What is the landscape of Panama like?
The Panamanian landscape is a mixture of forests and mountains, beaches and wetlands, plains and pastures. Within this small country exists a wide sampling of terrain — from the towering primary forests of the Darién to the sunny Pacific coast beaches - there is a little bit of everything in Panama. Several mountain ranges run down the center of the country and separate the Pacific side from the Caribbean. One mountain range contains the country’s tallest peak, Volcán Barú, a dormant volcano that reaches up to 3,475 meters (11,400 ft.). Panama has seen periods of significant deforestation, but there are still solid sections of primary and secondary forest in much of the country.
Along the Pacific coast, rivers run towards the ocean and form estuaries. Mangrove forests are common, especially in the Gulf of Chiriquí. The beaches come in every color – white, grey and black – and merge into a warm portion of the Pacific Ocean. Rugged islands off the coast are fairly normal.
The Caribbean side of Panama is marshier and less developed. There are two fantastic archipelagos along this side of the country: Bocas del Toro and Guna Yala. The islands in these archipelagos are postcard perfect, with pristine beaches and warm, crystal-clear waters.
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Panama Mountains
Looking for excitement off the beach? Look no further than Panama's mountain ranges! The Cordillera Central, or Central Mountain Range, runs down the middle of Panama, forming the Continental Divide and separating the country's Pacific and Caribbean coasts. In Panama's mountain destinations, you will enjoy ample access to mountains, rivers, and forests. Start your day with some early morning birdwatching in Volcán — Panama is home to toucans, harpy eagles, tanagers, and more. Go horseback riding in El Valle de Anton or explore hiking trails. Head to San Cristobal for both outdoor adventure and the chance to spy dolphins. Bring your favourite hiking boots because you'll have a great time hoofing it; additionally, the cool climate of Panama's mountain destinations makes them a nice alternative to the country’s hotter coastal areas.
Best Beaches in Panama
Panama’s coastline stretches for hundreds of kilometers along both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, with over a thousand islands just offshore. This means that the best beaches in Panama are also incredibly diverse. Some of Panama's beaches have soft white sand and border calm turquoise waters perfect for swimming, such as Playa Blanca; other beaches have grey, brown, or black sand, and are served by routine swells that lure international surfers, like Playa Cambutal. Panama’s islands — including those in Bocas del Toro, the Gulf of Chiriquí, and Guna Yala — have some of the prettiest beaches in the country. Don't forget that beaches in Panama have a lot to offer — especially if you're willing to go further offshore. Sport fishing, windsurfing, snorkeling, diving, and more are exciting alternatives to the popular pastime of surfing. Whether you prefer listening to ocean waves from the comfort of your luxury resort or enjoying a few moments of your own private paradise on an uncrowded island, Panama's beaches will offer you both the fun and relaxation you need this vacation.
Panama Rainforests
Rainforests are some of the world’s most biologically diverse habitats, so a visit to Panama's rainforests offers you the opportunity to see unique plants and animals you won't find outside of Central America. "Sounds neat, but what specifically can I expect to see?" you wonder. Panama's rainforest animals include monkeys, toucans, anteaters, jaguars, and sloths — all roaming free in their natural habitat. You'll feel like a proper adventurer when you explore Panama’s rainforest, because these destinations are often in rural areas. Hiking trails extend into the hillsides and forests that surround these towns — for this reason, Panama's rainforests are popular with outdoor enthusiasts, but don't worry, there's plenty of jungle for everyone. Naturalist guides are available to help travelers understand the underlying composition of Panama’s rainforests and are valuable if you're hoping to trek through some of the country's extremely remote areas such as Santa Cruz de Cana, Punta Patiño Nature Reserve, Mogue, and Piñas Bay. If you're a birdwatcher, this is your chance to see the harpy eagle — Panama's national bird, and the one of the largest and most powerful raptors in the world.
Panama Islands
Whether you need a little bit of peace and quiet or a lot, a Panama island vacation can offer you everything you want out of a vacation — adventure, sunshine, excitement, tranquility, and fun! Panama has hundreds of islands, and they each offer a unique experience — from the colour of the sand to activities you can enjoy. On the Caribbean coast, you'll find the Bocas del Toro and Guna Yala archipelagos. Along the Pacific side, there are the Pearl Islands and islands within the Gulf of Chiriquí. Actually, there is something that Panama’s islands have in common — they are picturesque and often have unrivaled access to secluded beaches and marine areas. It’s easy to arrange snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, and fishing trips during your stay. Some islands are well developed, like those within Bocas del Toro; others are entirely uninhabited, which means you have a great chance of seeing wildlife before you see another person. Peruse this list and discover which of Panama's islands most appeals to your travel needs.
Bocas del Toro
With an archipelago that boasts impeccable beaches, turquoise waters, and a distinct Afro-Caribbean culture, it’s easy to see why this region has become a must-see for visitors to Panama. Located along the Caribbean coast in the northwestern part of the country, Bocas del Toro is known for its beautiful islands and laidback vibe, a combination that tends to attract younger backpacker types. Still, the services and amenities offered here are extensive, which makes it possible for travelers of all ages to enjoy the abundance of natural beauty that this region is famous for.
Darien
There are few places on Earth like the Darién. Since its introduction to the outside world, the Darién has peaked the interest of biologists, anthropologists, drug-runners, business owners, and even foreign nations. It is a place with immense beauty and incredible bounty, where the natural world is raw and the indigenous people real. It is Panama’s – and by some measure, the world’s – last frontier.
Gulf of Chiriquí
The Gulf of Chiriquí (Golfo de Chiriquí) lies along Panama’s Pacific coast and extends from the border with Costa Rica on the west to the Azuero Peninsula on the east. The region contains one of the largest coral reefs in the Pacific, one of Central America’s richest mangrove forests, and the largest island in Panama. It has attractive beaches, remote islands, and two huge marine parks. And its surfing, diving, and sport fishing are first-rate.
San Blas Islands
If you’re looking for soft white sand, crystal clear water and plenty of sunshine, then you’ve found the place. The San Blas Islands extend along Panama’s southernmost Caribbean coast and are part of the Comarca de Guna Yala. The archipelago is composed of some 400 islands, and spreads across 226 kilometers (140 mi), stopping just shy of the Colombian border. The islands are postcard-perfect and famous for their pearl-bright beaches and serene atmosphere.
