It is a country with an average of four million inhabitants, and it is a land rich in history and is characterized by bringing together in one place a set of beach and mountain landscapes where biodiversity abounds for everyone to enjoy.
Its flagship is the Panama Canal, a pillar of the world economy and one of the world's greatest engineering achievements, through which approximately 12,000 to 14,000 vessels pass annually.
With Copa Airlines, you can get to know Panama. The airline stands out in the region for its Panama Stopover program, which was developed in conjunction with the Tourism Promotion Fund (PROMTUR) and the Tourism Authority of Panama (ATP). This program allows you to make a stopover in that country for between one and six nights, with the same ticket and at no additional cost on the airfare, even if your final destination is another. Recently, the airline announced new measures to strengthen and improve the Program. Among the new features you can enjoy is the alliance with hotels, restaurants and local attractions, as well as the renovation of the website that provides you with more interactive planning tools for your stay in Panama, during the ticket reservation process.
This program was created in 2019 with the aim of promoting international tourism to Panama, as well as highlighting its cultural diversity and numerous tourist attractions. Last year, more than 120 thousand tourists entered taking advantage of the Panama Stopover and by the end of 2024, more than 150 thousand tourists visited Panama taking advantage of the program. With the new product campaign 'Panama has everything and very close', the aim is to increase to 300 thousand tourists per year by 2026.
Fall in love with Panama City
The Panama Canal, which connects two large oceans, the Pacific and the Atlantic, is considered one of the best shortcuts in the world for international trade, and has become a must-see when visiting the country. This canal, opened in 1914, stretches 80 kilometers from Panama City, the country's capital on the Pacific coast, to Colón on the Atlantic. Upon arrival at the Canal, you can visit the observation platforms and museums that explain how it was built and expanded, as well as take boat and kayak excursions. One of the museums we recommend is the Panama Canal Museum, which tells the story of its construction.
Over time, Panama City has become a fascinating city for tourists from the continent, as it offers an architecture that mixes old buildings with avant-garde buildings. We suggest you visit the old town of the city, known as Casco Viejo. This colonial neighborhood, founded in 1673, is made up of different historical buildings, churches, and main squares. In case you didn't know, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997, thus becoming a reference point for the continent.
In addition to this, you should also visit Panama la Vieja, which was the first permanent European settlement on the Pacific Ocean. In 2005, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Here you can explore the archaeological site of the Primate Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria la Antigua de Panama, as well as several historical ruins. From the top of the bell tower, you can see and delight your eyes with a beautiful view of Panama City.
Another place to visit is the Biomuseo, a building designed by the famous architect Frank Gehry, one of his first designs in Latin America. This space has eight galleries, where you can see how Panama was formed, as well as understand the ecological diversity of the country.
From the seashore to the highest mountain
If you want to enjoy the Caribbean Sea that surrounds Panama, we recommend going to San Blas, which is two hours from Panama City and upon arrival you can take a boat that will allow you to visit each of its islands.
This San Blas archipelago, also known as the Guna Yala or Mulatas archipelago, is a group of 365 small islands and islets. In San Blas you can visit several islands such as Isla Perro, Isla Banedub and Isla Robinson, where you can do water activities such as kayaking, snorkeling and swimming, where you will enjoy its transparent waters and white sand beaches, as well as native Caribbean cuisine.
While in Panama, you can also visit David, capital of the province of Chiriquí. David is the second most populated city in the country, where you can learn more about the architectural evolution of Panama by visiting the Cathedral of San José, the Cathedral of the Holy Family and the Obaldía Residence. As an additional fact, if you are a coffee lover, we suggest visiting Boquete, a mountain town located 1 hour from David by car, where you will find Geisha, one of the most valuable coffee varieties in the world.
If you are planning an adventure in Central America, you cannot miss visiting the imposing Barú volcano, the twelfth highest peak in the region. From its summit, you have a unique view of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans at the same time. To get there, you can opt for an exciting hiking tour that lasts between 7 and 9 hours or, if you prefer something faster, in a 4x4 vehicle that will take you to the summit in approximately 90 minutes. In either case, it is advisable to make the journey with local guides, who know the terrain well and will guarantee a safe and enriching experience.
In addition to enjoying amazing landscapes, Copa Airlines offers you a comfortable and worry-free travel experience. Its onboard service, included in all fares, offers you snacks and the possibility of carrying a carry-on bag at no additional cost. Regardless of the route or class you choose, you will enjoy reclining seats with good legroom.
For a superior experience, the airline also offers its Business Class on all routes and, on some of them, the Business Class Dreams, with reclining bed-like seats that make each flight a true dream trip. In addition, if you are a frequent traveler, you can join the ConnectMiles loyalty program, which gives you exclusive benefits such as complimentary class upgrades.
With all these options and the possibility of enjoying unparalleled landscapes such as those of the Barú volcano, your next trip will be an unforgettable adventure from the moment you board your flight.
For more information on available flights, go to copa.com.
*Flights subject to restrictions and/or changes.
Source: Copa Airlines.