Panama, in addition to being an international financial center and a favorable market for business, is a regional and international tourism benchmark. In 2019, months before the beginning of the pandemic, the country received an influx of 2.5 million tourists from all continents.
For this reason, in Panama Living, we want to share the eight sustainable tourist destinations that the Tourism Authority of Panama has considered in its Master Plan for Sustainable Tourism Development of Panama 2020-2025. This plan seeks to improve the productivity and competitiveness of Panama as a touristic destination and the consequent economic and social development of Panamanians who work in the sector.
Bocas del Toro
One of the main Panamanian tourist destinations. This province has great international demand for its image strongly linked to the Caribbean. This group of islands is an ecotourism destination par excellence that allows you to live an experience beyond the sun and beach, including wildlife observation, nautical activities, and local culture and traditions. Several native communities are open to living with visitors and showing them their ways of life.
Favorite destinations in Bocas del Toro include Playa Estrella, Isla Zapatilla, Bocas del Drago, the Bahía Delfines reserve, Red Frog Beach, Isla Pajaros and the Smithsonian Institute. Its town is also a place of scientific interest for its fauna and flora unique to the area with great research potential.
In Bocas, the importance that human management has had in maintaining this wildlife refuge has been notable and this is highly valued internationally. Future development hotspots for Bocas del Toro include community tourism (focused on indigenous cultures) and small cruise ships.
Boquete and Volcán
Due to its climate, biodiversity, easy access, and a variety of activities for the whole family, Boquete, and Volcán are two of the most visited destinations in Panama, both by international and local tourists. A rural destination ideal for mountain adventurers.
The area is also known for its iconic coffee production, with great potential for agrotourism linked to this sector and the variety of farms and vegetable plantations that exist in the area. According to the government, 80% of national production comes from this area.
For tourists who have visited Boquete, some of the activities that must be experienced include the Barú volcano, the Quetzales trail, canopy, Boquete Brewing Company, and the Boquete Library.
Pedasí and Tonosí
Located in the Azuero Peninsula, these towns are recognized by local tourists for their sun and beach and all the possibilities of active tourism in the sea such as surfing, sport fishing, observing marine fauna, diving, and snorkeling.
Due to its extraordinary environmental characteristics, Isla Iguana is one of its main tourist attractions, as well as Playa Venao, Playa del Arenal, Playa Los Destiladeros, and Playa Toro. It also highlights the Isla Caña Wildlife Refuge, as well as the beaches of Cambutal and Los Buzos. These places allow hiking, mountain biking, and bird watching, which complements the marine experiences offered by the coast.
Portobelo and Santa Isabel
An ideal destination for cultural tourism due to its historical patrimony. Portobelo was the place where treasures were left for the Europeans at the end of the Transisthmian Route. It is a district of high-quality landscape, full of culture, history, and customs, while also privileged with enormous biodiversity and ethnic wealth.
In addition to the heritage resources offered to its visitors, Portobelo is also home to two National Parks (Portobelo and Chagres) and diving areas in one of the most attractive natural harbors in the entire Panamanian Caribbean: the Bay of Portobello.
Some of the favorite places to visit are the Church of the Black Christ, Playa Blanca, and the Spanish fortresses in the area such as the Fort of Santiago and the Fort of San Jerónimo. Future developments seek to include hiking, biking, bird watching, and even scientific tourism.
Pacific Riviera
The Pacific Riviera is the closest coastal corridor to Panama City, composed of well-known beaches such as Bijao, Playa Blanca, and of course our favorite: Buenaventura. In addition, the Pacific Riviera is complemented by the Anton Valley (pro tip: a while ago we talked to you in more detail about this area, you can read the article here).
Among the destinations offered by the Pacific Riviera are Farallón Beach, Santa Clara Beach, the Valle Antón Butterfly Park, its serpentarium, the trail of the India Dormida, canopy in El Valle Antón, rappelling, enjoying the hot springs, and the Chorro Macho.
Since it is one of the closest tourist areas to Panama City, you can find all the comforts and also interact with a large number of local tourists, thus learning a little more about Panamanian culture in its day-to-day activities.
Veraguas Pacific
As its name indicates, this last beach destination is located in the province of Veraguas. It is an international destination for surfing and other water sports, the observation of marine fauna (such as whale watching), and is the closest access to Coiba National Park. This island is listed as a jewel of ecotourism in Panama and is a World Heritage Site. It is also a living laboratory due to its biodiversity and is one of the best-preserved islands in America.
In addition to Coiba Island, the Veraguas Pacific also offers other places such as Santa Catalina Island, Rancho Estero, and Arrimadero Beach. Other activities include community tourism with fishermen and inhabitants of the coast, sport fishing, hiking, and bird watching.
As you have read in Panama Living, we wanted to share with you a summary of the most relevant tourist attractions in Panama outside of the city. Which of these destinations would you like us to talk more about? Have you visited any of them and want to share your experience with us? Write us at editor@panamaliving.com!
