A LUXURY VACATION TO PANAMA
In Panama, rainforests sit alongside volcanic highlands, tiny islands and secluded beaches abound, and reefs are alive with marine life.
This slender isthmus connecting North and South America, where the Pacific and Caribbean waters meet, is a land of contrasts; such extraordinary regional diversity within a country as small as Panama is rare.
A journey here can involve venturing to a luxury eco-retreat deep in the jungle; taking over a private island or a catamaran, spending days snorkelling and diving in coral teeming with tropical fish; or exploring its highland towns and coffee plantations. We know the country deeply, from its finest lodges to the very best local guides, and adore sharing our secrets.
WHAT TO SEE & DO IN PANAMA
The Pacific Coast boasts myriad beaches and excellent surf, along with humpback whale watching from July to October.
The calmer Caribbean coast is a shimmering scene of clear waters and soaring palms, with a handful of rustic-luxury retreats set in private bays. The San Blas Islands are an archipelago of mostly uninhabited sugar sand islands and pristine coral reefs. Explore by luxury catamaran, stopping to swim and snorkel, or enjoy a private picnic on the warm Caribbean shores. Here you can also meet the indigenous Kuna Yala tribe a small but proud, artisan community.
For lush rainforest and mountain scenery, venture inland to the highlands of Chiriqui, a nurturing landscape with an extreme abundance of wildlife. The warm climate, altitude and fertile volcanic soil produce some of the best coffee and citrus fruits in the world, and the plantations are well worth a visit. To the east, Panama City’s Casco Antiguo (old historic quarter) is a UNESCO protected site with a fascinating maritime history, buzzy nightlife, and beautiful colonial architecture.
To learn more about Panama’s folkloric traditions, the small villages of the Azuero Peninsula are worth passing through and we can arrange workshops to see traditional the craftsmanship of papier-mâché devil’s masks, handmade drums and intricately designed traditional Pollera dresses which can take up to a year to sew.
HIGHLIGHTS OF PANAMANIAN CULTURE
Select a Sense
Signature dishes include sancocho, a hearty chicken soup, and ceviche. Other staples include tamales, patacones (fried plantains), and arroz con pollo (rice and chicken).
Traditional genres like tamborito, characterized by lively percussion and call-and-response vocals, showcase Panama’s Afro-indigenous roots. Reggae en español, popularized by artists like El General, and salsa dura, exemplified by Rubén Blades, illustrate the country’s musical diversity. Also listen out for the accordion-driven típico, rooted in rural traditions, and, of course, reggaeton.
LISTEN INTextiles, carvings and rum!
Check out our bespoke reading list courtesy of the great John Sandoe.
PLACES TO VISIT IN PANAMA
Discover more about some of our favourite locations in Panama…
LUXURY ACCOMMODATION IN PANAMA
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What is the best time of year to visit Panama?
The best time to visit Panama is during the dry season (December to April).
During the rainy season, it is quieter and more lush. Downpours tend to be in the afternoon, and it’s worth noting that the Pacific Coast, especially around Panama City, is much drier and less humid than the Caribbean Coast.
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Is Panama safe to visit?
We plan our luxury travel itineraries with safety as a priority. Our local guides know areas to avoid, where crime can be an issue, and will make precautions regarding natural hazards and wildlife. You can be assured you will given up-to-date advice and specific safety notes related to your trip and activities in Panama.
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Which other countries pair well with Panama?
Neighbouring Costa Rica is a natural pairing with Nicaragua. The national parks of Costa Rica complement the volcanoes and colonial history of Nicaragua, and the two countries share a similar climate.
CONTACT US
Get in touch to start planning your journey.
Conde Nast Traveler Specialists every year since 2017
CLIENT TESTIMONIAL – PANAMA
“There is so much more than meets the eye when it comes to Panama. You did a fabulous job at exposing us to all its little known treats – they were a real highlight.”
