Panama trip | Self-drive through colourful Panama

Located in the crater of an extinct volcano, surrounded by mountains and forests, the central Panamanian city of Anton Valley offers beautiful nature, fascinating history and easy proximity to Panama City. The area is home to Cerro Gaital National Park in the north, laced with spectacular trails and inhabited by a diversity of bright exotic birds. The sparkling El Macho waterfall, natural hot springs and the 'Valley of the Square Trees' (yes, they are square) provide even more adventure. History lovers can admire the mysterious pre-Columbian rock drawings, and animal lovers can visit the butterfly sanctuary, surrounded by hundreds of jewel-coloured birds. Don't miss the chance to go zip-lining, wander through the Artisan Market and sample one of the exquisite dishes at Casa de Lourdes while enjoying the beautiful garden view.

Panama City is a modern metropolis on the Pacific Ocean and the Panama Canal, the world’s most famous shortcut. In ‘Casco Viejo’, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll find old Spanish colonial buildings and various government buildings. From this old quarter, situated on a peninsula, you can see the many skyscrapers of the modern city in the distance. This ‘Dubai’ of Latin America is undergoing rapid development, and every month it seems as though a new building has been added to the skyline. One of the liveliest neighbourhoods is ‘Bellavista’, where you’ll find plenty of restaurants and bars.
What makes Panama City special is that, right in the heart of the city, you’ll find a tropical forest where you can go for lovely walks and even spot wildlife (including many exotic birds, iguanas and sloths). A walk through the city’s ‘green heaven’ also takes you to a lovely viewpoint from where you can see the Panama Canal and the Miraflores Locks; next to the latter is a museum about the construction of the canal that you certainly shouldn’t miss.
Just outside the city lie the ruins of Panama Vieja, the remains of the town originally founded by the Spanish, before the pirate Henry Morgan burnt it to the ground.

Colourful Panama forms the land bridge between North and South America and is world-renowned for the world’s most famous ‘shortcut’: the Panama Canal. Panama City is often referred to as the ‘Dubai of the Western Hemisphere’, a cosmopolitan city where there’s always something happening and skyscrapers seem to be springing up like mushrooms. Yet the city also has a historic centre, ‘Casco Viejo’, which is listed as a World Heritage Site; the best boutique hotels can be found in this part of the city. Just a 30-minute drive away lies the world’s most accessible tropical rainforest, which, despite its proximity to the city, is an excellent place to explore the country’s diverse flora and fauna. The jungle has been inhabited by the Embera Indians for centuries.

On the Caribbean coast and on the San Blas Islands lives another indigenous tribe: the colourful Kuna people. The lodges you’ll find here are rustic yet situated on idyllic little islands, where you’ll spend a few days amongst this remarkable community. The word ‘Panama’ is said to mean ‘abundance of fish’. Water and the coast are therefore key elements of your trip to Panama; the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean are just 80 kilometres apart, and there are hundreds of small islands off the coast.

The popular resort town of Boca Chica is located on the northern edge of Panama's Gulf of Chirqui, about an hour and a half drive east of David. The coast has breathtaking white beaches fringed by palm trees and turquoise waves, and two UNESCO sites are nearby, including the Precolumbian Chiefdom Settlements. The abundance of black marlin, dorado, tuna and other fish offers excellent fishing opportunities, while nature lovers can enjoy birdwatching, horseback riding, hiking, whitewater rafting on Volcan Baru (the highest peak in the country), exploring coffee plantations, or taking canopy tours in Boquete. There are also plenty of atmospheric bars and restaurants.

The mountainous province of Chiriquí is located in western Panama, bordering Costa Rica and the Pacific Ocean. This immensely beautiful area is a wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts. A highlight for visitors is the Parque Nacional Volcán Barú, named after the volcano with Panama's highest peak in the northern Chiriqui Highlands, with scenic hiking trails winding through lush cloud forests. Visitors can go white river rafting, climbing and hiking here. Beach and water sports enthusiasts can visit the pristine Golfo de Chiriquí with long sandy beaches and countless marine life. With coffee plantations galore, a delicious cup of arabica is never more than a café away.

Located on Panama's beautiful Pacific coast, the Gulf of Chiriquí is the epitome of a remote, untouched paradise. Less developed than other parts of Panama, it remains firmly off the regular tourist itinerary. While the journey here may be a little longer than to more trafficked destinations, travellers who make the effort will be hugely rewarded with well-preserved coral reefs, lush mangrove forests and some pristine powder-white beaches. Add two impressive marine parks, some ancient tropical forests and dozens of uninhabited Pacific islands waiting to be discovered and you have the ideal natural wonderland. Dive, snorkel or surf the aquamarine waters, take part in world-class sport fishing or marvel at the abundance of exotic wildlife, including dolphins, sea turtles, whales and manta rays. Whether it is sandy beaches, marine life or island lifestyle, you will find what you are looking for in this extraordinarily idyllic holiday.

Surrounded by the beautiful Chiriquí highlands, close to the Costa Rican border, lies the small town of Boquete. This town is world-famous for its coffee plantations, lush vegetation and an impressive kaleidoscope of colourful flowers. In Panama, it is said that the best coffee in the world comes from Boquete. The fertile valleys surrounding Boquete are therefore home to many coffee plantations. Nature lovers come to Boquete primarily for the vast cloud forests where the legendary quetzal bird still soars.
Discover traditional Panama in the surrounding rural villages, walk along the beautiful Sendero de los Quetzales or visit Volcán Barú, the highest point in Panama. Visitors can also enjoy a range of wonderful activities, including: ziplining, birdwatching, seasonal rafting, hiking, golf and horse riding.

The archipelago offers travellers many attractions, such as a rainforest rich in flora and fauna, stunning beaches, mangroves and a vibrant underwater world (with excellent diving opportunities). There is plenty to do and see, but all at a relaxed pace and in a friendly atmosphere. You won’t find any major hotel chains here (yet), which means the islands have retained their authenticity.
You can also enjoy fantastic diving here. The underwater world is breathtaking! From your (unique) accommodation, you can go on various excursions, including trips to a range of beautiful dive sites.

Colon Island is located in Bocas Del Toro province in Panama and is the main island of the Bocas del Toro Archipelago. There are many restaurants and bars on the island, some of which offer spectacular views. Transport is readily available by taxi or private boat rental, but the easiest way to travel is by bicycle. The main attraction of Colon Island are its spectacular beaches, the most popular being Starfish Beach, Sandfly Beach, and Big Creek Beach.