WHY IT RATES: Panama City and the Chiriquf Highlands are two of the best destinations for multigenerational travel. -Janeen Christoff, TravelPulse Senior Writer
Panama, with its rich mosaic of distinct cultures, historical attractions, and abundant biodiversity, paired with modern conveniences and easy direct flight access, make it a turnkey destination for all ages. Amidst unspoiled nature, picturesque beach towns, exotic wildlife, and a perfect blend of gastronomic flavors, the Central American country offers kids, grandkids, parents, and grandparents the opportunity to share immersive experiences and lasting memories.
Two family-favorite locations, Panama City and the Chiriquf Highlands, are easily accessible via direct flights from more than a dozen North American cities. In addition, a unique stopover program with Copa Airlines allows passengers to visit both regions for no additional airfare cost.
And, with Panama being the only Central American country having USO as its national currency, U.S. travelers will not be burdened with exchange rates or transaction fees.
Panama City - Historic Charm, World-Class Gastronomy and Lush Nature Renowned as the most modern metropolis in Central America, Panama City is a gateway to the country's rich history, culture, eclectic gastronomy, and sprawling nature, lending itself as an ideal base for a family getaway.
In Casco Antique, the city's historic district and a designated UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site, travelers will find vibrant plazas and brick-paved streets housing some of the best hotels, top-rated restaurants, historic landmarks, and specialty shops. The neighborhood is also home to several of the city's top museums, including The Canal Museum and the Museo de la Mola, featuring the traditional textile art made by the Guna indigenous group.
Those looking to delve deeper into Panama's unique impact on the world's biodiversity can visit the Amador Causeway, located only a few minutes south of the city's historic district. It's home to the Bio-museum, where eight dynamic galleries show how Panama's isthmus has come to change the world and the country's commitment to protecting the environment. The Amador Causeway also offers a stunning backdrop featuring waterfront views of the city and the parade of ships awaiting entry into the Panama Canal, one of the "Seven Wonders of the Modern World."
Naturalists of all ages can bask in Panama's great outdoors. At the Metropolitan Natural Park, only a few minutes from downtown - in the heart of Panama City - this 573-acre nature sanctuary is the only tropical forest to serve as a public recreational park for a metropolitan area. Despite its proximity to the city, the park is home to 227 bird species, 45 mammals - including monkeys and sloths, and 14 kinds of amphibians. Just 45-minutes from the city, Soberania National Park is easily accessible and offers the perfect nature-filled day trip for the whole family. Visitors can book guided tours through the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center, where swarms of colorful hummingbirds greet people before reaching the Canopy Tower rising above the rainforest canopy. Adventure-seekers can book a zipline canopy tour with Gamboa Tree Trek Adventure Park, which offers scenic views of Soberania National Park and the Panama Canal from high above the ground.
For splashing in the sand, take a 30-minute ferry ride to the beautiful beaches of Taboga Island, located in the Gulf of Panama. Here, active travelers can take in the beauty with a hike to the island's highest points, Cerro Vigia or Cerro de la Cruz.At the same time, history lovers can explore the colorful and historic Spanish-founded town, which is also home to the second oldest church in the Western hemisphere.
Chiriqui Highlands + Gulf of Chiriqui - From Mountainous Forests to Golden Coastlines Located in the Western part of the country, the province of Chiriquf attracts visitors with its timeless charm and diversity. Chiriquf wows travelers at every turn. From its highlands region which boasts cooler temperatures, cloud forests, and vast flora and fauna, to its Pacific Coast, with white sand beaches and palm trees, and its scenic mountain region - home to Panama's only volcano. From Panama City, it's a one-hour flight to the Enrique Malek International Airport or ?-hour drive west of the capital.
While the Chiriquf Highlands is a must-visit destination for gastronomy, culture, adventure, and sustainable travel, it's best known for producing coveted Geisha Coffee - the world's most valuable coffee varietal. Numerous coffee circuit farms offer tastings and tours to learn the agricultural practices for growing, harvesting, and processing. Other activities on these farms include horseback riding tours, classy picnics, trekking, and the observation of the flora.
In nearby Boquete, the Volcan Baru is a must-see stop. At 3,474 meters high, it is not only the highest peak in Panama, but it's the only place in the world where (on the clearest of days) you can see the Atlantic and Pacific oceans at the same time. Families can take guided car tours to enjoy a picnic on the volcano's summit with sweeping ocean views and a spectacular cloud forest.
For white-sand islands and one of the most extensive coral reefs on the coast, the Gulf of Chiriqui, located an hour bus ride from David, is the province's marine treasure. The protected waters of the Gulf of Chiriquf Marine National Park are a prime spot for observing the more than 30 species of whales and dolphins found on the Panama coast. While boat tours are offered year-round, it's especially popular June-October - during the Humpback whale annual migration.Panama's Pacific Coast is one of only two areas in the world that hosts Humpbacks from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres each year.
Whether on foot hiking on the islands, kayaking along the shores, or snorkeling among the reefs, you will find the experience memorable.
From cityscapes to the countryside, Panama welcomes multi-generational families to make new memories with its vast diversity of offerings, which promise to delight seasoned globetrotters and young adventurers alike. To learn more about Panama's tourism experiences, please visit: TourismPanama.com.
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