City, Rainforest, and Beach-Exploring Panama, a Hidden Gem
Panama City: A Perfect Start
Panama came to my attention after a wedding invitation for my husband’s college roommate’s wedding in Panama City. I immediately started Googling all the activities and was blown away by the variety of options. While I hear everyone rant and rave about Costa Rica, it became clear that Panama had the same to offer, but at better rates.
Flying into Panama City, Panama, we kicked off our adventure with a stay at the luxurious Summit Rainforest and Golf Resort. The occasion? A beautiful wedding that set the tone for our delightful trip. During our stay, we enjoyed a round of nine holes on the stunning golf course, spent relaxing afternoons by the pool, and explored the resort’s serene walking trails.
View of the Summit Rainforest and Golf resort
The walking trails around the resort led to an active railroad track
A highlight of our time in Panama City was the rehearsal dinner at El Trapiche Restaurante. The food was excellent, with a variety of small plates that allowed us to sample many different flavors. The dinner show added a touch of entertainment, making the evening even more memorable. The wedding itself is one of the most fun weddings I’ve attended. The party lasted all night long, with a special appearance by a 10-piece brass bands.
My husband & I at the wedding, he was a groomsman in the wedding. The party favors were local souvenirs, including the Panama hat that I’m wearing
Because we didn’t get as much time to explore the city as we would’ve liked, I’ve already begun planning our next trip. While we missed out on the Panama Canal, we heard from other wedding guests that it was a must-see, so that’s definitely on my radar (maybe even booking a boat trip on the canal). If you’re looking for the food and historic center, Casco Viejo is the spot to go. The old Spanish buildings have been revived and filled with hostels, boutique hotels, restaurants, and rooftop bars. On our next trip, we’ll spend few nights at a hotel in this neighborhood! The city is surrounded by a rainforest and nearby the beach, so if you’re wanting a city stay with adventurous and relaxing activities, this is a great option! You can day trip out to the Pearl Islands or go on the zip lines through the Gamboa Rainforest-Panama City has it all!
Boquete: Nature and Coffee
After three nights in Panama City, we made our way to Boquete, a charming mountain town known for its coffee and natural beauty. One of the first things we did was take a tour to the top of Volcán Barú for a breathtaking sunrise view. Sitting at nearly 11,400 ft, Volcán Barú is the highest point in Panama. On clear days you can see both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans on either side. We opted for a guided tour instead of the hike, which was also an option for the more adventurous. The tour guides picked us up around 3:30a from our Airbnb to make the venture by sunrise (the hike to see sunrise requires a midnight departure). It was a rocky trip to the top, but the views were worth it. They served us a small breakfast at the top, including a nice warm cup of coffee. The warm coffee came at the right time! The top of the mountain was expectedly cold, so be sure to dress warm!
My husband & I bundled up at the top of Vulcan Baru
The breakfast we were served at the top of Volcán Barú
Our ride to the top
Our accommodation in Boquete was an Airbnb conveniently located near downtown, walkable to most restaurants. One of the highlights was our tour of Finca Lerida, a coffee plantation in the Boquete mountains. Our knowledgeable guide provided an intimate and informative experience, culminating in a delightful coffee tasting. They produce multiple types of coffee, the most unique being Geisha coffee. I’ll never look at a cup of coffee the same way! The beauty of the grounds, with their gorgeous flowers and plants, added to the enchantment. We took a city bus, which was a 15 passenger van filled with schoolchildren heading home.
We also hiked The Lost Waterfalls, an adventure made easy by a friendly cab driver who dropped us off and picked us up later. The hike was moderate, and there is a kiosk to pay for entry, between $10-$20. There are 3 waterfalls to hike to on the out and back trail. Always pack a rain jacket as we did catch some rain while we were hiking.
Before hiking The Lost Waterfalls
Walking around downtown Boquete was a treat, with its quaint shops and inviting atmosphere. We enjoyed a visit to Boquete Brewing for a taste of local craft beers. There was an American rock cover band playing, so we felt right at home. Our favorite meal in Boquete was a romantic dinner at Retrogusto where we were seated on the private outside patio. We enjoyed a nice glass of red wine and sangria accompanied by a truffle risotto and pork shoulder.
Bocas del Toro: Island Relaxation
Our journey continued with a bus ride from Boquete to Bocas del Toro, arranged through HelloPanama Travel. The ride was a few hours through the mountains of Panama, with a couple stops for snacks and bathrooms. Upon arrival, we took a boat to the main island, Isla Colón. Navigating the hectic docks in Bocas Town was an adventure in itself, but we were fortunate to find a taxi driver quickly, despite the restrictions on solicitation. I would recommend having transportation arranged before you arrive to the island. Most accomodations on the islands will help and provide recommendations (some will even take care of this for you).
We stayed at The Hummingbird on Bluff Beach for three nights, a remote and tranquil eco-hotel, equipped with solar panels and rain catchers-perfect for unwinding. The bumpy ride due to ongoing road construction added a bit of rustic charm to our experience. There’s one dirt road that circles the island, and that road was being paved during our trip, so I’d guess future trips would be much easier! During our stay, we visited Paunch Beach to watch surfers, rented an ATV for exploring, and attempted to reach Starfish Beach, though the recent rains paired with the construction had made the road impassable. Most of our time was spent unwinding by the pool or enjoying the tranquility of the walking trails, where we saw a variety of birds and some small monkeys! We used beach chairs provided by Hummingbird to soak in some rays on the beach, though the ocean at Playa Bluff is unsafe to swim in due to severe rip currents. The beach was desolate, so we felt like we had it to ourselves!
The Hummingbird offered delightful dining options, with a memorable Argentinean BBQ on Saturday and consistently excellent breakfasts accompanied by a nice cup of french press coffee. While some nearby B&Bs were closed for the off-season, we still enjoyed our time, including a trip into Bocas Town where we dined at Restaurante Tropical Birds, explored cool markets, and shopped in quirky, up-and-coming stores. Don't forget to check out the local hot sauce, available at any grocery store – we brought home three bottles!
Pit stop on the ATV for a photo op with the Bocas del Toro sign
Wrapping Up
Our journey concluded with a return to Panama City for a final night before flying back home. We enjoyed some Korean BBQ and caught a Panama soccer game on an outdoor patio. This trip through Panama’s diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures was truly unforgettable. From the urban allure of Panama City to the natural splendor of Boquete and the laid-back vibes of Bocas del Toro, every moment was filled with adventure and discovery.
Tips for Travel
Cell Phone Data-We used Airalo eSIM. We would’ve been fine with 1G of data for our trip, but each bought 2G. We used wifi everywhere we went and only utilized data when necessary (directions, transportation, etc).
Bring a rain coat-We traveled during Panama’s rainy season. Typically high season is Nov-April, and we traveled in July. The rain never stopped us from enjoying our time, but a rain coat was essential!
Transportation-We did not rent a car and stayed in locations that were walking distance to food/drinks/activities. When we needed to go anywhere here’s what we relied on:
Uber/Lyft-Uber and Lyft were available in Panama City and when we landed at the airport in Boquete (although much more scarce near Boquete). Just make sure the driver completes the trip on your app. A common scam amongst drivers is to leave the trip running after dropping you off.
City Buses-We hopped on and off city buses in Boquete and Bocas del Toro. Both were only a few dollars (bring 1s if you can!). Bus routes were readily accessible and ran frequently.
Language-We never really ran into an language barriers. Nearly everyone at the hotels and in Ubers/Lyfts/buses spoke enough English to get by. Boquete is full of ex-pats, so you’ll run into tons of American retirees while there.
Plan ahead-There’s so much to do in Panama. From hikes to historical sightseeing, we barely scratched the surface. Decided what types of activities you would enjoy, and then decide the locations you’d like to go. There’s much more to do that I haven’t mentioned.