From clear turquoise seas to the coffee farms and cloud forests of Chiriquí, Panama can be as chilled out or as thrilling as you wish.
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Kayak on the Panama Canal, enjoy the easygoing vibe in Panama City’s Casco Viejo, or dive with whale sharks.
Lonely Planet writer Carolyn McCarthy explains why she loves Panama. "In a world where wilderness and native cultures are disappearing, Panama - against all odds - continuous with its essence intact. Trekking through rainforests, watching Congo drumming and paddling between pristine tropical islands offer pure wonder. The wildlife viewing is astounding - both in expected places, like the waters of Isla de Coiba, and in patches of preserved forest just outside the capital. For me Panama is a confluence - an explosion of nature, cultures and beliefs in that messy, musical arrangement that's everyday life in Latin America. All that energy feeds you, and you see the world in new ways."
Panama Top 10
1. Panama City
2. Panama Canal
3. Casco Viejo
4. Water Sports
5. Parque Nacional Coiba
6. Festivals
7. Boquete
8. Peninsula de Azuero
9. Archipiélago de Bocas del Toro
10. The Highlands
Inside Lonely Planet’s Panama Travel Guide:
- Colour maps and images throughout
- Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests
- Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots
- Honest review for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sight-seeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss
- Cultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - Panama Today, History, The Panamanian Way of Life, Music, Arts, Land & Wildlife
Coverage includes: Panama City, Panamá Province, Coclé Province, Península de Azuero, Veraguas Province, Chiriquí Province, Bocas del Toro Province, Colón Province, Comarca de Guna Yala, Darién Province, and more
Curator: Steve Fallon
Writers: Carolyn McCarthy
Get to the heart of Panama and begin your journey now!