If you’re looking for a route that will take you to the best of Panama, from its cosmopolitan pulse to its nearly untouched nature, we propose a four-stop journey that covers the essentials and the exclusive of the country. From Panama City to the Pacific Riviera, continuing on to the picturesque Pedasí and culminating in the mountains of Boquete, this itinerary promises a complete experience of what Panama is, with stays in hotels that reflect the identity of each region.
Panama City: The Cosmopolitan Pulse from the Santa María Hotel & Golf Resort
Panama City is the vibrant and modern gateway to the country, a place where dazzling skyscrapers blend with the colonial ruins of Casco Viejo and the waters of the Canal, which have marked world history and commerce. To begin your journey, the Santa María Hotel & Golf Resort, located on the outskirts of the city, offers the perfect balance between urban bustle and serenity.
This luxury resort, surrounded by a world-class golf course, allows you to enjoy a high-end experience without sacrificing proximity to the city’s main attractions. From here, you can explore Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage neighborhood, with its cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and a lively bar and restaurant scene.
Another almost mandatory point of visit is the Calzada de Amador, with its views of the Canal and its connected islands, making it ideal for an evening stroll, while the Canal Museum offers a fascinating immersion in the history of this engineering marvel that connects the oceans.
Santa María stands out not only for its hospitality, but also for its fine dining restaurants that offer Panamanian dishes with a contemporary touch. After a day exploring the city, you can relax by the infinity pool or enjoy a treatment at its exclusive spa.
Here begins your immersion in the best of Panama, combining history with modernity in a city that never sleeps.
Pacific Riviera: Luxury and Tranquility at Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort
After the dynamism of the capital, a journey of less than two hours will take you to the Pacific Riviera, a coastal strip that combines golden beaches, luxury resorts, and the relaxed tropical lifestyle. Here, the Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort stands as a sanctuary of tranquility and elegance, perfect for those seeking to escape the bustle and immerse themselves in luxury.
This resort, located in the exclusive Buenaventura community, is more than just a place to stay; it is a gateway to the best that the Pacific coast can offer. From its cuisine, which offers everything from international fare to fresh local seafood specialties. Be sure to try a ceviche prepared with the freshest fish in the region or enjoy a romantic dinner on the Mansa terrace; to its golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, an attraction in itself for golf lovers and recognized as the best in the country for years.
In addition to a sports marina that opens onto the Pacific for you to venture out on water activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, a snorkeling or diving excursion to Isla de Farallón, and of course, fishing.
If you prefer a more cultural experience, the region offers visits to the nearby towns of El Valle de Antón, where you can find local markets and mountain trails ideal for exploring waterfalls, lookout points, and tropical fauna.
Pedasí: Pure Nature and Local Culture at Villa Marina Lodge
Continuing along the coast to the east, about four hours from Buenaventura, you’ll reach the picturesque town of Pedasí, on the Azuero Peninsula, a region known for its cultural traditions, virgin beaches, and an intimate connection with nature. Pedasí is the heart of authentic Panamanian life, where time seems to stand still and nature unfolds in all its splendor.
Villa Marina Lodge, a seaside refuge, captures the essence of this locality by offering a relaxed and comfortable experience in direct contact with nature. From this accommodation, travelers can enjoy one of Pedasí’s most unique treasures: the sighting of humpback whales, which migrate through the nearby waters between July and October. Taking a boat tour to see these majestic animals is an unforgettable experience.
For surf lovers, Playa Venao, located just a few kilometers away, is famous for its world-class waves, ideal for both beginners and experienced surfers. Additionally, the area is rich in marine and terrestrial biodiversity, making Isla Iguana a must-visit destination. This nature reserve is home to coral reefs, endemic iguanas, and is an ideal place for snorkeling or relaxing on white sand beaches.
The region is famous for its traditional festivities, such as the Carnival of Las Tablas, one of the most important in Panama. At Villa Marina, you can rest in its comfortable facilities, enjoy its beachfront pool, or relax on its terrace with breathtaking ocean views, enjoying an unforgettable sunset.
Boquete: Adventure and Wellness in the Mountains at Hotel Panamonte
The journey culminates in the highlands of Boquete, a region known for its world-class coffee, its cool climate, and its mountainous landscapes that seem straight out of a storybook. Located about six hours from Pedasí, Boquete is a paradise for nature and adventure lovers.
The Hotel Panamonte, a historic boutique hotel that has welcomed visitors since 1914, offers a luxurious stay in a tranquil and picturesque setting. With a blend of elegance and tradition, this mountain refuge features spacious rooms decorated in a classic style, but with all modern amenities. After a day of exploration, there is no better way to relax than in its world-class spa, which uses local natural ingredients like coffee and volcanic clay.
Boquete is the perfect place for adventurers. You can embark on a hike along the famous Sendero Los Quetzales that traverses Volcán Barú National Park and offers the opportunity to spot the resplendent quetzal, one of the most coveted birds for birdwatchers. If coffee is your thing, Boquete is the home of Geisha, one of the most exclusive coffees in the world. The coffee farms offer tours where you’ll learn about the entire process, from harvest to cup, and of course, you’ll have the opportunity to savor this exquisite beverage.
In addition to nature, Boquete offers more peaceful activities such as visiting botanical gardens, hot springs, and excursions to hidden waterfalls. The region also boasts an excellent culinary offering, including restaurants that highlight fresh local produce, and at the Hotel Panamonte, you can enjoy dishes made with ingredients from the area, served in its acclaimed restaurant.
Exploring Panama through these four stops is more than just a tourism itinerary; it is a transformative experience that takes you from the cosmopolitan life of the city to the serenity of the mountains, passing through the exuberance of the coast and the rural authenticity. Each stop offers a unique window into the diverse character of Panama, while the selected hotels not only guarantee comfort and luxury, but also connect deeply with the environment in which they are located.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, this route will allow you to experience the best of Panama at every stage of the journey, ensuring that when you bid farewell, you do so with a deeper understanding of this fascinating country.
