From concrete to jungle: the contrasting views of Panama
A deep dive into Panama's juxtaposing environments. Exploring the striking shift from city escapes to rainforest retreats.
Panama is located in Central America, bordered by Costa Rica and Colombia. This underrated destination is often overlooked by travellers; however, as you travel from vibrant landscapes to the cultural fusion capital, you will be spoilt for choice, with an optimal balance throughout your journey. The remote rainforest towns are brimming with unmatchable biodiversity. If you’re looking for an authentic experience, then look no further; Panama is the place for you. The capital is brimming with culture and rich in history; this unique destination is the only capital to have a rainforest within its city limits.
Panama is generally considered safe for travellers and is among the safer destinations in Central America. Panama is an extremely welcoming country; its locals are friendly and eager to show you their vibrant culture. Like any destination, Panama has its bad and good; caution remains important. Safety will depend on your location. It is advised that travellers avoid the Darién Gap, a remote border region consisting of dense jungle and higher crime rates. This area has been labelled with do not travel warnings. There are a few high-risk neighbourhoods within Panama City that should be avoided: El Chorrillo, Curundú, Calidonia & Santa Ana. It is advised to avoid these areas after dark and to keep a close eye on your belongings and surroundings. There is a low crime rate; tourists are not targets and are not in serious danger. This peaceful country is tourist-friendly and will welcome you with open arms.
The Capital
Panama City is the capital of Panama. The city is centrally located and a hub for tourism, trade, and culture. Located by the Gulf of Panama, this capital offers urban, coastal and tropical landscapes.
Panama is best known for its canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The Panama Canal is a major contributor to global trade. This shortcut between the two oceans simplifies trade and connects markets. Panama is a unique and interesting country, although known for its role in global trade, it is rich in wildlife and nature, with over a thousand bird species. This nature hotspot is full of surprises.
The Panama Canal is definitely worth visiting, with tickets costing only £13 and offering access to the observation deck, where you can watch passing ships enter and exit the canal. This front-row seat to transit between locks is well worth the admission fee: as giant cargo ships pass through, water gushes to fill and empty the lock, making this handmade waterway impressive. This live demonstration of global trade put the canal’s importance into perspective. The sheer size of the ships is incredible, and the complexity and precision of the operations are mesmerising. With access to four exhibition halls that explain the history of the canal and its functions and operations, this immersive experience is both entertaining and educational.
Casco Viejo is a historical district in Panama City; the old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Known for its blend of Spanish and French colonial architecture, the cobbled streets are lined with vendors and small shops with an array of unique handcrafted souvenirs, fashion boutiques and local food spots. The colourful streets are perfect for wandering through; square by square, you will be charmed by the city’s atmosphere and history. Make sure to stop by Plaza de la Independencia, known as the heart of the district and home to the Metropolitan Cathedral, which is surrounded by several cafes and restaurants.
The Rainforest
Going beyond the capital, you enter the unknown; the city is surrounded by dense tropical rainforests brimming with biodiversity. As you say goodbye to the capital and hello to panoramic views of a green oasis, you are immersed in the rainforest. With towering trees creating a canopy with thousands of species blooming beside you, you have entered what feels like nature’s paradise. Panama’s rainforest hosts over one thousand bird species that soar through and above the canopy. On the rainforest floor and amongst the trees, hundreds of other animals live and thrive. This biodiversity hotspot is what makes Panama so unique. Its hot and humid climate makes it the perfect place to grow and live.
El Valle de Antón
Just three hours outside the capital, in the crater of an extinct volcano, sits El Valle de Antón. This Nature hub is brimming with tourism and adventure, with butterfly gardens, museums, coffee shops and amazing hikes. El Valle de Antón is a perfect escape from the city, offering an up-close experience with nature. As you go on daily walks, you come face to face with earth’s inhabitants, from sloths to monkeys to butterflies and birds, every day in El Valle de Antón will feel like wildlife watching.
Although a small town, it is packed with things to do, surrounded by mountains and rainforest walks on your doorstep, you will never get bored. Full of adventure and biodiversity, it would be a sin to sit indoors when nestled within nature’s crater. The cooler climate makes hiking easier. There are a plethora of hikes to choose from, with the opportunity to see the famous La India Dormida (the Sleeping Indian Girl mountain). On various hikes, you will encounter waterfalls, plunge pools, panoramic crater views and the thick coverage of cloud forests with ocean views in the distance. This hiking hotspot lets you see lush nature whilst getting in a workout, and you can reward yourself with a swim afterwards, either in the waterfalls, plunge pools, or one of El Valle de Antón’s nature pools.
The small town is not only bustling with life from its natural surroundings, but also with its locals, making it warm, friendly and lively. The crater is split in two by the town's main road. At its centre, there is an array of shops, restaurants and markets, brimming with handcrafted souvenirs, fruits, vegetables, nuts and flower stalls. This market is the heart of the town, and a must-visit. The colourful spread is simply eye-catching, with high-quality produce that you must try. The fresh fruits are sweet and juicy, making them the perfect snack after a hike. Spoiled for choice, choosing what to have will be the most difficult part of your day whilst in this paradise.
This authentic, down-to-earth experience will top any commercial tour you have been on. Exploring rural Panama will introduce you to the untouched earth. Hidden from urbanisation and industrialisation, this country prioritises its environmental conservation and its biodiversity. Panama isn’t a country you can visit for a few days; to fully explore and experience its unique and authentic landscapes and culture, you must give yourself time. Take a step back from fast-paced travel and live in the moment, spontaneity will do you wonders whilst in El Valle de Antón. Every day will be different. This small town is brimming with tourism, culture and history.
If you are looking for a whimsical experience and to fully immerse yourself in the beautiful nature around you, then visit Butterfly Haven. This educational butterfly experience allows you to see the process of metamorphosis, from chrysalis to butterfly; you see it all. With educational videos to watch and chrysalis to observe, this is not only immersive but also interactive and educational. When you enter the flight room, you are greeted with hundreds of butterflies fluttering through the rainforest environment. With fruit feeding stations placed around the haven, you can watch the butterflies feed on the nectar; their jewel-toned wings with vibrant colours are mesmerising. Nature is at its peak within this haven; the growing flora and fauna thrive, creating the perfect home and a rich source of nutrients for the butterflies. As the butterflies flutter around you, you are on constant alert, some even landing on you, giving you an immersive wildlife experience.
Panama prioritises and protects its biodiversity; the country's conservation work makes it appealing to tourists for its responsibility and sustainability. This ecotourism destination focuses on preserving untouched nature and protecting endangered species. The Golden Frog Sanctuary is the only place in Panama where you can see the Panamanian Golden frog. Working to breed, raise and rehabilitate, the sanctuary is run by the EVACC foundation; this non-profit organisation relies on donations and tourist visits. For only $3, you can visit the exhibit, where the beautiful Golden frogs reside. In a large, humid enclosure full of plants and soil, the frogs are safe and protected. It is clear how passionate the staff and locals are about this preservation and conservation work. As you tour the sanctuary, you are immersed in the informative guide and the educational signs. Sharing the stories and facts about the Golden Tree frogs, the works offer a personal, unique experience.
Another of Panama’s unique natural wonders awaits behind the Golden Frog Sanctuary. The Square Tree Trail is renowned for the distinctive rectangular shapes of the surrounding trees. Scientists, tourists, and locals are amazed by its peculiar structure, which remains an unsolved mystery. The fertile land creates the perfect conditions for nature to flourish, resulting in this unique natural phenomenon. As you climb through the rainforest, the outside world fades as you are entranced by the natural beauty of Panama. You don’t just observe nature, you step inside it. During the Square Tree Trail, you wind through the rainforest, following the earth’s rhythm, stepping over the overgrown twisted roots, whilst watching out for delicate species and insects. Reaching a viewpoint, you are in awe, overwhelmed with miles of green; you have a clear view of the dense rainforest. Along the journey, you encounter the peculiar square trees; these wild features put this trail on the map.
These contrasting views in Panama offer a range of tourism, giving you the best of both: from the concrete city to the rainforest, you are immersed in culture, history and nature. This unique destination should be added to your bucket list for its natural beauty, authentic and sustainable tourism, and welcoming community.