Panama

Panama wasn’t exactly on my radar, but when a friend suggested we join her aboard a chartered catamaran in the San Blas islands for some adventuring, I jumped at the chance and added another week or so of adventures to the itinerary. We reached out to my husband’s Panamaian colleague and were sent a laundry list of destinations I had to whittle down. I’m a sucker for a small area with microclimates and would for sure return to the country to explore Boquete and some of the cooler climate areas. Hacienda Mamecillo is on my list, and if anyone reading this has been, please let me know how it was.

Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind:

Getting Around - We stuck to Uber and Taxis. I’ll outline transfers to the catamaran below, but spoiler alert: It's probably a good idea to keep Mr. Bombastic’s number in your back pocket.
Language - Always start with Spanish. In the more corporate settings, you will likely be greeted in English, but don’t always expect it.
Safety - Generally, just be cool and read the room. I never ventured into the “new” part of Panama City and can’t speak to the vibe there. Casco Viejo was great if you keep within the confines of the ten or so block radius it is. You’ll know when to turn around.
US Citizens - Pro: Panama is on the US Dollar which makes the whole exchange thing easy. Con: We have a pretty complicated history with Panama, so tread lightly. When people ask you where you’re from, lead with your city or state. Get hyperlocal!
Weather - The humidity is real.

Panama City

Lodging

Santa Maria Golf Resort - I straight-up used credit card points to land here after a red-eye into the country, and it was so worth it. Comfy beds, dreamy rain showers, and a restaurant that gently introduces you to the local cuisine. Service is so top-notch. We also stayed here before flying out after five days on a boat with no showers, so I can’t hype the bed, views, shower, and cable stations enough. The pool is also great. It shares a facility with a golf club so you get to people-watch those folks.

La Concordia - To say these rooms are well-appointed is an understatement. This hotel is perfectly positioned on the edge of the old town, and the bathrooms are something to behold. All of the rooms have balconies, and I was lucky enough to be here on New Year’s Eve. There is a rooftop bar/restaurant, which we enjoyed one night. If you get a coupon for an appetizer, you should absolutely use it. The beds are great and honestly, there’s a grocery store across the street where you should go buy beers/drinks and sit on the balcony and chill.

Night vibes at the corporate baddie golf resort hotel. The pool is amazing after a long flight

I'll never shut up about how much I loved this bathroom

Panama City

Food & Drinks

Fonda Lo Que Hay - This roughly translates to “this is what there is,” and that’s like my dream restaurant scenario. Their signature dish is toasted yuca with tuna carpaccio and onion ceviche, and you should absolutely start your meal with that. The menu is fun to explore. I enjoyed the prawns, and my husband had a decadent pork sandwich. Stick to cocktails (banana daiquiri!) and skip the wines.

Mahalo - This spot nails the old Miami vibe, with a lush garden out back and the kind of dining rooms you want to linger in. Perfect for brunch and don’t skip the drink menu. The cocktails and juices are fresh, creative, and delicious. Brunch is classic with a healthy twist, while dinner leans into Panama’s seafood-rich flavors in all the right ways.

Selina - This hostel-hotel has locations around the world, and while I didn’t stay here, the rooftop bar is worth a visit. Great cocktails (the tamarind one was a standout), solid late-night tacos, and top-notch people watching or chatting with other travelers. There’s usually a DJ, but the vibe stays chill, it’s not a full-on party scene.

The Day Joe Died - This is the rooftop bar at La Concordia, and I forget the origin of the name, but it has great views of the skyline and out to the ocean. The view of the BioMuseo is cool from up here, too. We had some appetizers up here that were fine, but we were mostly here for the drinks and views, so it was all good.

Fish Market - Panamanian cuisine takes advantage of the country’s proximity to both the Pacific and Carribean. It’s honestly a great idea to take a walk around here to understand what kinds of fish you’ll be seeing on menus. The market is surrounded by outdoor restaurants and they’re all kind of the same so pick whichever’s vibe you’re feeling.

Matcha Bar by Bio TeaHouse - This was a fun little find for me because I love Matcha, and they make some creative tea-based drinks. My piña colada iced matcha was a perfect pick me up in the swealtering heat as we explored Casco Viejo.

La Estrella - Directly across the street from La Concordia, this is a new-ish spot where you can get a creative, inspired cocktail for $10, and that’s something hard to find stateside. The interior is stunning and blends retro glam with modern warmth. Think rich wood tones, geometric tile, and soft lighting that creates a stylish, intimate lounge vibe. I didn’t eat here, but the food looked good.

Dinner was so good I forgot to take any photos of the food

Fish market lunch was for real. Balboa beer is the best choice for regional beer

Panama City

Activites

Geisha Coffee - I walked into this experience with zero expectations and left totally blown away. It kicks off with a fascinating overview of the country's coffee history and an intro to Geisha coffee, a rare, high-elevation variety known for its floral aroma, bright acidity, and tea-like complexity. I had no idea what it would cost, but after multiple pours (served in wine glasses) paired with chocolates, flan, and other dreamy bites, I was ready to drop $100. It was only $25 and 100% worth it. The whole thing is delicious, educational, beautifully hosted, and surprisingly low in caffeine, so no jitters. Just go.

Moses Bike Rental—Jump in an Uber and head here to rent bikes for a ride along the Amador Causeway. You’ll see ships entering the canal, Taboga Island, and the city skyline. I implore you to pay attention to the placards along the causeway, which contain some interesting historical facts and questionable stories from US citizens who grew up in the canal zone. We didn’t end up going to Punta Culebra because it was closed, which was a bummer because we’d heard good things.

BioMuseo - Once you get past Frank Gehry’s technicolor facade, this museum is an overview of the country’s natural history. There’s a cool immersive video room that tours you around the country via the terrain and wildlife. Totally worth popping into if you’re biking along the causeway.

Canal Museum - Part of me wishes I had come here first before seeing anything else because it offers the most eye-opening perspective on Panama’s history through the lens of the canal. Yes, the canal is an astonishing feat of engineering, but it’s also tied to a complex, often dark history of corruption, oppression, and U.S.-backed coups. Visiting gives you a deeper, more intense understanding of the country and its past. It’s a lot to take in, but it's so important.

Monsters + Rako - What a find! This art shop showcases the work of two incredibly talented local artists, each with their own distinct style. One of them is Rako, a well-known Panamanian street artist whose playful, vibrant designs capture the spirit of the city and country in the most whimsical way. Think stickers, notebooks, and prints that blend urban flair with national pride. I picked up a scarf adorned with delicate coffee flowers, a beautiful nod to one of Panama’s most celebrated crops. It's the kind of place where you’ll want to grab a little something for yourself and everyone back home. I did!

The Geisha Coffee Experience is really special

Frank Gehry's wildest design that I still can't decide if I like

The Gehry building looking good from afar so I think I do like it after all

Gamboa

Gamboa Rainforest Resort came highly recommended by my husband’s Panamanian colleague, and it was the perfect place to kick off our trip. It offers a front-row seat to the engineering marvel of the canal while also being rich with nature and adventure. They offer both all-inclusive and à la carte options, but I’d definitely go all-inclusive as it covers meals, drinks, and excursions and makes everything feel easy. We were up with the sun every day, ready to explore. Fun fact: The original hotel building was built to welcome President Teddy Roosevelt when the canal was completed. The drive in passes eerie, abandoned houses once home to U.S. engineers and officers are now mostly claimed by wildlife, which honestly feels fitting.

An even more fun fact: We learned from our hiking guide that Gamboa’s played host to the likes of David Letterman, wrestler Big Poppa Pump, and none other than Prince.

Getting there - we took an Uber from Panama City, which took a little under an hour and was $20.

Lodging

Be sure to book a River View room as the sunrise alone is worth it. Every room comes with a hammock, perfect for reading, napping, or watching toucans fly by. We lucked out with a suite upgrade (amazing!) but honestly didn’t spend much time inside. The showers are great, and the beds are super comfy.

Excursions

With the all-inclusive package, we got three excursions and a night safari. I ended up adding another because I was having a blast. Remember to tip your tour guides!

Gutan Lake and Panama Canal Expedition: Book the earliest tour, and you’ll catch the most incredible birdwatching, a breathtaking sky, and, if you're like me, possibly a full-on spiritual reckoning. The striking juxtaposition of raw nature and towering industry hits hard. It’s globalization in your face, and it’s wild.
Pipeline Road Hike: It rained for the first stretch of our hike, but hey, it’s the rainforest. Once it cleared, the birds came out, the howler monkeys started up, and we spotted a few other monkey species, too. It’s a solid workout and an awesome way to kick off the day.
Aerial Tram: The aerial tram is such a cool way to see Gamboa from a totally different angle. You glide 600 meters through the rainforest canopy, high enough to skim the treetops and spot nesting birds and monkeys you’d never catch from the ground. At the top, there’s a short walk to the observation tower, where you’ll get an epic 360° view of the Chagres River, Gamboa, Soberanía National Park, and the Panama Canal. There are a ton of birds at the top as well.
Sloth Sanctuary and Nature Lab: This tour includes three little exhibits, but let’s be real: the sloths are the stars. The Sloth Sanctuary is Panama’s first official one, and it’s honestly worth the visit on its own. You’ll learn all about the conservation work being done by the Pan American Conservation Association, and the sloths are so charming it’s hard to leave.
You’ll also stop by the Frog Pond, home to two types of tiny, colorful (and poisonous!) frogs, plus some cool info on native orchids. Then it’s on to the Butterfly Garden, where 15+ species flutter around, and you’ll get a peek into their life cycle and the plants that keep them fed. It’s quick, fun, and full of little moments that’ll stick with you. Especially the sloths!
Night Safari: This complimentary tour is such a good time. We spotted Caracara falcons, tons of agouti (or ñeque), capybara, caiman, and turtles. You’re in an open-air truck, so it’s a full-on vibe.

The Buffet

The buffet had a little something for everyone: local dishes, some surprisingly inspired options (the fish was a standout!), and plenty to keep picky eaters happy. Who knew that chicken fingers literally translates to dedos de pollo? We loved starting each morning on the deck with coffee, breakfast, and that gorgeous view of the Chagres River.

The Bars

The pool bar is the perfect respite after a morning hike, walk, or boat ride. Get yourself a piña colada, enjoy the pool and the view, and remember you’re on vacation. It’s also nice that they have a kids’ section in the pool so your relaxation isn’t interrupted.

When I heard the lobby bar closed at 9:30 pm, I was a little surprised because it sounded early. But after full days of exploring, we could barely make it to 9 ourselves. The bar is great: killer views, strong drinks, and an awesome staff (don’t forget to tip!). We spent our evenings playing cards and people-watching while the lounge acts did fun covers of pop songs in both Spanish and English. It’s a real scene.

Being in the canal was something to behold

Typical evening at the bar after a day of adventures

Views of the canal from the aerial tram excursion

San Blas Islands

There’s truly nowhere like the San Blas Islands. Governed by the Indigenous Guna (Kuna) people, the islands are a fiercely protected, sacred homeland. In 1925, after decades of cultural suppression, the Guna led a successful revolution against the Panamanian government, securing autonomy in what’s now known as the Guna Yala territory. Today, they carefully manage tourism: limiting boats, banning SCUBA charters, and keeping the islands free of heavy development.

They say there are roughly 365 islands, one for every day of the year, ranging from tiny (think single palm tree à la Far Side cartoons) to larger ones inhabited by Guna communities. It’s the ultimate unplugged escape, and I can’t wait to return to this incredibly special place in the Caribbean.

Getting There

Getting there isn’t exactly easy, and to be totally real, if you’re not into adventure, going with the flow, or surrendering to a bit of chaos, this part might be a challenge. But if you lean in and trust the process, it will be worth it.

Car Ride: We got picked up at our hotel at 5 a.m. by, yes, El Boombastic, a surprisingly comfy Toyota Land Cruiser that would take us from Panama City to the marina. It’s about a three-hour journey that crosses the country from the Pacific to the Caribbean. The first stretch is smooth sailing on the Pan-American Highway, with a pit stop at a gas station to pay your driver, grab some coffee and snacks, and brace yourself.
Because from there, things get real. The road to the coast is super windy—if you’re even remotely prone to motion sickness, do yourself a favor and take Dramamine. You’ll thank yourself later.
Water Taxi: Once you arrive at the marina, Mr. Boombastic will point you to wait under an overhang until it’s time to board. When your boat’s ready, he’ll walk you over, help with your luggage, and get you situated on the water taxi. If it starts to rain, someone will likely toss you a plastic tarp, just roll with it. It might feel a little chaotic, but the boat crew knows what they’re doing. They’ll make stops along the way, calling out names as they drop guests at their respective boats or lodges. Don’t stress, it all comes together.
Here’s the info for Mr. Boombastic: David Rodriguez Panama WhatsApp +507 6706 - 2810 USA phone (704) 469 -0069 lamtourspanama@gmail.com
Cost- $150 per person round trip to Kuna cash ($75 paid on each leg)

Lodging

While a few of the islands have super rustic lodging, most people stay on boats, and honestly, that’s part of the magic. As I mentioned earlier, only a limited number of boats are allowed in the area, and luckily for us, our friend found the best one (yes, I’m totally biased, but still).

The Poco Loco

A 44-foot catamaran captained by the ever-chill Nano, with his wife Camila as the wildly talented head chef. Their two kids round out the crew and are just as impressive, helpful, kind, and full of good vibes.

Here’s what a typical day aboard The Poco Loco looks like:

Wake up with the sun

- Take a quick dip in the warm Caribbean waters

- Enjoy coffee on the deck as Camila serves a homemade breakfast: think yogurt, granola, fresh fruit, and warm bread she’s made fresh

Morning island adventure

- Hop on the dinghy with Nano and head to one of the nearby islands

- Snorkel, stroll, swing in a hammock, or just zone out and stare at the sea

- Maybe you land on an island with a little beach bar and grab a beer before noon (no judgment)

- You might also meet Kuna women selling molas, intricately hand-sewn textiles that tell stories through layered fabric, perfect souvenirs, and a peek into Guna culture

Lunch back on board

- Camila works her magic with something like passionfruit poké made from that morning’s catch or maybe tender octopus with potatoes

Afternoon sail

- Set sail to another cluster of islands and feel like a seafarer chasing the horizon

- Repeat the dinghy-island-snorkel routine, or just stay onboard and read, swim, or nap in the sun

Dinner + sunset vibes

- Dinner might be lobster pasta, featuring lobster Nano got from a Kuna fishing boat that stopped by earlier

- As the stars come out, Manu Chao might drift through the speakers while everyone plays cards or lounges on the front net, stargazing and listening to the gentle slap of water below

Sleep

- Head down to your cozy cabin, lulled to sleep by the sea, ready to do it all over again the next day

Contact: Nano WhatsApp +507 6013 1427