The Ultimate Panama Bucket List: What you cannot miss out on
Panama is still a rather secret tipp for travellers. Hidden between the vibrant Costa Rica and Colombia, Panama is an absolute gem of Central America. When most people hear the name of the country they refer to it as the home of the Panama Canal. But it is so much more. If you are planning a trip to Panama and are ready for the trip of a lifetime, I got you. The ultimate Panama Bucket List provides all the best things to do in Panama with all the beautiful places you cannot miss out on.
Sail through San Blas
When it comes to beautiful places on this planet, San Blas would definitely be in the top list. To be honest, I have never heard the name before coming to Panama. But once you´ve been to the Caribbean paradise, you cannot stop thinking about it.
One of the absolut bucket list experiences in Panama is to spend a few days on a boat in San Blas. There are multiple companies through which you can book your personal San Blas adventure. I would recommend staying at least two or three nights to get the most out of the trip.
You will spend your days snorkeling, exploring lonely island and floating through the craziest clear blue water. San Blas really is a paradise out of the books which you should not miss when travelling to Panama.
Hike to the highest mountain in Panama for sunrise
This bucket list experience is for the adventure lovers. Volcán Barú is the highest mountain in Panama and located near the picturesque mountain village of Boquete. And yes, you can hike to the summit. And yes, the best way to do it is during the night to enjoy the sunrise at the highest point in the whole country.
What might sound nice at first is actually a challenge you should not underestimate. The trail to the summit leads around 12 km over a gravel road and will take you up to 5 hours. To be on time you should start your hike around midnight.
Make sure you are dressed properly for this bucket list experience in Panama. There is a total different side of the country awaiting! You will need a warm hat and maybe even gloves and different layers to keep you warm.
Once you reach the top, you will have a moment which stays in your heart forever (I promise!).
And yes, you can also book a tour which will take you in a 4×4 up the steep hill. But it´s not even half as fun and special, isn´t it? Personally, I would recommend hiking to the top or not going it all. The road is no joke and sitting in the cars during the drive is not for a weak stomach.
Snorkel around Coiba Island National Park
Coiba Island is just as beautiful as San Blas and invites you into a paradise out of the books. You will reach the National Park from the small village of Santa Catalina, where tours depart daily with small boats. You can book a snorkel tour to discover the wonderful wold underneath the water surface.
Most tours will spend the whole day in the water and on the beautiful islands. You can spot turtles, sharks and colorful fishes while snorkeling. Your lunch break will probably be one of the most picturesque of your life, spending it on an island with a white sand beach and countless palm trees.
There is enough time to walk around, take pictures and admire mother nature. If you are extremely lucky, the drive to the National Park also includes free whale watching. Fingers are crossed!
Search for wildlife in the forests
Just like the neighbor country Costa Rica, Panama is also known for its impressive wild life. You can book tours which will lead you through the jungles of Panama. Or you can keep your eyes open on your many walks and drive throughout the nature. I have spotted some sloths in Bocas del Toro, for example. And of course the beautiful life underwater, which you will witness on your snorkeling trips and beach days.
Visit Isla Zapatilla in Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro is one of the best places to visit when you are travelling Panama. The archipelago is located close to the boarder to Costa Rica and home to many beautiful islands. While spending time on Isla Bastimentos & co. is a bucket list experience itself, one trip should be on top of your list: Visiting the Isla Zapatilla.
Most hostels or hotels offer different boat tours who will take you to the island in the middle of nowhere. These tours also include a boat drive through the mangroves where you can spot sloths and some snorkeling.
Isla Zapatilla is a lonely island where you can spend your afternoon. The water is probably the clearest I have seen in all my travels.
Hike in the Anton Valley
El Valle de Antón is a stop on your Panama itinerary which is a little bit off the beaten path. It´s not that there are no tourists in the small mountain town, but it´s not as popular as Boquete. And still, it offers many beautiful hikes that will show you a totally different perspective of Panama.
From easy hikes to longer routes – the Anton Valley has something to offer for everyone. Plus, spending a few nights in the town will help you come in touch with the locals, stroll over the market and fall in love with Panama over and over again.
Personally, I can recommend the hike to “India Dormida” which you can easily reach from the town. It takes about 45 minutes and you will be rewarded with a wide view over the grass hills of the valley.
Stroll through Panama City
Even though Panama City cannot keep up with the beautiful nature of the country, it cannot be missing on a Panama Bucket List. For most people, seeing the Panama Canal is something you just do when you´re in the city.
But the canal is not the only thing that is worth spending a night in the capital. It´s the Old Town. The Casco Viejo is a beautiful area to stroll around, have a nice dinner and admire the old buildings. Plus, it offers a stunning view over the city skyline. Make sure to check it out for sunset!
Party at Filthy Friday on Bocas del Toro
And last but not least: a little party never killed nobody! And that´s why you should spend a Friday on Bocas del Toro to experience the infamous Filthy Friday. A festival that takes place every Friday and combines a party in between three tropical islands? It´s just as fun as it sounds.
Make sure to book your tickets in advance and nothing will come between you and the floating dance floor in the middle of the Caribbean!
If you want to know the best route through Panama, click here.
