Panama Canal Panama Travel Guide
Panama's natural landscape makes it a prime destination for adventures in nature, notably around the Canal's vast watershed.
Metropolitan Natural Park (Panama City) has from easy to intermediate trails with panoramic city and Canal views. Soberanía National Park (Gamboa area) provides comprehensive trails, including the famous "Pipeline Road" for birdwatching. El Valle de Antón, a mountain town, features different hiking trails to waterfalls and mountains.
Kayaking/Paddleboarding on Gatun Lake via tour operators in Gamboa. Gatun Lake is famous for excellent peacock bass fishing with guided tours available. A ferry to Taboga Island offers a popular day trip for swimming, sunbathing, and unwinding on the beach.
Taking the Panama Canal Railway from Panama City to Colón (or vice-versa) is an unique experience. This historical train ride provides a scenic parallel perspective of the Canal's path through the rainforest.
Prioritize safety during outdoor activities. Use reliable tour providers and guides. Check weather conditions in advance of your trip out, especially for aquatic activities or hiking. Carry enough water and wear appropriate gear for the activity.
Panama offers many ways to immerse yourself in its culinary offerings culture and traditions.
Seek and support tours that directly benefit local communities. These initiatives often have real experiences while tourism contributions directly support local cultures.
Spanish language schools are available in Panama City for deep learning. Even a few days of classes can help with basic communication and improve interactions with locals.
Carnival: Annually before Ash Wednesday (Feb/Mar), Panama's biggest party. Semana Santa (Holy Week): Ceremonial marches. Independence Days (November): Patriotic celebrations.
Hands-on classes teach preparation of traditional Panamanian dishes like sancocho or ceviche. A way to learn about area ingredients and cooking methods.
Explore local crafts in Casco Viejo, like painting, jewelry making, or the intricate Guna textile art of mola. Connect with local artists.
Learn about their culture, crafts, music, and dance during an organized river journey.
After active days of exploration, Panama offers opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Casco Viejo has rooftop bars and jazz clubs, suitable for a sophisticated evening. Modern Districts like El Cangrejo and Bella Vista also host numerous bars and nightspots with live music.
National Theatre (Teatro Nacional) in Casco Viejo hosts various cultural performances, including ballet, opera, chamber music concerts, and theatrical productions. Atlapa Convention Center is a larger venue for major concerts.
The Capital of panama has a lively club scene, especially in The Cangrejo and the financial district. Clubs play a mix of Latin music and international hits. Casco Viejo is excellent for a pub crawl, featuring a lot of one-of-a-kind bars.
Mercado de Artesanías de Balboa: Near Amador Causeway, focuses on local handicrafts, including molas, woven baskets, and tagua nut carvings. Mercado de Mariscos (Fish Market): Mainly for fresh seafood, but also a cultural experience.
Casco Viejo has several shops specializing in high-quality Panamanian handicrafts. Souvenir Recommendations: Molas (Guna textile art), Tagua Nut Carvings (resembles ivory), Embera Baskets (woven), high-quality Panama Hats, Panamanian coffee, and Ron Abuelo (local rum).
Multiplaza Pacific Mall and SOHO Mall are upscale malls with foreign designer brands. Albrook Mall is one of Latin America's largest, with a vast array of foreign and local brands, electronics, and food courts.
Panama offers a range of ways to immerse yourself in its food culture and local traditions.
Seek and support tours and activities that directly benefit local communities. These initiatives often have real experiences while tourism contributions support local cultures.
Spanish language schools are available in The Capital of panama for immersive learning. Even a few days of classes can help with basic interaction and enhance interactions with locals.
Panama hosts a range of food festivals all year. Carnival (Feb/Mar) is Panama's biggest party. Easter Week (Easter Week) and Independence Days (November) also have significant celebrations.
Casco Viejo has rooftop bars and jazz clubs for a sophisticated evening. Modern districts like El Cangrejo and Bella Vista host numerous bars and clubs with live music, playing a mix of Latin and international hits.
Kayaking/paddleboarding on Gatun Lake via tour operators. Gatun The lake itself is famous for excellent peacock bass fishing. A ferry to Taboga Island offers a popular day trip for swimming and sunbathing.
Metropolitan Natural Park (The Capital of panama) has easy to moderate trails. Soberanía National Park (Gamboa area) offers extensive trails. El Valle de Antón possesses several hiking trails to waterfalls and mountains.
When visiting an Embera village, consider purchasing their handicrafts directly from them. This supports their economy and nature reserves their traditional arts. Bargaining is for the most part acceptable for these items.
The Capital of panama comes alive after dark, offering a diverse range of entertainment and nightlife options.
This stunningly restored historic theater in Casco Viejo hosts various cultural performances, including ballet, opera, classical concerts, and theatrical productions. Check local listings for events.
A larger venue that hosts major concerts, international shows, and large-scale events. Look at their timetable for any planned performances during your visit.
Casinos are available in larger hotels throughout the city, offering gaming and additional entertainment options for those searching for late-night diversions.
When purchasing souvenirs, especially handicrafts, seek out and purchase items directly from local artisans or community-based initiatives. This directly supports the local economy plus aids preserve traditional arts.
