Panama Bucket List: 10 Must- Do Adventures
Last Updated on October 7, 2026 by Retire in Panama
It’s been a cozy, rainy few days here in Boquete. I’ve got a cup of locally grown coffee with me. This one is super special because it was gifted to us by some expats who came on one of our relocation tours, ended up buying a coffee farm here, and now they roast their own beans. Every bag they sell goes to a good cause here in Boquete, which makes it even more special.
Just one of those beautiful stories that I love from the business that we’re in and the impact that it has. So with coffee in hand, I thought it was the perfect time to share something fun.
Our top 10 bucket list adventures in Panama. These are perfect if you’re visiting, if you want to extend your time here before or after joining one of our relocation tours, or even if you already live here and want to impress your family and friends when they come to visit. Panama may be small, but it’s packed with incredible things to do.
So let’s dive in.
Number one: The Panama Canal. It is iconic. You can sail through the Panama Canal on a half-day or full-day transit cruise. It’s an engineering marvel and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
If you don’t have time for a cruise, you can see the ships passing through the locks at the Miraflores Visitor Center.
Number two: Casco Viejo, also known as Old Town in Panama City. It’s one of my favorite spots to wander because you’ve got these beautiful
cobblestone streets, rooftop bars, and this great mix of history and cool cafes. There are some incredible restaurants, fun shopping if you want a Panama hat, Cuban cigars, or local artwork. There are also gorgeous cathedrals and museums to explore. And my personal pro tip is to go later in the afternoon. Once the sun starts to go down, it’s not so hot to walk around, and you can go up to one of the rooftop bars around 6 pm and catch a gorgeous sunset from up there.
Number three: A Boquete coffee tour. You have got to do this. Panama produces some of the most expensive coffee in the world.
Touring a highland coffee farm, learning the process, and tasting Geisha Panama coffee is an unforgettable and delicious experience.
Number four: whale watching in the Pacific. From July to October, humpback whales migrate to warmer inland waters to raise their babies. So we get to see whales breaching off Panama’s Pacific coast.
Number five: The Islands. Whether it’s the Pearl Islands, San Blas, Bocas del Toro, Isla Secas, or more, you get the white sand and Turquoise waters, snorkeling, seafood, and gorgeous sunsets both on the Pacific and the Caribbean side of Panama.
Number six: Go to the top of Volcán Barú. I am actually facing it right now. It is the highest point of Panama, and on a clear day, you get to see both the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans. Most people will go at sunrise because you’re most likely to get the clearest lookout at that time of day. And to see the moon going down while the sun is coming up is spectacular. The hike is pretty tough. It’s not for the faint of heart. I recommend taking one of the Jeep tours. They will typically bring hot coffee or hot chocolate and some breakfast goodies to enjoy at the top. Now you’ll definitely want to bring some warm layers for this hike and probably a rain jacket too. It’s pretty chilly up at the top there.
Number seven: Ziplining or walking the hanging bridges in Boquete. For thrill seekers and nature lovers, gliding through the cloud forest canopy is magical.
Number eight: Isla Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site often called Panama’s Galapagos. This is more remote, so most people will first go to Santa Catalina, which is another amazing beach and surfing area, and take a boat from there. The islands in Coiba National Park have some of the most incredible snorkeling and scuba diving. I’ve swam alongside sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, a rainbow array of fish, and Oscar even got to see a whale shark there.
Number nine: Carnaval or any local festivities. If you’re here during Carnival or during November Patriots Month, prepare for music, dancing, parades, and even water trucks during Carnival to help keep the crowds cool. It’s an unforgettable cultural experience.
Number ten: Take time to see Panama’s wildlife. Whether it’s visiting the sloth sanctuary, heading to Monkey Island, or going bird-watching, Panama really has some of the most incredible wildlife. Getting out on the hiking trails or into the national parks is always worth it. And hiring a guide makes it even better since they’re so skilled at spotting animals you might otherwise miss.
On our relocation tours, we focus on the big essentials. Communities, culture, housing, immigration, health care, banking. All of the things you need if you’re considering making Panama your home. But because we packed so much information into one week, we don’t always get to do these other fun things.
That’s why I wanted to make this video, so you’ll know what’s possible if you add a few days before or after your tour, or if you’re already living here and just want to wow you’re visiting family and friends. You’ll find links in the description to book many of these experiences directly. You’ll also find the links to our Panama Total Access Pass and our Relocation Tours, which are designed to give you everything you need to explore Panama like a local and make an informed decision about moving here.
So don’t miss out. We’d love to help you call Panama home!
Oscar, Megan, & Rod
Retire in Panama Tours
