Panama
Panama – Where Oceans and Cultures Meet
Panama is a vibrant crossroads of nature, history, and commerce, famously home to the Panama Canal—one of the world’s greatest engineering marvels. This Central American gem offers much more than just ships passing through: tropical rainforests, Caribbean islands, modern city skylines, and rich indigenous heritage. From the cosmopolitan streets of Panama City to the pristine beaches of Bocas del Toro, Panama is where the Pacific and Atlantic meet in style.
Altitude
- Highest Point: Volcán Barú – 3,475 m above sea level
- Capital (Panama City) Altitude: ~2 m above sea level
Distance from Airport / Capital
- Main Airport: Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City
- Panama Canal (Miraflores Locks) – approx. 20 km from the city center
- Bocas del Toro – about 600 km from Panama City (1-hour flight or overnight bus & boat combination)
Best Time to Visit
- December to April – Dry season, perfect for beaches, jungle treks, and island-hopping.
Top Attractions
- Panama Canal – Witness ships navigate this iconic waterway connecting two oceans.
- Casco Viejo – A UNESCO-listed colonial district with vibrant streets, plazas, and cafés.
- Bocas del Toro – Caribbean paradise with white-sand beaches and world-class snorkeling.
- San Blas Islands – Over 360 islands home to the indigenous Guna Yala people.
- Volcán Barú – Hike to the summit and, on a clear day, see both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
Fun Fact
You can watch the sun rise over the Atlantic and set over the Pacific in the same day—without leaving the country.