Panama Off The Beaten Path
PanamaYou'll never know what you're missing if you don't explore Panama off the beaten path. For a unique Panama travel experience, head to places like Volcán, Piñas Bay, Coco Blanco Island, and more. Panama off the beaten path is littered with small communities, isolated beaches, and jungle retreats, making them an excellent alternative to the popular (and crowded) travel routes most visitors will be heading to.
Destinations in Panama off the beaten are often culturally authentic and environmentally intact, and they may be in more isolated parts of the country. This makes them very important regions if you want to use your travel dollars to support Panama’s environmental issues and Panama's people. Highly unique experiences include enjoying a cultural exchange with the Guna people, or taking a guided tour of the Darién.
Are you afraid to leave touristy areas due to safety concerns? When it comes to Panama's crime rate, the nation is one of the safest and most stable in all of Central America, so don't let anything hold you back from living your dream of truly exploring the world. Travel with a new intention when you explore Panama off the beaten path.
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.
Isla 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 DestinationSanta Catalina
Santa Catalina is shaping up to be one of Panama’s hottest destinations. Located along the Pacific Ocean in the Veraguas province, it has some of the most consistent surf in the country and is the jumping-off point for trips to Parque Nacional Coiba, a massive national park with amazing scuba diving and hiking trails. Santa Catalina's somewhat remote location has kept Santa Catalina devoid of large tourist crowds, but the word is out, and people are starting to show up.
Explore DestinationBoca Chica
Boca Chica is a small fishing village along Panama’s central Pacific coast that acts primarily as the gateway to both the Gulf of Chiriquí National Park (Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí) and the neighboring island of Boca Brava. The natural beauty of this place is impressive, but it’s still off-the-radar for most tourists. The town itself is modest and mainly local; however, there are a scattering of nice accommodations and restaurants within the immediate vicinity.
Explore DestinationIsla Boca Brava
Isla Boca Brava is a small island located in Panama’s Golfo de Chiriquí. The Golfo is also home to Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí, a national marine park that covers 14,740 hectares and protects 25 islands and 19 coral reefs. Although Boca Brava is the best jumping-off point for adventures into the marine park, the 3000-hectare island has its own unspoiled natural gems for guests to explore. There are numerous trails, accessible beaches, and an abundance of wildlife. Additionally, there are several pleasant accommodations situated on the island.
Explore DestinationLas Lajas
Playa Las Lajas is set along Panama’s Pacific coast in the Gulf of Chiriquí. It is one of the most popular mainland beaches in the area, mainly because it is close to both David and the Inter-American Highway. The turnoff to Las Lajas is 75 kilometers (47 mi) east of David. There is a small town of Las Lajas as well, but most people pass through it en route to the beach, which is another 8 kilometers (5 mi).
Explore DestinationAchutupu Island
Achutupu is a tiny private island along the western edge of the Gula Yala archipelago—both El Porvenir and Cartí are fairly close. You may hear this island referred to by its old name, Isla Perro, or "Dog Island." Travelers come here to meet with the Guna, on one of the most densely populated islands in the archipelago.
Explore DestinationSapibenega Island
Sapibenega Island is one of the 378 islands in the San Blas archipelago. This small island covers 2.5 acres (1 ha), which is just enough space for you to feel like you have your very own island. These islands are famous for being the ideal island escape – with sand is so white, and water so clear, they’re the ultimate in tropical island getaways.
Explore DestinationGuanidup Island
Guanidup is one of the tiny islands that makes up the vibrant San Blas archipelago, right off Panama’s Caribbean Coast. These islands have been the domain of the indigenous Guna people since 1925, and they protect their culture along with the pristine environment. Visitors here get to explore white sand beaches lined with coconut trees, lapped by bright blue water.
Explore DestinationLas Tablas
For all but a week of the year, Las Tablas (pop. 7,980) is a mellow and conventional Azuero Peninsula town, noted mostly for its close proximity to Chitré and Pedasí. However, Las Tablas is turned upside down in an all-out, booze-soaked party during the annual celebration of Carnaval.
Explore DestinationIsla Popa
Popa Island is the second-largest islands in the Bocas del Toro archipelago, located just south of Bastimentos Islands. From the northern side of the island, it takes just 30 minutes to reach the town of Bocas del Toro by boat. Popa Island is also a jumping off point for tours around the archipelago. This is one of the most well-developed towns in the archipelago, and has a nice selection of restaurants and cafes.
Explore DestinationYandup Island
Like all of the islands in the Guna Yala Comarca, these islands are surrounded by bright, clear water. You’ll be greeted by swaying palms and hammocks, within easy access of the coral reef that’s just off shore. Visitors here tend to fill their days with boating, swimming, and trips to nearby Guna communities.
Explore DestinationPunta Chame
Punta Chame is a popular windsurfing spot along the Bahía de Chame in central Panama. The punta (point) is at the end of a long, thin peninsula lined by shrimp farms and mangroves. It’s only an hour and a half drive from Panama City, making it a popular spot with adrenalin-junkies from the city. In many ways, this is a get-away-from-it-all type destination, as there is little at at the end of the peninsula other than a windsurfing school, a few accommodations, and a smattering of residences.
Explore DestinationPlaya Cambutal
Playa Cambutal is a laid-back beach town on the southern Azuero Peninsula. It’s most popular with surfers and deep-sea anglers, but its attractive coastline will appeal to most everyone.
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 DestinationSanta Fe
Santa Fé (pop.2,800) is a small and tranquil mountain town set 58 km north of Santiago. Part of the Veraguas province highlands, Santa Fé is known for its humble charm, fresh air, and beautiful surroundings. It sees far fewer visitors than Boquete, but offers many of the same attractions—hiking, waterfalls, rivers and more. At 470 meters above sea level, the climate up here is much cooler and the pace much slower than the lowlands.
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.
More Panama Off The Beaten Path
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.
Senidup Island
Senidup Island is actually just half of an island – the other half is called Franklin’s Island. You can choose from private huts or dormitory-style accommodations. It’s a hospitable place for backpackers, as well as anyone ready to let go and unwind.
Volcán
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.
Aguja Island
Aguja Island has some of the best-developed traveler services of anywhere in San Blas. It also has a spacious white sand beach, one of the longest in the San Blas archipelago. It’s not far from here to the mainland, making it an easy island to start your exploration of the San Blas islands, especially close to the port of Cartí. Travelers might come here on a day trip from Panama City.
Piñas 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.
Cartí
Set to the south of El Porvenir, this cluster of islands is collectively referred to as Cartí (Gardi). It takes around 45-minutes on a motorized boat to reach them from the mainland. The main island in the group, Cartí Suitupu, is large and colorful and houses a Guna museum.
Coco Blanco Island
Coco Blanco is a tiny island that you can circumnavigate in 10 minutes. There are cabins for travelers who want to sleep not far from the idyllic Caribbean shore. The accommodations here are quite basic, and travelers here should plan to enjoy the simple luxury of lounging on and exquisite beach. But if a serene beach getaway is what you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place.
Solarte Island
Solarte Island, also known as Nancy’s Cay, is set slightly over a mile (2 km) off the east side of Colón Island. A part of the Bocas del Toro archipelago, Solarte Island is best known for Hospital Point, a popular diving and snorkeling spot.
Corazón de Jesús and Narganá
The islands of Corazón de Jesús and Narganá are set some 25 miles (40 km) east of El Porvenir in the Guna Yala archipelago. The islands are much less traditional than other islands, but have a few basic services that can be helpful to travelers.
Isla Diablo
This is one of the tiny islands in San Blas that makes you feel like it’s just you, the sun, the sand, and the sea. Visit Isla Diablo for its wide, white sand beach, not far from the remains of a shipwreck. The shipwreck makes a tremendous place to see marine wildlife, and it’s close enough that you can swim there from the beach.
Santiago
Santiago is the provincial capital of Veraguas and one of Panama’s largest cities. It sits along the Inter-American Highway midway between David and Panama City, and acts as an important transportation hub for central Panama. There is little within the city that will interest most visitors, but there are a wide range of services and amenities available. Because of its central location and excellent facilities, Santiago serves as a good stopover while en route to other destinations.
Uaguitupo Island
Uaguitupo Island is a tiny island in the Guna Yala archipelago. You may hear it referred to by its other name, “Dolphin Island.” It offers simple accommodations, a short boat ride from islands that offer you a peek into the world of the Guna. While you’re here, you’ll get to experience one of the most stunning beaches in the world.
Isla San José
Isla San José is a large private island in Panama’s Pearl Islands. At 16 square miles (44 sq. km), Isla San José is the second-largest island in the archipelago. It’s 55 miles from the coast of Panama and very secluded.
San Cristobal Island
San Cristóbal Island is often overlooked by tourists but its rich marine wildlife and well preserved Indian villages make it a worth the trip if you have the time.
El Porvenir
El Porvenir is a small island that acts as a gateway for trips into the western portion of the Guna Yala archipelago. The island has an airstrip that receives flights from Panama City.
Changuinola
Changuinola’s steamy banana plantations are right on Panama’s Caribbean coast, near the border with Costa Rica. It serves as a popular jumping-off point for visits to the Bocas del Toro islands — travelers often go straight from Changuinola to Bocas Town, the main town in the archipelago. Changuinola is also a convenient place to spend the night on the way to La Amistad National Park, a swath of protected rainforest to the west.
Santa Clara
Located along the Pacific coast in Central Panama, Playa Santa Clara is a white-sand wonder that is a favorite of both locals and tourists alike. The beach stretches for miles unabated, bordering a calm blue ocean that is perfect for swimming or just splashing around.
Playon Chico
Playon Chico is a large island in the Guna Yala archipelago. The village is fairly modern and has a large health center, several churches, and homes made of concrete. It's on many itineraries to the San Blas islands – it’s one of the most accessible islands, with a bridge that connects it to the mainlands.
Corbiski Island
Corbiski Island is one of the San Blas islands that’s closer to the mainland. The village isn't super traditional (cinderblock houses and electricity exist), but it does give travelers a good opportunity to interact with local Guna. Getting here from the mainland is quite an adventure on its own – there’s the road trip through the jungle in an all-terrain vehicle, before you reach the shore and meet your boat for the most scenic cruise of your life. Of course, travelers who don’t want to experience the jostle of a jungle road trip can opt for a flight.
Portobelo
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.
La Palma
La Palma is the provincial capital of the Darién Province. It’s a small town, with fewer than 4,000 residents. Most travelers only stop here while en route to other destinations in the Darién.
Mogue
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.
Playa El Palmar
A relaxed surf-vibe pervades the white sand and curling waves at Playa El Palmar, a tranquil beach set along Panama’s central Pacific coast. Situated just outside the small town of San Carlos, Playa El Palmar serves up smooth, right breaking waves and a super mellow atmosphere. Locals and foreigners alike take advantage of the beautiful setting by flying kites, surfing hard, and relaxing in the sun.
Penonome
Laying 143 km west of Panama City is the bustling and distinctly Panamanian town of Penonomé. Capital of the Coclé province, Penonomé is large enough to provide visitors with any amenities or services that may be required. Though not one of Panama’s popular destinations, Penonomé nonetheless retains a distinctly Spanish-colonial charm in its downtown area.
Punta Burica
Punta Burica lies along a tiny sliver of land separating Panama’s Pacific coast from Costa Rica’s. It is one of the most isolated spots in the country, and not surprisingly, one of the most difficult to access. However, the beaches here are deserted and the surf can be awesome.
Parita
Parita is a cute and tidy town6 miles (10 km) northwest of Chitré. Its Spanish colonial roots are easy to see while walking around, particularly in the town’s church and other buildings. It is a nice place to stroll and take pictures.
Playa Destiladeros
Playa Destiladeros is a wide, brown-sand beach that’s located just outside Pedasí. Like other beaches on the Azuero Peninsula, Playa Destiladeros is pretty and lacks large crowds.
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.
