One night in the depths of another internet rabbit hole, I stumbled upon this not-so-typical tour that I’ve been wanting to check out for quite a while now. Just steps beyond the bougie cafes and rooftops of historic Casco Viejo lies El Chorrillo, the barrio that gave Panama so many of her most famous–if not notorious–native sons. Boxer Roberto Duran, salsero Ruben Blades and dictator Manuel Noriega all hail from…
TRAVEL
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THE DREAMY WORLD OF ISLAS SAN BLAS
Google search “Panama’s best islands” and I am willing to bet the top result will be Islas San Blas. This remote tropical paradise gives the deserted island vibes that so many people crave. The archipelago is made up of 365 stunningly beautiful islands that dot the central Caribbean coast of Panama. The territory or Comarca is governed by the Guna Yala indigenous community who take great care in preserving the…
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THE MAGIC OF BOCAS DEL TORO
When I think of “magical” places, one place leaps to mind. Bocas del Toro has a vibe unlike any other place I’ve ever visited. This archipelago lies 30 minutes south of Costa Rica and ecotourism thrives here among the coral reefs, rainforests and mangroves. In fact, some of the best days of my life have been spent in this island paradise. From drinking tropical adult beverages at Starfish Beach with…
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10 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT EL VALLE DE ANTON
One of the main reasons I moved from Atlanta to Panama was the potential for excellent hiking year round. On my first trip, I spent a weekend in El Valle de Anton. It’s a place I honestly never get tired of. Depending on your mode of transportation, you can get to El Valle in 3 hours or even less if you’re one of those lucky folks with a car. There…
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THE ULTIMATE DAY TRIP TO ISLA TABOGA
Everybody loves a beach day, but where is the closest beach to Panama City, Panama? The answer? Isla Taboga, or Taboga Island, is just a short 30 minute ferry ride away from the city. Referred to as “Isla de las Flores” or the “Island of Flowers,” Isla Taboga is a lovely escape from life in the hectic city. The shoreline is dotted with charming, colorful homes and restaurants welcoming visitors…
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THE BEST BEACHES IN PANAMA
Beach days are happy days and some of my happiest have been on beaches here in Panama. For a very small country, Panama has so many extraordinary beaches on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. From sugary sand to volcanic rocks, and from snorkeling to surfing, Panama has it all. Here, in no particular order, are my picks for best beaches in Panama. ISLA IGUANA, PEDASI, LOS SANTOS PROVINCE Isla…