I want a nature vacation. Where should I go in Panama?
Panama’s best outdoor areas include mountain towns like Boquete and El Valle, coastal areas like Bocas del Toro and the Gulf of Chiriquí, and places along the Panama Canal, including Barro Colorado and the Soberanía National Park. Panama’s central mountain range has thick forests and a good sampling of birds and other creatures. Coastal areas offer travelers the opportunity to explore mangroves, estuaries and coral reef systems. Barro Colorado is an island in the Panama Canal and is one of the country’s most biologically diverse areas. It’s also close to the Soberanía National Park, which is a birder’s paradise and only an hour from Panama City.
Related Questions
- Are national parks and reserves safe in Panama?
- Are Panama's parks and reserves well developed?
- Where are Panama's national parks & reserves?
- Can I expect to see wildlife in Panama?
- How much does it cost to visit a national park or reserve in Panama?
- What should I wear or bring to a national park in Panama?
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.
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.
Boquete
The small town of Boquete sits in the highlands of Panama’s Chiriquí province, snugly fitted into a lush valley and surrounded by towering mountains, gushing streams, and abundant coffee farms. Though once a sleepy mountain town forgotten by time, Boquete is beginning to see more and more tourists these days, and for good reason – its natural beauty is astounding and its range of activities spectacular. Panama’s only volcano, Volcán Barú, lies only 9 km away, providing visitors with excellent hiking, nature viewing, and camping. Boquete’s other attractions include white-water rafting, canopy tours, hot springs, botanical gardens, and more.
El Valle de Anton
Nestled into the valley of an extinct volcano, El Valle is a pleasant highland town in central Panama. Its 600 meters above sea level make it much cooler than the lowlands, and its wide range of activities – including canopy tours, hot springs, and a bustling Sunday market – attract both Panamanians and foreigners alike.
Panama City
Panama City is a hub in every sense of the word. Located in the Gulf of Panama along the Pacific Coast, Panama City sits in the heart of the country and serves as the main artery through which the rest of Panama receives its visitors, commerce, and culture.
Barro Colorado
Established in 1923, the Barro Colorado Nature Monument (BCNM) is located in the middle of the Panama Canal and is the largest forested area in the Panama Canal waterway. Barro Colorado Island (BCI), together with five adjoining mainland peninsulas, forms the 5,400-hectare nature monument. Administered by the Smithsonian since 1946, Barro Colorado is home to one of the most famous biological research facilities in the world. Not surprisingly, the island’s flora and fauna have been more thoroughly studied then any other neo-tropical area of comparable size on Earth.
Gatun Locks Panama Canal
The Gatún Locks are set along the Caribbean side of Panama to the west of Colón. These massive locks are the largest in the Panama Canal. As you watch ships pass through the locks’ chambers, it’s easy to understand why the Panama Canal is one of the seven man-made wonders of the world.
Gobernadora Island
Gobernadora Island is a small island set in the Gulf of Montijo on Panama’s Pacific coast. The island is often skipped over by travelers, but it’s a pretty little place that offers secluded white-sand beaches and a densely forested mainland.
