5 Reasons to Visit Panama

Soaking in the calm, clear waters surrounding the Pearl Islands.

After my family recently traveled to Panama during spring break, the first question I encountered was – Why? With its proximity to New York City, picturesque islands, rich history, and a host of adventure, why not? Here’s five good reasons to visit Panama:

1. Beautiful Beaches

About 30 miles off the Pacific coast of Panama lies the remarkable Pearl Islands, or Archiipielago de las Perlas. With its white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and remote location, it feels like you’re on Survivor – there’s a reason they filmed three seasons here! 

Isla San Jose, in particular, is a private island, completely uninhabited except for the Hacienda del Mar resort. This charming eco-village, perched on the Gulf of Panama, offers oceanfront cabanas, private beaches, a natural spring infinity pool, jungle wildlife, and onsite bar and restaurant. If, like me, you can’t relax for too long, there’s a range of adventures including ATV tours through the tropical rainforest, boat tours, animal safaris, and snorkeling. But if you want a more lively, touristy location, visit Bocas del Toro. Isla San Jose is for those wanting the path less traveled.

Family Tip: For parties of five (like us!), book the VIP Suite with a rollaway bed. If you’re seeking solitude, reserve a weekday stay since it tends to get busier on the weekends and can attract spring break revelers. I also recommend ordering the Paella upon arrival – it’s freshly made and takes four hours to cook. My picky eaters all devoured it!

2. Famous History and Culture

While it wasn’t on our bucket list, we couldn’t visit Panama without a journey on the Panama Canal – one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World. This 51 mile, man-made marvel connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans to facilitate travel and commerce. History class didn’t do it justice – after considering, first-hand, how we carved through a continent over a century ago, I was truly amazed by one of the greatest engineering projects in the history of the world.

Before the Canal there was Casco Viejo or “Old Panama” – the first Spanish settlement on the Pacific and now a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. As you walk the cobblestone streets and witness historical ruins, cathedrals, and unchanged architecture, it feels like you’re walking through history.

Family Tip:  For large families, consider staying at La Isabela Suites. It’s centrally located and offers 2 bedroom suites and a full kitchen.

3. Family-Friendly Adventures

Whether you’re looking to zipline, hike in the rainforest, or experience the famous Panama Canal, there’s a menu of excursions for all ages. 

If you’re staying in Panama City, the boat tour on Lake Gatun to Monkey Island is a must-do for close encounters with the indigenous mono tit, the white-faced capuchin, and howler monkeys. You’ll first cruise on the canal alongside massive cargo ships, then tour Lake Gatun, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world, which is a major part of the canal and supports the passage of ships through the Isthmus of Panama.

For something land-based and educational, try making Panamanian chocolate at Nomé in Casco Viejo. Our girls loved learning about the process – from harvesting local cocoa to enhancing it with all the necessary ingredients (who knew it was so laborious!) - and making their own chocolate bar.

4. Tropical Wildlife

Aside from the medley of monkeys, Panama’s unique landscape – consisting of coastline, rainforest, archipelagoes, and cloud forests – offers the most unique biodiversity in Central America. During our trip we observed crocodiles, iguanas, dwarf anteaters, and countless tropical birds. Most notably, we befriended a Tocan couple and endangered Macaw during our stay at the Hacienda del Mar.

5. Accessibility

When researching destinations, one of the first things I consider is flight length and time zone. (That’s why I love Latin America!) Panama checked all the boxes – from NYC it’s a short (5 hour), direct flight that doesn’t leap across time zones.  As a result, we were able to explore both Panama City and the Pearl Islands over six days without jet lagged kids!