Panama City- The capital and largest city in Panama is a bustling urban center. Here, you can hit the clubs, visit the Panama Canal, tour the ruins of the old city, and explore the historic streets of Casco Viejo. Panama City has lots to offer tourists in ways of good food, culture and sites to see.
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Bocas del Toro Besides Panama City, Bocas del Toro is perhaps the most traveled to spot in Panama. These islands in the Caribbean Sea near the Costa Rica border are home to some beautiful beaches, clear blue waters, and a hopping night life. Bocas has long been discovered by backpackers as a hot destination and is starting to see more outside development, so be prepared to see your fair share of young gringos. The beaches are beautiful though, the vibe laid-back and Caribbean cool and the bars busy every night. Bocas is the ideal place for a young person wanting to kick back and enjoy sunny days and wild nights. In fact, many come and never want to leave, staying and working in the local bars and hostels.
Boquete-Boquete is another tourism hot spot in Panama. Nestled in a serene mountain valley in the Chiriqui highlands, this town sits in the shadow of Panama’s highest point, Volcan Baru, and surrounded by coffee beans growing on the lush hillsides. In the past several years, Boquete has become a popular retirement destination for many older gringos, so you’ll find a considerable amount of gringos strolling the main street. Boquete is the ideal place for travelers looking to do some hiking and adventuring. It is the perfect launching point for hiking Volcan Baru (not an easy feat), exploring the famous Sendero Los Quetzales or sipping coffee and relaxing in natural hot springs.
Santa Catalina-This sleepy fishing village on the Pacific coast on the Chiriqui Golf has recently been gaining popularity with tourists. This once secluded village was first discovered by surfers in the 1970s, who used to walk a full day from the nearest town with a road. Since then, Santa Catalina has been discovered by other surfers and divers, who flock to the town for the amazing swell and incredible marine life. Still rather remote, however, Santa Catalina can be fairly difficult to get to, has spotty electricity, few lodging and dining options, and no ATM. However, the journey is well worth it. The black sand beach and beautiful scenery make this little piece of Pacific paradise a great place for travelers looking to get a little off the beaten path.
Archipelago de San Blas- This string of islands on the Caribbean Sea in the southern portion of Panama cannot be missed. Inhabited by the fiercely independent indigenous group the Kuna, the San Blas Islands have remained relatively unspoiled. The area, known as a comarca, is autonomously ruled by the Kuna, who enforce strict laws concerning development, land ownership and outside influence. When you visit, you can see why they have fought so fiercely to protect their home. Barrier reef protected this scattering of tiny, palm-fringed, white sand islands dot crystal clear turquoise water. Whether its beach lounging, snorkeling, diving, or just soaking in the natural beauty of this place, San Blas is a spot not to miss during your Panamanian adventure.
The Darien- The Darien is an area only to be traveled by the most adventurous, brave and hearty of travelers. The 10,000-square-mile area of jungle, which is located between the Panamanian and Colombian border, has long been the most inhospitable region. Today, the jungle is home to drug smugglers, poachers, jaguars, and the FARC. Many towns and villages close to the Colombian border are known for their lawlessness, and towns like Yaviza are home to contrabandistas, prostitutes, and drunken men fighting in the streets. There are some worthwhile destinations in the Darien where you can witness amazing wildlife, and explore the jungle, but do you research and be aware before you trek into this often dangerous swath of jungle. This area is also the only area in Panama where malaria medication is highly recommended to tourists.
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