Culture in Panama
PanamaPanama’s strength resides in its diverse cultural offerings. Within Panama City, there are Spanish ruins dating back to the 16th century and neighborhoods that are over 300 years old. The country has seven indigenous groups, many of which still live in traditional villages, and pockets of regional ethnic diversity virtually everywhere. There is also the Panama Canal, which continues to impress visitors as one of the world’s most astounding engineering feats. These attractions allow travelers to get a closer look at the cultural fabric of Panama.
Panama Highlights
A curated look at the best Panama has to offer. These are the destinations that consistently stand out — places with real character, great experiences, and something worth going out of your way for.
Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is one of the world’s most impressive engineering feats. The canal extends 80 kilometers (50 mi) from Panama City on the Pacific Ocean to Colón on the Caribbean Sea. It’s built at one of the lowest and narrowest points in Panama, and runs right through the Continental Divide. More than 14,000 ships pass through the canal annually, carrying some 300 million tons of cargo. As such, the Panama Canal is one of the largest generators of income for Panama—in 2011, the canal generated $800 million, some two percent of the country’s GDP.
Explore DestinationGatun Locks Panama Canal
The Gatún Locks are set along the Caribbean side of Panama to the west of Colón. These massive locks are the largest in the Panama Canal. As you watch ships pass through the locks’ chambers, it’s easy to understand why the Panama Canal is one of the seven man-made wonders of the world.
Explore DestinationThe Santo's Villa
La Villa de Los Santos is a small town south of Chitré. Known simply as La Villa, this town has an important role in Panamanian history—it was here that the first rumblings of Panamanian independence began. These days, the town is quiet and unassuming, but it does host a few festivals every year.
Explore DestinationSan Lorenzo Fort
The San Lorenzo Fort is set along Panama’s central Caribbean coast, just west of Colón and the Gatún Locks. The fort lies within one of Panama’s most recent protected areas. The San Lorenzo Protected Area spreads across 30,000 acres (12,000 ha) and includes the San Lorenzo Fort and the former U.S. military base of Fort Sherman. It also includes countless mangroves, wetlands, and forests.
Explore DestinationQuebrada de Sal
Quebrada de Sal (Salt Creek) is a small Ngöbe-Buglé village on Bastimentos Island in Bocas del Toro. The village isn’t terribly scenic, but it will give you a good idea of what indigenous villages in Panama are like.
Explore DestinationFeatured Panama Trips
Browse our handpicked selection of Panama itineraries, each crafted by local experts who know the country inside out. Whether you're after adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, we have a trip tailored for you.
Canal, Beach, & Nature = Family Fun
This vacation, do a little of everything when you explore the city, forest, and beach on this awesome family getaway to Panama. Nature and knowledge await you.
Our Adventure-Loving Trip
We have always lived by the beach, so we were more interested in the city, history, culture, food, and non-beach related outdoor activities for this trip. We were ready for adventure, and Boquete in Panama had it all!
A 'Friend-Ship' Sails to Panama
From wild nights in Panama city to beaches and brews in Bocas del Toro, awesome adventures and amazing memories are waiting for you and your friends in Panama.
A 'Best Of' Panama Family Adventure
This family adventure is a trip to paradise complete with magical forests, stunning beaches, marine wildlife, vibrant cities, and memories waiting to be made. Welcome to Panama.
We Had the Ultimate Adventure
I recommend Anywhere.com all the time. Loved the destinations and experiences we had in Panama. Panama is a hidden gem.
Family Road Trip and Island Adventure
Planning a family trip for twelve is not easy, but thanks to Anywhere.com, we got to experience the full flavor of Panama. Panama City is a wonderful destination, and we made some lasting memories.
A Birding Journey in The Tropics
Grab your binoculars and your guidebook! You're about to check a variety of beautiful birds off of your list in the rainforests and cloud forests of Panama.
We Explored All of Panama
Still needs some road repair, but overall progress is being made rapidly.
Our Excellent Journey
You did an excellent job planning and monitoring our trip. Thank you.
No Joke. We Did it All!
We spent almost 23 days exploring all over — from Panama City to Isla Carenero, Boquete, Boca Chica, Santa Catalina...we did it all.
Panama: A Soulmate's Journey
Reconnect with the person you love the most when you go on an amazing adventure –– from cosmopolitan cities, to cloud forests, and an island beach, see all of Panama.
A Beautiful Vacation Beyond Our Expectations
It was a beautiful vacation.
City, Beach, and Mountain Road Trip
From Panama City, Playa Blanca, and Boquete, to El Valle de Anton, we experience all the different terrains of Panama. We had a great time and look forward to exploring more of Central America.
An Unforgettable City & Island Escape
Panama is a lovely country. We thoroughly enjoyed the relaxing pace and the beautiful environment of Isla Bastimentos. This tropical getaway is just what we needed in our busy schedule.
More Culture in Panama
There's always more to discover in Panama. From off-the-beaten-path gems to well-loved classics, these destinations are worth adding to your itinerary.
Sitio Barriles
Set within Panama’s western highlands near the town of Volcán, Sitio Barriles is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Panama—the items recovered here date back to 60 B.C. They came from an ancient agrarian people known as the Barriles, who are thought to have lived here as early as 734 B.C.
Summit Botanical Gardens and Zoo
The Summit Botanical Gardens and Zoo is a worthy side trip while visiting the Panama Canal or Soberanía National Park. Created in 1923, the gardens and zoo (which is actually more of a wildlife rescue center) host a fine selection of plants and animals.
La Arena
La Arena is a small town located 1.2 miles (2 km) west of Chitré. The town is known throughout Panama for its pottery—vendors line the streets showcasing colorful and classic designs. It’s a fun place to stroll and examine the local artistry.
Old Bank
Old Bank is the second-largest town in the Bocas del Toro archipelago. Set along the western tip of Bastimentos Island, Old Bank is a poor but colorful town. It will mainly appear to backpacker types or travelers who are interested in getting an authentic look at life in Bocas. The town has a few hotels, restaurants, and bars.
San Francisco
San Francisco is a small town in central Panama. The town itself is unremarkable, but it is home to one of Panama’s best churches. If you’re heading to Santa Fé, you’ll pass San Francisco. It’s worth stopping in for a quick look at the church.
Honda Bay
Bahía Honda is a bay along the southern side of Bastimentos Island in Bocas del Toro. There is a long cave that can be explored near the shore, and a small Ngöbe community that welcomes visitors.
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Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Get StartedPrivate drivers; English-speaking available.
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Insider-only experiences and exclusive local partners.
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Insider-led Costa Rica Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Real Voices, Real Benefits
We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list – it's about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team of local experts behind you every step of the way.
