Inspired by the Tadman family’s two-week journey through Panama
Some destinations are exactly what you expect.
Others surprise you at every turn.
Panama is firmly in the second category.
Panama is one of those places
Most people know it for the Canal. Others picture a modern skyline or perhaps a tropical beach. What many don’t realise is that, in little over two weeks, you can wander the cobbled streets of a UNESCO-listed old town, paddle beneath a modern city skyline, visit an indigenous community deep in the rainforest, hike through cloud forests alive with hummingbirds and hidden waterfalls, before ending your journey between Panama’s Pacific coastline and its laid-back Caribbean islands.
That’s exactly what the Tadman family discovered.
Their adventure took them from the energy of Panama City to the cool mountain air of Boquete before slowing the pace on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Along the way they encountered sloths, tiny poison dart frogs, nesting sea turtles, howler monkeys, vibrant birdlife and some of the warmest people you’ll meet anywhere in Central America.
What surprised them most wasn’t one particular place.
It was just how much variety Panama packs into one remarkably manageable itinerary.
The itinerary at a glance
Panama City – 3 nights exploring Casco Viejo, the Panama Canal, wildlife and the Emberá community.
Boquete – 4 nights discovering cloud forests, hanging bridges, waterfalls, ziplining and world-famous coffee.
Boca Chica – 3 nights at Hotel Bocas del Mar, enjoying Panama’s peaceful Pacific coastline.
Bocas del Toro – 3 nights exploring Caribbean Island life, wildlife and beautiful beaches before returning to Panama City for a final overnight stay ahead of the journey home.
It’s a wonderfully balanced route that combines culture, wildlife, adventure, two very different coastlines and plenty of time to relax without ever feeling rushed.
Panama City – More Than Just the Canal
The journey began in Panama City, a destination that’s often overlooked in favour of simply passing through.
That would be a mistake.
Few cities contrast old and new quite so effortlessly. Gleaming skyscrapers rise behind the beautifully restored streets of Casco Viejo, where colourful colonial buildings now house boutique hotels, rooftop bars, independent cafés and some of the city’s best restaurants.
Over several days, the Tadmans explored this fascinating capital at an easy pace. They watched enormous ships make their way through the famous Miraflores Locks, where one of the world’s greatest engineering achievements continues to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans more than a century after it first opened.
Nearby, Frank Gehry’s striking Biomuseo tells the remarkable story of how the formation of the Isthmus of Panama changed the natural world forever, connecting North and South America and allowing wildlife to migrate between two continents. Even if architecture isn’t usually high on your wish list, the building itself is impossible to miss, its colourful angular design becoming one of Panama City’s most photographed landmarks.
One morning, the Tadmans swapped walking shoes for bicycles, following the Amador Causeway with sweeping views back towards the skyline before wandering the colourful streets and historic plazas of Casco Viejo.
Another afternoon they experienced Panama City from an entirely different perspective, kayaking around the bay. Looking back at the skyline from the water, with enormous ships anchored offshore waiting to transit the Canal, offered a peaceful contrast to the bustle of the city and became one of the family’s favourite memories.
Another pleasant surprise was the food. Whether enjoying fresh seafood overlooking the water, discovering local cafés or dining in Casco Viejo, the family found the variety excellent and the quality consistently high, all at prices that represented exceptional value.
Travel Tip
Three nights in Panama City feels just about right. It allows enough time to experience the city’s highlights while leaving plenty of time to explore the country’s completely different regions beyond the capital.
Panama’s green season shouldn’t put you off either. While afternoon showers are common, they’re often short-lived and plans can usually be adjusted with ease. During the Tadman family’s trip, their kayaking excursion was simply moved to later in the day once the rain had passed, rewarding them with calm waters and blue skies.
Wildlife Before You Even Leave the City
One of Panama’s biggest surprises is just how quickly nature appears.
The Tadmans visited a wildlife sanctuary caring for rescued native animals, where they came face to face with sloths, tamanduas, porcupines and colourful tropical birds. For younger travellers especially, these close encounters provide a wonderful introduction to Panama’s extraordinary biodiversity before heading deeper into the rainforest.
Another memorable day began with a boat ride across Gatun Lake before continuing by traditional dugout canoe to visit the Emberá community.
Far from feeling like a staged attraction, it offered a genuine opportunity to learn about the community’s traditions, music, craftsmanship and way of life, all shaped by generations living in harmony with the surrounding rainforest.
There were plenty of lighter moments too, whether paddling together through Panama Bay, spotting wildlife or simply enjoying the journey by river. Looking back through their photographs, it’s these shared experiences that seem to stand out just as much as the famous landmarks.
One thing Ellen said afterwards really summed up the whole holiday: she loved just how much nature they encountered. It wasn’t confined to national parks or organised excursions; wildlife seemed to appear around almost every corner, making Panama feel wonderfully wild without ever feeling remote.
When Travel Doesn’t Quite Go to Plan
Every journey has its unexpected moments.
Before the holiday had properly begun, Steve unexpectedly needed a minor eye procedure in Panama City.
Thankfully everything went smoothly and, with a little flexibility, excellent local support and some small adjustments to the family’s plans, they were soon back to enjoying everything Panama had to offer.
It’s a reminder that unexpected things can happen wherever we travel, but having experienced people on hand to help can make all the difference when plans need to adapt.
Boquete – Panama’s Best Kept Secret
If Panama City offers history and culture, Boquete delivers something completely different.
Nestled in the highlands close to the Costa Rican border, this charming mountain town enjoys a cooler climate, making it a welcome contrast to the tropical coast.
For many travellers, Boquete becomes the unexpected highlight of a Panama itinerary.
It’s easy to see why.
Cloud forests draped in moss, suspension bridges stretching high through the forest canopy, hidden waterfalls and coffee plantations create an environment that feels worlds away from the capital.
The Tadman family spent several days exploring the area’s spectacular scenery, crossing hanging bridges high above the forest floor before hiking to the beautiful Lost Waterfalls. Along the trails they discovered orchids, butterflies and one of Panama’s most famous tiny residents – the brilliantly coloured poison dart frog.
For Ophelia and Alanah, one of the biggest highlights was soaring through the cloud forest on a zipline adventure. Flying high above the treetops added just the right amount of excitement and offered yet another perspective of Boquete’s incredible landscape.
Birdlife here is exceptional too. Hummingbirds dart between tropical flowers while, with a little luck, visitors may even spot the resplendent quetzal, one of Central America’s most sought-after birds.
Boquete is also synonymous with coffee.
The volcanic soil, high altitude and cool mountain climate have helped produce some of the world’s finest Geisha coffee, regularly achieving record prices at international auctions. Even those who aren’t coffee enthusiasts often enjoy visiting one of the local estates to learn about the journey from bean to cup.
Looking through the Tadman family’s photographs, it’s easy to understand why this became such a favourite part of their trip. Waterfalls, mountain views, rainforest trails, ziplining and plenty of laughter made Boquete feel adventurous without ever being overly challenging.
Did you know?
Boquete sits at around 1,200 metres (4,000 feet) above sea level, creating a pleasant spring-like climate throughout much of the year. It’s one of the reasons hiking and outdoor activities are so enjoyable here, even during Panama’s warmer months.
Bocas del Mar & Bocas del Toro – Two Coasts, Two Completely Different Experiences
One of the things that makes Panama such an easy destination to explore is how quickly the scenery changes.
Leaving the cool mountain landscapes of Boquete behind, the Tadmans travelled south to Hotel Bocas del Mar, a peaceful waterfront retreat overlooking Panama’s Pacific coastline.
It proved to be the perfect place to slow the pace for a few days.
Surrounded by tropical gardens and the calm waters of the Gulf of Chiriquí, they swapped hiking boots for flip flops, enjoyed spectacular sunsets.
Yet even here, nature was never far away.
Howler monkeys became regular visitors around the property, while the hotel’s own rescue sanctuary introduced the family to colourful macaws, toucans and lovebirds. It perfectly reflected what Ellen loved most about Panama – wherever they travelled, wildlife always seemed to be part of the experience.
From there, a transfer took them across the country to Bocas del Toro, where yet another side of Panama revealed itself.
Located on the country’s Caribbean coast, this colourful archipelago feels wonderfully different once again.
Roads give way to boats.
Days revolve around the sea.
Bright wooden buildings line the waterfront while small cafés, restaurants and local markets create an easy-going atmosphere that’s impossible not to enjoy.
Staying at The Hummingbird provided the perfect base from which to explore.
Boat trips revealed hidden beaches, crystal-clear water and abundant wildlife. Depending on the season, visitors may encounter dolphins, sloths relaxing in the mangroves and sea turtles coming ashore under the cover of darkness to lay their eggs.
For the Tadman family, watching turtles nesting became one of those unforgettable travel moments that simply can’t be planned but remain with you forever.
The beaches offered the perfect opportunity to unwind between adventures, while the relaxed Caribbean atmosphere felt completely different from everywhere else, they had visited. By this stage of the journey, it was hard to believe they were still exploring the same country.
After the energy of Panama City, the adventures of Boquete and the peaceful beauty of the Pacific coast, Bocas del Toro provided a fitting finale. Mornings began slowly, afternoons were spent exploring by boat or relaxing on beautiful beaches, and evenings ended watching another Caribbean sunset before returning to Panama City for one final overnight stay ahead of the journey home.
Another thing that surprised the family was how consistently good the food had been throughout the trip. Fresh seafood, tropical fruit and local specialities reflected the character of each region, proving that Panama’s culinary scene is every bit as varied as its landscapes.
Why Panama Works So Well
One of the biggest surprises about Panama isn’t simply what there is to see.
It’s how easy it is to experience so much in one journey.
One of the things the Tadman family appreciated most was how seamlessly everything fitted together. Despite experiencing so many different landscapes and activities, travel days were straightforward and never felt overwhelming. The itinerary flowed naturally from city to mountains, Pacific coast and Caribbean islands, making the most of every day without ever feeling rushed.
In around two weeks it’s possible to combine:
- A vibrant capital city rich in history and culture.
- Indigenous communities and rainforest adventures.
- Mountain scenery, waterfalls and cloud forests.
- World-famous Geisha coffee.
- Ziplining through the treetops.
- A peaceful Pacific coastline with island-dotted bays.
- Caribbean islands, beautiful beaches and marine wildlife.
- Incredible biodiversity at every stage of the journey.
Few destinations offer such variety in such a compact area.
For families, couples and travellers looking for somewhere a little different from the obvious choices, Panama offers a wonderful balance of activity, nature and relaxation. Whether you’re looking for adventure, wildlife, culture or simply time to slow down, it’s a destination that quietly delivers all of them.
Another thing that makes Panama particularly appealing is that it remains refreshingly under the radar. You won’t find the crowds of some of Central America’s better-known destinations, yet the experiences are every bit as memorable.
A Destination That Exceeds Expectations
Looking back through the Tadman family’s photographs, one thing becomes very clear.
Panama isn’t defined by one famous landmark or one unforgettable experience.
It’s the remarkable contrast between each destination that makes it so rewarding.
In just two weeks they wandered the colourful streets of Casco Viejo, watched ships navigate one of the world’s greatest engineering achievements, paddled beneath Panama City’s skyline, met the Emberá community, crossed hanging bridges through cloud forest, discovered hidden waterfalls, flew through the treetops on a zipline, sampled world-famous coffee, listened to howler monkeys, spotted sloths, toucans and poison dart frogs, watched turtles nesting beneath the stars and relaxed on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
Even traveling during the green season proved to be no obstacle. A little flexibility with timings was all it took, and the reward was lush landscapes, dramatic skies and fewer visitors, making many of their experiences feel even more personal.
It’s an itinerary that feels adventurous without being exhausting, varied without ever feeling rushed, and one that perfectly showcases why Panama continues to surprise almost everyone who visits.
The Tadmans arrived expecting a wonderful family holiday.
They left with memories of kayaking beneath a glittering skyline, ziplining through cloud forests, watching turtles emerge from the sea under the cover of darkness, laughing together on beautiful beaches and discovering wildlife almost everywhere they turned.
Inspired to Discover Panama?
If the Tadman family’s journey has sparked your curiosity, we’d love to help you plan your own Panama adventure.
Whether you’re travelling as a family, as a couple or with friends, Panama offers an extraordinary combination of culture, wildlife, adventure and relaxation in one remarkably easy journey.
Every itinerary we create is tailored to your interests, allowing you to experience the Panama that’s right for you.