This summer, I had the opportunity to explore the best of Panama from coast to coast. The Tourism Board of Panama and Copa Airlines invited 5 bloggers (including myself) from around the world to travel to Panama and discover our own #PanamaStyle around the incredibly diverse country.
There is literally something for everyone in Panama, whether you come for world-famous shopping, the pristine islands of San Blas or for a stroll through the historic Casco Viejo district.
With the help of an incredible group of videographers and the Copa Airlines team, we shot some of the highlights of my trip to showcase my #PanamaStyle! Check it out!
[youtube id=”dQlGaCyAHEc” width=”712″ height=”401″ autoplay=”no” api_params=”” class=””]
Panama has always been a destination close to my heart. I spent a month living in the island archipelago of Bocas del Toro getting my PADI scuba certification, surfing and volunteering back in 2013. But, I had yet to see the rest of what Panama had to offer!
On this trip, I spent a jam-packed week exploring, eating, swimming, dancing and even wakeboarding my way through the country.
Here are some of my favorite experiences solo en (only in) Panama!
San Blas
One of the most “jaw-dropping” destinations in Panama is San Blas- an idyllic archipelago made up of 365 islands. We spent the day island hopping, but my favorite stop was at this shallow, seastar-studded section of San Blas. It was unbelievable!
Gamboa Rainforest
The Gamboa Rainforest Resort is something straight out of the Jungle Book. We spent the morning paddleboarding Chagres River, followed by an aerial tram ride to the rainforest canopy. I encountered a sloth AND a jaguar and ended my afternoon learning about the indigenous Embera Indians.
Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is likely the most iconic historical site in the country. I was really lucky to be able to see the canal in action as a cargo ship made it’s way through the different gates as it crossed through the canal.
Casco Viejo
Casco Viejo is definitely my favorite area of Panama City. It’s the historic district of the city, so the buildings are incredibly beautiful and many very colorful. You’ll find the best restaurants and bars here and there’s also great shopping.
Nitro Resort
The Nitro Resort was by far the most unexpected place I visited in Panama! The Nitro Resort is an extreme-sports resort featuring wakeboarding, motocross, kitboarding and everything in between!
Bio Museo
For museum lover like me, the Bio Museo is an absolute must when visiting Panama City. Not only is the stunning design, by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, worth visiting, you’ll find oodles of information on Panama’s biodiversity inside!
Hi Kiki,
Love this post! We are spending 3 days in Bocas del Toro next month and were looking to add another 3 days in a different location. What would you suggest? Everything seems to be a challenge to get to from Bocas and it feels like we would spend most of our time traveling.
Hi Peggy! That’s exactly it — you really have to weigh if it’s worth it or not to change locations and how much time will realistically be spent traveling/getting to a new location.
Check out my Panama guide for inspo: https://www.theblondeabroad.com/ultimate-panama-travel-guide/
And I’d also recommend asking the ladies in the TBA Travel Tribe on FB to see if they have any insight: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tbatraveltribe