Panama rewards travelers who venture beyond the capital. Here are the country's best tourist destinations — and how each one connects naturally with a visit to Coiba National Park, so you can build a route instead of a checklist.
1. Panama City & the Canal
Every trip starts here. The Miraflores locks, the old quarter of Casco Viejo and the modern skyline deserve two days. Connection to Coiba: the drive west to Santa Catalina starts right here — see our route guide.
2. Santa Catalina & Coiba National Park
The crown jewel of Pacific Panama. A UNESCO World Heritage marine park with the country's best snorkeling and diving, plus humpback whales from June to October. Base yourself in Santa Catalina for 2–3 nights.
3. Boquete & the Chiriquí Highlands
Cool mountain air, coffee farms, hot springs and the Quetzal Trail. Connection: Boquete is about 4 hours from Santa Catalina — pairing reef days with mountain days is the classic western Panama loop.
4. Bocas del Toro
Caribbean island vibes: overwater hostels, starfish beaches and surf. Connection: from Boquete, cross the continental divide to Bocas — meaning you can do Pacific reefs (Coiba) and Caribbean cays in one trip.
5. San Blas (Guna Yala)
Hundreds of tiny islands managed by the indigenous Guna people — postcard perfection. Best combined with Panama City at the start or end of your route.
6. El Valle de Antón
A town inside a volcano crater, two hours from the capital: waterfalls, hikes and a famous Sunday market. An easy stop on the way west toward Santa Catalina.
The route that ties it all together
Panama City → El Valle → Santa Catalina & Coiba → Boquete → Bocas del Toro. Two weeks, two oceans, and the wildest marine park in Central America right in the middle. Whenever your route brings you to the Pacific, book your Coiba adventure with our local team in Santa Catalina.