Beautiful Places in Panama

Panama

Isla Taboga

Located about 20 kilometers from Panama City, Isla Taboga is Panama’s favorite escape out of the city to 
bathe in its sandy beaches, ride Jet Ski’s, speed boats and fishing charters. First settled by the Spanish in 1515,
 Isla Taboga has a charming village with the second-oldest church in the western hemisphere, a few narrow streets 
with a few restaurants and great views to Panama City from the top of the Island.

Pearl Islands

Indigenous peoples populated the Pearl Islands until Spanish Conquistadors discovered the archipelagos’ wealth of pearls in the 1500s. The islands gained new popularity after being featured on the reality television show Survivor. The islands feature lush forests surrounded by white sandy beaches. Contadora Island is the most developed of the Pearl Islands, with several resorts and an airstrip. Visitors can charter private yachts to cruise and explore the islands.

Boquete

flickr/ex_magician

Situated along the western border, Boquete in nestled in mountain ranges that extend into Costa Rica. Known as the “Valley of the Flowers,” Boquete offers a true bouquet of delightful travel experiences. Whether taking a zip line over through the canopy of the Cloud Forest, soaking in the hot springs along the Caldera River or whitewater river rafting on the Chiriquí Viejo, travelers will find plenty to do around the mountain village of Boquete.

Amador Causeway

flickr/cormac70

The Amador Causeway connects the three islands by the entrance to the Panama Canal to the mainland. From the causeway, there is a terrific view of Panama City, and the Bridge of the Americas. Many Panamanians like to spend their weekends jogging, riding a bicycle or rollerblading down the causeway, or having a meal or drinks in one of the many restaurants and bars on the islands.

Volcan Baru

flickr/I Bird 2

Located in Chiriquí Province, as Panama’s highest geographical point, Volcán Barú offers a true adventure for experienced hikers and mountain climbers. The long climb is steep, and hikers will experience changes in climate as they hike towards the summit. Less adventurous visitors will enjoy the hot springs located around 30 minutes from the town. The springs are fed from the thermal waters below the dormant volcano.

Santa Catalina

flickr/Grant and Caroline's pix

The international surfing community has tried to keep this idyllic spot a secret, but the word is out that Santa Catalina offers world-class surfing. Located on the Chiriquí Gulf, the town doesn’t offer a lot in the way of amenities, but its beautiful beach surrounded by jungle forests makes it an ideal destination for those who wish to enjoy Panama’s natural beauty.

San Blas Islands

flickr/whl.travel

Located in Eastern Panama, the San Blas Islands is the best place to explore the rich culture of Panama’s indigenous people, the Kuna. The Kuna people view this area as their own but are warm and welcoming to visitors. One member of the tribe is stationed on many of the area’s tiny tropical islands, and for a nominal fee, they allow visitors exclusive use of the island for the day.

Coiba

flickr/laszlo-photo

The waters of Panama are unmatched in their level of marine diversity, and nowhere is this more evident than in the Coiba National Marine Park. The island of Coiba is the largest island in the park, as well as the largest island in all of Central America. More than 800 species of marine life are present in the area. The park is known as one of the best places to enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving on the Pacific Coast.

Bocas del Toro

flickr/ChrisGoldNY

The capital of the Bocas del Toro Province, Bocas del Toro is a favorite spot for scuba divers, and as the dives are shallow, it’s particularly suited for particularly for beginners. An extensive coral reef features colorful varieties of tropical fish. Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1502, the area remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in Panama. In Bocas del Toro, visitors routinely hike through the lush rainforest to enjoy empty stretches of beautiful shoreline.

Panama Canal

flickr/wirralwater

The Panama Canal stands as one of the world’s greatest feats of engineering. Visitors can take either a partial or complete crossing of the canal. Crossings take four to eight hours. Many visitors choose to explore the canal by visiting the Miraflores Locks Museum. From the restaurant located at the top floor of the museum, visitors can watch transiting vessels in the canal below.

http://www.touropia.com/tourist-attractions-in-panama/