Mention Panama, and most minds leap immediately to the world-famous canal—a marvel of human ingenuity and international commerce. Yet, just beyond the borders of this engineering wonder, Panama dazzles with a rich blend of tastes, treks, and local lounges that few visitors ever discover. Prepare to immerse yourself in a tapestry of hidden gems, from unspoiled beaches to bustling markets and emerald forests teeming with life.
Trails for the Adventurous: Trekking Off-Grid
Canopy Tree Trek in Boquete, Panama.
For those who crave movement and breathtaking vistas, Panama unfurls a mosaic of trails, waterfalls, and hidden alcoves. Far from the commercialised day tours, some of the most rewarding adventures require little more than sturdy shoes and a spirit of curiosity.
Consider the cloud forests of Boquete, where the famed Quetzal Trail (Sendero de los Quetzales) snakes through ancient trees. Early risers may catch a glimpse of the neon-green resplendent quetzal, a bird sacred to local folklore and rarely seen elsewhere. One step into these mists, and the world feels impossibly ancient, alive with bird calls and dappled light.
Elsewhere, the Emberá indigenous communities welcome visitors deep into Darién’s rainforests. Hike beneath towering ceiba trees, punctuate your trek with a river swim, and revel in the heart-thrumming harmony between tradition and nature.
Want unbeatable panoramas? Hike Cerro Ancón in Panama City for sweeping views of the skyline set against ships lining the canal’s locks—a perfect blend of wild and urban.
Lounge and Linger: Markets & Coastal Escapes
Taboga Island Aerial View, Panama.
Soothing the feet after adventure demands a slower pace—something Panama delivers with effortless charm. Step into a local market like Casco Antiguo’s artisanal plaza. Here, the air hums with Spanish guitar and the scent of roasted beans. Browse handwoven “molas” crafted by Guna women, each design a kaleidoscope of colour and centuries-old symbolism.
The Pacific and Caribbean beaches invite sun-dappled lounging and barefoot luxury. Try the secret sands of Playa Venao, where surfers mingle with digital nomads and mellow fishermen. San Blas archipelago is a short sail from the coast, offering more than 350 islands—most uninhabited—some little more than a lone palm tree atop blindingly white sand. There’s a subtle, deeply restorative power in resting where no footsteps mark the shore before yours.
Don’t overlook:
- Playa Bluff, Bocas del Toro: Watch nesting turtles after dark.
- Taboga Island: Known as “The Island of Flowers,” just 20 minutes by ferry from Panama City.
- Isla Coiba: A UNESCO gem with untamed rainforests and world-class snorkelling.
Flavours of Panama: From Street to Shore
A bowl of Carimañola.
Panama’s cuisine is an aromatic symphony, where Afro-Caribbean, Spanish, and Indigenous influences merge seamlessly. For the traveller sidestepping tourist traps, the real magic lies in the heart of local markets and coastal eateries.
Imagine the zing of fresh ceviche caught just hours earlier. At Mercado de Mariscos in Panama City, follow your nose to lemony, icy stalls and order fish mixed with red onions and coriander—an essential mid-morning snack beloved by locals. In the provincial heartland of ChiriquĂ, sample “sancocho,” a robust chicken soup with yuca, corn, and culantro that is both comfort and celebration in a bowl.
Don’t miss these must-try culinary delights:
- Carimañola: A snack of crispy yucca dough stuffed with savoury beef or cheese.
- Raspados: Shaved ice desserts drizzled with tropical syrup sold along the breezy coastlines.
- Hoja de Bijao-wrapped tamales: Find these at bustling street corners in Santiago or Penonomé, especially near sunrise.
Panamanian food is more than sustenance—it’s a passport to the nation’s soul.
In Panama, every sense ignites—from the tang of sea breeze to the warmth of an impromptu street rhythm, from the crunch of fried plantains to the rare catch of a quetzal’s song. What story will you bring home from the hidden edges of this dazzling isthmus? Perhaps, as Panama quietly suggests, the richest treasures are found not in its locks and canals, but in the shared moments and secret corners where adventure and culture entwine.