9 Days in Panama: Casco Viejo and Bastimentos Island

I recently spent 9 days in Panama with family, including a 2-year-old and 6-year-old. We found the Panamanian people to be gracious hosts who were eager to share their beautiful country, and I felt so lucky to experience such a magical place.

Part 1: Panama City (3 Nights)
We stayed in Casco Viejo, the UNESCO World Heritage old quarter. Think: Spanish colonial city, very similar to Merida in Mexico but more compact.

Our Airbnb was an entire historic home. It featured an elevator (a big hit with the kids) and even had its own book about an archaeological survey conducted on the site.

We explored the charming streets, shopped for locally made souvenirs, and visited two amazing museums: the Canal Museum and the fascinating (and free!) Mola Museum about indigenous Guna textiles. The New York Times “36 Hours in Panama City” guide was clutch for deciding what to see and do. Dining was top tier: We ate delicious, fresh cuisine and drank many mojitos.

Of course you can’t go to Panama without seeing the Canal so we Ubered to the Miraflores Locks. This was the only place on the trip that was inundated with tourists, but it was worth it to see the Canal in action - there’s also a great IMAX film included in the ticket price that’s narrated by Morgan Freeman and provides context. Get tickets online in advance to skip the intimating (but fast moving) line - and check to see what time ships will be coming through the lock.

Favorite restaurants: Cafe Unido (geisha coffee), Fonda Lo Que Hay, Mahalo Cocina y Jardin, Greek Islands Bistro

Part 2: Bocas Del Toro (6 Nights)
We hopped an Air Panama flight to Bocas on the Caribbean side and took a water taxi to Bastimentos Island for a week.

The wildlife was incredible! We saw everything from baby sloths to capuchin monkeys and armadillos. And lots of poison red dart frogs!

We also explored white sand beaches with crystal-clear water, went deep sea fishing to catch tuna we cooked for dinner, and went snorkeling over endless rows of starfish. The best part was that it felt like we had almost every beach to ourselves.

Favorite restaurants: Selva, Boya de Vida, Shanti, Amaranto

Overall, it was an amazing experience and I can’t wait to go back to see more! If you are looking for an affordable destination with a mix of history, incredible wildlife, and stunning beaches that don't feel crowded, I highly recommend checking out Panama.