Panama 2024

This was our first trip where we booked plane tickets and then figured out what to do next!!! We knew we wanted to get away from the cold winter at home so we decided to head to Panama right after the holidays to enjoy some sun, sand and hiking.  The rainy season hung on a little longer than planned so we ended up getting wetter than expected but had a blast and we can't wait to go back to explore more.  

We spent the majority of our stay in and around the Coronado region where we stayed at Casa Swell Coronado.  Jay, the owner was an amazing host - every morning after having a home cooked meal that he'd made for us we would sit down with him and map out where to go for the day, where to eat, who to talk to, etc.  Every place he sent us was perfect and exactly what we were looking for.  Thanks to him we found places and met people we never would have on our own.  We will be going back to stay here very soon!

In addition to checking out the many beaches in the area (all of which were beautiful!) we also added some adventure.  Our hike to Cerro la Silla was literally in the clouds on the rim of an extinct volcano.  We finished the hike in a deluge walking down a path that had become a river but loved every minute.  Our excursion to Los Cajones de Chame gave us the chance to swim in a river through a tight canyon which was really challenging and put our endurance to the test!

We finished the trip with an afternoon and evening in Casco Viejo, Panama City before we flew home the next day. We found a bar with a balcony and enjoyed a drink and the energy of the street below, explored the city a little and sunset drinks at a rooftop bar. More time would have allowed us to see the city more, but we will be back.

And no, we did not go see the Panama Canal, but we did drive over it twice, so we did see it! And from the rooftop bar we could see the ships lining up.

All in all Panama was a great getaway and definitely a place we will return to in the very near future.  

1. Good vibes and great hospitality at Casa Swell
2. Playa Coronado
3. Cerro la Silla hike
4. Playa Chame and beers at the kiting school
5. Swimming in Los Cajones de Chame
6. Dinner with Franco at Cafe Med
7. Walking around Casco Viejo, Panama City

Lodging: 

Coronado: Casa Swell Coronado (LOVED)

Casco Viejo, Panama City: La Concordia Boutique Hotel

Transportation:

Coronado: Rental Car

Panama City: returned car, used uber and car service

Coronado Restaurants:

Cafe Med (Italian)

Casco Viejo Resaurants:

Casa Casco (multiple restaurants and rooftop bar)