A Day Trip to Panama City

The Isthmus of Panama is a separation between oceans, the origin of the gulf stream, and a land bridge for migration. Throughout history, this narrow strip of ground has been used as an important connection between the Atlantic and the Pacific for trade and commerce. In early days, rugged trails cut through dense jungle, muddy swampland, and dangerous rivers. Later, the railway shortened the time for humans and goods to traverse the transcontinental divide, which is still in operation today. And finally, the Panama Canal was built and stands today as a testament to global collaboration. Panama City stands sentential on the western edge of the country, combining culture, commerce, and nature in synergy. If you only have one day to immerse in Panama City, here are our recommendations: 

Start your day early with a tour of Monkey Island on Gatun Lake. Not only will you get up close to some playful primates, you also get to say you traveled by boat on the Panama Canal! What a fun memory! You’ll likely see capuchins, howler monkeys, toucans, and crocodiles, along with other wildlife. Tours usually last about 4 hours, bringing you back to the city just around lunchtime. Several tours are available on GetYourGuide.com and they will even pick you up from the airport if you come in on an early flight! 

After the tour, head to the Miraflores Visitor Center, for a Panama Canal tour. You may need to grab an Uber or Taxi from the dock at Gatun Lake, instead of taking the tour’s pre-arranged transportation. But taking an Uber is easy and will make your day flow more efficiently. Make sure you catch the iMax movie about the canal at Miraflores, as it is really stunning and informative. If you are lucky enough to catch the locks in use, you can really marvel at the feat of human engineering. The Panama Canal facilitates the movement of goods and people, global trade, and enriches the fabric of the global community. 

After your big morning, you’re sure to be hungry! Head to Mahalo in Casco Viejo. We went for breakfast but the whole menu looked scrumptious! The Turkish eggs served with fresh baked sourdough, or Huevos al Montuno with pulled beef and Panamanian corn tortillas were both excellent. I am sure a late lunch would be a perfect here. We loved the bursts of color amidst a tropical atmosphere while savoring their unique flavors. The warm and hospitable Panamanian people made us feel welcome and ensured our meal was perfection. 

As the afternoon wanes, wander around the historic streets of Casco Viejo. Admire the Iglesia San Francisco De Asis, stop in at the quaint shops, and end at the Plaza de la Catedral to visit the Panama Canal Museum. This is the perfect companion to your earlier visit to the Miraflores visitor center- offering more in depth explanations, artifacts, and perspectives from history. The history of the Panama Canal, and the ensuing country of Panama, is a complicated and multi-faceted story of secession, conflict, and identity. Going deeper into the time period allows visitors to really grasp the profound impact of this wonder of the modern world.  

Finish your day by enjoying the sunset alongside the Cinta Costera, a waterfront path running alongside Panama Bay. You can start at the peninsula of Casco Viejo and wander up to 2.5 km if you like. Here you can find the Panama sign, explore several parks, and enjoy the flora and fauna of Panama. It’s the perfect end to your day, allowing you to see another facet of the city and enjoy the last rays of the day with the birds chirping and a breeze on your face. 

Panama City is a melting pot of culture, trade, ideas and architecture. You could easily spend a week diving deeper into all the city has to offer, and several weeks exploring other areas of the country. However, if you happen to get the chance for just a single day trip, you won’t regret spending a short time in the cosmopolitan capital of central America.