UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Book Attractions in Advance
Skip the lines at Panama's top attractions by booking tickets in advance through Tiqets. Get instant confirmation and mobile tickets for museums, ruins, and experiences across Panama.
Panamá Viejo Archaeological Site
Explore the ruins of Panama's first city, founded in 1519, with preserved colonial structures and museums.
A poignant reminder of Spanish conquest, ideal for history buffs seeking authentic artifacts.
Historic District of Panamá (Casco Viejo)
Wander cobblestone streets lined with restored Spanish colonial buildings and vibrant plazas.
UNESCO gem blending architecture, street art, and lively cafes in Panama City's heart.
Portobelo's Caribbean Fortifications
Visit 17th-century forts like San Fernando, guarding against pirates along the coast.
Rich in Black Christ history and cultural festivals, offering dramatic ocean views.
San Lorenzo Fortifications
Climb to this clifftop fortress overlooking the Chagres River and Panama Canal entrance.
Key defensive site with cannons and trails, perfect for panoramic jungle vistas.
Coiba National Park
Dive into the biodiverse marine reserve, once a penal colony, now a UNESCO protected area.
World-class snorkeling amid sharks and corals, with island hikes for wildlife spotting.
Darién National Park
Trek through one of the world's most biodiverse rainforests, home to indigenous communities.
UNESCO site for jaguars and harpy eagles, offering adventurous eco-tours deep in the wild.
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Adventures
San Blas Islands
Sail among 365 indigenous Guna Yala islands with turquoise lagoons and palm-fringed beaches.
Perfect for overwater huts, fresh seafood, and cultural immersion in paradise.
Bocas del Toro Archipelago
Island-hop through coral reefs, bioluminescent bays, and surf spots in this Caribbean haven.
Family-friendly with zip-lining, beach relaxation, and vibrant eco-lodges year-round.
Volcán Barú National Park
Hike to Panama's highest peak for sunrise views over two oceans and cloud forests.
Thrilling for birdwatchers spotting quetzals amid diverse highland ecosystems.
Boquete Cloud Forests
Explore misty trails, coffee plantations, and hot springs in this highland retreat.
Ideal for easy hikes, river rafting, and farm-to-table experiences in lush greenery.
Soberanía National Park
Spot monkeys and sloths along the Pipeline Road, near the Panama Canal.
Prime birding spot with over 500 species, offering canopy walks and jungle serenity.
Red Frog Beach, Bastimentos
Lounge on golden sands with red frog habitats and surf breaks in Bocas del Toro.
Adventure hub for kayaking, snorkeling, and eco-trails in a protected paradise.
Panama by Region
🏙️ Central Panama
- Best For: Urban energy, colonial history, and the iconic Panama Canal with modern skyscrapers.
- Key Destinations: Panama City, Casco Viejo, and the Canal Zone for ruins and engineering marvels.
- Activities: Canal boat tours, street food markets, museum visits, and rooftop bar hopping.
- Best Time: Dry season (Dec-Apr) for sunny days and events, with warm 25-32°C weather.
- Getting There: Tocumen International Airport is the main hub - compare flights on Aviasales for best deals.
🌴 Western Panama (Chiriquí & Bocas)
- Best For: Highland adventures and island escapes, featuring volcanoes and beaches.
- Key Destinations: Boquete, Volcán Barú, and Bocas del Toro for nature and relaxation.
- Activities: Coffee tours, hiking peaks, island snorkeling, and surfing in tropical vibes.
- Best Time: Year-round, but Feb-May for hiking (cooler 15-25°C) and whale watching.
- Getting There: Well-connected by bus from Panama City, with private transfers available via GetTransfer.
🏝️ Eastern Panama (San Blas & Darién)
- Best For: Indigenous culture and untamed wilderness, with pristine islands and rainforests.
- Key Destinations: Guna Yala (San Blas), Portobelo, and Darién for eco-adventures.
- Activities: Island sailing, jungle treks, cultural homestays, and birdwatching expeditions.
- Best Time: Dry months (Jan-Apr) for safer travel, with humid 25-30°C and fewer rains.
- Getting There: Boat or small plane to San Blas; rent a car for Darién access from Panama City.
🌾 Azuero Peninsula (South)
- Best For: Rural traditions, beaches, and colonial towns with authentic Panamanian heritage.
- Key Destinations: Pedasí, Chitré, and Los Santos for festivals and coastal charm.
- Activities: Surfing, horseback riding, pollera dress workshops, and seafood feasts. Best Time: Carnival season (Feb) for fiestas, with warm 24-30°C and dry coastal weather.
- Getting There: Direct buses from Panama City or David, ideal for road trips along scenic routes.
Sample Panama Itineraries
🚀 7-Day Panama Highlights
Arrive in Panama City, explore Casco Viejo's colonial streets, visit Panamá Viejo ruins, and take a sunset Canal cruise.
Ferry to Guna Yala for island hopping, beach relaxation, and Guna cultural experiences with fresh lobster meals.
Fly to Bocas for snorkeling reefs, bioluminescent bay tours, and beach days on Zapatilla Cays.
Final exploration of the Biomuseo, shopping for molas, and departure with time for local ceviche tastings.
🏞️ 10-Day Adventure Explorer
City tour of Casco Viejo, Canal locks visit, Amador Causeway biking, and indigenous craft markets.
Drive to Portobelo for fort tours and Black Christ festival vibes, with snorkeling at nearby reefs.
Bus to Boquete for coffee plantation hikes, hot springs soaks, and zip-lining through cloud forests.
Full island adventures with surfing lessons, red frog spotting, and eco-lodge stays amid mangroves.
Canal partial transit tour and Soberanía Park birdwatching before heading back to Panama City.
🏙️ 14-Day Complete Panama
Comprehensive tours of Casco Viejo, Panamá Viejo, Canal Zone, and Biomuseo with foodie walks.
Colonial towns like Chitré, beach surfing in Pedasí, and cultural festivals with pollera demonstrations.
Volcán Barú sunrise hike, Boquete coffee tours, rafting rivers, and highland thermal baths.
Bocas island hopping, then boat to Coiba for diving, island treks, and marine wildlife encounters.
San Blas sailing and Guna villages, final Panama City experiences with shopping before departure.
Top Activities & Experiences
Panama Canal Tours
Watch massive ships navigate the locks on guided boat or aerial tram excursions.
Available daily with engineering insights and Miraflores visitor center exhibits.
Island Surfing & Snorkeling
Catch waves in Bocas del Toro or snorkel vibrant reefs around San Blas and Coiba.
Lessons and gear rentals for all levels, with tropical fish and coral gardens aplenty.
Coffee Plantation Tours
Harvest and roast your own beans in Boquete's highland farms with expert guides.
Learn sustainable practices and taste world-renowned Geisha varietals fresh.
Volcano Hiking Expeditions
Trek Volcán Barú trails for bi-oceanic views and cloud forest biodiversity exploration.
Guided multi-day options with camping and quetzal bird sightings included.
Indigenous Cultural Immersions
Stay in Guna Yala villages, learning mola crafting and Emberá traditions in Darién.
Authentic homestays with storytelling, dances, and river canoe trips for deep connections.
Birdwatching Safaris
Spot toucans and hummingbirds in Soberanía or Darién with expert ornithologists.
Over 1,000 species possible on customized trails and canopy platforms.