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This gem of a country may be home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, but it’s more than just the Panama Canal. Although most of Panama is covered in dense vegetation, its ultra-modern, fast-growing capital is unique: imagine new world innovation juxtaposed with old world charm, bordered by tropical rainforest at one end and the blue waters of the Pacific at the other. Find out where in and around Panama City you can see and do some of Panama’s most enchanting things with this curated Panama travel guide.
Make the most of your vacation in Panama by checking out these must-see attractions
Panama City
Reminiscent of Miami’s towering skyscrapers, Panama City’s skyline is the only one of its kind in Central America and is one of the 25 most impressive cityscapes in the world. Must-see buildings in this cosmopolitan capital include the swirling, sky-scraping Tornillo office building and the 932-foot, sailboat-shaped Trump Ocean Club, Latin America’s tallest and most iconic skyscraper.
Casco Viejo
Panama City’s colourful old town is a myriad of plazas, churches and ruins, some dating back to the conquistador era. Particularly stunning are the Plaza de la Independencia and its Metropolitan Cathedral, as well as the ancient Arco Chato (Flat Arch). The contrast between old and new is striking: note how the capital’s dominant structures loom in the background, giving a futuristic backdrop to the colonial architecture of this World Heritage Site.
Pacific Riviera
Set your sights on Panama’s Pacific Riviera, a slice of paradise and one of the best southern destinations from Toronto. Picture this: on your left, pristine beaches that will leave you in awe. In Santa Clara, San Carlos and Farallon, sun-kissed shores meet crashing waves. But hold on to your beach hat; Coronado adds a quirky twist with its unique black sand. Chame, El Palmar, Playa Malibú and Playa Teta invite wave riders for some serious action. For an oceanic escapade, take a day trip to Isla de Taboga, a volcanic island paradise with lush tropical vegetation.
Explore Panama’s unique food and drink
Ceviche
Panama literally means “abundance of fish”, and rightly so, with seafood dining options as plentiful as the Pacific. Ranging from inexpensive and traditional to pricey and exotic, Panama City’s restaurants are giving a whole new meaning to ceviche. Ego y Narciso in the Old Town is famous for its unconventional deep-fried version, while Segundo Muelle in the San Francisco district serves creative variations of the heavenly dish.
Traditional fare
If fish isn’t your thing, go for something meatier like ropa vieja (melt-in-your-mouth shredded beef drenched in spicy tomato sauce) or sancocho (an intoxicating stew of chicken, ñame and culantro often used to remedy hangovers), with a side of fried plantains, coconut rice or yuca fries.
Wash it all down with a glass of chicha de arroz con piña, a frothy Panamanian beverage prepared with boiled rice and pineapple (rind and all). You can also find many uncommon fruit flavours including soursop, tamarind, naranjilla and cashew apple.
Excursions in Panama
Anton Valley
Nestled in the crater of an extinct volcano, the Antón Valley is a picturesque retreat in Panama known for its cool climate and lush landscapes. This enchanting valley offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, with vibrant local markets, adventurous hiking trails and attractions such as the majestic Chorro El Macho waterfall and mystical square trees.
Visitors can explore ancient petroglyphs, soak in natural hot springs and enjoy the tranquil surroundings, making the Antón Valley an enchanting escape into the green heart of Panama.
Panama Canal
Serving as a shortcut between the Atlantic and the Pacific, the Panama Canal was completed in 1914 and generates one-third of the country’s economic activity. On average, it costs US $54,000 for vessels to cross the waterway. Want to see the locks in action?
The Miraflores Visitors Center is 12 km from Panama City and offers a close encounter from its viewing decks, just a few metres from transiting ships. Fun fact: the lowest toll ever paid to cross the canal was 36 cents by American travel writer and adventurer Richard Halliburton in 1928. Why so little, you ask? Believe it or not, he swam!
