Panama Travel Guide: The Canal, the City & the Pearl Islands

🇵🇦 Why Panama?

Panama is one of the most strategically and culturally fascinating countries in the Americas. The Panama Canal — one of the greatest engineering achievements in human history — cuts through it. Panama City is a skyline of glass towers next to 500-year-old colonial ruins. The Pearl Islands have pristine Pacific beaches and some of the best fishing in the world. The San Blas Islands are controlled by the Kuna indigenous people and are among the most untouched places left in the Caribbean. And the food is exceptional.

⚓ Things to Do

The Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal are the most impressive thing to see — watch enormous ships pass through the locks in person, and the visitor center explains the full history brilliantly. Casco Viejo is Panama City's UNESCO-listed colonial old town — beautifully restored with rooftop bars, boutique hotels, and restaurants. The Pearl Islands (Islas de las Perlas) are 90 minutes by boat from Panama City — pristine Pacific beaches and crystal water. The San Blas Islands (Comarca Guna Yala) are Kuna-controlled Caribbean cays that remain almost completely undeveloped.

Visit Miraflores Locks in the morning when the most ship traffic occurs
Casco Viejo is best explored on foot — hire a local guide for context
Book Pearl Islands boat tours from the Amador Causeway in Panama City
San Blas requires advance planning — tours leave from Panama City by bus + boat

🍽️ Where to Eat

🍽️ Food Recommendations

Donde José (Casco Viejo) — The most celebrated restaurant in Panama. Small tasting menu showcasing Panamanian ingredients. Book months in advance.

Marea by Martín Berasategui — Michelin-starred chef's Panama outpost at Tantalo Hotel. Spectacular seafood.

Mercado de Mariscos — Panama City's famous seafood market. Order ceviche and fresh fish on the second floor overlooking the bay.

Tiberio (Casco Viejo) — Excellent traditional Panamanian cuisine in a beautiful colonial setting.

Manolo Caracol — Set menu featuring the day's freshest Panamanian ingredients. A beloved institution.

🏨 Where to Stay

🏨 Hotel Recommendations

American Trade Hotel (Casco Viejo) — The finest hotel in Panama City. Jazz lounge, rooftop pool, and historic Casco Viejo location.

Casco Viejo Hotel & Spa — Boutique hotel in a beautifully restored colonial building. Walking distance to everything in Casco Viejo.

Megapolis Hotel (Panama City) — Modern business hotel in the financial district with great city skyline views.

Hacienda del Mar (Pearl Islands) — Eco-lodge on Contadora Island in the Pearl Islands. The perfect Pacific beach escape.

📘 Getting There & Practical Tips

Fly into Tocumen International Airport (PTY) — Panama City is a major hub for Latin America. Copa Airlines (based here) has excellent connections. From Houston, direct flights on Copa and United are about 3.5 hours. No visa required for US citizens for up to 180 days. Panama uses the US Dollar (Balboa) — no currency exchange needed. Best time: December through April dry season.