DO NOT LEAVE WITHOUT VISITING the vibrant neighborhood of Casco Antiguo. Casco Antiguo, also known as Casco Viejo, or the ‘old quarter,” is Panama City’s historic district.
This is one of our favorite places and has some incredible restaurants like Fonda Lo Que Hay, Tantalo, and the American Trade Hotel. Plus, you can easily walk to Cinta Costera, Mercado de Mariscos, and Teatro Nacional...just to name a few! Check out this guide for even more tips while you're there!
Of course, if you'll be celebrating in Panama City with us, you'll be staying and playing in this area! Be sure to check out the Party Info page for more details and book your spot HERE.
Arguably, the most famous attraction in Panamá is the Panama Canal. As one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, we definitely recommend putting this on your "must-see" list!
We'll be stopping by the Miraflores Visitor Center as a group on Monday, February 24th to see the Canal, however feel free to visit anytime as it's only a 15-minute drive from downtown Panama City. The Agua Clara Locks are a 1-hour drive from the capital, nearby to Colón City in the Atlantic.
This was a highlight on Sarah's first trip to Panamá in 2015. Although the initial surprise was a bit spoiled due to some excited family members, we had an incredible time taking the aerial tram through the jungle!
The Gamboa Rainforest is located in the Soberania National Park, which is only about 30 minutes from Panama City and has TONS of things to see and do.
We'll be taking a group trip here on Monday, February 24th so be sure to RSVP and book your spot HERE.
If visiting on your own - check out some of the tours we've been on (and HIGHLY recommend) HERE or go for the full-day tour to see even more, including a special trip to Monkey Island!
This gorgeous National Theater was built in the early 20th century, and still retains its elegant charm. Today, its stage hosts classical music, theater and dance performances—and they’re incredibly affordable. If you can’t make one of the performances, at least make time to check out the beautifully restored and preserved space.
Even if you don't speak Spanish, take it from Sarah when she says "the best stories are told through body language anyways!"
Check out their Instagram for updated show info and get tickets online here!
Note: If staying in Casco Viejo, feel free to walk directly from your hotel! This is a safe (and beautiful) neighborhood that is easy to navigate.
Panamá stands out as a top beach destination that not only connects two oceans but also provides plenty of options! The beaches on the Caribbean side, including renowned spots like the San Blas Islands, the Bocas Del Toro archipelago and Portobelo offer crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and green palms.
If you're joining us on the 9-Day Itinerary we'll DEFINITELY be spending plenty of time on the beach, but if you're not able to, then we also recommend taking a day trip to the San Blas Islands!
The San Blas Islands of Panama is an archipelago comprising approximately 365 islands and cays (49 are inhabited), and considered a top destination in Panamá due to their well-protected natural beauty, as stewarded by the native Guna people.
From Panama City, you can take a 4x4 ride to Cartí, the main port of the San Blas Islands. The 2.5-hour drive will take you on a scenic journey through the central mountain range. From Cartí, you can access the individual islands by boat in about 20 minutes.
Or reserve your spot on this San Blas Full Day Tour!
Isla Taboga is a volcanic island only 30 minutes by ferry from Panama City and characterized by rich tropical plant life, as well as beautiful beaches and soft sand.
Take in the island's beauty by hiking to one of Isla Taboga’s highest points, Cerro Vigia or Cerro de la Cruz. Next, explore the colorful and historic Spanish-founded town. Finally, relax on one of the laid-back beaches or grab a drink at any of the quaint beach bars nearby.
Daily ferries are available from Panama City to Taboga Island, and most of them depart from the Amador Causeway. You can also grab a spot on an all-inclusive tour as well!
See everything from toucans...to volcanos (we did Volcan Baru!) ...to SQUARE TREES which we got to hug while in the Anton Valley.
You don't have to go far though! Panama City is the only city worldwide with three national parks within city limits, home to exotic wildlife, majestic views, and easy to challenging hiking trails.
Check out some of the top spots that you can find across the entire country HERE.
Scuba diving in Portobello was one of the most AMAZING experiences on our last trip to Panamá! In addition to a pod of dolphins swimming next to our boat on the way out to our dive site, once there, we saw more fish and marine life than we can even describe.
We'll be planning a group scuba & snorkel trip during our stay in Bocas Del Toro for anyone who wants to join us!
Or, check out even more places to swim and dive HERE!
Hop on a horse at the beach! We got a chance to ride (and accidentally swim with) these beauties while in Cocle.
As you're relaxing, keep an eye out and see if any rides are available, or take an Eco-tour Adventure for a different kind of ride.
Panamá has a unique geographical location and climate condition that allows for the production of Geisha coffee, the world's most sought-after coffee variety, that has put the country’s name in world rankings.
The coffee that Sarah is about to dive into was grown and roasted near a volcano in Boquete.
Check out some of the coffee farm tours HERE and taste what all the BUZZ is about!
If you're joining us in Bocas Del Toro, you can plan on experiencing the Klosay Waterfalls!
If not, you can also get to some incredible falls and guided tours that are close to Panama City.
You can find these majestic spots in almost any region across the country so, if you have time, check out some of the best waterfalls that other visitors seem to love as well!
Of course, to get the true "Andy experience", catch some fútbol and cheer on the Panama National Soccer Team.
Check out the game schedule and be sure to bring your outside voice for every time they score a ¡GOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!
Fun Fact: The national team is nicknamed "Los Canaleros" (The Canal Men), in reference to the Panama Canal.
FESTIVITIES STARTING FEBRUARY 28TH!
If you're able to stay, we highly recommend catching some of the festivities! Three of the best locations to celebrate carnival in Panama are Cinta Costera in Panama City, Los Tablas in the center of the country, and David or Dolega in Chiriquí Province. The streets fill with music, dancing, drinking, parades, glamorous costumes, and water tankers spraying down the crowds in carnival style.
See more details to help plan your celebration HERE!