Discover Panama City and its Surrounding Areas
Panama City is a vibrant blend of modern luxury, rich history and nature, making it an ideal destination for discerning travellers.
From the iconic Panama Canal to the charming streets of Casco Viejo, the city offers a unique mix of cultural experiences and upscale amenities. Luxury accommodations, fine dining, and exclusive tours await your guests, ensuring an unforgettable stay in this cosmopolitan hub.
Discover why Panama City should be your guests next luxury getaway.
Panama City and Beyond: Combining Your Visit with Other Destinations
Panama is a global hub with ports on both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.
Its air transportation network connects over 30 destinations across 20 countries.
The Panama Canal is at the heart of this connectivity, linking 160 countries through 144 maritime routes and reaching 1,700 ports worldwide.
Getting here by air: Panama’s main gateway is Tocumen International Airport, a major hub with global connections. For domestic travel within Panama, Marcos A. Gelabert Airport serves Panama City.
Enrique Malek International Airport, although smaller, offers international flights to and from San José, Costa Rica, as well as routes to Panama City and Bocas del Toro.
By Car: Panama City is accessible via the Pan-American Highway, which provides scenic views of the Panamanian countryside.
Your guests can combine their trip to Panama City with trips to other destinations, such as Boquete, the Gulf of Chiriqui, and Bocas del Toro.
What Makes Panama City Unique
Panama City is a bustling metropolis where history, modernity and nature converge.
The Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is an unparalleled engineering marvel, seamlessly connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Beyond this, it has a rich history shaped by waves of immigrants from diverse cultural backgrounds and the United States’ control of the Panama Canal Zone for much of the 20th century, overseeing its operation and administration. It was later handed over to Panama and underwent expansion and modernization.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Panama City offers a fascinating past with two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Panama Viejo (Old Panama) and Casco Antiguo. Panama Viejo, founded in 1519, preserves the ruins of the first European settlement on the Pacific coast and the history of pirate attacks, while Casco Antiguo is a charming colonial district with cobblestone streets and historic buildings reflecting a blend of Spanish, colonial, neoclassical, and French styles.
Culinary Blend
Panama City is also a melting pot of culinary delights, blending Spanish, Afro-Caribbean, and indigenous flavors to create culinary masterpieces that elevate any dining experience.
Indigenous Communities
The Emberá-Wounaan are one of Panama’s indigenous groups, known for their strong cultural traditions and deep connection to the natural world. They primarily reside in the eastern region of Panama, including areas around the Chagres River and Gatun Lake.
Our Recommended Elevated Experiences
Panama City offers a wide array of activities and attractions for guests.
Panama Trails has created a handcrafted portfolio of experiences for Nature and Cultural Enthusiasts as well as our Portfolio for Foodie Lovers.
Here are some of our most popular activities and attractions:
Unveiling Panama City
Explore Panama’s authentic soul by venturing beyond the usual tourist paths. Begin in Casco Viejo, the historic heart of Panama City, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning colonial architecture.
Enjoy a guided tour with an English-speaking expert and have a mouthwatering lunch at the fish market, where the day’s freshest seafood is always on the menu.
Then, explore beyond Casco Viejo to the rejuvenated districts and feel the dynamic atmosphere of the Chorrillo neighborhood, historically significant for its role in housing immigrants who worked on constructing the Panama Canal.
Experience the Canal Zone Tour
Embark on a fascinating journey through Panama’s rich history and vibrant culture. This comprehensive tour includes iconic landmarks and cultural sites, offering a blend of sightseeing and learning.
Start at the Administration Building to see the historic Frescoes Room, then visit the American Cemetery at Corozal and the former US Military Base to glimpse Panama’s past.
The adventure continues with an exclusive backstage tour at the Miraflores Locks. Guided by an expert from the Panama Canal Authority, you’ll gain special access to restricted areas, step onto the canal’s platforms, and enter control cabins.
This unique experience delves into the canal’s operational intricacies, highlighting its innovations and global significance.
Panama’s Pirate Legacy
Explore Panama’s intriguing pirate history in the old town, where you can visit ancient ruins and learn about the legendary pirate activities.
The tour includes a rum tasting at a local distillery, a gourmet lunch at a renowned restaurant, a coffee tasting, and a hands-on chocolate-making experience at a chocolate lab, combining historical insights with delightful culinary experiences.
Casco Viejo Culinary Symphony
For the foodie adventurers, indulge in Panama’s Culinary Symphony Tour, where each course unveils a new chapter of flavors amidst an ever-changing ambiance.
From the intimate charm of a local bar to the panoramic vistas of a city rooftop, experience a gastronomic journey like no other.
Gamboa Wildlife Expedition
Explore the heart of Panama’s rich biodiversity at the Discovery Rainforest Center, located along the famous Pipeline Road, a renowned bird-watching destination. Walk along diverse trails and encounter a wide variety of wildlife, from colorful birds and elusive mammals to fascinating amphibians. Climb a 40-meter tower for a view of the canopy and visit a lake platform to spot wattled jacanas, least grebes, herons, and snail kites. Following the rainforest experience, take a boat ride on the canal to see large ships and wildlife on Gatun Lake.
Culture, Community, Conservation & Sustainability
Panama City is a vibrant blend of indigenous heritage and Spanish colonial history.
When your guests visit Panama, they’ll experience some of the most stunning natural environments on the planet, including 3 Natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the only urban capital with a tropical rainforest within its city limits, and over 1,400 tropical islands with beautiful beaches.
Panama is the ideal destination for hikers, animal lovers, and nature enthusiasts of all kinds.
Additionally, guests can visit different indigenous communities and organizations. They’ll experience their traditional music, dance, and crafts, and learn about their way of life.
It’s a fascinating experience that allows guests to connect with a living indigenous culture and supports their handcrafts.
Accommodations That Reflect Our Philosophy of Place
Accommodations in Panama City mirror its eclectic spirit, with a perfect place for every guest.
Choose from towering luxury hotels, cozy eco-lodges, the quaint charm of Casco Viejo boutiques, or the contemporary flair of bay-facing apartments.
Our recommendations include:
La Compania
Sofitel Legend
Amarla Boutique Hotel
Waldorf Astoria
Bristol Hotel
Craft an Experience Your Guests Will Remember
Contact us if your guests are eager to explore Panama City.
