Panama

A land of impressive geographic and topographic diversity, Panama delivers a stunning breadth of experiences sure to dazzle the most weathered luxury adventurer. Discover the allure of some of the Americas’ most overlooked capitals, scout deserted island archipelagos, or soak in ethereal vistas from time-forgotten mountain villages. Panama is a land of dramatic contrasts, where intercontinental trade and soaring skyscrapers meet pristine tropical biomes and off-the-beaten path adventure. For those seeking a blend of culture and luxury, the cosmopolitan capital city of Panama City stands out. Its historic Casco Viejo district boasts charming colonial architecture, upscale boutique hotels, and a vibrant arts and culinary scene. From the sublime Caribbean archipelago of Bocas del Toro to the pastoral romance of Padasi on the Pacific, Panama delivers the very best of both seas. Enclosed is a list of our top areas to visit for a comprehensive view of the kaleidoscopic range of activities awaiting the traveler: Panama City, Panama Canal, Boquete, Bocas del Toro, San Blas Islands, Santa Catalina, Portobello, Azuero Peninsula, UNESCO Heritage Site of Coiba Islands, Padasi’s natural reserve, known as Reserva Ecologica Panamaes and much more.

The vitality and color of Panamanian culture come to their purest expression with a delectable culinary heritage. Panama City's status as a UNESCO-recognized Creative City of Gastronomy is well earned, with no ingredient out of reach for this intercontinental shipping hub. Embark on a tantalizing epicurean journey and discover some of the most innovative culinary scenes in the world, blending African, Indigenous, and European influences. Blending tradition with bold experimentation, expect the unexpected from some of the Western Hemispheres' leading young talents and master chefs. The capital city, Panama City, boasts an array of upscale restaurants, including the most expensive ones like Maito and Donde José, which showcase innovative techniques and locally sourced ingredients. Do as the locals do and dive into iconic local delicacies from signature Panamanian ceviche, sancocho, and arroz con pollo. Ready to satiate the most demanding palettes, dive into some of Panama's finest culinary offerings: Donda Jose, G. Foley's, Terrace Restaurant, Capt. Anderson's, Firefly, Los Anos Locos, 5inco Panama, Tejas Restaurant in JW Marriott, Makoto, Intimo, La Vespa Vispa Mare, Azafran, Azahar Panama.

Straddled between the turquoise Caribbean and the azure-hued Pacific, beaches are the top consideration in Panama. A collection of gorgeous shorelines await discovery amongst 1,800 miles of coastline. From the majestic waves of the Pacific to the tepid calm of the north shore, each beach offers a unique gradient of sun-soaked bliss. Beyond the snake-shaped mainland lies a constellation of nearly two thousand remote tropical islands and archipelagos scattered across famously crystalline waters. The Pacific standouts of Santa Clara and Playa Blanca are premier oases of recreation and sunbathing, delivering ideal year-round conditions for swimming, snorkeling, and watersports. The off-the-beaten-track shores of Isla Contadora have been known to enchant the intrepid explorer seeking adventure and an escape from the crowds. Picture-perfect white sands and turquoise waters abound on the Caribbean side, best embodied with the San Blas Islands, home to the rich indigenous cultures of the Guna people. A paradisiacal oasis with beaches running the gamut from black to pearl-white sands, here are Panama's must-visit beaches: Beaches of the San Blas Islands, Red Frog Beach, Starfish Beach, Isla Coiba in Coiba National Park, Santa Clara, Playa Blanca, Bluff Beach, Punta Chame, Punta Duarte, Beaches of Santa Catalina, La Punta on Isla Grande, Playa Venao, Coronado Beach, Playa Larga on Isla Contadora.

Compact and brimming with boundless vacation opportunities, Panama delivers a dizzying range of exclusive experiences. Between two coastlines and over a thousand islands, this largely undiscovered and overlooked country presents the ultimate playground for the luxury adventurer. Shrouded in mystique, unearth some of the planet's most biodiverse ecosystems or explore the ruins of Spanish forts along the Caribbean coast. Whatever your fancy, Panama's boundless natural beauty re-invigorates the spirit with the thrill of discovery and excitement of once-in-a-lifetime activities. Here is a list of some of Panama's most unique experiences: Spending the night on a San Blas Desert Island, Hiking in Darien National Park, a Day Trip with the Embera Indigenous People, Mounting Baru Volcano, Snorkelling at Isla Coiba, Island hopping in Bocas del Toro, Private Helicopter Ride over the Panama Canal, Coffee Farming Tour, Monkey Island Tour, Kite Surf at Punta Chame, Whale Watching in the Pearl Islands, Surfing at Playa Venao, Scuba Diving with Whale Sharks, Chiquiri River Whitewater Rafting.

No matter what time of year you visit, your arrival will invariably coincide with some of Panama's legendary festivals. Well distributed throughout the year, there is always something around the corner with this country's robust cultural itinerary. Panamanians look for no excuse to shut down streets and celebrate with parades and street parties, an integrated part of quotidian living. From local religious festivities to international congresses and everything in between, the luxury adventurer will find no shortage of events to pique one's curiosity. Experience a wondrous tapestry of song, dance, costume, and parades served up with Latin American flare, Indigenous customs, and Afro-Caribbean vitality. Here are some of Panama's most unique annual events and festivities: Chiriqui Highlands Flower and Coffee Festival, Carnaval, Boquete Jazz and Blues Festival, Semana Santa, Bocas Del Toro SeaFair, Azuero International Fair, Mejorana's Festival, Corpus Cristi, Sobresaltos Dance Festival, International Film Festival Panama.