My favorite places in Panama are:

1. Bocas del Toros, a set of islands in the NW corner of the country; not much happening, but great, isolated beaches to explore;
2. Boquete - coffee/hill-country
3. Las Calderas, a set of hot springs along a river.  Wow.

Take care in the canal zone-Panama City.  The old part of the city is reminiscent of New Orleans in the 1950s & 60s; but it's a big city with big city problems.

I have never been to the San Blas Islands before, but I understand they are amazing.

Posted Dec 29, 2010

I work on a ship down in central America and one of my favorite places we go is Coiba, an island (also a national park) off the Pacific coast. It has some great hiking, swmming, snorkeling, etc. The website is pretty good - just google Coiba.

Posted Dec 29, 2010

Bocas del Torros is great (check out the over-water hotel, Punta Caracol...http://www.puntacaracol.com.pa/ )

Panama City is interesting, if you're an urban kind of person.

The Pacific coast beaches tend to resemble more traditional beaches than the Caribbean side.

Posted Jan 02, 2011

Two words: San Blas

If you want to stay on an isolated island minus the hollywood price, this is the place! It is pure paradise and living with the Kuna Yala people is an addition to the experience. I treated myself 3 days/2 nights in San Blas and definitely THE best bday gift I've ever given myself. 

Panama City is beautiful, both the old part (Casco Viejo) and the new part (resembling Miami). While there, a day trip to Isla Taboga is a treat. Only a 30 mns ferry ride and cost $12/return it's a great escape from the hustle and bustle of Panama City. Another island nearby that you can visit is Isla del Rey (Pearl Islands). Sounds familiar? Think Pirates of the Carribean inspiration (and US Survivor who shot 3 of their seasons here)

Panama is an up and coming new destination, pushing aside Costa Rica as the next big thing! So explore it while you still can!

Posted Jan 05, 2011

The Miraflores Locks is a tourist destination, but it is a logistical wonder, and it was built 100 years ago! Plan to stay for a few hours, and watch a huge ship sail through. I went in September, 2010 and watched the videos on the history of the canal. You can pair the visit to Miraflores with a lunch trip to the Gamboa Resort, an eco-resort in the middle of the jungle.

Both locations are close to Panama City.

Posted Jan 05, 2011

San Blas: spectacular. Consider renting a sailboat with crew and meals included. One of the most unforgetable experiences.

Bocas del Toro: beaches, caribbean food, funky atmosphere.

Boquete, the highlands.

Panama City: Casco Viejo, Miraflores Locks, Gamboa.

Posted Aug 20, 2011