Things to do in Panama

Watch massive cargo ships being raised and lowered through the Miraflores Locks, a marvel of engineering.

Explore Panama City's UNESCO-listed historic quarter, with its pastel-colored buildings, plazas, churches, and vibrant nightlife.

Dive or snorkel in the protected waters of Coiba National Park, home to whale sharks, manta rays, and pristine coral reefs.

Walk through the archaeological site of the original Panama City, founded in 1519 and sacked by pirate Henry Morgan in 1671.

Take a dugout canoe up the Chagres River to a traditional Emberá indigenous community.

Walk one of the world's premier birdwatching trails, where over 500 species have been recorded.

Island-hop through the Caribbean archipelago of Bocas del Toro, visiting Red Frog Beach, Starfish Beach, and Dolphin Bay.

Trek through cloud forest trails to discover three spectacular waterfalls hidden in the highlands near Boquete.

Eat incredibly fresh ceviche at Panama City's bustling fish market on the waterfront.

Drive or walk across the iconic suspension bridge spanning the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal.

Venture into Central America's largest protected area of tropical forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site teeming with jaguars, tapirs, and harpy eagles.

Take the historic train from Panama City to Colón, the world's first transcontinental railroad.

Visit a finca in the volcanic highlands where some of the world's most expensive coffee is grown.

Sail or fly to the autonomous Guna Yala archipelago, where over 300 islands are managed by the indigenous Guna people.

Hike the short trail to the top of Ancon Hill for 360-degree views of Panama City's skyline, the canal, the Bridge of the Americas, and Casco Viejo.

Explore Caribbean dive sites around Bocas with nurse sharks, spotted eagle rays, and vibrant coral gardens.

Visit the Biomuseo on the Amador Causeway, Frank Gehry's first Latin American design.

Summit Panama's highest peak (3,474 m) to watch the sunrise over both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans on clear nights.

Experience Panama City's vibrant nightlife strip, packed with upscale clubs, rooftop lounges, and salsa bars.

Visit the haunting ruins of this 16th-century Spanish fort perched above the Chagres River mouth, repeatedly attacked by pirates.

Try thick twice-fried green plantains served with fresh fish, ceviche, or stewed meats at a beachside fonda in Portobelo.

Paddle through Gatun Lake's calm waters to islands inhabited by capuchin, howler, and spider monkeys.

See the life-sized 'Cristo Negro' statue in the Iglesia de San Felipe, a 17th-century carved figure revered across Panama.

Soar on the 'Tree Trek' zipline course through Boquete's misty canopy, crossing gorges and waterfalls on over a dozen cables.

Take a 30-minute ferry from Panama City to this volcanic island with colorful hillside houses, a 16th-century church, and sandy beaches.