Panama guide: things you cannot miss!
Buenas from Panama! My husband and I decided to take some time off and flew to Panama. It is not our first time here, we love visiting Panama for many reasons: beautiful nature, warm water, amazing food, and less toursits. In this article, I’ll share the real gems of Panama that we’ve discovered over the years. ¡Vamos!
Learn how natives live at Emberá Village
The Emberá people are an indigenous group in Panama, known for their rich cultural heritage and traditional way of life. Their communities are often situated along riverbanks in the rainforests. The Emberá people are known for their exquisite craftsmanship. You can witness and purchase traditional handmade crafts, including woven baskets, intricately designed wooden carvings and colorful textiles. These items often reflect the Emberá's connection to nature and their cultural stories.
Emberá people engage in ceremonial body painting using a natural dye extracted from the jagua fruit. The body painting serves both artistic and cultural purposes, often representing spiritual or symbolic meanings. For a small fee, you can get one too!
Have a day off at the San Blas Islands
The San Blas Islands, also known as the Guna Yala Islands, are a stunning archipelago located off the northeastern coast of Panama in the Caribbean Sea. This this also an indigenous territory and it is home to the Guna people (formerly known as the Kuna), who have maintained control over the region and preserved their traditional way of life.
The San Blas Islands consist of around 365 islands and cays, with only about 50 of them being inhabited. The islands are characterized by white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs. The San Blas Islands tour often involves island hopping, as each island has its unique charm. Some islands are more developed for tourism, while others remain untouched and offer a tranquil escape.
Watch the ships pass through the locks of the Panama Canal
What is Panama without the Panama Canal? The Panama Canal is a world-famous engineering marvel and a key transportation link connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The canal is surrounded by tropical rainforests, making it an excellent destination for nature enthusiasts. Several spots along the canal, including the aforementioned visitor centers, offer breathtaking panoramic views. Witnessing massive ships pass through the locks against the backdrop of lush tropical scenery is a memorable experience. You can also experience the Canal through a cruise, providing a unique vantage point as the ship traverses the locks and navigates the canal's waters.
Explore the wildlife of Panama at Biomuseo
The Biomuseo, located in Panama City, is a museum dedicated to biodiversity and natural history. It aims to showcase Panama's incredible biological diversity and its role as a bridge between North and South America. First of all, the outside of the museum looks stunning. The design is meant to evoke Panama's diverse ecosystems and the dynamic interplay of land and sea. The museum features 8 permanent exhibition halls, each focusing on a different aspect of Panama's biodiversity and its impact on the planet: the formation of the Isthmus of Panama, the biodiversity of marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and the role of Panama as a biological bridge. The exhibits utilize multimedia displays, touchscreens, and immersive installations to engage visitors in learning about the natural world. Biomuseo will be fun & entertaining for both kids and adults.
Take a ferry to Taboga Island
Taboga Island, also known as the "Island of Flowers", is a volcanic island in the Gulf of Panama. To get there, you will need to take a ferry from the Amador Causeway. The ferry takes 30 minutes, and once you get to the island, you’ll be able to get around on foot. Make sure to buy tickets in advance, as the weekend spots tend to sell out fast! Taboga Island is home to beautiful beaches, such as Playa Restinga and Playa Larga, where you can relax, swim, and soak up the sun. The beaches are known for their calm waters and scenic surroundings. You can do a bunch of things: from hiking to snorkeling, you can go kayaking or even bird watching. You can even go fishing!
Feed monkeys at the Monkey Island
Who loves monkeys? I certainly do. The good news is that there is a whole island inhabited by them. You can take a boat tour, feed them apples and, if you’re lucky, take some photos with these tiny creatures. You can also spot some cool birds in the trees and just enjoy the views (and sounds).
Enjoy the freshest seafood at Mercado de Marisco
If you’re in Panama for fresh seafood, visit Mercado de Marisco. There you will find the best ceviches, the best fish and the best fried bananas. You can tell how fresh the produce is by the number of birds around the market (waiting for you to drop something).
Panama's combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and diverse activities makes it a very attractive destination for those seeking a well-rounded and memorable travel experience. While the flights can be really long, it is definitely worth it!
