Panama
Here’s the deal with **Panama: it’s beautiful!**
It’s also incredibly well connected with New York, especially with Copa Airlines. Some flights even offer flat-bed seats, making the journey much more comfortable. Panama is safe, easy to explore, and versatile enough to be a trip on its own—or you can combine Panama City with one of several incredible islands, depending on the kind of experience you’re looking for and who you’re traveling with.
Start in Panama City
Spend a few nights in Panama City, especially in Casco Viejo, where colorful streets, historic architecture, rum, cacao, coffee tastings, Panama hats, and fascinating history come together.
And then there’s the Panama Canal—the real cherry on top.
What an achievement. The French initially attempted to build the canal but eventually abandoned the project, constructing a railway instead. Later, the Americans took on the challenge and ultimately made the canal a reality.
Today, ships pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to transit the canal, and for some large cargo vessels, the toll can reach well over $2 million. It’s an incredible piece of engineering and one of those places where you can actually watch history, commerce, and engineering happening right in front of you.
And yes, you can even experience the canal from the water. One of the most unusual stories involves a swimmer who crossed it and reportedly paid just 36 cents based on the toll system in place at the time. Only one swimmer is known to have successfully completed the crossing; many others have attempted it and failed.
If you’re fascinated by engineering and construction, you can even charter a yacht to transit the canal. The crossing can take up to ten hours, but with the right planning, we can make it a comfortable and memorable experience.
Even if you’re simply watching from shore, seeing the enormous ships rise and descend through the locks is quite an event.
Where to Stay
Spend a few days in Casco Viejo. Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo is a great option: well located, comfortable, and perfectly positioned for exploring the neighborhood. It has ocean views, a swimming pool, and even a speakeasy-style bar.
There are also several other excellent hotels nearby, depending on your style and budget.
Then, Choose Your Island
This is where Panama becomes really interesting.
If relaxation, privacy, and inspiration** are what you’re after, head to **Islas Secas** or **Bocas del Toro for a few days.
Traveling with kids and looking for more activities? Isla Palenque is an excellent choice, with plenty to keep everyone entertained.
The beauty of Panama is that you can create completely different trips depending on who you’re traveling with. It can be romantic, adventurous, family-friendly, or simply a luxurious escape.
And the best part? It’s not far from New York.
We just returned from Panama, so we have firsthand experience, along with relationships with the hotels, guides, and local contacts that make a difference when planning the trip.
And of course, food is part of the experience. What better way to start your Panama adventure than with brunch at an authentic Panamanian restaurant like El Trapiche?
Panama is one of those destinations that surprises you. Come for the canal, stay for the islands, the food, the history, and the Panamanian hospitality.
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