There are so many things to do in Panama City, it’s hard to know where to start. Whether it’s shopping, sightseeing, live music, or wining and dining, this cosmopolitan city truly has something for everyone. The same goes for fun, outdoor adventures. One of the biggest requests from tourists, and expats staying or living in Panama, is where to find the best outdoor activities and adventures either in the city, or close by. Luckily, there are plenty, and you’ll find that your next outdoor escape is just a stones throw away, and at a budget and skill level that is sure to fit anyone. Planning to travel to Panama or stay for good? Here are our suggestions for the best things to do outdoor in Panama City.
Take a hike up Ancon Hill
Ancon Hill is a historic, and ecologically lush area that sits at the western edge of Panama City. And while technically within the capital city’s limits, it’s far from urban. Ancon Hill will give you the feeling like you’ve crawled deep into the Panamanian rainforest, mixed with a quiet, historic neighborhood that blends in seemingly with its natural surroundings. You can hike from the bottom to the top in under an hour, and will see some of the most spectacular views of the city from up above, all along the way. Ancon hill is located just next to Casco Viejo, Balboa, and the Panama Canal, and can be easily reached by taxi ($5-7 from hotels/apts in the center).
Go for a Panama Canal Boat Tour
Nothing is more exhilarating than taking a ride on a small, high powered boat through the Panama Canal. You’ll immediately feel the magnitude, and power of the body of water as you coast up through the locks, into Lake Gatun, and on to the Caribbean Sea from the Pacific Ocean in just a matter of hours. These boat tours come in all types of options, from slow full-day rides on larger ships, to tours of the lake, to just seeing the locks. There are plenty tours that vary in time, type, and price, so you’re sure to find one that fits your needs. Plus, you get to go past all of those larger-than-life tankers for some incredible perspective, not to mention photo ops.
Take a Day Trip to The Coronado/Chame Coast
At just about an hour and twenty minutes southwest of Panama City, Coronado and the Chame area are the perfect beach getaways for both residents and tourists. There’s everything from white sand beaches (Punta Chame, Playa Blanca) nearby, plus shopping, restaurants, surfing, ATV rids, snorkeling, and fishing easily at your disposal, up and down the Chame coast. If you feel like more of a rest and relaxation trip, Coronado has plenty of beach clubs, beach restaurants, and quiet public beaches where you can take in some sun, and chill as you like. We recommend renting a car, but if you don’t want to, there are both buses and taxis that will take you to the area.
Rent a bike on the Cinta Costera
It doesn’t take long to realize that the Cinta Costera (Coastal Belt) is one of the most iconic attractions in modern day Panama City. It’s a 7km (4.3 mile) thin but long stretch of park area and bike paths, that runs right along downtown Panama City’s coastline, from Punta Paitilla to the old city, Casco Viejo. It’s full of fascinating local flavor with musicians, joggers, skaters, vendors, picture takers, and yes, bikers. Renting a bike is the best way to see the whole thing, and get some exercise while you’re doing it. You can rent bikes towards the beginning of Cinta Costera 3, which towards the Casco Viejo end, or rent at Rally Bikes about midway through (Ave. Balboa), or in Casco Viejo itself. Rentals are done by the hour, or by the day, and there are even those fun 4-person covered bike carts available if you’re up for some family adventures!
