The 4 Most Visited Attractions In Panama [Travel Guide]

September 16, 2021

If you are interested to travel to Panama, here are the most visited attractions in the country.

Described by many as ‘The Bridge of the Americas’, Panama remains one of the hidden gems of Central America. Despite being off the main tourist trail, it is bursting with history, culture, and natural beauty, and boasts a variety of exciting and fascinating attractions.

Panama City skyline
Photo by Luis Quintero from Pexels

The 4 Most Visited Attractions In Panama [Travel Guide]


    Quick information about Panama


    Panama is an unforgettable country with many things to offer to its visitors. But before we proceed, here are some fast facts about Panama:

    • Capital: Panama City
    • Language: Spanish but English is also widely spoken
    • Currency: US Dollar and Balboa
    • Weather: Tropical
    • What to wear: Cool and light clothing

    What to expect in Panama


    From the famous Canal and Panama City itself to gorgeous beaches, paradise islands, and incredible scenery, there’s a lot to unpack and discover on a vacation to Panama. A few of the best short cruises visit this delightful nation, so if your next vacation itinerary includes a stop in Panama, here are some of its most popular attractions to get you started!


    You are guaranteed to be captivated by this wonderful country, but remember, if you want to stay longer you may need a residency visa!

    1. The Panama Canal


    Probably Panama’s most famous and popular attraction, the Panama Canal was the first manmade waterway to link the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans. Constructed in 1914, it is 48 miles long and was one of the most complex and arduous engineering projects ever!

    Over 14,000 ships use the canal every year, making the 8-hour journey instead of weeks of travel around the southern tip of South America. Tourist trips can be made along the canal, as well as visits to various sights along its length, including Gatun Lake, Barro Colorado Island, and Soberania National Park.

    2. Panama City


    Panama’s capital is bizarrely underrated but should be on every traveler’s itinerary. It boasts a beautiful old Spanish colonial center, glorious beaches right in the city, and great drinking and dining options.

    Panama City square travel guide
    Photo by Luis Quintero from Pexels

    The most impressive starting point for visitors to the city is Casco Viejo, the old town. Stunning terracotta roofs and bell towers crowd together and create a wonderful historic atmosphere. Panama Viejo, the remains of the first colony, is also worth a look.

    3. Bocas del Toro


    This beautiful Caribbean archipelago is one of the shining jewels of Panama, a stretch of 300 tiny islands defined by pristine white-sand beaches and charming eco-lodges. 

    There isn’t much to do here beyond relax, swim, and drink in the stunning natural beauty, but that is absolutely perfect! Explore the islands by kayak or just lie back and soak up the sun in an untouched paradise location.

    4. Boquete


    Panama’s capital of coffee, Boquete is a delightful town nestled away in the Chiriqui Highlands near the Costa Rican border. Start your day with the freshest cup of coffee you will ever taste, bathe in the nearby hot springs, and explore the majestic Baru volcano. Keep your eyes peeled for the iconic and mysterious Quetzal bird as well!

    Panama’s COVID-19 restrictions


    Panama is already open to international travelers. However, health and safety are still of utmost importance. Travelers who are able to show proof of complete vaccination may enter Panama. 

    Panama airport
    Photo by Luis Quintero from Pexels

    Non-vaccinated travelers may still enter the country provided they show a negative COVID-19 test. Furthermore, if an individual has traveled through a high-risk country in the last 15 days shall be required to quarantine for 72 hours in a hotel.

    For the reference of travelers, here is the list of high-risk countries:

    Until September 15: 

    • The United Kingdom, 
    • India, 
    • South Africa, 
    • Colombia, 
    • Brazil, 
    • Venezuela, 
    • Argentina, 
    • Paraguay, 
    • Ecuador, 
    • Guyana 
    • Surinam

    Starting September 16: 

    • The United States
    • Cuba
    • Guatemala
    • Costa Rica
    • French Guyana
    • the United Kingdom
    • Greece
    • Georgia
    • Estonia
    • Serbia
    • Macedonia
    • Montenegro
    • Azerbaijan
    • Israel
    • Malaysia
    • Mongolia 
    • South Africa
    • Guinea Bissau
    • Tunisia
    • Fiji

    Epilogue


    Panama may not be the first choice among many world travelers but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have anything to offer. In fact, Panama does hold so many beautiful destinations that will surely captivate the heart of travelers.

    It offers beautiful natural sceneries, interesting culture, breathtaking beaches, delicious food, and magnificent architecture.

    PIN THIS POST
    Panama travel guide

    Other similar stories:

    This post may contain affiliate links, including those from Amazon Associates, which means that if you book or purchase anything through one of those links, we may earn a small commission but at no extra cost to you. All opinions are ours and we only promote products that we use.

    Leave A Reply

    Feel free to share your thoughts! Relevant comments are welcome on this site. However, spam and promotional comments will not be published.


    13 comments

    1. Panama looks looks like a really interesting place to visit. Great that is open again for travellers.

      ReplyDelete
    2. Oh, WOW! This is interesting. I have never been to Panama City but I'd love to visit it and learn more about it. I'll add it to my bucket list. I can't wait to travel more.

      ReplyDelete
    3. I've always wanted to visit Panama. There's so much color, history, and life there. It's always fascinated me.

      ReplyDelete
    4. I would love to visit Panama and the Panama Canal someday. My parents did a cruise there and loved it!

      ReplyDelete
    5. your article reminds me of Prison Break series hehe.

      Panama stands out among the world's expat destinations because it offers solid infrastructure and First World amenities. It is indeed an incredible place to visit.

      ReplyDelete
    6. The Panama Canal is always the first thing that comes to my mind when it comes to Panama but it seems like this place have many other equally wonderful destinations to offer. It is also nice to know that they are now open for international travelers who wish to witness the beauty of this place amidst the pandemic. Thank you for sharing

      ReplyDelete
    7. Panama is such a gorgeous place. I really love the vibrancy of the area and the people.

      ReplyDelete
    8. Awesome places to visit. Now it's opening, it will be fun going to all of these places. Tank you for sharing!

      Fransic - https://www.querianson.com

      ReplyDelete
    9. Great photos! I haven't been in Panama, let alone South America. I hope I can visit it soon. Maybe after the pandemic?

      ReplyDelete
    10. Panama is this beautiful? I've always heard about it in the movies but never imagined places like the Panama Canal are this good-looking! Thanks for sharing about them.

      ReplyDelete
    11. I know someone who talks about Panama so much. She is from there and she just loves it.

      ReplyDelete
    12. Honestly I have never, BEFORE, considered Panama a top destination to visit, but you post has definitely changed my opinion :)

      ReplyDelete
    13. We have been visiting Mexico a lot, but have been considering places like Panama. It definitely has a lot to see and plenty of things to offer.

      ReplyDelete