CC and I found ourselves in the hot tub one evening, discussing plans for New Year’s. I suggested, “Let’s go somewhere.” Without a destination in mind, we decided to consult the globe. Before we knew it, we were booking tickets to Panama. Why Panama? It’s warm in December, tropical, and neither of us had been there before.

And what a delightful surprise it turned out to be!

Arriving in Panama with just one night’s accommodation booked, armed with a rental car and a vague itinerary, our trip unfolded in three distinct sections:

• New Year’s and the Pacific
• Coffee and the highest peak in Central America
• San Blas (Bliss)
  

Our New Year’s weekend took us to the West Coast, where we lucked out finding a charming, small surfing paradise called Playa Venao. It was perfect—a quiet hostel-like place amidst music and festivities on the beach. We spent three days enjoying the warm, blue waters, working on our tans, and easing into our two-plus week adventure.

During our research, I discovered Isla Coiba, an island that seemed unmissable. And boy, was I right! Coiba turned out to be one of the highlights of our entire trip, offering the best snorkeling experience since my visit to the Great Barrier Reef in 1993.

In Santa Catalina, a tiny village on the Pacific Coast serving as the gateway to Coiba, we found a fantastic hostel called Surfers Paradise—ideal location, friendly hosts, and a great vibe.

Our day trip to Isla Coiba included snorkeling in three spots, exploring the Park and the museum, enjoying lunch, swimming, and absorbing all that Coiba had to offer. Just wow! I regretted not having more time there, but our schedule was packed, and after two nights, we were off to coffee country.

Chiriquí, David, and Boquete equal coffee for me. We took a scenic drive through the countryside from Santa Catalina to David, then to Boquete. In Boquete, we joined a coffee tour at Don Pepe Coffee Estate on the slopes of Volcan Baru. The ripe coffee cherries and the ongoing harvest added to the charm. We even had the chance to cup coffee, a treat for CC, a coffee enthusiast who was cupping for the first time! 

Volcan Baru was another reason for our visit to Boquete. I wanted to climb the highest peak in Panama. Completing the journey at 11,460 feet, I discovered that Volcan Baru is also the highest peak in Central America. An achievement unlocking the highest peaks in all of the Americas for me—North (Denali), Central (Volcan Baru), and South (Aconcagua).

CC graciously served as my shuttle to the trailhead. After picking me up, we hiked the pipeline trail, a lush jungle trek leading to a waterfall— a perfect day.

The next chapter in our adventure involved driving back to Panama City, returning the car, and embarking on our trip to San Blas. Little did we know, that the best part of our journey awaited us.

San Blas Islands, an archipelago in the Caribbean managed by the Kuna Yala native population, exceeded our expectations. Booking a single-hull sailboat The Tintamare with Captain Hernando and his wife Montse was a fantastic decision. Their hospitality, kindness, sense of adventure, and competence made for an unforgettable three days in Panama. The blue waters, the fun sailing, delicious food, and amazing company—it was a special experience that will be etched in my memory forever. 

In our final days in Panama, we visited the canal museum and the canal itself—an experience not to be missed. We learned a lot and witnessed a ship passing through. It served as the perfect conclusion to our trip, blending history and significance to wrap up our incredible time in Panama.