A few days in Boquete, Panama gave us a little bit of everything: lush mountain trails, fancy Geisha coffee, expat life, Panamanian food, and a surprising amount of time thinking about fans. We skipped the 2 a.m. volcano hike, survived an abandoned coffee tour, and discovered that in Boquete, the weather may be cooler—but apparently not that cool.

We came to Panama City expecting the Panama Canal to be the star of the show—and it certainly didn’t disappoint! From watching massive ships navigate the Miraflores Locks to discovering the fascinating engineering behind the canal, we got a whole new appreciation for this incredible feat. But Panama City is much more than its famous waterway, as we also explored historic Casco Viejo, sweated our way through Metropolitan Natural Park, and got a glimpse of the city’s incredible mix of jungle, wildlife, skyscrapers and ships. Panama City definitely left us wanting more!

We spent the day wandering Casco Viejo with no real sense of urgency, starting at the old city walls and winding our way through colorful plazas, colonial streets, and historic churches. Along the way, we stopped for a surprisingly affordable local lunch, learned about Panama’s indigenous mola art and fascinating Canal history, admired the famous Flat Arch and Golden Altar, and discovered an enormous hidden nativity scene. We finished the afternoon with Pacific views, cocktails, Panamanian rum, ceviche—and, unfortunately, a lesson in spotting fake cigars. It was the perfect introduction to the old side of Panama City.

Panama City surprises with a modern skyline, tropical energy, and a fascinating history as the isthmus crossroads of two worlds. From bustling Obarrio (our neighborhood stay) to authentic Panamanian fondas and local flavors, the city offers far more than meets the eye. Next stop: Casco Viejo, where Panama City’s colorful colonial past comes alive.