Panama’s unique location offers you the experience of a lifetime. You’ll find tropical forests, mountains, and spectacular beaches on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, all just a short drive from a cosmopolitan city.
Panama is a country full of life, a place that radiates beauty and connection; factors that provide unforgettable experiences. In Panama, it is not difficult to fall in love with the country due to its picturesque and modern city in which the new and old world converges.
Ready to start exploring? Here we present the six must-see places that you should visit (more than once) in Panama City.
Panama Canal
A universal reference of the country. This magnificent work of engineering connects two great oceans, the Atlantic and the Pacific. The Panama Canal is one of the best shortcuts in the world and extends over 80 kilometers from Panama City, the country’s capital, on the Pacific coast, to Colón, on to the Atlantic, crossing the continental divide.
This wonder is worth seeing. It is so impressive to see the ships passing through its locks. There are two visitor centers that offer viewing platforms and museums that explain how it was built and expanded.
You can also go on boat and kayak tours or even hire a short ride through the big locks. In addition, the new expansion of the canal, carried out in mid-2016, is the new wonder of the engineering world. One more reason to visit it.
For more information on schedules and prices visit: www.visitcanaldepanama.com
Ancon Hill
Cerro Ancón is the highest point in Panama City, at 199 meters above sea level and where you can see the Panamanian flag-waving beautifully, as a symbol of sovereignty from different points in the city. The name Ancón is due to the first ship that officially crossed the Panama Canal in 1914.
This small natural paradise is home to many animals that can be seen during its hike, from sloths, armadillos, toucans, and even deers. Not to mention the immense variety of birds that can be heard. A walk or bike ride provides the opportunity to see many of them.
From the top of Ancon HIll and on the way up, you can see the city of Panama, the Panama Canal, the Amador Causeway, the Bridge of the Americas, and the Old Town.
Cinta Costera
The Cinta Costera is a public space that includes 25 hectares of land facing the sea and offers incredible views of the skyscrapers, the bay of the old town.
It’s a great place to get some outdoor exercise—it has ample bike lanes, jogging trails, and green space. Plus, the highway is partially closed to cars on Sundays, so there’s plenty of room for biking.
Additionally, depending on the time of year, it is the place where important events such as the Carnival or the Pride Parade are organized. To spend time with your family, you can rent bicycles or explore gastronomy in the food court “Los Sabores del Chorrillo” or the Mercado del Marisco where you can find the best seafood in the city.
Casco Viejo or Old Town
The Casco Viejo or also known as Casco Antiguo is a place full of history and entertainment. In fact, the Old Town was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1997. This is the ideal place to walk, discover and enjoy the Spanish colonial architecture and the varied gastronomy in addition to visiting churches, museums, squares, and historical monuments.
The wide gastronomic offer of the different places located in Casco is one of the most popular activities for both tourists and residents. On the other hand, the nightlife has nothing to envy those of other cities worldwide. It offers a great diversity of nightclubs, bars, and rooftops ideal for going for a few drinks with friends.
Summit
The Summit Municipal Park is a point of convergence that allows the observation, study, and conservation of the flora and fauna of Panama in one place. This is due to the fact that the Summit is a botanical park, a recreational park, and a municipal park in support of wildlife rescue.
In it, you can witness a great diversity of species and even see the harpy eagle which is the national bird due to its great majesty, enormous size, and beauty. This species is listed as endangered.
For more information on schedules and prices consult: www.mupa.gob.pa/summit/
Taboga Island
Visiting an island from the city has never been so easy and fast. In just 30 minutes by boat from the Amador Causeway, you can reach the beautiful island. Taboga also known as the Island of Flowers, is a volcanic island characterized by rich tropical plant life, as well as beautiful beaches and soft sand.
This majestic island is only 20 km from the capital, which makes it the best day trip from Panama City where you can explore the colorful and historic city founded by the Spanish or relax in one of the quiet beaches and enjoy a drink in one of its picturesque bars.
