Situated in the crowded, cultural paradise of Central America, Panama knows how to please the peaceful tourist looking for a place to relax and unwind. It’s a country of over 3.5 million, most of which sit in the capital Panama City; there’s no shortage of activities and sights to keep you occupied on a trip through the country, highlighted here by the top 8 things you just simply ‘have’ to see.

1. To start we have Ancon hill, it overlooks Panama City, reaching up to 654 feet in height. Get your jogging gear on and hike up the popular track to find a perfect picture opportunity, looking out across the beautiful skyline of the capital city.
2. Panama Viejo, or ‘Old Panama,’ is where you can find old Spanish ruins and structures from what used to be the capital city. It’s located in the suburbs of Panama City, is part of a World Heritage Site, and dates back to 1519.
3. Isla Taboga sits just outside the capital, sandy white beaches, jet ski rides and a little village with the second oldest church in the western hemisphere. Travel out of town for a bite at the picturesque restaurants or relax and catch some food of your own and the popular fishing spots.
4. The Panama Canal stretches across the Panama Isthmus and is commonly regarded as one of the modern-day wonders of the world. The passage allows ships to travel between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and can be viewed best from the Miraflores Locks platform.
5. Boquete is a small, cultural town not far from the boarder to Costa Rica. It’s 1,200 metres above sea level, and boasts some incredible views and natural scenery, lively music and arts, a volcano in Volcán Barú, and the Caldera River which you can raft down.
6. The Bridge of the Americas was constructed in 1962 at a cost of $20 million US dollars. Approximately 35,000 cars travel across it each day, to compensate for the crowded traffic there is also the Centennial Bridge; both of these are great sights if you enjoy engineering marvels.
7. Bocas del Toro consists of six forested islands, natural beauty, and plenty of outdoor activities. Take a boat between the islands, as you go you can try your hand at surfing, snorkeling, jungle trekking, watching dolphins and other marine life, or trying to catch a glimpse of the array of exotic birds.
8. Santa Catalina is a popular surfing spot, unspoiled natural scenery, sandy beaches, and is rather quiet – We all like to escape from the other tourists sometimes. Relax, take in the sunset, surf, eat at the surprisingly numerous eateries, take a ride on horseback, fish, you name it.

There’s plenty more spots that will make your jaw drop, all it takes is a little curiosity, but things can be made much easier and all the more enjoyable by upgrading your Spanish through our classes, or inquiring for more information.