A Typical Panamanian Mola

Because of Panama’s unique geographical position between two huge bodies of water and its multicultural population, the country has an incredible amount to offer a tourist. Here are some of the things I think a visitor would regret not experiencing while in Panama.

1. Eat Panamanian Food
You can go to McDonald’s, Wendy’s or KFC anytime back home. Panama has an incredible array of terrific cuisine that you will regret not trying. If you are in a rush, go to a fonda (food kiosk-type restaurant) and get a sancocho (chicken soup) or empanada (stuffed patty). Arroz con pollo (rice with chicken), lechona (hunk of pork), carimanola (a flavored ground beef stuffed yuca roll), and ceviche (lime-cured seafood with yummy spices) are some really delicious Panamanian foods.

2. Visit the Canal
You don’t need to spend all day there, but at least go take a look. It’s an incredible engineering marvel and famous around the globe. You won’t really understand the scope of it unless you see it in person. Call ahead to the visitors center (276-8617) to find out what time the ships will be passing through the Miraflores locks so you can see it in action. The visitors center boasts 4 floors of exhibits about the canal, as well as a theater that shows a movie on the making of the canal. There is also a great restaurant on site that overlooks the locks.

3. Stroll Through Casco Viejo
Panama City’s old quarter is an architectural beauty. For years now the Panamanian government has been providing incentives for developers to restore some of the old buildings to their past glory. There are a number of great hotels, restaurants, bars and cafes on the narrow, stone streets of this neighborhood, so sit and enjoy an ice cold drink on an outdoor patio.

4. Take a Dip in the Ocean
Even if you planned to spend most of your time in Panama City, take a day trip to one of the many gorgeous beaches within an hour drive of the city. Portobello on the Caribbean coast offers great snorkeling and Spanish ruins. There is also a handful of great, nearly deserted beached on the Pacific coast, just an hour west of Panama City. If you’ve got a full day available, hit both coasts so you can brag to your friends that you swam in both the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean in the same day.

5. Beat The Heat In The Mountains
Boquete, in the province of Chiriqui is a great little town on the Baru Volcano. Located 3,475 meters above sea level, enjoy year round spring temperatures and incredible views. Boquete is well developed and offers many activities for visitors. If you are staying closer to Panama City, El Valle de Anton is just an hour and a half away. Cooler temperatures, waterfalls, restaurants and craft markets are just a few of the great things El Valle offers.

6. Practice Your Spanish
You don’t need to be fluent in Spanish, but just making an effort will please the locals. Some key words to remember: porfavor (please), gracias (thank you), de nada ( you’re welcome), bano (bathroom), mucho gusto (nice to meet you). A little goes a long way!

7. Enjoy Panama’s Wildlife
Take a boat to Monkey Island in the Chagres River or an early morning stroll through Parque Metropolitano. Panama offers some of the best birdwatching in the world, so bring your binoculars. It’s not uncommon to see sloths, crocodiles, parrots, snakes and other creatures very close to Panama City. If you’re in the interior, go to Isla Canas in Los Santos province. Turtles nest on the shores at night between April and November. Humpback whales and dolphins are also prevalent during those months. Take a boat out to Isla Iguana, but make sure you have extra batteries for your camera!

8. Visit A Small Town
You won’t get a feel for what Panama is really like until you experience it like a local. Drive to a small town in the interior (I recommend Pedasi) and enjoy the typical Panamanian lifestyle. In these towns you can often run across a makeshift jam session with folkloric Panamanian instruments and tipico singers. The food in these towns is cheap and delicious!

9. Hit Up A Festival
Panama has a LOT of festivals. The most well known would be Carnaval, but there are so many other great events as well. The festivals in the interior, especially the Azuero peninsula are the most fun. Since Panama’s folklore and traditions originated in Azuero, it really is a great place to enjoy a party. Panamanian festivals are known for the great food, music and fun-loving people. Find a list of festivals in Panama here. 

10. Buy Something Traditionally Panamanian
You can’t go wrong investing in a Panamanian treasure. Some of the most typical Panamanian articles include:
Tagua: An animal carving made out of a palm tree nut
Pollera: A woman’s dress from the Spanish legacy
Sombrero pintado: The REAL Panama hat. Usually black and white and woven so thin it can hold water
Guayabera: A light-weight men’s dress shirt usually featuring 4 pockets
Mola: A tradition with the Kuna Indians. It is a decorative fabric sewn using between 2 and 7 different colored fabrics.

Of course these are just a handful of things to do in Panama. There are many, many more activities for all abilities and age groups. What is your favorite activity in Panama?

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Filed under: Country Guide, Culture, Food, History, News on June 26th, 2008