Panama Revisited: Canal Wonders, Embera Traditions, City Energy, and Beach Calm.
"Pro Mundi Beneficio," which is Latin for "For the Benefit of the World"
5/24/202617 min read
When most people think about Panama, the Panama Canal is usually the first thing that comes to mind. Before our first visit, that was largely our perception as well. We expected impressive ships, an engineering marvel, and maybe a quick tropical getaway afterward. What we did not expect was how much depth Panama would have as a destination.
Panama surprised us in more ways than one. It felt like the perfect introduction to Central and South America. The country carried traces of Costa Rica, Colombia, and the Caribbean while still feeling uniquely Panamanian. One moment we were surrounded by modern skyline views and busy city streets, and the next we were deep in the rainforest watching sloths in the trees or relaxing along the quiet Pacific coastline.
The country also carried strong contrasts. We drove past areas of extreme poverty on one side of the road and then turned into beautifully restored neighborhoods with upscale restaurants, rooftop bars, and modern high rises. Panama somehow blended all of these layers together into something that felt authentic instead of manufactured.
Spanish is widely spoken, but we were surprised at how many locals also spoke English. The country felt very approachable and easy to navigate, especially for travelers visiting Central America for the first time.
One thing we noticed almost immediately was the pride Panamanians have in their country and culture. We saw Panama hats everywhere, even though Ecuador famously claims ownership of the famous hat style. Whether the debate is settled or not, Panama certainly embraces it.
After now visiting Panama twice, for a total of three weeks, we can confidently say it is far more than a quick stopover destination. It is a country that deserves time to explore.
Arriving in Panama City
Our Panama experience started in Panama City, and from the moment we arrived, the city immediately felt far more modern and international than we expected. The skyline honestly reminded us of Miami in some areas, mixed with the energy and culture we have experienced throughout Latin America.
The contrast throughout Panama City is part of what makes it so interesting. Modern high rises overlook historic districts, luxury hotels sit next to local markets, and within a relatively short drive, the city gives way to rainforest and coastline.
Life in the City: Waldorf Astoria Panama
For our stay in the city, we checked into the Waldorf Astoria Panama. The Waldorf Astoria was luxury and comfort in the heart of a chaotic and fascinating city. Its location sits just minutes from the old quarter and the waterfront. The hotel offers sweeping city or partial ocean views from many rooms and features a fitness center and a great daily breakfast that gave us energy for long days of exploring.
Bedrooms are modern with marble bathrooms, ample space, and amenities. Service was friendly and efficient. Oliver at the concierge desk was always helpful and professional when we had questions or needed directions.
During our second visit, after spending three weeks in Panama, we finally found a great local driver that we can highly recommend. Edwin speaks great English, which was surprisingly rare during many of our experiences throughout Panama. His SUV was clean, comfortable, and far easier to use than constantly dealing with taxis or Uber. He was always early when picking us up and became one of those drivers that simply made travel easier and less stressful. Edwin also offers private airport transfers for a fraction of the price of what you can find online. He can be contacted directly through WhatsApp at +507 6363-2542.
Touring Panama City and the Canal
One of the first excursions we took was a combined Panama Canal and city tour. We booked through Tony's Panama Tours and our guide Dimas made the trip memorable. We visited the lock viewing platforms where massive ships navigate through the canal with just inches of clearance on either side. Seeing a massive ship cross the locks left us in awe of this engineering marvel. The tour also included a short IMAX film narrated by Morgan Freeman about the history of the canal that added context and depth to what we were witnessing. We recommend you purchase tickets online to avoid the long lines and to arrive early for your slot. Or just let Tony and Dimas take care of that for you.
From there we explored the historic quarter of Casco Viejo (also known as Casco Antiguo), a UNESCO World Heritage district full of colonial architecture, old churches, cobblestone streets, and a mix of restored buildings and atmospheric ruins. It is a neighborhood that reflects centuries of Panama’s layered history—everything from Spanish colonial rule to modern urban life. We toured the area with Dimas and then went back another day to explore it more on our own. Make sure you try their famous Geisha Coffee while there!
Journey into the Jungle: Embera Village and Waterfall Tour
For a dramatic contrast to city life, we also took a day trip to visit an indigenous community with the Emberá people via a boat ride on the Chagres River. The trip took us into the rainforest where we traveled by dugout canoe and then walked to a jungle waterfall for a swim. The tour included a traditional lunch prepared over fire: fresh fried fish, plantains, and tropical fruit, and plenty of time to meet the artisans, see traditional dances, and learn about Emberá culture. The village had no electricity but was rich in spirit, warmth, and authenticity. It felt meaningful to support the community directly through their handmade crafts, often for a fraction of tourist-store pricing. Tony coordinated everything and Dimas of course was our guide for this trip as well.
That day reminded us that Panama offers much more than skyscrapers and canal tours. It offers living culture and deep connections to land, water, and tradition. I still remember sitting by the river in a canoe, surrounded by jungle sounds and friendly faces, and thinking this must be part of what Panama really is.
Even after returning to Panama months later, the Emberá experience remained one of the most memorable parts of both trips.
Food and Local Flavor
When we got hungry or craved a taste of Panama, we found three standout places in the city.
The first was Gauchos Restaurant; a no frills steakhouse where the steaks were perfectly cooked and seasoned. It was simple, hearty, and exactly what we needed after long days. The prices were also very reasonable.
The second was the lively Mercado de Mariscos, a bustling seafood market and cevichería. Here we mingled with locals and tasted fresh ceviche and seafood dishes at reasonable prices. The atmosphere was energetic, hungry, and real. It was also a favorite of Anthony Bourdain when he visited.
The third restaurant we really liked, we discovered on our second trip to Panama. It was called La Pulpería. The food was fantastic, the atmosphere was lively, and the drink prices were even better. If you visit, be sure to check out their happy hour specials where cocktails, including smoked Old Fashioned, were only $5 USD.
Relaxing at Dreams Playa Bonita Panama
For the beach and relaxation portion of our trip, we stayed at Dreams Playa Bonita Panama, twice.
The resort offered a completely different atmosphere compared to the energy of Panama City. Surrounded by rainforest and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the setting immediately felt calmer and slower paced.
One of the things we appreciated most was how peaceful the property felt compared to many larger all inclusive resorts. While some resorts focus heavily on loud entertainment and nonstop activity, Dreams Playa Bonita leaned more toward relaxation and scenery.
The beach itself is not the bright turquoise Caribbean style beach many travelers often picture when thinking about tropical destinations, but that honestly is not the strength of this property. The real appeal is the peaceful rainforest setting combined with ocean views and close proximity to Panama City excursions.
At various points throughout the stay, we could hear tropical birds in the trees surrounding the property, which added to the relaxed atmosphere.
Returning to Dreams Playa Bonita
When we returned to Panama 5 months after our first visit, we decided to spend another week at Dreams Playa Bonita. Returning gave us the opportunity to see how the property had evolved and whether our positive first impression would hold up.
What immediately stood out was how much improvement had taken place in just five months.
Management was clearly making noticeable efforts throughout the property. The overall guest experience felt smoother, more polished, and more consistent during our second stay. We could tell the training of the staff and the food and beverage team had really stepped up their game.
The pool areas remained one of our favorite parts of the resort. The atmosphere was calm and relaxing without the loud party environment that many all inclusive resorts now push heavily.
Besides relaxing at the pool and around the resort, one of the more unexpected experiences during our second stay was discovering the jungle walking tour located directly on the resort property.
Three days each week, Alexander from the entertainment team takes guests through the jungle trails surrounding the resort. We originally expected a short nature walk, but it ended up becoming one of the highlights of the trip.
Alexander’s knowledge of the plants and wildlife was impressive. During our walk, we got to see a three toed sloth up close. He even found a tarantula hole, and was able to carefully lure the spider out so we could get a close look at it. It turned into one of those memorable travel moments that you never really expect to happen at an all inclusive beach resort.
The entertainment team overall did an excellent job balancing energy and friendliness without ever becoming pushy. You could tell they genuinely cared about guests enjoying themselves.
Since our last visit, the food at the Dreams Playa Bonita resort had drastically improved. The meals at Portofino were easily our favorite at the resort. We loved their chicken parmigiana, and it was consistently good every time we ordered it.
We also noticed major improvements at the lunch buffet during our second stay. There was far more variety than during our first visit, and Crystal especially loved the nachos section they offered and I really appreciated was the grilling station that was constantly preparing fresh meats or seafood.
Drinks at the lobby bar also became part of our routine. Be sure to meet Zancheliano. Not only were his drinks excellent, but he was also incredibly entertaining and kind. Employees like him genuinely elevate the guest experience and create the kind of atmosphere that makes people return.
Overall Recommendation
After now visiting Panama twice, we left with an even stronger appreciation for the country.
Very few destinations allow travelers to experience a world famous canal, indigenous rainforest culture, modern city life, luxury hotels, relaxing beach resorts, wildlife, and excellent food all within the same trip.
Panama somehow manages to combine adventure, culture, history, and relaxation while still feeling approachable and easy to navigate.
For us, Panama delivered far more than we expected during our first visit, and returning only reinforced why we enjoyed it so much the first time.
And for travelers looking to combine those experiences with a relaxing resort stay, Dreams Playa Bonita Panama provided a peaceful and convenient base to experience it all.
If Panama has been sitting on your travel wish list, we can honestly say it is worth moving higher on the list. Whether you are interested in the history of the canal, exploring rainforest villages, relaxing at an all inclusive resort, or combining city life with nature and culture, Panama offers a little bit of everything without requiring complicated travel logistics. If you are considering planning a trip to Panama or would like help building an itinerary that fits your travel style and budget, feel free to reach out to us through Tacks Travels. Having now explored Panama twice, we would love to help you experience the parts of the country that made us want to return.
When most people think about Panama, the Panama Canal is usually the first thing that comes to mind. Before our first visit, that was largely our perception as well. We expected impressive ships, an engineering marvel, and maybe a quick tropical getaway afterward. What we did not expect was how much depth Panama would have as a destination.
Panama surprised us in more ways than one. It felt like the perfect introduction to Central and South America. The country carried traces of Costa Rica, Colombia, and the Caribbean while still feeling uniquely Panamanian. One moment we were surrounded by modern skyline views and busy city streets, and the next we were deep in the rainforest watching sloths in the trees or relaxing along the quiet Pacific coastline.
The country also carried strong contrasts. We drove past areas of extreme poverty on one side of the road and then turned into beautifully restored neighborhoods with upscale restaurants, rooftop bars, and modern high rises. Panama somehow blended all of these layers together into something that felt authentic instead of manufactured.
Spanish is widely spoken, but we were surprised at how many locals also spoke English. The country felt very approachable and easy to navigate, especially for travelers visiting Central America for the first time.
One thing we noticed almost immediately was the pride Panamanians have in their country and culture. We saw Panama hats everywhere, even though Ecuador famously claims ownership of the famous hat style. Whether the debate is settled or not, Panama certainly embraces it.
After now visiting Panama twice, for a total of three weeks, we can confidently say it is far more than a quick stopover destination. It is a country that deserves time to explore.
Arriving in Panama City
Our Panama experience started in Panama City, and from the moment we arrived, the city immediately felt far more modern and international than we expected. The skyline honestly reminded us of Miami in some areas, mixed with the energy and culture we have experienced throughout Latin America.
The contrast throughout Panama City is part of what makes it so interesting. Modern high rises overlook historic districts, luxury hotels sit next to local markets, and within a relatively short drive, the city gives way to rainforest and coastline.
Life in the City: Waldorf Astoria Panama
For our stay in the city, we checked into the Waldorf Astoria Panama. The Waldorf Astoria was luxury and comfort in the heart of a chaotic and fascinating city. Its location sits just minutes from the old quarter and the waterfront. The hotel offers sweeping city or partial ocean views from many rooms and features a fitness center and a great daily breakfast that gave us energy for long days of exploring.
Bedrooms are modern with marble bathrooms, ample space, and amenities. Service was friendly and efficient. Oliver at the concierge desk was always helpful and professional when we had questions or needed directions.
During our second visit, after spending three weeks in Panama, we finally found a great local driver that we can highly recommend. Edwin speaks great English, which was surprisingly rare during many of our experiences throughout Panama. His SUV was clean, comfortable, and far easier to use than constantly dealing with taxis or Uber. He was always early when picking us up and became one of those drivers that simply made travel easier and less stressful. Edwin also offers private airport transfers for a fraction of the price of what you can find online. He can be contacted directly through WhatsApp at +507 6363-2542.
Touring Panama City and the Canal
One of the first excursions we took was a combined Panama Canal and city tour. We booked through Tony's Panama Tours and our guide Dimas made the trip memorable. We visited the lock viewing platforms where massive ships navigate through the canal with just inches of clearance on either side. Seeing a massive ship cross the locks left us in awe of this engineering marvel. The tour also included a short IMAX film narrated by Morgan Freeman about the history of the canal that added context and depth to what we were witnessing. We recommend you purchase tickets online to avoid the long lines and to arrive early for your slot. Or just let Tony and Dimas take care of that for you.
From there we explored the historic quarter of Casco Viejo (also known as Casco Antiguo), a UNESCO World Heritage district full of colonial architecture, old churches, cobblestone streets, and a mix of restored buildings and atmospheric ruins. It is a neighborhood that reflects centuries of Panama’s layered history—everything from Spanish colonial rule to modern urban life. We toured the area with Dimas and then went back another day to explore it more on our own. Make sure you try their famous Geisha Coffee while there!
Journey into the Jungle: Embera Village and Waterfall Tour
For a dramatic contrast to city life, we also took a day trip to visit an indigenous community with the Emberá people via a boat ride on the Chagres River. The trip took us into the rainforest where we traveled by dugout canoe and then walked to a jungle waterfall for a swim. The tour included a traditional lunch prepared over fire: fresh fried fish, plantains, and tropical fruit, and plenty of time to meet the artisans, see traditional dances, and learn about Emberá culture. The village had no electricity but was rich in spirit, warmth, and authenticity. It felt meaningful to support the community directly through their handmade crafts, often for a fraction of tourist-store pricing. Tony coordinated everything and Dimas of course was our guide for this trip as well.
That day reminded us that Panama offers much more than skyscrapers and canal tours. It offers living culture and deep connections to land, water, and tradition. I still remember sitting by the river in a canoe, surrounded by jungle sounds and friendly faces, and thinking this must be part of what Panama really is.
Even after returning to Panama months later, the Emberá experience remained one of the most memorable parts of both trips.
Food and Local Flavor
When we got hungry or craved a taste of Panama, we found three standout places in the city.
The first was Gauchos Restaurant; a no frills steakhouse where the steaks were perfectly cooked and seasoned. It was simple, hearty, and exactly what we needed after long days. The prices were also very reasonable.
The second was the lively Mercado de Mariscos, a bustling seafood market and cevichería. Here we mingled with locals and tasted fresh ceviche and seafood dishes at reasonable prices. The atmosphere was energetic, hungry, and real. It was also a favorite of Anthony Bourdain when he visited.
The third restaurant we really liked, we discovered on our second trip to Panama. It was called La Pulpería. The food was fantastic, the atmosphere was lively, and the drink prices were even better. If you visit, be sure to check out their happy hour specials where cocktails, including smoked Old Fashioned, were only $5 USD.
Relaxing at Dreams Playa Bonita Panama
For the beach and relaxation portion of our trip, we stayed at Dreams Playa Bonita Panama, twice.
The resort offered a completely different atmosphere compared to the energy of Panama City. Surrounded by rainforest and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the setting immediately felt calmer and slower paced.
One of the things we appreciated most was how peaceful the property felt compared to many larger all inclusive resorts. While some resorts focus heavily on loud entertainment and nonstop activity, Dreams Playa Bonita leaned more toward relaxation and scenery.
The beach itself is not the bright turquoise Caribbean style beach many travelers often picture when thinking about tropical destinations, but that honestly is not the strength of this property. The real appeal is the peaceful rainforest setting combined with ocean views and close proximity to Panama City excursions.
At various points throughout the stay, we could hear tropical birds in the trees surrounding the property, which added to the relaxed atmosphere.
Returning to Dreams Playa Bonita
When we returned to Panama 5 months after our first visit, we decided to spend another week at Dreams Playa Bonita. Returning gave us the opportunity to see how the property had evolved and whether our positive first impression would hold up.
What immediately stood out was how much improvement had taken place in just five months.
Management was clearly making noticeable efforts throughout the property. The overall guest experience felt smoother, more polished, and more consistent during our second stay. We could tell the training of the staff and the food and beverage team had really stepped up their game.
The pool areas remained one of our favorite parts of the resort. The atmosphere was calm and relaxing without the loud party environment that many all inclusive resorts now push heavily.
Besides relaxing at the pool and around the resort, one of the more unexpected experiences during our second stay was discovering the jungle walking tour located directly on the resort property.
Three days each week, Alexander from the entertainment team takes guests through the jungle trails surrounding the resort. We originally expected a short nature walk, but it ended up becoming one of the highlights of the trip.
Alexander’s knowledge of the plants and wildlife was impressive. During our walk, we got to see a three toed sloth up close. He even found a tarantula hole, and was able to carefully lure the spider out so we could get a close look at it. It turned into one of those memorable travel moments that you never really expect to happen at an all inclusive beach resort.
The entertainment team overall did an excellent job balancing energy and friendliness without ever becoming pushy. You could tell they genuinely cared about guests enjoying themselves.
Since our last visit, the food at the Dreams Playa Bonita resort had drastically improved. The meals at Portofino were easily our favorite at the resort. We loved their chicken parmigiana, and it was consistently good every time we ordered it.
We also noticed major improvements at the lunch buffet during our second stay. There was far more variety than during our first visit, and Crystal especially loved the nachos section they offered and I really appreciated was the grilling station that was constantly preparing fresh meats or seafood.
Drinks at the lobby bar also became part of our routine. Be sure to meet Zancheliano. Not only were his drinks excellent, but he was also incredibly entertaining and kind. Employees like him genuinely elevate the guest experience and create the kind of atmosphere that makes people return.
Overall Recommendation
After now visiting Panama twice, we left with an even stronger appreciation for the country.
Very few destinations allow travelers to experience a world famous canal, indigenous rainforest culture, modern city life, luxury hotels, relaxing beach resorts, wildlife, and excellent food all within the same trip.
Panama somehow manages to combine adventure, culture, history, and relaxation while still feeling approachable and easy to navigate.
For us, Panama delivered far more than we expected during our first visit, and returning only reinforced why we enjoyed it so much the first time.
And for travelers looking to combine those experiences with a relaxing resort stay, Dreams Playa Bonita Panama provided a peaceful and convenient base to experience it all.
If Panama has been sitting on your travel wish list, we can honestly say it is worth moving higher on the list. Whether you are interested in the history of the canal, exploring rainforest villages, relaxing at an all inclusive resort, or combining city life with nature and culture, Panama offers a little bit of everything without requiring complicated travel logistics. If you are considering planning a trip to Panama or would like help building an itinerary that fits your travel style and budget, feel free to reach out to us through Tacks Travels. Having now explored Panama twice, we would love to help you experience the parts of the country that made us want to return.
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