2024 Best Sights Around Panama City Panama
Panama City, Panama
Intro
Several things intrigued me to look into a trip to Panama. All you have to do is Google a picture of Panama’s beaches and you will completely understand my desire. Even being an amateur picture taker with whatever the current iPhone I own, my photos of the clear blue ocean and sandy beaches looked like a dream. Several other practical reasons brought me to Panama. I had known some people to visit prior and all had wonderful experiences. I also only had 8 total days off of work and coming from Southern California, my options were limited for international trips that weren’t such a long flight. While practicality might have brought me to Panama, the beauty, culture, food, and people kept me wanting more.
Panama City, Panama
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In trips gone by I had explored Europe extensively, Asia and the Middle East; but I had still not stepped foot in Africa or South America. Seeming Central and South America were a little more time efficient for an 8-day trip from North America, I started researching and narrowed it down to a trip to Panama and Colombia. I never really heard feedback either way on these countries. I had seen pictures posted on my social media by acquaintances that looked beautiful, with white sand beaches and high-rise buildings in the background. Also, it seemed like these places may have fewer people than going to public beaches in Europe. Fighting for a glimpse of the ocean didn't seem like the ideal place or the best way to spend my limited time.
At the time I was working in hotels so I could get discounted deals on my hotel stays. So, I started my research there, where could I get the best deals. I narrowed it down even further to Panama City and Cartagena. I assumed Bogota, Cali and Medellin were like many other cities: busy, dirty and possibly dangerous for a solo female traveler not knowing her way around. So, I posed a question on social media on thoughts of Panama and Colombia, all being positive.
My trip was being planned for August, so this was a few months after the high season in the region so I was able to get discounts on flights and hotels as well as even check in early to the hotel (I took a red-eye and arrive to the hotel by 9 AM). Typically the best time to go to Central or South America (depending on if south of the equator or not), would be November through April (if north of the equator) when you are in the clear of hurricane season. If south of the equator, the seasons are reversed, but it is always good idea to check the weather prior to going anyway to put together your packing checklist. The average temperature tends to be in the high-90s and humid during this time. The nature lovers will not complain while taking a short walk on these pristine beaches on the Caribbean coast.
I love a good small town, but I usually stay away from them while traveling as it is typically difficult to get to major international airports as they tend to be around the major cities. Even if going to a small island, you will have to hop over there from the nearest city first and then take a private boat or a commuter boat over. I haven't been to very many islands in my life, just the Bahamas, Jamaica and this island off of Panama, which all would be considered larger islands. That's what I love about the Caribbean, the blue waters and some of the most beautiful beaches and some of the best places for water sports with their clear waters to see the coral reefs and marine life.
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The Panama Canal opened in 1914 and cost over $375 million to construct.
The primary language in Panama is Spanish, but English is taught to many in school.
The Balboa is the official currency in Panama but the US Dollar is also accepted.
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What I always recommend when planning a trip is tailoring to what makes sense to the group traveling. Figure out who is traveling, what the group's budget is, how much time you have to travel, and certain sights or activities the group prefers. But above all make sure to do your research to make your trip as efficient and safe as possible.
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At the time I was working for Hilton Hotels, so I got sweet hotel discounts. I was able to get all the hotels for under $100 a night including tax.
It is funny how when you get such perks, a lot of times you don’t have the time or money to travel. Or when you have the time to travel, you may not have the perks or funds. Luckily for me, I had all three for this trip.
My one night layover back in Panama before heading back to LA, I stayed at the Hilton Panama which sat right across the street from the Gulf of Panama and my room had stunning views with a balcony.
Both hotels were amazing hotels with great locations, but I would say the Hilton Panama was my favorites because of their water view.
San Blaes Island, Panama
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Marbella
San Felipe
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Sights Visited in Panama
My first day in Panama, I landed around 6 AM and went through immigration and took an Uber to my hotel. For the first few days, I was staying at the Waldorf Astoria. Typically, I take Uber’s or similar products when traveling around internationally because I feel comforted having the ride and the driver tracked on my phone. The hotel was gorgeous and able to check me checked in and napping by 9:30 AM after I took a quick shower. After I came back from Colombia, I stayed one more night in Panama at the Hilton Panama. This was a very nice hotel, not necessarily as luxurious as the Waldorf Astoria but I found the room accommodations on both Panama hotels were on par and the Hilton Panama was a little closer to the water, so I had a water view where the Waldorf Panama was a couple blocks inland.
After my nap I got ready and in search of food. I went for a bit of a walk along the water. I didn’t want to commit myself to too much the first day. I walked down towards Hotel Plaza Paitilla Inn. At this point I was getting ravenous, so I headed back towards my hotel and Multicentro Mall where I stopped at the Segundo Muelle Panama where I stopped for food. I made sure to get Ceviche at my co-worker’s recommendation before stopping at the Nike store to pick up socks, which I forgot. This is a great example of not freaking out or overpacking, because no matter where you are in the world there is usually a solution. After that I relaxed in the hotel for a bit before getting a dinner recommendation from the hotel to Diablicos in the Old Town area. After dinner I got gelato at Cinta Costera, because why now??
On my first full day in Panama, I just got breakfast at the hotel. I typically do that to save time and because I am not as impressed with breakfast food. After feeding time, I decided to take a hop on / hop off tour to get a lay of the land. On the beginning part of the tour, I was sitting near another solo traveler that got off at the Panama Canal as well. We decided to tour the rest of the day together. Doing an abridged version of the Panama Canal Museum, walking around Isla de Flamenco and wandering to Biomuseo just taking in the views before hopping back on the bus. It would have been a fun day regardless because I was getting to travel and see some place new. Because we toured so much in the day, I just had an early dinner of a sandwich at Churreria Manolo via Argentina that was a bit less touristy. Two years later though it is a day that still sticks out from this trip. Getting to see different things with someone and discuss our thoughts, learning about someone new and their culture.
On my third day in Panama, I went to Summit Park to get some fresh air and walk around. I took an Uber back to Old Town for lunch at Nazca 21 where I had camerones and papitas hurricanes. I walked the Old Town area some more, staring at the architecture and grabbed some coffee at Bajaeque Coffee. I saw the Plaza de Francis, Plaza de la Independencia, Cathedral of Panama City before walking the Cinta Costera back to the hotel. For dinner I just ordered room service because I was waking up super early to go to San Blaes.
Sights Visited in San Blaes
Later in the week I took an excursion from Panama City to the coast to take a tour of San Blas Island and the surrounding areas. An off-roading vehicle picks you up at your hotel for the three hour drive each way. I did not understand at the time why they used that type of car, until feeling the bumpiness of some of the remote roads. I have never been scared being a passenger in a car before this moment. I could have freaked out but decided I had no control, and the end result would be worth it. So, I closed my eyes and slept the remainder of the ride.
Because the departure time was so early and the other tourists in the car were strangers at this point, we all kept to ourselves. When we got to the coast to hop on a boat to San Blas, I started talking to one couple who was staying in a hotel near me and was doing the same day trip. Seeming I had no idea what to anticipate with this excursion, I wanted to link myself up with someone, so they became my friends for the day that I explored and engaged with.
A rickety boat brought us to the first stop where we were able to hang on the beach and snorkel. The couple and I got ready to go in the water. One thing I did not anticipate with being a solo traveler plus a beach trip was getting someone to put sunscreen on the hard-to-reach spots. May not be a problem for some, but I burn in seconds. I knew I was making the wrong choice, but I just avoided having anyone put sunscreen on my back. The problem with that was we were on a remote island with literally no shade. The only things around were sand and palm trees. After a while I just stood hugging the trunk of the palm tree hoping that would block me from the sun even a little.
The snorkeling was beautiful. My newfound friends had an underwater camera and took pictures while swimming. There was a sunken boat that you could snorkel around. It was some of the most beautiful water I had ever seen, so crystal clear and warm. If I was not trying to avoid getting burned, I would have stayed in the water forever.
After I got out of the water I dried off and took some pictures. That is one of my favorite parts of traveling. You have the trip your mind remembers and the trip the photographs capture. I find it fascinating seeing pictures of the same situation from different people, usually you will see something different in each photo. As Benjamin Disraeli once said: like all great travelers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen.
It was fun just hanging out on this desolate island speaking with the other people on this journey. This is one of the things I enjoy about traveling alone. I am more inclined to connect with people than I am if traveling with friends and family. I feel like people are less inclined to interject into a group and when in a group, I am so enthralled in the conversation I rarely look to connect with strangers. But here we are, seven new people I just met on the boat ride talking about our travels, hearing different experiences, sharing war stories.
After the first island, we got back on the boat and stopped at a sand bar to snorkel. While on the sand bar we met up with some more travelers. One girl was a teacher in the Netherlands and decided to travel around Central and South America during her five-week summer break. This is why I love connecting with foreigners. I do not hear as often of American’s taking a trip by themselves, but it seemed more popular for people from other countries. It made me feel less weird. I by no means am bashing traveling with people. Some of my favorite trips consisted of me going away with my friends and family. It is a completely different experience traveling alone. Makes me more self-sufficient, aware of my surroundings, engaging. I also feel like I do not need as much time on the trip because I get to do just the things I want to do.
Private Island Visit
We stopped at a second island to have lunch in what looked to be a hut. My new friends and I just hung around after lunch until our boat came to pick us back up to start heading back to Panama City. The last island we stopped at was an inhabited island. It was a bit uncomfortable because it seemed to be a very poverty-stricken island (or at least the part we went to) and it felt like we were just gawking at the less fortunate. All in all, it was an amazing excursion from my trip. It got me out of my comfort zone, trying something new and seeing something beautiful. I ended my first left of the trip in Panama on an amazing island with new friends and then a great dinner at Sukhi Thai and gelato at Gut while back in Panama.
Recap of Sights
San Blaes, Panama
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Buena Vida Marisqueria y Rooftop
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I am a foodie, but I don’t like wasting a ton of time researching and wandering to find the perfect place. I try to do a little of that as well as take some recommendations from locals and people who have visited prior.
A former co-worker of mine was from Panama City and highly suggested the ceviche and paella, so I made sure to find places highly recommended for those items via Yelp and asking the hotel concierge.
Diablicos – Panama City
La Cevicheria – Cartagena
CasaCasco – Asian Fusion
Gut Panama – Panama City
Juan Valdez Café – Cartagena
El Kilo Restaurant – Cartagena
Segundo Muelle – Panama City
Nazca 21 – Peruvian Restaurant
Brazzeiro Panama – Steakhouse
Nomada Eatery – Bar/Restaurant
La Vespa Vista Mare – Italian Cuisine
Fonda Lo Que Hay – Latin Restaurant
Maito Restaurante – Panamanian Food
Benissimo Gelato & Cafe – Panama City
Churreria Manolo via Argentina – Panama City
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San Blaes, Panama
Conclusion
Whether your mission is to lay on the beach and stare off into the turquoise waters, try a water sport, take a boat tour, or wander around like a local; Panama and Cartagena are at no shortage of things to do and some of the best beaches in the world. I loved seeing something so different from where I come from, meeting locals, but also connecting with fellow travelers that have a different story to tell. I also really enjoyed immersing myself in the local cuisine and the reminder to try something new and not be lead by preconceived notions. Because if I do, I am sure to miss out on a great spot.
Quote
“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.” Anthony Bourdain
Next Up On The Blog…
If you are interested in exploring Central and South America more, check out my post on Cartagena Colombia.
Ancon Hill, Panama City