MileHacker Logo
Things to Do in Panama

Things to Do in Panama

Panama Panama Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures in Panama

Explore Panama's diverse environments, from challenging mountain tracks to pristine the marine environments.

Hiking & Trekking

Volcán Barú Boquete

Challenging overnight hike (10-A 12-hour period return trip) to Panama's highest peak for sunrise views of both oceans.

Pipeline Road Soberanía National Park

Flat, easy trail near Panama City, world-renowned for birdwatching (over 500 species) and wildlife spotting.

Sendero Los Quetzales Boquete

Moderate to difficult 9.6 km trail through cloud forest, known for landscape and an opportunity to spot the resplendent quetzal.

Water Sports & Adventure

  • Snorkeling AND Diving with scuba gear: Bocas del Toro (Coral, Hospital Point), San Blas Islands, Coiba National Park (world-class).
  • Surfing: Santa Catalina (world-class waves), Bocas del Toro (various skill levels), Pacific Coast beaches.
  • Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Calm waters of Gatun Lake, mangroves of Bocas del Toro, Pearl Islands bays.
  • Fishing: Deep-sea fishing (Gulf of Chiriquí, Pearl Islands for marlin, tuna). Freshwater fishing (Gatun On the lake for peacock bass).

Adventure Sports

  • Rafting On rapids: Chiriquí highlands rivers feature various levels, exhilarating Class III-IV rapids during the monsoon.
  • Ziplining/Canopy Tours: Popular in Boquete and Gamboa, an exhilarating ride through the rainforest canopy.

Wildlife Encounters

  • Gatun Lake Boat Tours: Spot monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, and birds on small islands.
  • Birdwatching: Soberanía National Park (Pipeline Road) is a world-renowned birdwatching destination.
  • Whale Watching: July to October, humpback whales migrate to Panama's Pacific coast.

Cycling & Biking

  • Cinta Priceera (The Capital of panama): Long, flat, paved waterfront path for casual cycling having picturesque vistas.
  • Boquete: Mountain biking trails of diverse difficulty through coffee plantations and cloud forests.

Safety Advisory

Always prioritize safety. Use reputable tour operators, listen to guides, and ensure appropriate supplies and insurance. For booking tours, consider platforms like GetYourGuide to ensure reliable providers.

Cultural Immersion & 9.3 Relaxation & Wellness

Connect with Panama's heritage and find rejuvenation in serene settings.

Cultural Connections

  • Art & Craft Workshops: Learn traditional Panamanian crafts like carving tagua nuts or creating molas with the Guna people.
  • Cooking Classes: (See Section 7.5) Learn to prepare traditional dishes for a hands-on cultural experience.
  • Folkloric Dance Performances: Witness traditional dances with elaborate "pollera" dresses at heritage sites centers or during national festivals.
  • Community-Based Tourism: Indigenous communities (e.g., Emberá, Guna) offer insights into their way of life, traditions, and sustainable living.

Cultural Learning & Events

Language Learning

Spanish language schools in The Capital of panama and Boquete provide intensive courses for various levels. A great way to deepen immersion.

Carnival Feb/Mar

A key national celebration before Ash Wednesday. Lively in The Tablas and The Capital of panama, with parades, music, and dancing.

Festival de la Mejorana Sep, Guararé

Significant folkloric festival in Azuero Peninsula, celebrating traditional music, dance, and crafts.

Spa & Wellness Centers

High-end hotels in modern The Capital of panama feature high-end spas. Eco-lodges in tranquil settings also provide spa services.

Natural Hot Springs

Pozos Termales de Caldera (Boquete) provides a rustic and relaxing experience, soaking in mineral-rich waters surrounded by nature.

Yoga & Retreats

Yoga and meditation retreats in peaceful locations like Boquete, Bocas del Toro, and private islands. A chance to disconnect and find inner peace.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Panama's cities, especially Panama City, come alive after dark with diverse options.

Live Music & Performances

  • Live Music Venues (Casco Viejo): Numerous bars and restaurants feature live Latin music (salsa, reggaeton), jazz, and area bands.
  • Teatro Nacional & Anita Villalaz (Casco Viejo): Historic venues host plays, concerts, and artistic performances, from traditional to contemporary.
  • Local Rhythms: Experience vibrant cumbia, tamborito, and other traditional Panamanian musical styles.
  • International Acts: Larger venues in current The Capital of panama occasionally host international artists.

Nightclubs & Bars

Casco Viejo Nightlife

Home to popular nightclubs and dance spots. Dance to Latin beats, electronic music, and international hits.

Bar Districts

Casco Viejo is the main area for pub crawls, with a mix of trendy cocktail bars, rooftop lounges, and classic cantinas.

Late-Night Entertainment

Many large hotels in contemporary Panama City feature casinos, offering slot machines, table games, and live entertainment.

Beach & Pool Clubs

Panama City Rooftop Pools

Some modern hotels feature impressive rooftop pools. Nearby islands like Taboga have beach clubs for day visitors.

Pacific Coast Resorts

Resorts along Pacific beaches (e.g., White Beach) showcase extensive swimming pool areas and beach club amenities.

Bocas del Toro Beach Bars

Isla Colón and nearby islands have beach bars and clubs, with a relaxed atmosphere, music, and drinks.

Shopping & Markets in Panama

Shopping in Panama has modern shopping plazas to traditional artisan markets.

Traditional & Artisan Shopping

  • Mercado de Artesanías de Tablas: Large artisan market near Panama Viejo, featuring classic crafts, souvenirs.
  • Local Markets: Excellent places to discover fresh produce, spices, and everyday local goods throughout the country.
  • Artisan Workshops: Book a tour to witness indigenous crafts like Guna molas or Emberá woven baskets.
  • Tagua Nut Carvings: Detailed carvings from vegetable ivory (animals, traditional figures) found in artisan shops.

Souvenir Recommendations

Unique Panamanian Gifts

Molas (unique textile art), Tagua Nut Carvings (sustainable), Woven Baskets and Pottery.

Food & Drink Souvenirs

Coffee from Boquete (high-quality), Panamanian Rum (Ron Abuelo), Traditional "Pollera" Dolls.

Wearable Memories

Handmade jewelry, clothing with traditional designs.

Luxury & Boutique

Luxury shopping malls (Multiplaza Pacific, Albrook Mall) feature international brands. Stylish shops in Casco Viejo have unique fashion, jewelry, and art.

Ethical Shopping

Support local artisans by acquiring directly or from reputable shops. Avoid items from protected species. Look for fair-trade coffee or products.

Shipping & Customs

Delivery from Panama can be expensive; inquire about costs. Check home country customs regulations for agricultural products, alcohol, or heritage artifacts.

Shopping Tips for Travelers

Bargaining
  • Generally acceptable at local markets and with street vendors.
  • Not customary in established stores or shopping malls.
  • Politeness and a smile go a long way.
Payment Methods
  • Cash (US dollars) is preferred at markets plus tinier shops.
  • Credit cards are widely accepted in larger stores, restaurants, and hotels.
  • Some contemporary vendors may accept mobile payments.

Shopping Insight

Shopping in Panama caters to all flavors and budgets. From unique artisan crafts that capture the local spirit to high-end global brands, a diverse retail scene awaits your discovery. Remember to support local communities for authentic keepsakes.

Activity Planning Summary

Outdoor Adventure Checklist

  • Pack appropriate gear for hiking, water sports, and sun protection.
  • Research tour operators for safety and reliability, booking through sites like GetYourGuide.
  • Stay hydrated and be aware of weather conditions, especially for long hikes or water activities.
  • Consider travel insurance covering adventure activities.

Cultural & Wellness Preparations

  • Engage with local communities respectfully. Learning simple Spanish phrases enriches interactions.
  • Check local event calendars for cultural festivals or performances during your visit.
  • Book spa treatments or yoga retreats in advance, especially in famous visitor areas.
  • For one-of-a-kind retail, prioritize local artisan markets to support communities.