I spent 8 days in Panama and returned feeling like I visited 3 different countries. Here’s why it’s worth a trip.

Fast forward another 48 hours, and I was transported to the coast of Chiriqui. Here, nothing reached for the sky. Instead, a flat ocean and sandy beaches met the horizon.

It was my first time in Panama, and in a matter of eight days, I felt like I had explored three completely different countries.

Beyond the city’s rich history, there’s a rich food scene. Panama City is home to some of the world’s best restaurants, like Maito, which placed sixth across Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023. Between shrimp wontons and kanpachi tartare, the three-course dinner at Maito was the best food I had during my week in Panama.

Outside the capital, Panama is home to diverse destinations offering a range of experiences.

I headed to the coast of Chiriqui, where I spent three nights at Isla Palenque, a five-star private island resort. The trip was the ideal balance of exploration and relaxation.

I spent one evening with the resort’s lead naturalist guide. Together, we hiked into the jungle, where we discovered Panama’s rich biodiversity, which includes jaguars, porcupines, hummingbirds, critters, and two thousand butterfly species. The next day on the island was spent snorkeling and relaxing on a private beach.

Between one plane ride within the country and a few longer drives, I had covered a range of environments and experiences, and there were plenty of destinations I didn’t make it to.

Bocas del Toro, an hour’s flight from Panama City and close to Costa Rica’s border, is home to nine islands and offers another type of vacation. Accommodations range from party hostels to luxury overwater bungalows dotting the shores.

I also missed a trip to the San Blas Islands, an archipelago of 378 islands. They’re home to Panama’s Indigenous Kuna people, and locals told me I could expect pristine nature, white sandy beaches, and crystal clear waters.

My only criticism is that to explore all Panama has to offer, you’ll have to hop on a plane ride or two. Thankfully, the country’s flagship carrier, Copa Airlines, was cheap and painless.

While a week offered a range of experiences, I wondered what I could’ve covered if I had extended my stay by another week or two.

I left singing the praises of Panama

While I have found something to appreciate in every place I’ve visited, I didn’t expect to find so much to love about Panama.

Beyond the country’s diverse environments and rich food scene, the Panamains I spoke with were eager to share and showcase their love for their home.

I experienced just a bit of that and still dream about the destination months later.