Ultimate Panama Guide: Top Things To Do & Where To Stay

The Ultimate Guide to Panama City & Bocas Del Toro

Panama is a vibrant country that offers a diverse range of experiences, from the buzzing energy of Panama City to the laid-back paradise of Bocas Del Toro. Whether you’re exploring historical landmarks or enjoying tropical beaches, there’s something for every traveler.

Where to Stay in Panama City

JW Marriott Panama

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A luxurious hotel with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the city skyline. It offers top-tier amenities, including a stunning infinity pool, restaurants, and spacious rooms.

W Panama

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A chic, modern hotel located in the heart of Panama City. Known for its stylish design and vibrant atmosphere, it’s perfect for travelers looking for a trendy and comfortable stay.

Top Things to Do in Panama City

Panama Canal

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A must-see for anyone visiting the city. Witness one of the greatest engineering feats of the 20th century and learn about its fascinating history.

Panama City Tour
Explore the cobblestone streets of Casco Viejo, the city’s historic district. This UNESCO World Heritage site is filled with colorful buildings, charming cafés, and lively plazas.
San Blas Islands
Though it’s about a 3-hour drive from Panama City, a tour of the San Blas Islands is an unforgettable experience. With crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches, it’s a perfect day trip to a Caribbean paradise. Some recommended islands include Cabins Gorginega, Community Moraquedub, Anmardub Islands, and the Natural Pool.

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Monkey Eco Tour
Head into the Panama Rainforest to observe wildlife, including monkeys swinging through the trees. A boat tour along Gatun Lake offers an incredible nature experience.

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Embera Village Tour
Immerse yourself in the culture of Panama’s indigenous Embera people. This unique tour takes you to their village, where you’ll learn about their way of life, enjoy traditional dances, and shop for handcrafted souvenirs.

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Taboga Island
A quick ferry ride from Panama City, Taboga Island is perfect for a relaxing day on the beach. Known as the “Island of Flowers,” it’s an ideal spot for hiking, swimming, and exploring its charming village.

Book Your Isla Taboga Tour Here!

Top Places to Eat in Panama City

Salvaje Restaurant A modern dining experience with a unique twist – live shows every hour! Enjoy incredible fusion cuisine while being entertained. This is a great place to celebrate birthdays, special occasions or just to have an entertaining dining experience.
CasaCasco.
Located in the heart of Casco Viejo, this rooftop bar and restaurant offer stunning views of the city. Perfect for an evening out with excellent food and drinks.
Fonda Lo Que Ha.
A top pick for casual dining, this place is known for serving creative dishes using local ingredients. It’s a must-visit for foodies.
Fonda Mamá Gallina.
For an authentic local dining experience, head to Fonda Mamá Gallina. This restaurant isn’t touristy, and you’ll often find locals enjoying hearty, traditional Panamanian dishes here.

Exploring Bocas Del Toro

When visiting Panama I would highly recommend visit Bocas Del Toro. Bocas Del Toro, located on Panama’s Caribbean coast, is a slice of paradise filled with stunning beaches, vibrant marine life, and lush rainforests. Whether you’re coming from Panama City or elsewhere, the archipelago offers an unforgettable tropical escape.

Book Bocas Del Toro Tour Here!

How to Get from Panama City to Bocas Del Toro

The easiest way to get from Panama City to Bocas Del Toro is by plane. There are regular flights that take about an hour. Alternatively, you can take an overnight bus and a ferry, but the journey will take significantly longer.

Whether you’re visiting for a city break or a beach retreat, Panama City and Bocas Del Toro offer a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.

Where to Stay in Bocas Del Toro

Eclypse De Mar Acqua Lodge

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A charming eco-friendly hotel with overwater bungalows. It’s perfect for nature lovers, offering direct access to the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean.

Top Things to Do in Bocas Del Toro

Cayo Zapatilla
One of the most beautiful islands in the Bocas archipelago, known for its turquoise waters and soft white sand beaches. Perfect for snorkeling, swimming, or simply relaxing on the beach.
Red Frog Beach
A popular beach known for its beautiful sands and clear waters. Be sure to look for the famous red frogs after which the beach is named!
Isla Escudo de Veraguas
A remote island that offers stunning natural beauty, including untouched beaches and diverse marine life. It’s a perfect spot for eco-tourists looking for a serene escape.
Starfish Beach (Playa Estrella)
This beach is famous for its abundance of starfish in the shallow waters. It’s a great place for snorkeling and swimming while admiring these fascinating creatures.
Isla Tiburon
For those looking for a little more adventure, Isla Tiburon offers opportunities to explore more rugged landscapes and local wildlife.
Alto Chorro Waterfall
A scenic waterfall that’s great for hiking and cooling off in the natural pools below.
Playa Polo
Just a 30-minute walk from Red Frog Beach, Playa Polo offers a quieter alternative for those seeking solitude and serenity.
Isla Pajaros
Also known as Bird Island, this small island is a haven for birdwatchers, with many unique species nesting in the area.
Filth Friday Island Hopping Experience
A popular event for young travelers, this island-hopping tour includes stops at some of the best party islands in Bocas Del Toro, making it an exciting and social way to explore the region.

Getting Around Bocas Del Toro

Getting around Bocas del Toro, Panama, is fairly easy with a mix of boat taxis, regular taxis, and bicycles, as well as on foot, depending on where you’re headed. Here’s a guide on how to get to the most popular beaches, waterfalls, restaurants, and your hotel:

1. Boat Taxis

Boat taxis are the primary mode of transportation for island hopping within Bocas del Toro. They can be easily hailed from the docks in Bocas Town (Isla Colón) and are often shared with other passengers.

Cayo Zapatilla: Take a boat tour from Isla Colón. Many tours visit both Zapatilla islands, known for pristine beaches and turquoise waters.
Red Frog Beach (Isla Bastimentos): A boat taxi from Isla Colón to Isla Bastimentos will take about 10-15 minutes. From the dock, a short walk or ride in a golf cart will get you to Red Frog Beach.
Isla Escudo de Veraguas: This is a more remote island and usually requires a full-day boat tour.
Starfish Beach (Playa Estrella): Take a boat taxi from Bocas Town or a bus to Boca del Drago, followed by a short boat ride.

2. Taxis (On Isla Colón)

Regular taxis are common on Isla Colón and can take you to beaches, hotels, and restaurants. Fares are usually low, but always ask about the cost beforehand.

To Bluff Beach: This is one of the most popular beaches on Isla Colón and is about a 20-minute taxi ride from Bocas Town.
To Restaurants: Taxis can also take you to popular spots like Leaf Eaters Cafe, Raw Fusion, or El Ultimo Refugio.
To Hotels: If your hotel is in or near Bocas Town, taxis are easily available. For more remote accommodations, like Eco-friendly lodges or beachside resorts, you may need to arrange transportation in advance with the hotel.

3. Bicycles

Renting a bicycle is a great way to explore Isla Colón, especially for shorter distances.

To Starfish Beach: You can bike from Bocas Town to Boca del Drago (about an hour), and then take a short boat ride to Starfish Beach.
Around Bocas Town: Biking is a popular and eco-friendly way to get to restaurants, local shops, and your hotel within Bocas Town.

4. Walking

Bocas Town is small enough that you can walk to many hotels, restaurants, and bars within the town.

Dining: Popular spots like Azul Paradise Restaurant or The Pirate serve up great food and are often within walking distance of hotels in the main town.

5. Waterfall (Alto Chorro)

To reach Alto Chorro, you’ll need a boat taxi to Isla Bastimentos, followed by a hike through the rainforest. Some tours include a guide to take you to this waterfall.

Tips:

Negotiate boat taxi rates ahead of time, especially for longer trips.
Plan your boat trips with plenty of time, as the schedules can be flexible and dependent on demand.
Pack light if moving between islands and beaches.

Panama offers an incredible mix of vibrant city life and serene island escapes. Whether you’re exploring the iconic Panama Canal, diving into the rich culture of Casco Viejo, or lounging on the pristine beaches of Bocas Del Toro, this destination has something for every traveler. From luxury stays to authentic local experiences, Panama is the perfect getaway for adventure, relaxation, and everything in between.

Be sure to check out my YouTube video on Panama and explore more of my travel adventures for tips and inspiration to make the most of your journey!