Panama Rainforests
PanamaRainforests are some of the world’s most biologically diverse habitats, so a visit to Panama's rainforests offers you the opportunity to see unique plants and animals you won't find outside of Central America. "Sounds neat, but what specifically can I expect to see?" you wonder. Panama's rainforest animals include monkeys, toucans, anteaters, jaguars, and sloths — all roaming free in their natural habitat.
You'll feel like a proper adventurer when you explore Panama’s rainforest, because these destinations are often in rural areas. Hiking trails extend into the hillsides and forests that surround these towns — for this reason, Panama's rainforests are popular with outdoor enthusiasts, but don't worry, there's plenty of jungle for everyone. Naturalist guides are available to help travelers understand the underlying composition of Panama’s rainforests and are valuable if you're hoping to trek through some of the country's extremely remote areas such as Santa Cruz de Cana, Punta Patiño Nature Reserve, Mogue, and Piñas Bay.
If you're a birdwatcher, this is your chance to see the harpy eagle — Panama's national bird, and the one of the largest and most powerful raptors in the world.
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.
Boquete
The small town of Boquete sits in the highlands of Panama’s Chiriquí province, snugly fitted into a lush valley and surrounded by towering mountains, gushing streams, and abundant coffee farms. Though once a sleepy mountain town forgotten by time, Boquete is beginning to see more and more tourists these days, and for good reason – its natural beauty is astounding and its range of activities spectacular. Panama’s only volcano, Volcán Barú, lies only 9 km away, providing visitors with excellent hiking, nature viewing, and camping. Boquete’s other attractions include white-water rafting, canopy tours, hot springs, botanical gardens, and more.
Explore DestinationIsla Bastimentos
Located in the Bocas del Toro archipelago, Isla Bastimentos is a sprawling 52 km island that is only a ten-minute boat ride from Isla Colón. The highlights of Isla Bastimentos are vast, ranging from the world-class snorkeling opportunities in Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos to the chilled-out beaches on the north side of the island.
Explore DestinationGamboa
Lying along the banks of the Panama Canal halfway across the isthmus, Gamboa is about a 45-minute drive from Panama City. With an abundance of natural beauty and an incredibly close distance to Panama City, this area is simply a must for anyone passing through the capital.
Explore DestinationPiñas Bay
Piñas Bay (Bahía de Piñas) is set along Panama’s southern Pacific coast in the Darién Province, some 56 kilometers (35 miles) from the border with Colombia. Piñas Bay is Panama’s most incredible fishing spot—more than 200 deep-sea fishing world records have been set here, more than anywhere else on Earth. The area is also naturally beautiful and interesting culturally, so even non-fishers will find it a pleasant place to visit.
Explore DestinationMogue
Mogue is an Emberá village in the Darién. It’s definitely an off-the-beaten-path destination, but travelers that make it here will be rewarded with a unique look at a fairly traditional Emberá village.
Explore DestinationPortobelo
Portobelo lies along Panama’s Caribbean coast to the east of Colón in an area known as Costa Arriba. During the Spanish colonial era, Portobelo was an important port town where goods and treasure from the Americas where shipped to Europe. These days the town is impoverished and widely unattractive. Its saving grace, however, lies in the crumbling ruins scattered inside and outside of town. There are also several decent places to scuba dive and snorkel along its coast.
Explore DestinationSanta Cruz de Cana
Santa Cruz de Cana is one of the most remote places in Panama. Set within the middle of the Darién National Park, Santa Cruz de Cana (more commonly known as Cana) offers travelers true wilderness. There are no roads here and the closest village, Boca de Cupe, is a 2–3 day hike.
Explore DestinationVolcán
The small town of Volcán is located in Panama’s western highlands along the west side of the Barú Volcano. The town itself is unremarkable but is close to several of the region’s best outdoor areas.
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.
Insider-led Panama 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.
Get StartedPrivate drivers; English-speaking available.
Avoid the crowds in private day tours.
Better stays, better pacing, better reservations.
Insider-only experiences and exclusive local partners.
24/7 in-country support by phone, text, and WhatsApp.
Insider-led Panama 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.
