A Tale of Two Panama's: San Blas Islands and Panama City

• Geisha Coffee: A rare and highly prized coffee variety. It is known for its exceptional flavor profile, featuring complex, fruity and floral notes with a bright acidity and smooth, silky body. Casa Sucre and Cafe Unido are well-known for serving some of the best!

• Hike Cerro Ancón (aka Ancon Hill): For some stunning city views, head a couple miles outside the city center where you’ll take a 1.5 mile trail up to the top. You’re likely to spot some monkeys and birds! This is also a great place to take in the sunrise, but make sure you have a buddy & some lighting with you if you set off in the dark.

• Take a Walking Tour: Head out with a local to learn the in-depth history of the city and experience how locals live.

• Visit Local Shops in Casco Viejo: Throughout this UNESCO world heritage site, you can find many artisans selling their goods at adorable shops. Check out Monsters Showroom. I Love Panama Chocolate, and Kindly Shop to name a few.

• Visit the Mola Museum: This is a free museum located in Casco Viejo and depicts the life and culture of the Guna Yala. The Guna is an indigenous tribe that has maintained a level of political autonomy and self-governance through the Guna Yala Comarca, an autonomous indigenous region in Panama (also known as the San Blas Islands)

Experience the San Blas Islands

To visit the San Blas Islands, you’ll either take a small charter flight from the domestic airport in Panama City or take a bumpy 3-hour drive to the Caribbean Coast.

It’s important to note, you cannot rent your own car and drive yourself to the coast — you must be with a local. You will be required to stop at a security checkpoint upon entering the Guna Yala Comarca. Your guide will instruct you on what to do to be let through. A small fee will be due. Once through, you’ll take a tiny boat out to meet your hosts for the time.

While a day trip is possible, it’s best to spend at least two nights on the islands to truly experience their way of life and see plenty of islands.

While tourism isn’t a main focus of the Guna Yala, as they are focused on maintaining their traditions, there are some authorized lodges on the islands. These are typically huts or bungalows that provide very basic amenities and offer an authentic look at daily life.

Another option, and what I recommend, is taking a yacht or catamaran charter! You’ll sleep on the boat, have a local guide and eat fresh seafood caught daily by the locals. You will travel to various islands and spend your days swimming, snorkeling and paddling around in kayaks or SUPs!

• Fonda Lo Que Hay: Previously voted one of Latin America’s best restaurants. They have helped put Panama City on the map as a foodie destination. Highly recommend their fried chicken!

• Mahalo Cocina y Jardin: A trendy restaurant serving healthier versions of classic international dishes. Open for brunch, lunch and dinner.

• La Rana Dorada Casco: The city’s first brewery!

• Pedro Mandinga Rum Bar: Go for their happy hour until 6 pm!

• Cafe Coca Cola: Founded in 1901, this place is special to locals and visitors alike. Head here for a diner-like vibe serving up classic Panamanian dishes. There’s no relation to Coca Cola! Some think it was named because of the popularity of the drink at the time.