Wonders of Panama: 15 places to see from Volcán Barú to San

Explore Panama's diverse landscapes and ecosystems across key destinations. This 51-minute video route covers volcanic highlands, tropical rainforests, Caribbean islands, and pristine national parks that showcase Panama's role as a biological corridor between continents.

Mode
Places
Start
Welcome to Panama
End
Coiba Island
Stops
15
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Welcome to Panama — Central American nation bridging North and South America, known for its iconic canal connecting Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
  2. Volcán Barú — Panama's highest peak at 3,475 meters, offering panoramic views of both Caribbean and Pacific coasts from its summit.
  3. Gamboa Rainforest — Biodiverse jungle reserve where visitors encounter exotic wildlife including jaguars, sloths, and hundreds of bird species.
  4. Bastimentos Island — Caribbean island featuring pristine beaches, coral reefs, and the red-furred Bastimentos red frog endemic to the region.
  5. Darien National Park — UNESCO World Heritage rainforest protecting endangered species and indigenous communities across 575,000 hectares of untamed wilderness.
  6. San Blas Islands — Archipelago of 365 coral islands inhabited by the Guna people, featuring turquoise waters and traditional island culture.
  7. Cayo Zapatilla — Twin islets with white-sand beaches and coral reefs, accessible by boat from Bocas del Toro for snorkeling adventures.
  8. Boca Del Drago — Sheltered Caribbean cove with calm waters and dense mangrove forests, ideal for kayaking and observing marine life.
  9. Gatun Lake — Artificial lake created in 1913 by damming Chagres River, world's largest at the time, supplies millions of liters to Panama Canal locks and carries ships 33 km across isthmus.
  10. Mamey Island — Small Caribbean island surrounded by coral reefs and tropical vegetation, perfect for snorkeling and swimming.
  11. El Valle de Antón — Mountain town inside a volcanic crater featuring cool climate, hiking trails, and indigenous Ngobe Buglé artisan communities.
  12. Panama Viejo — Atmospheric ruins of the original Spanish colonial city from 1519, destroyed by pirate Henry Morgan in 1671.
  13. Portobelo Port — Historic Caribbean port where Spanish conquistadors once loaded gold and silver, now a UNESCO World Heritage site with colonial ruins.
  14. Panama City — Modern capital featuring the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal, contemporary skyscrapers, and vibrant cultural districts.
  15. Coiba Island — UNESCO World Heritage site and former penal colony with pristine rainforest, endemic wildlife, and pristine Pacific diving sites.

Useful for your trip

Timing
Visit Volcán Barú early morning when temperatures range between 0-10°C at summit; strong winds can make it feel significantly colder, so dress appropriately.
Tip
Boquete sits at 1,200m altitude with cool, temperate climate year-round. Take farm tours to follow entire coffee process from picking cherries to tasting the final cup.
Transport
Gamboa is only 30km from Panama City. Pipeline Road is considered one of premier bird watching sites in Central America; visit Rainforest Discovery Center with 32-meter observation tower.
Transport
Bastimentos Island is 10 minutes by water taxi from Bocas Town. Old Bank village has most budget accommodations and places to eat on the island.
Tip
San Blas Islands has no big hotels or resort chains. Sleep in simple huts on sand and get around by boat. Local women make and sell handwoven molas textiles.
Tip
Cayo Zapatilla has no shops, restaurants, or sunbeds. Bring what you need and leave when boat returns. Only park rangers live on the eastern island.
Timing
Contadora Island: June-October humpback whales come to breed; sightings from boats are common. Walk entire 1.39km island in under an hour.
Tip
Boca Del Drago is 14km from Bocas Town. Snorkeling is effortless when water is calm; short walk/boat ride takes you to Pier Estrella with golden sea stars.
Tip
Gatun Lake was created in 1913; carries ships 33km across Panama's isthmus as part of canal transit. See old tree stumps poking above surface in shallow stretches.
Tip
Los Picachos ridge is 90 minutes from El Valle de Antón. Hike is short but brutally steep with narrow spine and steep drops on both sides.
Where to stay
El Valle de Antón is 2 hours from Panama City. At 600m elevation, it enjoys mild temperatures year-round, rarely rising above 27°C. Popular escape from capital heat.
Transport
Mamey Island is 2 hours from Panama City by road and accessible by short boat ride from Puerto Lindo near Portobelo. Has camping areas for overnight stays.

Video on this route

Wonders of Panama | The Hub of the Americas | Travel Video 4K

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