Panama

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Panama

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Freighter off Panama’s Caribbean coast waiting to enter Panama Canal.

Mark Read

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Overview

From clear turquoise seas to the coffee farms and cloud forests of Chiriquí, Panama can be as chilled out or as thrilling as you wish.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

BioMuseo

Panama City

Celebrating Panama as the land bridge that has permitted astonishing biodiversity in the region, this world-class museum is a visual feast. Exhibits tell…

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Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos

Isla Bastimentos

Established in 1988, this 132-sq-km marine park was Panama's first. Protecting 130 islands of the Bocas del Toro archipelago, including the coral-fringed…

Museo de Arte Contemporáneo

Panama City

This wonderful privately owned museum features the best collection of Panamanian art anywhere, an excellent collection of works on paper by Latin American…

Taller Dario López

Península de Azuero

One of Panama's top artisans, Dario López has been making colorful masks for folkloric dancers since the 1960s. These days most of his masks and satin…

Dubbag (Isla Pino)

Comarca de Guna Yala

This island's superlatives are threefold: it is the largest island in the archipelago yet has the smallest population (100 people) and it is the only San…

Panamá Viejo

Panama City

Founded on August 15, 1519, by Spanish conquistador Pedro Arias de Ávila, the city of Panamá was the first European settlement along the Pacific. For 150…

Parque Natural Metropolitano

Panama City

On a hill north of downtown, this 265-hectare park protects vast expanses of tropical semideciduous forest within the city limits, and serves as an…

Miraflores Visitors Center

Panama Canal

The easiest way to visit the Panama Canal is to head to the Miraflores Visitors Center, just outside Panama City. This modern center features a four-floor…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

The most difficult part of traveling to Panama is deciding what to take in among its diverse landscape and incredible activities. Here are our top 13 picks.

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Best Places to Visit

Panama is so much more than a window into the canal: Wildlife, chic cityscapes, outdoor adventure and idyllic beaches abound.

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Best Time to Visit

From surfing and basking on sun-drenched beaches in the dry season to budget-friendly off-peak breaks, here are the best times to visit Panama.

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Things to Know

Panama has both incredible wild spaces waiting to be explored and chic cities full of glamor – here's everything you need to know before you go.

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Transportation

Panama may be small, but its attractions are mighty and not always easy to get to. Here's everything you need to know about getting around Panama.