We at Travel Off Path hate to be the bearer of unhealthy information. Don’t fret, 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; subsequently, vacationers have ventured into the neighboring territory of utterly remodeled 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 one of the crucial spectacular cities I’ve explored in current reminiscence. Not solely is Panama Metropolis a world-class metropolis, it’s a gateway to just about unknown seashores, house to an enthralling Previous City harking back to Havana, and anchored by an infinite skyline that will make Dubai blush.
The World’s Most Underrated Metropolis
Except you are getting stem cell therapy to skirt FDA laws 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, “Individuals 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 slender 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 not any denying Panama Metropolis’s skyline exudes Miami-meets-Dubai, but it surely’s really a metropolis you may wish to flip again the clock and spend as a lot time in Previous City as attainable (generally known as Casco Viejo).
We’re speaking timeless cathedrals, colourful facades, storied buildings remodeled into luxe accommodations (like where I stayed), and no scarcity of sensational meals and conventional cafes, together with the “champagne of espresso” — an absolute must-try at Geisha Experience.
Panama Metropolis is really an underrated metropolis the place there’s by no means a uninteresting second, and feels utterly secure and welcoming in any respect hours — many locals even converse fluent English.
With new Copa Airlines flights, Panama’s flagship service, it is simpler to achieve than ever!
Panama Flaunts Its Caribbean Facet
Phrase on the road is Panama is able to turn 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, needs to be on each vacationers’ radar.
Residence 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 contemporary “catch of the day” from a tin-roof shack, I am unable to advocate squeezing in Portobelo sufficient, simply 2 hours from town.
Your greatest wager is reserving by Ancon Expeditions (ask for my buddy, Nico!)
Simple Entry To Glamorous Resorts
Whereas many People discover themselves in a hospital mattress for cheaper medical therapies than again house, others have been lacking out on heavenly mattresses and crowd-free seaside loungers in a few of Latin America’s most neglected 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, house to aforementioned Desires and Westin resorts.
However there is no denying probably the most paradisal setting is the San Blas Islands dotting the Caribbean nearer to Costa Rica.
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