October 22, 2026

Connecting North and South America is simply where the excitement of Panama begins. With vibrant culture and food, bustling cities, some of the most diverse wildlife in the world, and an extremely safe and accessible tourism infrastructure, we think it is a no-brainer to add this Central American wonder to your bucket list.

Why Panama Is A Must-Visit Country

Diversity is probably the first word that comes to mind when we think about Panama. From culture to landscapes to wildlife, there is something different around every corner in this vibrant country.

As a crossroads and connector, the culture of Panama is a melting pot of Spanish, Afro Caribbean, and indigenous cultures. This diversity of culture and tradition brings with it an array of food, music, and art that comes alive throughout bustling city centers and during festivals like Carnival. Visitors can indulge in local cuisine which includes the national dish called Sancocho de Gallina, a hearty stew of chicken, root vegetables, and herbs served with white rice. Fresh seafood, Caribbean spices, tropical fruits, and some of the best rum and coffee in the world are also staples of the country. Over 17% of Panama’s population is indigenous and these groups proudly share traditions like riding in hand carved wooden canoes, creating beautiful woven baskets, and practicing holistic medicine with locals and visitors alike.

Panama’s location between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans provides a plethora of unique landscapes all within one relatively small country. Enjoy calm beaches and snorkeling among coral reefs on the Caribbean side of the country and surfing on the Pacific side. Its unusual location between the two oceans provides the unique experience to view both the sunrise and sunset over the Pacific. Water enthusiasts will find Panama is a true paradise! Lush rainforests, mangroves, and mountainous cloud forests are found across the rest of the country. The capital of Panama City is just as diverse as the natural landscapes. A bustling downtown is nestled right alongside Panama Viejo. This area is the oldest European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. After being attacked by pirates in the 17th century, the city was almost completely destroyed which led to the establishment of Casco Antiguo, now known as Panama’s old quarter and home to bustling nightlife, dining, and shopping among old cobblestones and churches.

The diversity doesn’t end there! Panama boasts even more biodiversity than its extremely popular neighbor, Costa Rica. Darien National Park is the best place to see this immense biodiversity on display. Over 169 species can be found in the park, including the harpy eagle (Panama’s national bird), yellow tree frogs, spider monkeys, and tapirs. Dense forests and protected mangroves allow species to thrive in this Central American hotspot.

With so many beautiful things to see, it doesn’t hurt that Panama experiences warm temperatures year round and doesn’t experience hurricanes. Most visitors choose to explore the country during the dry season from mid-December to April, but good deals and unique wildlife events (like whale migration) make the green/rainy season from May to November enticing as well. Its reputation as a safe destination, interchangeable use of the US dollar and local currency, short flights from major US cities, and wide range of English speakers also makes Panama an easy destination for American travelers.

The Bridge Of The World: The Panama Canal

Panama’s nickname, “The Bridge of the World,” comes from the extremely famous Panama Canal. Known as one of the most significant engineering achievements in history, the 81 kilometer canal connects the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. Development of the canal was started as early as 1881 by France, but disinterested investors, engineering issues, and worker mortality stalled the project until the US took it over in 1904. After being completed in 1914, the canal significantly decreased voyage times, impacting trade worldwide.

The canal operates using a series of locks, which are essentially water elevators, lifting and lowering ships to different water levels. Today the canal is managed by the Panamanian government, with between 13,000 - 14,000 ships passing through it each year, connecting over 1,900 ports across 170 countries.

Travel To Panama With Virgin Voyages

There are endless options when it comes to experiencing all that Panama has to offer. All-inclusive resorts, road tripping, and hiking through the mountains are all great avenues, but we argue that cruising might just be the best way. Visit the iconic capital of Panama City and sail the canal with our favorite adults-only cruise partner, Virgin Voyages. Their ship, the Brilliant Lady, just made its first crossing of the canal earlier this year!

Panama is included as a destination on Virgin’s Transatlantic & Repositioning itineraries. These itineraries are unique, featuring longer distances, more ports of call, and more time to explore all the included fun on board. Special programming exclusive to these sailings includes speaker sessions, festival stage acts, bridge tours, weekly spa passes, and more! Wonder if this type of travel is right for you? Check out Virgin’s blog post on crossing the Atlantic.

Now that you’ve undoubtedly added Panama to your travel bucket list, let us know when you’re ready to start planning. The soul-fueling diversity of Central America is waiting for you!

Written by Erin Finneman