Lifestyle, food and drink, and our family life and travel adventures.
By Victoria D. of Sharemoney
What many seasoned travellers know is that the most popular attraction in Panama is the Panama Canal. Visitors may plan to visit the canal and only a few other nearby destinations before ending their trip. However, there are many other travel attractions that you should not miss.
Playas las Lajas
This is a beautiful beach extending along the Chiriqui Gulf for more than 8 miles. This part of the pacific has slow water currents and perfect water temperatures. Swimming and body surfing are popular activities that you can take part in safely here and have tons of fun. For refreshments, you can visit one of the cheap restaurants and shacks on the beach. Best of all? You won’t contend with hordes of tourists, making the experience more exclusive and enjoyable.
Pearl Islands
The Pearl Islands gained international fame by being the filming location for the reality TV show Survivor. Lush, dense forests and white sandy beaches characterize these islands, making them visually stunning. Contadora is the most developed of the islands, and is probably where you might want to have your accommodation. It features an airstrip as well as a number of resorts and even private yacht hire services available. Most resorts are attractive and many are affordable. Visitors tend to use this island as a base from which they visit the rest of the islands.
Isla Taboga
12 miles away from Panama City is the Isla Taboga, the most popular spot for unwinding and generally having fun. Its sandy beaches are perfect for sunbathing. Visitors can ride jet skis, go fishing on chartered boats, and navigate speed boats. For a dose of history, head over to the village, which hosts the second oldest church in the western hemisphere. The village additionally has a selection of restaurants and provides an excellent panoramic view of Panama City. A visit to the village also offers you an opportunity to sample Panamanian culture and cuisine.
Sendero Los Quetzales
Located close to Cerro Punto, this trail should definitely be in any nature lover’s itinerary. The 5-mile trail is arguably one of the most beautiful in the world and takes between 3 and 8 hours to complete depending on one’s speed. The trail goes through forests, crosses the Rio Caldera several times and ends up in the Boquete Mountain. Though it promises an epic experience and can be managed by most hikers, the trail is not well marked. You are advised to hire a guide to take you through the trail or sign up for an organised tour to mingle with other people.
Santa Catalina
Panama has its very own world-class surfing spot in Santa Catalina. This idyllic spot has beautiful beaches and is surrounded by lush forests. The relatively calm waves make it ideal for beginner and intermediate surfers. Surfing in Santa Catalina is fun and also provides epic views and excellent weather. You will be hard-pressed to find this in most surfing spots in the world.
Welcome to Birds and Lilies! I'm Lou: mother, blogger and freelance writer. This is my lifestyle blog, where I talk about motherhood, infertility and IVF, beauty, my love for food and wine, as well as my thoughts about stuff, and our real-life and travel adventures.
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