CENTRAL PANAMA

The section of Panama that stretches roughly from Altos de Campana in the east to the Fortuna Road in the west contains Panama’s most popular beaches, its most accessible highlands, and some of its most important and historic provincial towns.

The Cordillera Central, Panama’s central mountain range, forms the backbone of most of this long stretch of land. Its steep, saw-toothed peaks form a fortresslike wall between the Pacific and Caribbean slopes, making it especially easy to discern the Continental Divide here.

The Pacific side contains some of the longest-settled parts of Panama. Significant population centers include the quaint provincial town of Penonomé, the industrial outpost of Aguadulce, and the major transportation hub of Santiago. These and most of the other sizable towns are in the lowlands right on the Interamerican Highway—also known as the Pan-American Highway or, in Spanish, the Interamericana—and most of the beaches are just a couple of kilometers south of it. Lovely beaches are also found on the Archipiélago de las Perlas, an archipelago of more than 90 Pacific islands that begins just a 15-minute plane ride from Panama City.

The highlands are all north of the highway, though many of them are easy to get to on good roads (the sections that aren’t easy to reach make up for the rough trip in their untrammeled beauty). Attractive and accessible highland spots with lush forests and cool waterfalls are within a couple hours’ drive of Panama City. The most popular of these spots is El Valle de Antón. More isolated spots are not much farther away, and their beauty makes it worth the trouble to get there. All are dotted along the Cordillera Central, which means visitors at the higher elevations get to experience both Pacific and Caribbean flora and fauna.

Once one reaches the Continental Divide, most roads end and the only way forward is on foot through dense tropical forest. Much of the Caribbean slope is less well known and more lightly settled than some remote parts of the Darién. Exploring it requires a serious organized trek through rugged wilderness.

Santa Clara: White sand beaches not yet overrun with tourists and weekenders. (read more)

Farallón: Panama’s fastest-growing Pacific beach destination. (read more)

Sunday Market: El Valle’s market is a popular weekend destination for Panama City residents in search of crafts and plants, and an excuse to enjoy the cool weather and natural attractions of El Valle. (read more)

Parque Nacional Omar Torrijos H.: Known as El Copé, this eastern outpost of Panama’s rugged western highlands has good facilities for campers. (read more)

Basílica Menor Santiago Apostól de Natá: A modest church with a history that stretches back five centuries, the basilica is the oldest church along the Pacific coast of the Americas. (read more)