We at Journey Off Path hate to be the bearer of dangerous information. Don’t be concerned, no one died…
The loss to grieve is Costa Rica’s luster, a spot the place Pura Vida now looks like a advertising and marketing slogan; due to this fact, vacationers have ventured into the neighboring territory of fully reworked El Salvador and even lesser-known Honduras for sun-drenched shores, immaculate nature, and fewer touristy experiences.
However there’s one iconic metropolis extra famend for its groundbreaking canal than it’s for a surprising shoreline and interesting tradition.
A brand new insightful report revealing 2026’s trendiest locations named Panama Metropolis as a must-visit vacation spot.
As somebody who had the pleasure visiting of Panama for the primary time this 12 months, let me inform you it boasts way over spectacular logistical loopholes for cargo ships.
It’s probably the most spectacular cities I’ve explored in current reminiscence. Not solely is Panama Metropolis a world-class metropolis, it’s a gateway to nearly unknown seashores, dwelling to a captivating Outdated City paying homage to Havana, and anchored by an countless skyline that may make Dubai blush.
The World’s Most Underrated Metropolis
Until you are getting stem cell remedy to skirt FDA rules or wish to dip into your IRA early, likelihood is you have not actually thought of visiting Panama Metropolis earlier than.
Even my tour information mainly mentioned, “Folks don’t actually come right here for tourism,” earlier than including, “They arrive for actual property and medical care.”
That blew my thoughts being such a culturally wealthy, historic, vibrant, and resort-laden vacation spot.
As you probably know, Panama Metropolis sits on a slim isthmus (no, that’s not Mike Tyson saying ‘Christmas’), a sliver of land that’s made the Panama Canal well-known for many years.
As cool because it was to see the canal first-hand on a guided tour, it is all the opposite delights I skilled that is been etched in my thoughts since I left.
There is no denying Panama Metropolis’s skyline exudes Miami-meets-Dubai, however it’s truly a metropolis you may wish to flip again the clock and spend as a lot time in Outdated City as doable (often known as Casco Viejo).
We’re speaking timeless cathedrals, colourful facades, storied buildings reworked into luxe lodges (like the place I stayed), and no scarcity of sensational meals and conventional cafes, together with the “champagne of espresso” — an absolute must-try at Geisha Expertise.
Panama Metropolis is actually an underrated metropolis the place there’s by no means a uninteresting second, and feels fully secure and welcoming in any respect hours — many locals even converse fluent English.
With new Copa Airways flights, Panama’s flagship service, it is simpler to achieve than ever!
Panama Flaunts Its Caribbean Aspect
Phrase on the road is Panama is able to change into a full-fledged trip vacation spot, whether or not you are into bustling cities or attractive seashores.
Panama’s Caribbean aspect is way lesser recognized than close by locales. Even Panama’s picture-perfect San Blas Islands with sugary white sand and crystal clear water go largely under-hyped within the shadow of its neighbors.
On my journey, I used to be inspired to go to a textbook off-path seaside city, although it should not be underrated…
Portobelo, initially named by our “founder” (wink, wink) Christopher Columbus, must be on each vacationers’ radar.
Dwelling to well-preserved ruins of Sixteenth-century Spanish strongholds, Afro-Caribbean traditions, and excursions to virtually untouched shores on the jungle’s edge, good for snorkeling, sloth-spotting, and feasting on the recent “catch of the day” from a tin-roof shack, I can not advocate squeezing in Portobelo sufficient, simply 2 hours from town.
Your finest guess is reserving by means of Ancon Expeditions (ask for my buddy, Nico!)
Simple Entry To Glamorous Resorts
Whereas many Individuals discover themselves in a hospital mattress for cheaper medical remedies than again dwelling, others have been lacking out on heavenly mattresses and crowd-free seaside loungers in a few of Latin America’s most ignored resort hideaways.
With names like Westin, Desires, and Riu, nope, we’re not speaking about Mexico — that is Panama’s coast, child.
Simply half-hour from Panama’s Tocumen Worldwide Airport (PTY) is the resort city of Playa Bonita, dwelling to aforementioned Desires and Westin resorts.
However there is no denying essentially the most paradisal setting is the San Blas Islands dotting the Caribbean nearer to Costa Rica.
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