We at Travel Off Path hate to be the bearer of bad news. Don’t worry, nobody died…
The loss to grieve is Costa Rica’s luster, a place where Pura Vida now seems like a marketing slogan; therefore, travelers have ventured into the neighboring territory of completely transformed El Salvador and even lesser-known Honduras for sun-drenched shores, immaculate nature, and less touristy experiences.
But there’s one iconic city more renowned for its groundbreaking canal than it is for a stunning coastline and fascinating culture.
A new insightful report revealing 2026’s trendiest destinations named Panama City as a must-visit destination.
As someone who had the pleasure visiting of Panama for the first time this year, let me tell you it boasts far more than impressive logistical loopholes for cargo ships.
It’s one of the most impressive cities I’ve explored in recent memory. Not only is Panama City a world-class metropolis, it’s a gateway to virtually unknown beaches, home to a charming Old Town reminiscent of Havana, and anchored by an endless skyline that would make Dubai blush.
The World’s Most Underrated Metropolis
Unless you’re getting stem cell treatment to skirt FDA regulations or want to dip into your IRA early, chances are you haven’t really considered visiting Panama City before.
Even my tour guide basically said, “People don’t really come here for tourism,” before adding, “They come for real estate and medical care.”
That blew my mind being such a culturally rich, historic, vibrant, and resort-laden destination.
As you likely know, Panama City sits on a narrow isthmus (no, that’s not Mike Tyson saying ‘Christmas’), a sliver of land that’s made the Panama Canal famous for decades.
As cool as it was to see the canal first-hand on a guided tour, it’s all the other delights I experienced that’s been etched in my mind since I left.
There’s no denying Panama City’s skyline exudes Miami-meets-Dubai, but it’s actually a city you’ll want to turn back the clock and spend as much time in Old Town as possible (known as Casco Viejo).
We’re talking timeless cathedrals, colorful facades, storied buildings transformed into luxe hotels (like where I stayed), and no shortage of sensational food and traditional cafes, including the “champagne of coffee” — an absolute must-try at Geisha Experience.
Panama City is truly an underrated metropolis where there’s never a dull moment, and feels completely safe and welcoming at all hours — many locals even speak fluent English.
With new Copa Airlines flights, Panama’s flagship carrier, it’s easier to reach than ever!
Panama Flaunts Its Caribbean Side
Word on the street is Panama is ready to become a full-fledged vacation destination, whether you’re into bustling cities or gorgeous beaches.
Panama’s Caribbean side is far lesser known than nearby locales. Even Panama’s picture-perfect San Blas Islands with sugary white sand and crystal clear water go largely under-hyped in the shadow of its neighbors.
On my trip, I was encouraged to visit a textbook off-path beach town, though it shouldn’t be underrated…
Portobelo, originally named by our “founder” (wink, wink) Christopher Columbus, should be on every tourists’ radar.
Home to well-preserved ruins of 16th-century Spanish strongholds, Afro-Caribbean traditions, and excursions to practically untouched shores on the jungle’s edge, perfect for snorkeling, sloth-spotting, and feasting on the fresh “catch of the day” from a tin-roof shack, I can’t recommend squeezing in Portobelo enough, just 2 hours from the city.
Your best bet is booking through Ancon Expeditions (ask for my buddy, Nico!)
Easy Access To Glamorous Resorts
While many Americans find themselves in a hospital bed for cheaper medical treatments than back home, others have been missing out on heavenly mattresses and crowd-free beach loungers in some of Latin America’s most overlooked resort hideaways.
With names like Westin, Dreams, and Riu, nope, we’re not talking about Mexico — this is Panama’s coast, baby.
Just 30 minutes from Panama’s Tocumen International Airport (PTY) is the resort town of Playa Bonita, home to aforementioned Dreams and Westin resorts.
But there’s no denying the most paradisal setting is the San Blas Islands dotting the Caribbean closer to Costa Rica.
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