If you’re living, or visiting Panama City, you’ll certainly have a lot to do. In fact, Panama City is one of the most busy, fun cities in Latin America for tourists, locals, working expats, and retirees. However, no matter how much you love the city, it’s always good to get out a bit and get to know the many other beautiful areas nearby. Panama, as a country, is full of great excursions that are right at your fingertips, and close enough from the capital to do in just one day. Here are five of our favorite day trips to help get you started on your own adventure.
1. Coronado Beaches
If you’re a beach lover, and also like a bit more of a modern, developed beach experience, then Coronado is your place. It’s just over an hour’s drive from Panama City, and is located right off the Pan-American Highway. It’s very modern, and almost suburban feeling in the town, which means lots of restaurants, shopping, and supervised beach activities for the whole family. You can get there by renting a car, or taking a taxi (about $60 each way). You can also take the bus from Albrook, however this extends travel time by about double due to stops.
2. Lake Gatun / Gamboa Rainforest
Just up the Canal, about 45 minutes from Panama City, are Lake Gatun and the Gamboa Rainforest. This is truly an ecological gem, and one of the most bio diverse places on the planet. You can take boat tours through the lake, and the canal, and see a variety of tropical flora and fauna, in just around an hour’s time. You can also hike the trails of the Gamboa Rainforest, as well as grab a bite to eat or take a quick break from nature at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort. This area is about a $30 taxi ride from the city.
3. Cero Azul
About 30 miles from the center of Panama City, up into the “blue mountains”, lies Cero Azul. This is a picturesque, natural mountain town/area that is perfect for spending a day in the clouds, with views and forests that can match any in the country. It gets a bit chilly up there, which is a great break from the heat and humidity of the city, and has many great hikes and viewing areas from its mountainside facades. You can get to Cero Azul in about 45 minutes, in either a car or taxi.
4. Colon Free Trade Zone
While Panama City is considered the gateway to the Panama Canal on the Pacific side, Colon is the gateway on the Caribbean side. It’s Panama’s 2nd biggest city, and home to the country’s massive free trade market. This is a unique experience, and something for the adventurous at heart, or those who just love a good bargain. The “Zone” is more like a market, and home to thousands of vendors and import/export businesses. Even if you don’t shop, it’s amazing to see all of this international commerce first hand, and experience the sights and sounds of years of Canal trade. Colon is about 1 hour from the city.
5. Pear Islands
If you’re looking for a truly rustic, spectacular day at the beach, there is no place better than the Pearl Islands. These are virtually untouched islands with crystal blue water, no crowds, and lots of whales and dolphins to be seen just offshore. You need to fly or take a ferry to these islands, which can by done via Air Panama (Albrook Airport), or ferry service from the Trump Hotel, or Balboa Port. The flight is about 20 minutes long, and the ferries take about 2 hours.
