Popular Topics
Trip Report
A week of rest in Panama!
Enjoying the sun and new places
North AmericaPanama8 days / March 2017
Highs & Lows
Being able to stay close to the beach and enjoy some rest .
It rained a little on most days.
Itinerary Overview
After wining something for the very first time, my family and I got to plan a great weeklong retreat to the beautiful Panama. We stayed a little way from the city itself, at a great resort right on the beach.
The hotel was incredible, the type that makes you want to stay in there every second of the trip; all kinds of food to eat and entertainment if you want it. Still, even though we took most of our time resting in the sun, we took some days to explore the city itself like taking a cab over to Albrook Mall, or the Biomuseo which will leave you enchanted not only by the displays but the building itself. Panama is a gorgeous and modern city that welcomes every taste and culture, so you will find incredible things to do, from enjoying nights out, live music or simply enjoy doing nothing.
Taking a few breaks from resting, we chose to take a couple of day tours to explore around the amazing history of the city. Our first stop was Miraflores, the wonderful canal just outside Panama City. The tour we took allowed us to not only go over to the Visitors Center and look at the boats pass by from above, but also take a boat around and through the canal itself. This was an amazing way to explore and admire the unbelievable work of engineering that was built so many years ago. This is a part of the country that even though may not be very interesting for some people, I found it absolutely fascinating.
Finally, seeing as we had one more day to explore, we took another tour all the way to Colón. After a short drive over there, we were able to walk around and mainly dedicated our day to exploring Fort San Lorenzo. These beautiful seaside ruins of the fort are a great attraction, and just a few minutes from the free zone where you can shop tax-free as well as find some great places to eat. Once again, you can find a visitor center for the Agua Clara Locks here as well, to watch the boats pass by the historic canal.

Panama City Nothing like the sea
The hotel was incredible, the type that makes you want to stay in there every second of the trip; all kinds of food to eat and entertainment if you want it. Still, even though we took most of our time resting in the sun, we took some days to explore the city itself like taking a cab over to Albrook Mall, or the Biomuseo which will leave you enchanted not only by the displays but the building itself. Panama is a gorgeous and modern city that welcomes every taste and culture, so you will find incredible things to do, from enjoying nights out, live music or simply enjoy doing nothing.

Miraflores Visitor's Center Amazing work of engineering
Taking a few breaks from resting, we chose to take a couple of day tours to explore around the amazing history of the city. Our first stop was Miraflores, the wonderful canal just outside Panama City. The tour we took allowed us to not only go over to the Visitors Center and look at the boats pass by from above, but also take a boat around and through the canal itself. This was an amazing way to explore and admire the unbelievable work of engineering that was built so many years ago. This is a part of the country that even though may not be very interesting for some people, I found it absolutely fascinating.

Colón History along the rocks
Finally, seeing as we had one more day to explore, we took another tour all the way to Colón. After a short drive over there, we were able to walk around and mainly dedicated our day to exploring Fort San Lorenzo. These beautiful seaside ruins of the fort are a great attraction, and just a few minutes from the free zone where you can shop tax-free as well as find some great places to eat. Once again, you can find a visitor center for the Agua Clara Locks here as well, to watch the boats pass by the historic canal.
Q & A
What would you have changed?
Maybe take a few nights to stay at the city itself.Anything go wrong during the trip?
Nothing really.Restaurant recommendations?
The food at the hotel was really great and everywhere outside has great food as well.Tips you would give a friend?
Pick a nice hotel near the beach, its worth it.Packing tips?
It was warm and sunny so just be sure to pack a bathing suit and flip flops.Transportation Tips?
We mostly stayed at the hotel, but for the day trips we usually arranged for tour with the hotel and they would fix transportation.Booking details?
I make most of my reservations on Expedia or directly on the hotel websites.
Lodging
Westin Hotel Resort