7 Reasons Panama Deserves a Spot on Your Travel List

When most people hear “Panama,” what comes to mind? The Panama Canal. Maybe a tropical beach. Perhaps Panama City as a quick stop on the way somewhere else. But after spending time in Panama, I can tell you there is so much more to this country than the famous canal.

Panama is one of those destinations that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves—and honestly, I think that’s part of its charm. It offers a little bit of everything: vibrant city life, incredible history, lush rainforests, beautiful beaches, fascinating culture, great food, and plenty of opportunities for adventure.

If Panama isn’t already on your travel list, here are a few reasons I think it should be....

#1 Panama City Is So Much More Than a Layover

For many travelers, Panama City is simply where you change planes. That’s a mistake!

Panama City is a fascinating mix of old and new. One minute you can be surrounded by sleek skyscrapers, upscale restaurants, and modern shopping districts. The next, you’re wandering the historic streets of Casco Viejo, one of the city's most beautiful and lively neighborhoods.

Casco Viejo is filled with colorful buildings, charming plazas, historic churches, rooftop restaurants, and boutique shops. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to put your phone away for a little while and simply walk.

And then there’s the skyline…Panama City has a distinctly modern feel that you might not expect when visiting Central America. The contrast between the historic architecture of Casco Viejo and the contemporary cityscape is one of the things that makes Panama City so interesting.

Add in a growing food scene, rooftop bars, museums, and plenty of cultural experiences, and you have a city that deserves more than a one-night stopover.

#2 The Panama Canal Is Even More Impressive in Person

Of course, we can’t talk about Panama without talking about the Panama Canal. And yes, it is absolutely worth seeing.

The canal is one of those engineering accomplishments that you can read about, watch documentaries about, and see in photographs—but standing there and watching a massive ship make its way through the locks gives you a completely different appreciation for what was accomplished.

The canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and has played an enormous role in global trade for more than a century.

But what I love most about visiting places like this is getting the opportunity to understand the story behind what you’re seeing. It isn't simply a canal. Its history, engineering, geography, economics, and human determination are all wrapped into one experience. And it’s definitely something I think travelers should experience at least once.

#3 Panama Has an Incredible Mix of Nature and Adventure

One of the things that makes Panama so underrated is the sheer variety of landscapes packed into a relatively small country. You can go from a bustling city to the rainforest in a surprisingly short amount of time.

Panama is home to lush tropical forests, mountains, rivers, islands, and beautiful coastlines. If you love being outdoors, there are plenty of ways to experience it. Think hiking through the rainforest, exploring national parks, spotting wildlife, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, or simply enjoying a beautiful beach.

If adventure isn't your thing, that's okay too. You can experience Panama's natural beauty at a much slower pace. Sometimes the best travel day is simply sitting somewhere beautiful with a good meal and a cold drink.

#4 The Beaches Deserve More Attention

When people think about Caribbean beaches, destinations like Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Turks & Caicos, and Aruba usually come to mind. Panama? Not always.

The country has coastlines along both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, which means travelers have plenty of options depending on the kind of experience they're looking for. The San Blas Islands are particularly spectacular. Think turquoise water, palm trees, small islands, and that postcard-perfect Caribbean scenery we all dream about. Then there are destinations like Bocas del Toro, which offer a completely different island experience with a more laid-back, adventurous atmosphere.

So if you're looking for tropical scenery without automatically defaulting to the usual Caribbean destinations, Panama is worth considering.

#5 Panama Has a Culture All Its Own

Another reason I think Panama is underrated is that its culture doesn't always get the recognition it deserves.

Panama sits at a crossroads of the world, and that history has influenced its people, food, music, architecture, and traditions. You'll find influences from Indigenous communities, Spain, the Caribbean, Africa, and other parts of the world.

One of the best ways to experience that cultural diversity is through food. And if you know me, you know food is always an important part of my travel experience! Panamanian cuisine includes fresh seafood, tropical fruits, rice and beans, plantains, meats, and plenty of Caribbean and Latin American influences. Also, because Panama is such an international destination, especially in Panama City, you'll also find a surprisingly diverse restaurant scene.

Travel is about more than seeing beautiful places. It's about experiencing how people live—and Panama gives you plenty of opportunities to do exactly that.

#6 It's a Great Destination for Travelers Who Want Variety

This might actually be my favorite thing about Panama. You don't have to choose between a city vacation, an adventure vacation, a cultural trip, or a beach getaway. You can have all of them in Panama!

Spend a few days exploring Panama City and its historic neighborhoods. Visit the Panama Canal. Head into the rainforest. Relax on a beautiful island. Eat incredible food. Learn about Indigenous cultures. And then finish your trip with a few days doing absolutely nothing on the beach.

That variety makes Panama a particularly great destination for couples, groups, and travelers who don't want their entire vacation to revolve around one type of experience.

#7 Panama Is Perfect for the Traveler Who Wants Something a Little Different

There's something to be said for visiting destinations that aren't necessarily the first place everyone in your circle is talking about. Don't get me wrong, I love popular destinations too. But some of my favorite travel experiences have come from places that surprised me. Panama feels like one of those destinations.

It has the infrastructure to make traveling relatively comfortable, but it still offers plenty of opportunities for discovery. You can have luxury and adventure, history and nature, city life and secluded beaches.

And perhaps best of all, you don't have to travel halfway around the world to experience it!

So, Is Panama Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! If Panama has never been on your radar, I hope you'll take another look. It is more than a canal, more than a layover, more than a place to connect to another destination. Panama is a destination in its own right—and one that I think deserves a much bigger spot on travelers' bucket lists.

Hey, I'm Ronda McKnight 👋🏽

I'm the founder of The Wright Getaway. I love all things travel and helping other people experience the world.

Let's chat about your upcoming travel plans!