BEYOND THE CANAL: PANAMA'S HIDDEN TREASURES

AN ADVENTURE TO PANAMA’S WILD PACIFIC COAST & COFFEE REGION

When people think of Panama, they often picture the bustling skyline of Panama City or the country’s legendary canal. And sure, those are both amazing but there’s so much more waiting for visitors who venture beyond the city.

During a recent visit, I soaked up a good dose of history while strolling through Casco Viejo, indulged in delicious local eats on a walking food tour and geeked out at the fascinating Biomuseo. But it was time to swap the hustle for adventure, time to explore Panama’s wild, wonderful interior.

Here are some of my favourite discoveries from road-tripping through Panama’s lesser-known regions.

Torio: Surf, Sustainability & Stunning Scenery

Found on the western edge of the Azuero Peninsula, the coastal town of Torio is a dream for surfers, nature lovers and anyone looking for a laid-back vibe.

Beyond the Canal: Exploring Panama’s Hidden Treasures

Why you’ll love it:

Ride the waves or stroll the shores of Playa Torio.
Get your adrenaline fix with activities like horseback riding or hiking.
Eat like a local at a fonda and try traditional food such as: carimañolas (fried yuca stuffed with meat), hojaldres (fried dough) and arroz con pollo (chicken and rice).
Stay at Casa Blanca Inn, a charming eco-lodge with unreal sunsets and with breathtaking Gulf of Montijo views – best taken in while dipping in the pool. Bonus: It has a greenhouse filled with bonsai trees and many local tasty fruits are grown onsite!

Mata Oscura: Where Conservation Meets Culture

Just a short drive from Torio, Mata Oscura is proof that tourism can do good. Home to the Eco Ruta Tortuga project, this small community is making big waves in conservation and tourism dollars spent here go toward further conservation efforts.

Turtle Release - Panama's Pacific Coast - Finisterra Travel Blog

Community Projects - Panama's Wild Pacific Coast - Finisterra Travel Blog

What makes it special?

Four out of five marine turtle species in Panama nest here! (Olive Ridley, Green, Hawksbill and Leatherback turtles.)
Join a night patrol to witness nesting sea turtles in action.
Help release adorable baby hatchlings into the ocean. It is an unforgettable experience!
Learn about weaving and natural fibre dyeing techniques from local artisans.

Visit a traditional sugarcane mill to learn the art of sugarcane milling, a process that transforms raw cane into golden syrup and produces sweet treats such as sugarcane juice, honey and cocada.
Paddle through lush mangroves, take a trail hike or go snorkelling in nearby waters.

Santa Catalina & Coiba National Park: A Natural Wonderland

Located along the Pacific Ocean, the once sleepy fishing village of Santa Catalina is now the launchpad for some of Panama’s best marine adventures. But the real magic? Coiba National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site just offshore.

Coiba, Panama - Beyond the Canal: Exploring Panama’s Hidden Treasures

Humpback Whale Breaching - Panama Travel Blog FInisterra Travle

Dog on surfboard - Finisterra Travel blog - Santa Catalina Panama

What’s waiting for you?

Snorkel alongside hawksbill turtles, reef sharks and schools of neon-bright fish.
Watch for breaching humpback whales and spy-hopping dolphins, especially from August to November.
Explore Coiba Island’s old prison-turned-wildlife haven which is now a wildlife sanctuary teeming with wildlife such as agouti, iguanas and birds. Spot some of the park’s 1,000+ bird species, including scarlet macaws and crimson tanagers. Note: You also may see crocodiles and hordes of hermit crabs!
Pause on a private beach to load up on Vitamin D and take a dip in the water.
Catch waves with the locals at Santa Catalina’s black sand beach. (Join our Panama surf camp HERE)
Stay at Villa Coco, a stunning, sustainably focused, boutique retreat with private villas featuring outdoor showers, an infinity pool and an on-site restaurant/bar that serves up incredible fresh flavours. Bonus: Surf lessons and yoga are available!

Boquete: Adventure, Coffee & Cloud Forests

Craving cool mountain air and world-class coffee? Head to Boquete. Tucked high in the Chiriquí Highlands, this town blends adventure, relaxation and a buzzing expat scene.

Hummingbird - Panama - Jenn Smith Nelson

Boquete - Beyond the Canal: Exploring Panama’s Hidden Treasures

Coffee Time - Beyond the Canal: Exploring Panama’s Hidden Treasures

Can’t-miss experiences:

Hike the Lost Waterfalls Trail, where lush flora and jungle, along with cascading waterfalls and breathtaking volcano views await. Keep an eye out for the violet brewing, one of the largest hummingbird species!
Sip legendary world-famous Geisha coffee at Finca Lerida, one of Panama’s top coffee farms.
Dine at a local favourite, Donde Giselle, with a lovely atmosphere and a sophisticated takes on traditional Panamanian food.
Stay at Selina Boquete, a hip, central hotspot making it a great base to explore the area. Perfect for working nomads, it also offers co-working spaces and cool hostel pods. Coolest fact: A river runs through this hotel!

Ready for an Epic Panama Adventure?

If these hidden gems are calling your name, let us help craft your perfect Panama itinerary. Whether you’re chasing waves, wildlife or world-class coffee, there’s something here for every kind of traveller. We can help make it happen! Contact us for a customized itinerary to Panama – HERE or join our PANAMA SURF CAMP with | SURF SISTER.