By Laurenne Mansbridge
Fresh from attending the Remote Latin America travel show in Panama, it reminded us exactly why this small country continues to punch so far above its weight as a travel destination.
Why Panama should be on your radar. At Pioneer, Panama certainly isn’t “new” to us — we’ve been travelling there, building partnerships and creating trips for clients for over 15 years — but every visit reinforces just how much this country has to offer.
In one trip, you can experience a striking modern skyline in Panama City, safe colonial streets and rooftop bars in Casco Viejo, tropical islands in Bocas del Toro, wildlife-rich rainforests, indigenous cultures, mountain coffee regions and two very different coastlines. And we haven’t even mentioned the Canal yet… although it truly is an incredible sight to behold, and there are countless ways to experience it — from watching vast ships navigate the locks, to cruising sections of the waterway itself.
One morning you could be watching sloths and toucans in the jungle, and by afternoon be kayaking, snorkelling or relaxing on a Caribbean beach. The variety is what makes Panama so special — and so easy to combine into a genuinely diverse adventure without huge travel days.
We also love the warmth of the people, the quality of guiding and just how accessible the country feels. It works brilliantly as a standalone trip, but also combines perfectly with neighbouring Costa Rica for a broader Central American journey if you have more time.
Some places that make panama special
panama city
Panama’s capital is one of Latin America’s most surprising cities. Modern skyscrapers overlook historic districts, tropical parks and the famous canal.
What to do:
- Explore the cobbled streets of Casco Viejo
- Visit the Panama Canal and watch ships transit the locks
- Enjoy rooftop bars and excellent restaurants
- Walk the scenic Cinta Costera waterfront
- Visit the rainforest within the city limits at Metropolitan Natural Park
Don’t miss: Chefs Kitchen A- Z (one of our favourite foodie experiences.
Boquete
Nestled in the highlands of western Panama, Boquete offers a refreshing contrast to the tropical coast and is the adventure capital.
What to do:
- Tour award-winning coffee plantations
- Hike through cloud forests
- Go white-water rafting & ziplining
- Spot quetzals and other birdlife
- Explore waterfalls and mountain trails
Don’t miss: A sunrise hike on Volcán Barú, where on a clear day it is the ONLY place on earth you can see both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.
bocas del toro
Located near the Costa Rican border (so also a good addition to a Costa Rica itinerary), Bocas del Toro is a laid-back Caribbean archipelago with colourful towns and excellent marine life.
What to do:
- Snorkel and dive coral reefs
- Visit remote beaches
- Go dolphin watching
- Explore mangrove-lined waterways
- Enjoy the relaxed Caribbean atmosphere
Don’t miss: A boat trip to discover hidden beaches and tiny offshore islands & starfish dotted waters.
vallee de anton
Set within the crater of an extinct volcano, El Valle de Antón is a refreshing escape from Panama’s tropical coastlines. Surrounded by forested hills, waterfalls and cloud forest trails, it’s one of the country’s best destinations for nature lovers and walkers.
What to do:
- Hike the famous India Dormida trail
- Visit Chorro El Macho waterfall
- Explore cloud forest trails and viewpoints
- Browse the local artisan market
- Visit the butterfly garden and orchid centre
- Spot tropical birds, sloths and monkeys
Don’t miss: An early morning walk up India Dormida for panoramic views across the volcanic crater and surrounding mountains.a.
guna yala (san blas islands)
Formally known as the San Blas Islands, Guna Yala is collection of more than 300 idyllic indigenous islands scattered across the Caribbean Sea, many fringed by white sand and swaying palms and a vibrant Guna culture
What to do:
- Island hop by boat
- Snorkel coral reefs
- Stay in simple beachfront cabins
- Learn about the traditions of the indigenous Guna people
- Relax on some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches
Don’t miss: Spending a night on a tiny palm-fringed island with almost no modern development.
why panama should be on your radar
Few countries offer such variety in such a compact area. In a single trip, you can explore rainforest, mountain cloud forest, Caribbean islands, Pacific beaches, indigenous cultures and one of the world’s greatest engineering achievements.
Whether you’re looking for wildlife, adventure, culture or simply a beach escape, Panama delivers far more than most travellers expect—and that’s exactly why it remains one of Central America’s most rewarding destinations.
Pioneer Tip: Allow at least 10–14 days to combine Panama City, the highlands around Boquete, and one of the coastal destinations for a well-rounded introduction to the country.
