2026 Panama Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in February)

✨ Visit Panama…More Than Just a Canal: A World of Wonders Panama, a small Central American country, connects the Pacific Ocean with the Caribbean Sea in a breathtaking way. The starting point of your journey is the Panama Canal, a world-class landmark that opened in 1914. This feat of engineering has transformed the world's shipping routes. Visitors can watch massive ships pass through the locks at Miraflores, complete with interactive exhibits. Next, experience the charm of Casco Viejo, an old town filled with colonial buildings, small cafes, and cobblestone streets that invite a leisurely stroll. This is the heart of Panama City's culture and history, and home to the Cathedral of San Francisco, a 17th-century church renowned for its Baroque architecture and serene atmosphere. For nature lovers, Soberania National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Hiking trails lined with tall trees and the sound of birdsong are just a few steps away. It's a protected area that maintains its exceptionally rich ecosystem. Don't miss the San Blas Islands, located within the territory of the Kuna Yula people. These small archipelagos, home to over 300 islands, boast white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a simple lifestyle. Visitors can stay in wooden seaside huts, snorkel, and learn about indigenous culture up close. Finally, head to the Amador Causeway, a coastal road connecting the small islands to the mainland. The views are breathtaking, especially at sunset. There are restaurants, cafes, and viewpoints perfect for a relaxing getaway. Panama may not be the first destination for many, but once you've experienced it, you'll discover that it's full of memorable stories, from nature to culture to its warm and welcoming people.

#holidayitinerary Ciudad de Panama in Panama Province Panama is a lively city that blends modern skyscrapers with rich history. The historic Casco Viejo district is full of charming streets, colorful buildings, and bustling plazas, perfect for exploring on foot. You can visit colonial churches, quaint cafes, and boutique shops that reflect the city’s cultural heritage. The Panama Canal is a must-see, offering a fascinating glimpse into one of the world’s greatest engineering marvels. Along the waterfront, Amador Causeway provides stunning views of the skyline and opportunities for cycling or leisurely walks. With a mix of contemporary urban life, historical landmarks, and vibrant local culture, Ciudad de Panama in Panama Province Panama is an exciting destination for travelers seeking both adventure and insight into Panamanian life.

#holidayitinerary Bocas Del Toro in Panama is a lively and colorful destination that blends Caribbean charm with natural beauty. This province is made up of islands, each with its own personality, and the main town on Isla Colón is the perfect base to explore them all. The streets are lined with bright wooden houses, small cafes, and shops that give the place a warm, welcoming feel. A short boat ride takes you to stunning beaches, hidden coves, and clear waters perfect for snorkeling or diving. The reefs are full of marine life, and it is easy to spend hours floating over corals. If you are into surfing, some beaches have just the right waves, while others are calm and ideal for swimming. Bocas Del Toro also offers a taste of Afro Caribbean culture, with reggae rhythms, delicious seafood, and friendly locals. Whether you spend your days on the water or strolling the town, the relaxed island vibe stays with you.

#holidayitinerary Panama City Center is a lively mix of history, culture, and modern charm. Walking through the streets, you can feel the city’s energy blending the old with the new. Sleek high-rise buildings line the skyline, while historic neighborhoods like Casco Viejo offer cobblestone streets, colorful facades, and charming plazas perfect for a leisurely stroll. Shops, cafes, and street vendors create a vibrant atmosphere where you can browse for local crafts or enjoy a cup of rich Panamanian coffee. The waterfront areas are just as inviting, offering scenic views and a chance to watch the hustle of the Panama Canal’s shipping routes in the distance. There is always something happening in the city center, from cultural events to lively street performances. The combination of warm hospitality, diverse flavors, and fascinating architecture makes Panama City Center a destination that keeps you engaged at every turn, leaving you with a mix of urban excitement and cultural discovery.

Skyscrapers and colonial relics face each other across the water, while the canal quietly connects two oceans. Upon arriving in Panama, this canal-crossed country captivates with its unique blend—the pulse of a modern city harmonizes with the tranquility of historic districts. ✨ Travel Highlights ✨ 📍 New City Glimpses ▪️ Cloud View: Climb to the observation deck of the F&F Tower, where the Caribbean Sea shimmers on the glass facade and the city skyline unfolds before your eyes. ▪️ Canal Wisdom: At the Canal Museum, use AR technology to travel through time and witness how giant ships gracefully pass through this engineering marvel. ▪️ Coastal Leisure: Rent a scooter and glide along Cinta Costera, with swaying coconut shadows and yachts gently moored, chasing the sunset in the breeze. 📍 Old Town Moments (Casco Viejo) ▪️ Plaza Charm: At the ancient fountain in Independence Plaza, watch dancers in traditional Pollera dresses twirl, as sunlight whispers over Baroque carvings. ▪️ Geisha Flavor: Taste Geisha coffee nurtured in Panama’s highlands at SUSI or Geisha Experience cafés in the old town. A pour-over (about $10) is an elegant encounter for your palate. 📍 Canal Pulse (Miraflores Visitor Centre) ▪️ Lock Ceremony: In the afternoon sun, watch massive ships gently lifted, gates opening, water rushing, as mechanical hums blend with the roar of waves. ▪️ Light and Shadow Epic: The IMAX film "The Canal: Golden Waterway" narrates the epic navigation history. When the ships on screen overlap with the real canal outside the window, time and space seem to intertwine. Tips: The theater is well air-conditioned, bring a light jacket. A cup of chilled coconut water from Gatun Lake refreshes and cools. 📍 Twin Bridge Views ▪️ Americas Bridge: From the eastern viewing platform, capture the poetic interplay of light and tides at sunset where the Pacific meets. ▪️ Atlantic Bridge: Wait at dawn to see morning light pierce the mist, as foghorns awaken the sleeping continent. 🍴 Flavor Journey ▪️ Sancocho Chicken Soup: A fragrant national soup served with coconut rice, warming body and soul. ▪️ Ceviche with Lime Juice: Oysters marinated in lime juice and local chili, fresh and sweet dancing on the tongue. ▪️ Rum Cake: Cake soaked in aged rum, each bite rich with Caribbean aroma. 💡 Practical Tips 1️⃣ Visa: Holders of valid US or Schengen visas can stay visa-free for 180 days. 2️⃣ Transportation: TappCar or DiDi taxis are convenient; Old Town is best explored on foot. 3️⃣ Safety: Avoid walking alone late at night; keep cash in multiple places. 4️⃣ Bonus: Free street concerts often take place in Old Town on Fridays—dance to salsa rhythms late into the night. “When church bells meet the distant foghorns in the air, you realize Panama is not just a hurried stopover, but a carefully crafted time capsule.” 🌎

🍭After not wearing a mask, I started running around everywhere hahaha~ This stop - Panama • 🍭LATIN AUTO PARTS EXPO is an important auto parts exhibition in Latin America. If you want to develop business in Latin America and the Caribbean, and happen to be engaged in auto parts and other businesses, then this exhibition is very necessary to attend! • 📍Exhibition address: Panama Convention Center The center has 59,000 square meters of space. Nearly 400 international exhibitors from auto parts manufacturers, auto service, tools and equipment, tire manufacturers, tire service and repair companies, retreading, wheels, and more will be in attendance. 200+ Exhibitors Tire and automotive parts manufacturers from all over the world gather at the show every year, seeking to develop their Latin American markets and meet directly with new buyers. Mainly from China, the United States, and Mexico; professional buyers mainly come from Colombia, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Peru, Brazil and other countries. Over 4,500+ qualified B2B buyers in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Mexico who are decision makers, executives, managers, distributors, and retail store owners in the tire and auto parts industry; • 🍭Centralized and convenient location in Latin America Panama is a country with a very advantageous geographical location and has become one of the important logistics centers in the region, serving as a hub for connecting and mobilizing passengers from the American continent and providing modern services that promote the country's commerce and economy. • 🍭Exhibits range: ✅Auto parts and systems: car driving parts and components, chassis, wheels, body, electronics and electrical appliances, car interior, exterior, driving power and electronic control; ✅Gas station and car wash: gas station equipment, car wash and care; ✅Repair and maintenance: car maintenance and repair equipment, workshop maintenance and painting, repair station construction and management; ✅Accessories and modifications: auto parts, special equipment, modification service systems and improved designs, tires and tire accessories; • ♥️Experience of the exhibition: ① Transportation: The cost of living in Panama is not very high, so you can just take a taxi to get there. There are some discounts for downloading UBER. ② Catering: There are relatively few restaurants near the exhibition hall, and the catering inside the exhibition hall is slightly more expensive. It is recommended that you bring some simple food, such as bread, bottled water, etc. Of course, if you have acquaintances, you can go to their booths to pick up the food. ③ Dress: Actually, there are no requirements for visiting the exhibition, just dress casually, but girls should not wear high heels for the sake of beauty, it is really tiring after the whole process;

Hotel La Compañia - The Unbound Collection by Hyatt The hotel rooms are arranged around a square central courtyard, distributed on the west, south, and north sides, and the east side is the site of the Jesuit Church. The hotel has made a clear distinction in the design of the three-sided rooms, and the west, south, and north sides are respectively named Spanish Wing, French Wing, American Wing, symbolizing the influence of the Spanish, French, and American empires on Panamanian history. The interior decoration of the room is also full of historical sense. The hotel just opened in 2022, and the facilities in the room are very new. The bathroom adopts a modern design, clean and bright. All bathing and skincare products use the British brand Molton Brown (including in the public areas of the hotel). The highlight of the room, I think, is the small balcony, where you can glimpse the old city and see people coming and going on the street. What surprised us the most was the sound insulation effect of the balcony door. We always thought that the street was very quiet until we opened the balcony door and felt the market noise mixed with the damp air rushing towards us. The best part of Hotel La Compañia is the design of its public spaces, and they are obviously very proud of it. There is a guided tour at 10 am and 4 pm every day, leading guests to visit different spaces of the hotel. In the changes of space, we can also experience the changes of history, and it is not an exaggeration to call this hotel a museum. I was very much looking forward to trying Hari's, but the restaurant's opening hours and the baby's schedule did not match. We tried two of the restaurants this time, El Santuario (breakfast and dinner) and American Bazaar (lunch). El Santuario (Sanctuary), as the name suggests, is a tribute to the monastery. The stone walls, high ceilings, colored glass, and arches of the monastery are still preserved in their original style. We had dinner and breakfast here, and both adults and babies were very happy.

#fallishere Albrook mall is the largest mall in Pamana and supposedly in all of latin america. Their website claims to house over seven hundred stores, mostly middle tier. I counted an astounding four food courts. That is something I have never seen before in any other mall. Even the pickiest eater will find a place to eat here. I would consider this to be the most practical mall. They always have everything I am looking for. Even if you cannot find something at a small store, chances are you may find it in one of the several large department stores. Of all the malls in the city, this feels like the most family-friendly of all. Parallel to the mall is the national transportation hub with access to virtually all parts of the country via bus. It also houses a small indoor mall. Highly recommended a visit to Albrook Mall in Panama if you are there

Panama is located in southern Central America, adjacent to Colombia to the east and Costa Rica to the west, with the Pacific Ocean to the south and the Caribbean Sea to the north. As an important country in Central America, Panama has a long history and rich culture. The following will introduce Panama's geography, history, culture, economy and other aspects. In terms of geography, Panama has a narrow strip of land connecting North and South America, with a total area of 75,517 square kilometers. The country is divided into 10 provinces and 3 autonomous regions, and its geographical location makes it one of the most important trade hubs in the world. Panama has a world-famous waterway, the Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, allowing ships to travel from South and Central America through Panama to North America and Europe, becoming one of the key channels for global maritime trade. In terms of history, Panama had settlements of indigenous people during the pre-Columbian era. Later, it was conquered by Spanish colonizers and became a part of Spain. Under the influence of the independence movement, Panama gained independence from Colombia in 1903 and became an independent country. Since then, Panama has experienced political turmoil and military rule until the US military invaded in 1989 and overthrew the dictatorship. In the 1990s, Panama began to transition towards democracy and freedom, and has since become a stable democratic country. In terms of culture, Panama has a diverse cultural heritage that reflects its diverse history and social background. Panama's folk culture is renowned worldwide, with the most famous being the "Carnavales" festival, one of Panama's most important cultural festivals and one of the largest in Central America. In addition, Panama has many traditional cultural activities such as food, music, and dance. In terms of economy, Panama is a rapidly growing country, with its economic growth mainly relying on the service industry, logistics, and finance. Panama has first-class ports and modern transportation systems, and is also an international financial center with a stable currency and political environment, attracting a large amount of international investment. In addition, Panama also has abundant natural resources, including minerals, hydro resources, and agricultural resources, which provide important support for its economic development. In addition to economic development, Panama also focuses on protecting the environment and natural resources. It has a variety of ecosystems nationwide, including forests, oceans, lakes, and rivers, most of which remain in their original natural state. Panama is also committed to protecting its unique biodiversity, including hundreds of rare animals and plants such as jaguars, monkeys, and birds, which attract a large number of ecotourists. Overall, Panama is a country with a long history, diverse culture, rapid economic development, abundant natural resources, and strong environmental protection awareness. Its unique geographical location and possession of the world-famous canal make it one of the important trade hubs in the world. At the same time, its rich cultural heritage, diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds, and beautiful natural landscapes also make Panama a popular tourist destination.

👑Day and night in Panama.. The marine telescope is very powerful..I can see the opposite coastline..I can also see people walking clearly..But I can't see my Black Pearl