Tour guides
Panama

Five Ideas for Guided Tours in Panama

• Panama City, the city between modernity and history

  Panama City, the capital of Panama, is a city that never sleeps, with gleaming skyscrapers that sit alongside colorful colonial buildings. With a vibrant nightlife, fine restaurants, fascinating museums and breathtaking architecture, there is so much to see and do in this city.

  Casco Viejo, or the old town, is a place not to be missed. It is a restored historic district with colorful Spanish colonial style buildings dating back to the 17th century. It’s a great place to walk around and admire the architecture, or to have a drink in one of the many bars and restaurants.

  One of the most popular sites in Panama City is of course the Panama Canal, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It is about 80 km long and is a vital passage for international maritime trade, allowing for much shorter shipping distances.

  Construction of the canal began in 1904 under the direction of the United States and lasted 10 years. Thousands of workers were recruited to dig the canal, including immigrants from all over Central America and the Caribbean, as well as Chinese workers. In 1914, the canal was inaugurated and remained under U.S. control until 1999, when it was transferred to the Panamanian administration.

  Today, the canal is one of Panama’s main tourist attractions, attracting visitors from all over the world to watch the huge ships passing through the narrow waterway.

• San Blas Islands

  The San Blas Islands region is an archipelago of over 300 islands located on the Caribbean coast of Panama. It is a unique place. If you are looking to escape the city and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the ocean, the San Blas Islands are a great place for you.

  One of the most popular islands to visit is El Porvenir Island, home to a small town and a beautiful beach. Here you can relax on the sand, swim in the turquoise water and explore the surrounding area. Another popular island is Chichime Island, which is known for its beautiful coral reef. Visitors can go diving here to observe the colorful marine life and coral formations.

  In addition to the islands themselves, the San Blas Islands region is also known for the unique culture of the Kuna, one of Panama’s main indigenous communities. The Kuna have preserved their culture and traditions, and visitors can learn more about their way of life by visiting some of the islands inhabited by this community.

• The Azuero Peninsula

  The Azuero Peninsula, known for its natural beauty and cultural richness, is located on the Pacific coast. One of the main attractions of the peninsula is the Sarigua National Park, a protected nature reserve that is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, as well as archaeological ruins from the pre-Columbian culture.

  Visitors can explore the hiking trails, admire the natural beauty and learn about the history of the area. The town of Las Tablas is another popular destination in the area. Known for its lively Carnival in February.

  The beaches of the Azuero Peninsula are also major attractions. Playa Venao, on the east coast, is a popular place to surf, while Pedasí Beach offers crystal clear waters and a stunning view of the ocean. Visitors can also explore the small island of Iguana, which is home to a variety of unique flora and fauna.

  Outside of the tourist sites, the Azuero Peninsula is known for its artisanal production of ceramics, masks and textiles. Visitors can learn about these local traditions by visiting the villages of La Arena and La Chorrera, where they can watch local artisans work on their crafts.

• National Park of Chagres

  If you’re looking to explore the natural beauty of Panama, don’t miss Chagres National Park. This 129,000-hectare park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, as well as fascinating historical sites. Here are the places you shouldn’t miss during your visit.

  Start your trip by visiting Fort San Lorenzo, an important historical site that offers a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean. Continue to the ruins of the city of Panama La Vieja, where you can learn more about the history of Spanish colonization.

  Next, head to El Charco Waterfall, a beautiful waterfall located in a dense rainforest. Here you can swim in the crystal clear waters and admire the beauty of the surrounding nature. Don’t miss the Gatun Lagoon, home to a wide variety of fish and bird species.

  If you like hiking, the Cerro Azul mountain is a great place to take an excursion. This mountain offers spectacular views of the surrounding area and is also an excellent place for bird watching.

• The charming city of Boquete

  Located in the mountains of Panama, Boquete is a peaceful and charming city that attracts many visitors every year in search of authenticity and relaxation. If you are looking for a destination to get away from the stress of everyday life, Boquete is the place to be.

  Boquete is famous for its cool and pleasant climate, as well as for its high quality coffee. There are many coffee plantations in the area, and it is possible to visit some of them to learn about the production process. Boquete’s coffee is known for its subtle flavors and enchanting aroma, and is enjoyed by coffee connoisseurs around the world.

  The Boquete River Valley National Park is an ideal place for hikers, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Bird enthusiasts can observe a wide variety of species in the area, including the famous quetzal, a bird sacred to the ancient civilizations of Central America.