My most recent international trip was to Panama City, Panama, last February. It was technically a work trip, but we explored so much of Panama in just five days. I was even able to get a glimpse of Carnaval, which has always been a dream of mine. If you’re headed to Panama City, here are my top 5 must-dos.

• Try Geisha coffee – It’s the most expensive coffee in the world, and for good reason. It’s the best coffee I’ve ever had in my life. It can be found at a ton of different coffee shops in major parts of the city. Give any [or multiple] of them a try.

• Portobelo – What is thought to have been named by Columbus because of the deep blue color of the sea, now hosts the ruins of a Spanish castle, beautiful beaches, mangroves, and the most stunning coral reefs I’ve ever seen. I had never been scuba diving before, but THIS WAS INCREDIBLE.  After spending the morning exploring the castle ruins, the town of Portobelo, etc., you can make your way over to Portobelo Beach to snorkel. Seeing the coral reefs and the many different tropical fish was truly a sight to see.

• The Panama Canal – This is probably the biggest tourist area in the entire country, and for good reason. The Panama Canal was one of the highlights of my trip and one of the coolest things I have ever seen. Over 100 years ago, the Panama Canal was created, and to this day, it lets hundreds of boats and ships pass from one side of the country to the other. I stayed and watched the boats passing for over an hour before watching the Panama Canal movie that they show daily. The mechanisms by which the boats transport ships across the channels are insane, and I’m truly mind-blown that something of its kind exists.

• Lago Gatún – Want to see pelicans, bats, monkeys, ships, cranes [metal, not aviary], and sloths? Lago Gatún is THE place to be. To get there, pass by ships coming or going from the Panama Canal, and get your binoculars ready to see some incredible flora and fauna. While I personally did not see a sloth [just one more reason to return], so many people do get the opportunity to see one, and honestly, the chance alone is worth the trip.

• Plaza Herrera – This is what was described to me as the main plaza of “Downtown.” From Plaza Herrera, you can find numerous hotels, rooftop bars, coffee shops, handicraft stores, and much more. Every street you turn down is full of color, culture, and joy. I loved weaving my way in and out of stores, occasionally stopping to buy something in USD.

Have you ever been to Panama? If not, interested in doing any of this?

Alicia ❤