High quality Panama Monkey Island tour right now? Not sure how to spend your time in Panama City? Well, lucky for you I spent lots of time exploring the city and surrounds and have written this detailed blog on the absolute best things to do in Panama City, Panama! Panama City, Panama doesn’t exactly have a reputation for being the most exciting destination in Central America. However, after taking some time to explore this Central American city I began to realize the city has a lot to offer. Panama City was our first stop in Panama and we were excited to explore our first destination in Central America. As it turns out, Panama City is the perfect place to brush up on some very important history in Latin America, see some amazing architecture, and get introduced to some of the wildlife that makes this part of the world so special. Read additional details on San Blas sailing trip.
Anyone who visits this area of Mexico should visit the unique ruins of Tulum, perched over the Caribbean Sea – no ruins can boast such an incredible view! But if you’re staying in Tulum, you really have no excuses. I like this 3-in-1 Discovery Combo Tour because you get to explore coral reefs, ancient history, and nature all in one day. The tour starts with a guided tour of the Tulum Ruins; after that, you’ll go on a boat tour to the coral reef in the Caribbean Sea where you’ll get the chance to snorkel. The Tulum and cenote tour ends with a swim at Cenote Caracol, a beautiful cave cenote.
As you may have guessed, the San Blas Islands do not offer wifi. If you purchase a chip in Panama, then you’ll be connected, but to enjoy the islands to their fullest, turn off your phone and tune into nature. This is a perfect destination for the ultimate technology detox, as days are spent resting on the beach and drinking out of coconuts. You can still take a lifetime’s worth of beautiful beach pictures, perfect to share on social media once you return to the mainland.
The Kuna people are the indigenous tribe that inhabit some of the islands. We had the chance to be able to stay on one of their islands for 2 out of the three nights we were there. On the second night we had the chance to play football with the kids and hang out at the local bar in the evening. They’re very welcoming people, and it was definitely a great experience to see the way that the Kuna people live.
Explore rowing on a kayak the beautiful Chagres River before it merges at the Gatun lake where the huge vessels and boats transit from Ocean to Ocean. The Chagres river is the main tributary of water of the Canal. A quite waterway, enjoying the sound of the wild life of this dense tropical forest. You might get the opportunity to see a sloth in a tree, a colorful bird peacefully living in the jungle or at the top the water plants, caimans, turtles among many others species of the local fauna. After a short hike to the small port used by the Embera indigenous at Gamboa, the tour last about 1 hour and 20 minutes (in the kayak) always accompanied by our bilingual guide and probably also by an Embera guide from the area who knows the place better than anyone. Read extra details at https://taotravel365.tours/.
Having traveled around the world on their 45-foot sailboat “Kailani” and encountering various amazing destinations, cultures and adventures that impacted their perspectives on life, founders Michael and Paola resolved to create a platform that allowed other travelers from around the world to gain access to these experiences. It is our hope that we will connect travelers from different backgrounds, cultures and mindsets, allowing them to share their values and gaining a deeper respect and love for each other – as human beings and connected spirits.
One of Panama’s top surf destinations is Santa Catalina, on the Pacific Coast. This small but growing town has a laid-back surfer feeling about it. Small guesthouses and hotels, and funky restaurants, force you to slow down and relax. If you aren’t here to surf, great snorkeling and scuba diving spots are nearby, and horseback tours through the surrounding countryside are good options for those not interested in getting wet. One of Santa Catalina’s main draws is Isla Coiba. This lush island, now Coiba National Park, is almost untouched and is considered a biodiversity hot spot, with close to 200 bird species, crocodiles, turtles, and snakes. The scuba diving here is very popular due to the enormous whale sharks that frequent the area. These gentle giants are curious creatures and enjoy interacting with divers. Tours to Isla Coiba can be arranged in Santa Catalina. One of the most fun things to do near Boquete is visiting the local swimming hole at Los Cangilones. Set at a lower elevation than Boquete, the climate here is much warmer, and on hot days you’ll find a fun scene, complete with music, barbecues, food vendors, and Panamanians from far and wide splashing and jumping off the gorge edges into the crystal-clear, warm waters below. In this unique geological place, the river narrows into a gorge before opening up again in a shallow pool at the bottom. Daring adults and older kids jump off the edges into the slowly moving waters and then float down to the bottom, climb out, and do it all over again. Youngsters and visitors who are looking for something a little milder can wade into the shallow waters where the gorge opens up. The walls vary in height, so it depends on how brave you are and how high you want to go. This is very much a family destination.