TRAVEL | POSTCARD FROM
PANAMA
TRAVEL | POSTCARD FROM PANAMA
City to Sea and Everything In-Between.
A short two-hour hop from Grand Cayman, Panama offers a dynamic mix of modern cities, lush rainforests, and sun-drenched coastlines. Every region invites exploration, from the lively streets of Panama City to the misty mountains of Boquete, and the tropical charm of Bocas del Toro.
Words by Georgia Austin.
RAINFOREST HIGHLIGHT | Boquete
The town of Boquete, nestled in the western mountains of Panama’s Chiriquí province, is surrounded by lush rainforests and rivers. Explore hiking trails with waterfalls and exotic wildlife, climb natural rock walls at Los Ladrillos, or raft the rapids of the Chiriquí Viejo River. Whether feasting on local cuisine, soaking in La Caldera’s hot springs, touring orchid gardens, or joining coffee tours, the region will engage all of your senses.
MUST DO
EAT: Owned by Chef Charlie Collins, an icon in Panamanian gastronomy, T’ACH is an elegant setting where you can enjoy a modern twist on Indigenous Panamanian dishes.
TASTE: Prized for its unique flavour profile, Geisha Coffee is the most expensive coffee in the world. Take a tour to experience the entire production process from bean to cup.
HISTORY HIGHLIGHT | Panama City
Panama City seamlessly connects old and new. Its sleek skyscrapers and lively urban scene offer world-class shopping and dining, while just a short drive away
lie the busy waterways of the Panama Canal. The city’s historic heart, Casco Viejo, transports visitors to another era with cobbled streets, colonial architecture, and a mix of Spanish, French, and Caribbean influences. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Casco Viejo is where Panama’s past and present coexist, offering a charming contrast to the bustling modern city.
MUST DO
DRINK: Enjoy Casco Viejo’s famed rooftop bars, like Sama Sky Lounge or Tantalo, for cocktails with views of the sprawling cityscape.
VISIT: A trip to the Miraflores Visitors Centre offers the chance to witness ships navigating the locks of the Panama Canal and to learn about the construction of this engineering marvel.
COASTAL HIGHLIGHT | Bocas Del Toro
The Bocas del Toro archipelago is a tropical paradise renowned for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and world-class surf spots. Steeped in Afro-Caribbean culture, the islands pulse with calypso and reggae beats while the local cuisine bursts
with bold, flavourful spices. You’ll also encounter the distinct Guari-Guari language, a unique English-based Creole. Whether island-hopping, hiking through lush rainforests, diving among colourful marine life, or simply soaking up the sun on pristine beaches, Bocas offers something for every traveller. By day, the islands exude a laid-back charm, but by night, they transform into a lively hub of music and dancing.
MUST DO
STAY: Nayara Bocas Del Toro is a private island resort offering overwater villas and treehouses with views of Dolphin Bay and Bastimentos National Marine Park. With Indonesian-inspired architecture and luxury amenities, Nayara exists in harmony with the natural landscape.
VISIT: Take a boat to San Cristobal to visit the Ngäbe community, where you can participate in traditional chocolate-making, dye pineapple plants for ‘Chacara’ bags, and enjoy a farm-to-table lunch prepared alongside local cooks.