their young. To get to the Gulf of Chiriquí, you'll have to fly to David from Panama City, and take a bus or drive to Boca Chica, where you can take a boat to the Gulf.
Best time to Visit: September for whale watching, December to April for diving
Where to Stay: Bocas Del Mar
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3. Soberania National Park
Known as the "birdwatching capital of the world," Soberania National Park holds the world record for most bird species observed in a 24-hour period. If you like birds, this is the place for you. Just thirty minutes from Panama City, this refuge has multiple hiking trails, a bird observatory, and guided naturalist tours. You can either rent a car from Panama City and drive, or take a bus from Albrook Transportation Terminal. Buses going to Chilibre and Bahia D stop directly infront of the entrance.
Best time to visit: January to April (December to January for migrating birds)
Where to Stay: Summit Rainforest and Golf Resort
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4. San Blas Archipelago
To get a glimpse of indigenous people of Panama, head to San Blas Archipelago. Made up of over 350 islands, these islands have been untouched by the tourism industry. Tour around in a canoe with a Kuna (one of the natives of the Islands), or book a tour through a bigger company. Fans of Money Heist may recognize Isla Pelicano - where Tokyo and Rio lived post-heist. You'll love indulging in fresh seafood, watching textile demonstrations and learning traditional customs. Fly from Panama City to El Porvenir, Playon Chico, Achutupu, Ogobsucum or Corazon de Jesus. Driving from Panama City to Carti, the nearest port to the islands, takes about 2.5 hours.
Best time to visit: February to April
Where to Stay: Bungalow Isla Waisalatupo
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5. Indigenous Chocolate Tours
Chocolate lovers rejoice! Take a look at small, local chocolate production with a tour. See how chocolate is produced step by step. See the traditional processing methods that have been used for years, pre-mass chocolate production. Take a class and try your hand at the process, or tour a farm like Bocas del Toro Permaculture Farm.
Best time to visit: October-November (harvest season)
Where to stay: Red Frog Beach Island Resort
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6. Portobelo Fortifications
Now a UNESCO World Heritiage Site, these 17th and 18th spanish fortresses on the Caribbean coast once served as the defense system for the Spanish crown. You'll see cannons still in place, ready to guard, old forts, walls and underground tunnels. Located about two hours from Panama City, you can drive or take a bus. The closest city is Colon.
Best time to visit: January-April for clear weather
Where to stay: Sand Diamond Hotel
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7. Petroglyphs
Throughout Panama there are petroglyphs worth visiting. On Panama's pacific coast, in Nancito, you'll find a small museum dedicated to the rock carvings. La Piedra Pintada (the painted stone), in Caldera, is also a fascinating site to see, and can be accessed via a short hike. Throughout the Volcán area, you'll find petroglyphs, especially near the communities of Nueva California and Paso Ancho. You'd best get a local guide to take you, so you can ensure you do not wander onto private property as you explore. Many tours will feature the petroglyphs.
Best time to visit: March-April (clearest visibility)
Where to stay: Bocas Del Mar
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8. Pearl Islands
Located about 30 minutes from Panama City, the Pearl Islands are made up of about 200 islands, most uninhabited. These islands provide spots for snorkeling in hidden coves, sport fishing, beach camping, whale watching, and of course, lazing on the beach. Isla Contadora is the most developed, but still peaceful, and perfect if total isolation is not for you. Isla San José has gorgeous beaches and hiking trails, while Isla Pedro González is a traditional fishing village and will give you a taste of the fisherman way of life.
Best time to visit: December-April for clear waters
Where to Stay: Hotel Mar y Oro
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9. Cerro Punta
The highest altitude in Panama, Cerro Punta is an agricultural center know for flower and vegetable farming. It is also a fantastic spot to visit. Near the border of Costa Rica, hikers will love the Amistad International Park trails, and flower enthusiasts won't want to miss Finca Dracula, the botanical garden that specializes in orchids. Nearby, you can go swimming at Cañon Macho de Monte, take a coffee tour at Janson Family Coffee- no matter what you do, Cerro Punta is worth the visit!
Best time to visit: January-March for clearest skies
Where to Stay: Los Quetzales Ecolodge & Spa
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