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Panama is a 75,417 square kilometers country in Central America with a population of 4.5 million, 2 of which live in the capital city, Panama City, and in the nearby urban area. In terms of size, Panama is the fifth smaller country in Latin America after Trinidad and Tobago, El Salvador, Costa Rica and Belize.
Panama is often called the Miami of Central America because of its modern, vibrant and cosmopolitan background, with a skyline reminiscent of most metropolises in developed countries; a financial hub attracting international banks, businesses and investors; a diverse population that varies from Afro-Caribbean and Latin influences, indigenous people, Europeans, Canadians, Chinese, Indians and Americans―among others―; a tourism and a nightlife that offers upscale shopping, trendy restaurants and beachfront entertainment; a strategic location through the Panama Canal; and a tropical climate with warm temperatures and coastal landscapes.
Panama is divided into ten provinces: Bocas del Toro, Coclé, Colón, Chiriquí, Darién, Herrera, Los Santos, Panamá, Panamá Oeste and Veraguas.
Bocas del Toro is famous for its stunning Caribbean landscapes, biodiversity and vibrant culture. The Bocas Archipelago includes idyllic islands such as Isla Colón, Isla Bastimentos and Isla Carenero, known for their pristine white-sand beaches and turquoise waters.
You are in luck if you are thinking about snorkeling and diving here: the coral reefs surrounding the islands offer excellent spots for exploring marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles and starfish.
Surfing? Isla Colón and Isla Bastimentos are popular among surfers, with breaks like Bluff Beach and Wizard Beach attracting enthusiasts from around the world.
Let’s not forget about the wildlife and its habitat: Bocas is home to lush rainforests, mangroves and national parks like Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park, where visitors can spot sloths, monkeys, frogs and exotic birds.
Bocas has a mix of Afro-Caribbean, Indigenous Ngäbe and Latin influences, reflected in the food, music and local festivals. Many lodges and businesses focus on sustainability and environmental preservation.
Overall, Bocas offers a laid-lack atmosphere, as it is known for its relaxed, bohemian vibe, making it a favorite destination for travelers seeking a peaceful tropical escape.
Bocas is a true paradise for nature lovers, adventure seeker and those looking for a unique cultural experience in Panama.
Coclé is known for its natural beauty, agricultural richness and historical significance.
Coclé boasts beautiful beaches and resorts like Santa Clara, Farallón and Playa Blanca, and popular Pacific beaches known for white sand, calm waters and upscale resorts.
In agricultural terms, Coclé is a major producer of sugarcane, coffee, fruits and vegetables. El Valle de Antón is nationally famous for being a picturesque mountain town located inside the crater of an extinct volcano. It offers cool weather, hiking trails, waterfalls, hot springs and a popular artisan market.
Archaeological sites like El Caño feature ancient burial grounds and pre-Columbian artifacts, highlighting the region’s indigenous history. Among other tourism attractions are the Cerro Gaital Natural Monument, a protected area known for diverse flora and fauna. Birdwatching and nature trails are popular activities in the area.
Handmade crafts such as woven baskets, pottery and traditional clothing can be found at local markets, especially in El Valle.
Coclé is a versatile destination, offering both beach relaxation and mountain adventures, along with rich cultural experiences.
Colón is known for its historical, commercial and cultural significance, as well as its natural beauty. First and foremost, Colón is known for its Free Zone, one of the largest duty-free zones in the world, attracting international business and trade. The Port of Colón is a major shipping hub near the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal.
Colón is also known for its historical landmarks, like the Fort San Lorenzo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Spanish in the 16th century to protect against pirate attacks; and Portobelo, a historic colonial port with ancient forts, churches and pirate legends.
On the Caribbean side, the Panama Canal brings us to the Agua Clara Locks, part of the Canal’s expansion, offering impressive views of massive ships transiting through the canal.
As for natural attractions, the Gatun Lake is great for fishing, boat tours and wildlife spotting; the Chagres National Park is a protected rainforest with hiking trails and opportunities for eco-tourism; whereas Isla Grande is a popular beach destination with crystal-clear waters and Caribbean vibes.
Colón has a vibrant Afro-Caribbean heritage reflected in its music, food and festivals, including Congo dances and traditional celebrations.
If you like adventure: snorkeling, fishing and exploring tropical islands are popular activities.
Colón offers a unique blend of history, commerce and Caribbean charm, making it an essential part of Panama’s cultural and economic landscape.
Chiriquí is one of the most beautiful and diverse provinces of Panama, with places like Boquete, the coffee capital, a popular mountain town famous for producing some of the world’s best coffee, including the highly prized Geisha coffee. It offers a cool climate, stunning landscapes and outdoor activities like hiking, birdwatching and hot springs.
On the other hand, the Volcán Barú is Panama’s highest peak (3,475 meters/11,400 feet) and only volcano. On clear days, climbers can see both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea from the summit.
Chiriquí is rich is agriculture and is known as Panama’s “breadbasket” due to its fertile volcanic soil. It is a leading producer of fruits, vegetables, dairy and livestock.
As for beaches and islands, here you will find Las Lajas Beach, a long, beautiful beach perfect for relaxation; and the Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park, which features pristine islands like Isla Parida and Isla Boca Brava, great for snorkeling, fishing and eco-tourism.
Ziplining, rafting on the Chiriquí Viejo River and hiking through cloud forests are popular activities in Chiriquí. It is home to diverse wildlife, including quetzals and howler monkeys.
This is a province rich in traditions. The indigenous Ngäbe-Buglé communities contribute to the cultural fabric of the region and festivals, crafts and traditional foods are part of Chiriquí’s charm.
Chiriquí is a perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers and those looking to experience a more tranquil side of Panama.
Darién is Panama’s largest and most remote province. It is mainly known for the Darién Gap, a dense, roadless jungle between Panama and Colombia that forms a natural barrier between Central and South America. It’s infamous for its rugged terrain, thick rainforests, swamps and wildlife. It is without a doubt one of the most challenging and dangerous regions for overland travelers and migrants.
The Darién National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is one of the largest protected areas in Central America, recognized for its incredible biodiversity. It is home to rare wildlife, such as jaguars, harpy eagles (Panama’s national bird) and tapirs.
Darién is home to the Emberá and Wounaan Indigenous groups, who maintain traditional lifestyles, crafts and customs. Visitors can experience cultural tourism by visiting Emberá villages.
This province is rich in biodiversity and its tropical rainforests are some of the most pristine and ecologically significant in the Americas, attracting scientists and ecotourists.
While tourism is limited due to its remote and rugged nature, adventurous travelers come for guided wildlife tours, river expeditions and cultural experiences.
There is no doubt about Darién’s strategic importance and is historically significant for being a natural defense barrier and modernly linked to discussions on conservation and migration challenges due to its impassable terrain.
Darién is a wild, untamed region that offers unparalleled natural beauty and cultural richness for those seeking a unique adventure far off the beaten path.
Herrera, located on the Azuero Peninsula in central Panama, is known for its rich cultural traditions, agricultural production and festive atmosphere.
Los carnavales is one of the most lively and traditional Carnival celebrations in Panama and it takes place in Chitré, the province’s capital. Here they are famous for preserving traditional dances, music and clothing, such as the pollera. The Fiesta de la Mejorana is a major folkloric event held in the nearby town of Guararé.
The province is a major producer of sugarcane, and it’s home to Seco Herrerano, Panama’s traditional distilled alcoholic beverage.
Chitré is known as “the city that grows alone”, being a commercial hub with modern amenities, historic churches and cultural attractions like the Herrera Museum. Towns like La Arena are known for traditional pottery and artisanal crafts.
As for agriculture, Herrera is a key region for producing rice, corn, beans and livestock, contributing significantly to Panama’s food supply.
Historical sites include several churches, such as Iglesia de San Juan Bautista, which showcases colonial architecture and religious history.
Herrera is often considered the heart of Panama’s folkloric identity, blending agricultural traditions with vibrant cultural celebrations.
Los Santos, located on the Azuero Peninsula, is renowned for its deep cultural roots, traditional festivals and stunning landscapes. It is the birthplace of Panamanian Independence. Los Santos is historically significant as the province where Panama’s independence from Spain was first declared in La Villa de Los Santos on November 10, 1821.
Known as the “cultural heart of Panama,” Los Santos is famous for its traditional dances, music and beautiful national attire, particularly the pollera, Panama’s iconic women’s dress. Festival Nacional de la Mejorana in Guararé is a major folkloric event celebrating traditional music and culture. The town of Las Tablas hosts the most famous and extravagant Carnival celebration in Panama, attracting thousands of visitors with elaborate floats, parades and street parties.
As for beaches, Playa Venao is a popular destination for surfers and beach lovers, known for its stunning waves and laid-back vibe. Isla Iguana, a protected island with pristine beaches, coral reefs and diverse marine life, is a wildlife refuge.
Los Santos is a leading producer of crops like corn, beans and sugarcane, as well as a key region for cattle farming. Skilled artisans produce pottery, woven hats and traditional woodwork in towns like Guararé and Pedasí.
Los Santos stands out as a vibrant region where Panamanian history, culture and nature come together beautifully.
The province of Panamá is the most populous and economically significant region of the country, known for its vibrant capital, historical landmarks and strategic role in global commerce.
Here is the famous capital, Panama City, a modern metropolis with a stunning skyline, luxury shopping and bustling nightlife. It is home to financial institutions, making it a hub for international business in Latin America.
This province, like Colón, is known for the Panama Canal, one of the world’s greatest engineering marvels, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The Miraflores Locks Visitor Center is a popular tourist attraction.
Casco Viejo, the historic district, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautifully restored colonial architecture, trendy restaurants and boutique hotels.
The Biomuseo is a unique museum designed by architect Frank Gehry, highlighting Panama’s role in biodiversity.
As for ecotourism and nature reserves, the Metropolitan Natural Park is a rainforest park within the city limits, great for hiking and birdwatching. The Soberanía National Park is famous for its wildlife, including monkeys and tropical birds. The Taboga Island is a tropical escape just a short ferry ride from Panama City.
Panamá hosts major events like the Panama Jazz Festival and international film festivals and is known for its lively restaurants, bars and entertainment venues.
Here is the center of Panama’s government and commerce, with key infrastructure such as the Tocumen International Airport, the largest in Central America.
The Panamá province uniquely blends history, modernity and natural beauty, making it a dynamic and essential part of the country.
Panamá Oeste (West Panama) is one of the fastest-growing provinces in Panama, known for its mix of urban development, beautiful natural landscapes and vibrant communities. It is Panama’s newest province, separated from the province of Panamá and created only in 2014 to improve administrative efficiency and address the rapid population growth and urban development in the western region.
Towns like La Chorrera and Arraiján have become major residential and commercial hubs for people commuting to Panama City, and it has seen an increase in development of housing projects, shopping centers and infrastructure.
La Chorrera, its capital, is famous for its chicheme (a traditional drink made from corn and milk) and delicious roscas (sweet bread).
The region is also known for its production of fruits, vegetables and dairy products.
Playa Coronado and Punta Barco are popular beach destinations with resorts and vacation homes. Altos de Campana National Park is Panama’s first national park, offering scenic views, hiking trails and diverse wildlife. Río Chame is favorite spot for river excursions and relaxation.
The coastal areas, including San Carlos and El Palmar, are known for surfing and weekend getaways and there is a growing number of expats settling in the beach towns for retirement.
Traditional festivals and community events, particularly in La Chorrera, where locals celebrate Carnival and other cultural festivities, are famous here.
Panamá Oeste offers a unique blend of suburban life, natural beauty and beach culture, making it an increasingly popular region for both residents and visitors.
Veraguas is the only province in Panama that borders both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, making it unique for its diverse landscapes and natural beauty.
Between coastal and island beauty, one cannot forget Santa Catalina, a world-renowned surfing destination and gateway to Coiba National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and one of the largest marine reserves in the world, famous for its incredible biodiversity, pristine beaches and excellent diving spots.
Cerro Hoya National Park is known for its rugged terrain, rare wildlife and virgin forests. La Yeguada Forest Reserve is a beautiful area for hiking, camping and nature exploration. The Río San Pedro is popular for river excursions and natural swimming spots.
Santiago de Veraguas, the province’s capital, has a commercial and cultural center with historic churches, shops and vibrant markets.
Known for the production of rice, coffee, corn and livestock, Veraguas boasts handcrafted products, including wood carvings and traditional hats, which are common in local markets.
Veraguas is home to numerous folkloric festivals celebrating music, dance and traditional foods.
Surfing, hiking, birdwatching and exploring pristine islands and forests are popular among eco-tourists.
Veraguas is a hidden gem for nature lovers, adventurers and those seeking authentic Panamanian culture away from the bustling tourist hubs.