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Indigenous village near Bocas Del Toro

Things to do in Panama

Most famous for its celebrated canal, Panama offers far more than pioneering feats of engineering and although a trip to see the renowned locks and huge ships is intriguing, there are many more things to see and do in this diverse country.

An early start along the country’s Pipeline Road provides world-class birdwatching with 300 different species being recorded in a single day, while the surrounding rainforest is home to howler monkeys, anteaters and agoutis. You can also visit dreamy tropical islands, snorkel among colourful reefs, meet indigenous communities and explore colonial forts, all in a country the size of Ireland.
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Ideas for experiencing Panama

Experiences you have as you travel often hold the longest memories. As part of their research trips, our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know Panama, and the best local guides. These activities reflect some of their best-loved experiences.

  • The Discovery Catamaran
    The Discovery (Catamaran)

    The Discovery Catamaran

    Panama City

    The Discovery Catamaran

    The Discovery is owned and operated by Panama Marine Adventures (PMA) and is a 33-metre purpose built catamaran capable of travelling up to a speed of 18 knots.

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  • Emberá Indian Village
    Embera Indians, Panama

    Emberá Indian Village

    Panama City

    Emberá Indian Village

    This tour goes up into the hills outside Panama City to the Chagres River where you transfer with your guide onto an open-top Emberá motorised canoe. You zip along the clear river waters by boat through beautiful scenery to visit the small indigenous community of Emberá Indians in the Chagres National Park.

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  • Gatún Lake Boat Tour & Rainforest Hike
    Gatun Lake, Panama

    Gatún Lake Boat Tour & Rainforest Hike

    Panama City

    Gatún Lake Boat Tour & Rainforest Hike

    Travel along the scenic Gamboa Road to the Soberania National Park for a walk along the Pipeline Road, Plantation Road or El Charco Trail, all of which are fantastic for viewing the unique ecology of the canal watershed.

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  • Birding Tour
    Keel-billed Toucan, Soberania National Park

    Birding Tour

    The Canal Zone

    Birding Tour

    This is considered to be one of the best birding spots in the world with 300 species of birds recorded in one single day by the Audubon Society.

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  • Panama City & Canal Tour
    Cruise ship on the Panama Canal

    Panama City & Canal Tour

    Panama City

    Panama City & Canal Tour

    The tour of Panama City takes in the Miraflores Locks on the Panama Canal, Panama Viejo and Casco Antiguo. The tour begins with a visit to the impressive Miraflores Locks on the Panama Canal.

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  • Coclé Province Tour
    Coclé Province, Panama

    Coclé Province Tour

    Coclé Province

    Coclé Province Tour

    This trip will include a visit to one of La Pintada's cigar factories where you can watch cigars still made in the traditional manner — hand-rolled, hand-cut and hand-pressed.

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  • Tranquilo Bay Activities
    Sea Kayaking, Zapatilla Cayes

    Tranquilo Bay Activities

    Tranquilo Bay Activities

    There is a wide range of activities available at Tranquilo Bay. The 'Within the Reef' option includes the use of the lodge's sea kayaks, snorkelling equipment and fishing rods.

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  • Portobello & San Lorenzo Forts
    Portobello Fort, Panama

    Portobello & San Lorenzo Forts

    Panama City

    Portobello & San Lorenzo Forts

    After crossing the canal over one of the lock gates you continue to Fort San Lorenzo, which was constructed by the Spaniards in 16th century to defend against the constant threat of pirates seeking to interrupt the transporting of Inca gold. The fort is very isolated and accessed via a bumpy road, but the drive is worth it with stunning views out across the Caribbean Sea and the mouth of the Chagres River.

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  • El Valle & Mountain Hike
    El Valle, Panama

    El Valle & Mountain Hike

    El Valle & Mountain Hike

    El Valle originates in the crater of a long extinct volcano which is thought to have been the largest in Central America. With a cool and pleasant climate, this unique valley rises 600 metres above sea level and its cool tropical forests are an ideal place for hikers for all abilities.

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