Of all of the places that we like to send our families to, Panama is at the top of the list! Panama is a top destination for kids, parents, and grandparents. While the most famous attraction in Panama is the canal, it isn’t the only thing to see. What many people don’t realize is everything else that Panama has to offer from an amazing tropical jungle to indigenous communities and exhilarating adventures!

Panama is Hassle-free

Being so close to the U.S., the flights to Panama aren’t too expensive or too long! Panama has also adopted the American dollar as an accepted form of currency. This means you don’t have to worry about losing out on the exchange rate, changing your cash, and makes budgeting much easier. Panama is also very flexible, making it the perfect destination for last minute travel!

Landscapes, Wildlife, and Adventure

Panama is a great place to discover incredible views of cloud forests, rainforest canopies, and rolling hills. You can see all of these during an exhilarating zip-line or rafting adventure. The jungles of Panama are filled with soaring frigate birds, lounging lizards, and capuchin monkeys. You can also find bright and colorful combinations of orchids as you explore the jungle by foot and boat. Panama also has beautiful white sand beaches on the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans that offer extraordinary locales for snorkeling and surfing.

Cultural Connections

No trip to Panama is truly complete without taking a trip to visit the indigenous Embera community. This is one of six indigenous groups in the country that maintain their culture and tradition, much as they did centuries ago. Travel up the Chagres River in a dugout canoe deep into the rainforest to meet members of an Embera Village. You’ll learn about the history of the community, traditional songs and dance, food, crafts, and even have the chance to get a traditional tattoo— it’s made from vegetable dye, completely safe, and only lasts for about a week! This is also the place where your kids will get to meet and play with Embera children, a fun experience you’ll never forget!

Jungle Boat Ride Through the Canal

One of the best ways to get fully immersed in a Panama family vacation is to take a boat ride through the canal and into the jungle. It’s one thing to watch the canal as boats pass through, it’s another to be on a boat as it passes through the canal. It may sound trivial, but this is an eye-opening experience. You’ll be alongside massive cargo and passenger ships that are guaranteed to make you marvel at their size. This is only part of the adventure; continue on into the jungle for an incredible wildlife viewing experience.