Best Places to See While on a Look-See Trip to Panama (Plus, Itineraries)

Embarking on a Look-See trip before moving to Panama is crucial for understanding the country's diverse landscapes, cultures, and lifestyles. This exploratory journey allows you to gauge the cost of living, experience the climate, and engage with local communities, ensuring you make an informed decision about where to settle.

Recommended Itineraries

For a 10-day trip, consider starting in Panama City, then explore the nearby beach towns of Coronado and Gorgona. Next, head to the cooler climates of El Valle de Antón. For a 20-day trip, include the above, then venture to Boquete, Volcán, and Bocas del Toro. Consider also exploring the Azuero Peninsula, visiting Pedasí and surrounding towns.

Panama City

Panama City is a vibrant metropolis with a population of over 800,000. It offers a mix of modern skyscrapers, historic sites, and a bustling nightlife. Expats and digital nomads appreciate the city's fast internet, numerous amenities, and the ease of travel to beaches and mountains. The cost of living varies but is generally lower than in major US cities.

Travel Tip: Visit the historic Casco Viejo district and dine at Madrigal for a taste of authentic Panamanian cuisine.

Coronado and Gorgona

Coronado and Gorgona are popular beach towns located about an hour from Panama City. They offer a relaxed lifestyle with beautiful beaches, golf courses, and a growing expat community. The cost of living is generally lower than in the city, with a variety of housing options available. Life here revolves around outdoor activities and beachside living.

Travel Tip: Enjoy a meal at Picasso, a beachfront restaurant known for its fresh seafood.

El Valle de Antón

El Valle is a scenic mountain town about two hours from Panama City. It offers a cooler climate, lush greenery, and a tranquil atmosphere. Expats appreciate the slower pace of life, the friendly local community, and the abundance of nature. The cost of living is generally lower than in the city, with affordable housing options available.

Travel Tip: Visit the El Valle Market on Sundays for fresh produce and local crafts.

Boquete

Boquete is a charming mountain town in the Chiriquí province, known for its cool climate, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant expat community. It offers a high quality of life with a lower cost of living compared to Panama City. Boquete is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities, coffee culture, and a strong sense of community.

Travel Tip: Visit the Café Ruiz, a famous coffee plantation and café offering tours and tastings.

Volcán

Volcán is another scenic town in the Chiriquí province, about an hour from Boquete. It offers a similar cool climate and beautiful landscapes but with a smaller expat community. Volcán is ideal for those seeking a quieter, more rural lifestyle. The cost of living is generally lower, with affordable housing options available.

Travel Tip: Explore the stunning waterfalls at Los Pozos Termales, a popular local attraction.

Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro is a Caribbean archipelago known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and diverse marine life. It offers a laid-back island lifestyle with a vibrant expat community. The cost of living varies but is generally lower than in major cities. Bocas del Toro is ideal for those who enjoy water sports, beach life, and a relaxed pace of living.

Travel Tip: Visit the Bocas Brewery for craft beers and stunning sunset views.

Azuero Peninsula

The Azuero Peninsula offers a traditional Panamanian experience with beautiful beaches, colonial towns, and a rich cultural heritage. Towns like Pedasí, Las Tablas, and Chitré offer a mix of modern amenities and historic charm. The cost of living is generally lower, with a variety of housing options available. Life here revolves around community, culture, and outdoor activities.

Travel Tip: Visit the Iglesia de San Atanasio in Las Tablas, a historic church known for its intricate design.