What comes to mind when you think of Central America?
To many, it’s the second-best to Mexico, given the extra bit of travel time. Others who’ve had the pleasure of visiting put Mexico in the rear-view mirror with countries that are even cheaper and less crowded.
We all know by now El Salvador has become Central America’s trendiest destination due to its unfathomably impressive makeover in terms of safety.
But how does a stunning city with a skyline reminiscent of Dubai, cultural neighborhoods as timeless as Cuba, and numerous worthwhile beach getaways within easy reach go under the radar for an unforgettable vacation?
We at Travel Off Path wish we had the answer, but lucky for you, the guy typing this up was a first-time visitor to Panama last year.
It was truly one of the highlights of my year. That said, we’re happy to present why vibrant Panama City is the perfect destination to cap off winter.
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Dubai Meets Havana?
Skyscrapers, colonial streets, and jungle. How is this real?
The Secret: Panama City is the only capital with a rainforest, a historic old town, and a modern skyline.
Panama City Is Mexico City’s Best Alternative
Not to brag about my travel portfolio, but I also visited Mexico City recently and was surprised by how much the vibe has changed.
No, not that it’s not an amazing city to visit by all standards, but there seemed to be extra eyes and less tourists — at least in my experience.
Mexico City has soared to new heights over the last decade and locals have garnered attention-grabbing headlines recently with anti-tourism protests.
Did they work? From what I saw and uncomfortably felt this month, I’d say the vibe has shifted. As such, having visited both Mexico City and Panama City within a year’s span, the latter is full of surprises and super easy to reach.
Yes, it takes a little longer to reach, given its location, but it feels incredibly safe, welcoming to tourists, both modern and historic, and offers impeccable cuisine from the world’s most expensive coffee to casual fondas serving hearty local classics.
With a staggering cityscape, timeworn Casco Viejo to get lost in for hours on end, restored luxury hotels, and ample flight connections, if you’re craving another metropolis to explore, Panama City is the answer.
Why Panama City Is The Perfect Spot To Cap Off Winter
It’s not too late for winter sun escape. Remember, just because Spring Break is in March, many cities don’t get the memo and still see snowfall.
However, CentralAmerica.com, a great resource as you can imagine, names Panama City specifically for February, and here’s why:
- February is when Panama City really comes alive, thanks to Carnival season
- Enjoy a 4-day Carnival celebration filled with street parties (music, dancing, parades)
- A great way to experience Panama beyond typical sightseeing
- Carnival marks the lead-up to Lent, giving February a special buzz across the country
- February hits a sweet spot for sunny weather and nearby beaches
Carnival transforms the Caribbean. Your usual vacation spots don’t look the same, just like Bourbon Street takes on a whole new vibe, too.
It’s the same, and then some, for Panama City, one of the largest Carnival celebrations this side of the world, behind Brazil and Trinidad & Tobago.
But here’s the kicker — even if you aren’t a fan of jam-packed events like this, that just means it opens doors for other attractions.
In other words, it’s the perfect time to take a tour of the world-renowned Panama Canal or book an all-inclusive stay outside the city for a quiet paradisal retreat.
Yes, Panama City Is A Beautiful Beach Getaway
If Panama City has a claim to fame for beaches, it’s the otherworldly blue San Blas Islands.
There are many other beaches in closer reach, such as one of my favorites, Portobelo, on the Caribbean side — but only for true adventurers who don’t mind some creep-crawlies and off-path boat rides to get here.
Those seeking a more relaxed beach vacation should look no further than Playa Bonita, roughly 20-30 minutes outside Panama City and home to brands we all love, such as Westin Playa Bonita Panama.
With Panama’s flagship carrier, Copa Airlines, connecting from more than a dozen major U.S. cities, you should have no problem starting “vacation mode” right away.
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