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60 Things to do in Panama before you die

60 Things to do in Panama before you die

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Written by Matt   
Tuesday, 23 October 2007 17:20
This list is not in depth. The very act of publicizing these rare and once-in-a-lifetime experiences could burn the very bridges that make them possible. Further, many of these experiences include aspects which we are not allowed to divulge. Next to each, in parenthesis, we've listed the related Panama province. But the rest is up to you... You can only understand a culture so well from the air-conditioned confines of a tour bus. Comfy beds and room service can be found anywhere in the world. However, when you are able to gain access to people, places, and events that are perhaps off the beaten track or normally off-limits, you privy yourself to remarkable encounters. These remarkable encounters, and the ability to experience them, are what make Panama truly an undiscovered and magical place.

  1. Camp out with nesting leatherback turtles on Isla Canas (Los Santos)
  2. Work a shift on a tugboat on the Panama Canal (Panama)
  3. Spend island weekend with Kuna Indians of San Blas (Comarca Kuna Yala)
  4. Enjoy Panama's National Theater from the President's personal box (Panama)
  5. Break a giant marlin record off Pinas Bay (Darien)
  6. Spend a day island hopping (Bocas del Toro)
  7. Experience a Saturday night Chiva Parrandera party bus (Panama)
  8. Partake in the Black Christ festival (Colon)
  9. Undergo the revelry of Carnaval in notorious Las Tablas (Los Santos)
  10. Buy hand-rolled cigars in the streets of Penenome (Cocle)
  11. Go snorkeling on Isla Iguana (Los Santos)
  12. Buy a traditional basket from a Wounan Indian
  13. Reserve a hotel night in Panama City's historic district of Casco Viejo (Panama)
  14. Sip a glass of sunset champagne on the Amador Causeway (Panama)
  15. Charter a boat for the day through the Pearl Islands (Panama)
  16. Gamble on a live cockfight (Herrera)
  17. Learn to surf at Playa Venado also spelled Venao (Los Santos)
  18. Perfect your new surf skills in Santa Catalina (Veraguas)
  19. Research and dig for Pre-Columbian artifacts (Veraguas)
  20. Eat a ripe Panama mango off the tree
  21. Get a customary Wounan Indian tribal tattoo (Darien)
  22. Explore the underground caves of Lago Bayano (Panama)
  23. Attend a Panama-style rodeo (Herrera)
  24. Visit the secret (and massive) Tavidal waterfall (Cocle)
  25. Brunch at the Panama Canal Museum alongside cruise liners (Panama)
  26. Scuba for antique iodine bottles off the coast of Isla Bastimentos (Bocas del Toro)
  27. Go whale watching in Boca Chica (Chiriqui)
  28. Drink a cold $0.25 beer in an interior province
  29. Spot the mythical quetzal bird in Boquete (Chiriqui)
  30. Explore a top secret bunker used by the Americans during US occupation
  31. Camp out a night on Isla Coiba (Veraguas)
  32. Hunt for gold in the old Fort San Lorenzo
  33. Do a shark dive off the coast (Chiriqui, Veraguas)
  34. Learn to box with Roberto "Stone Hands" Duran (Panama)
  35. Experience a sunset booze cruise overlooking the Panama City skyline (Panama)
  36. Partake in a culeco (don't forget to wear your bathing suit) (Los Santos)
  37. Drink Seco con leche with a farmer
  38. Go waterfall hunting in the Darien Jungle (Darien)
  39. Eat fresh ceviche at the Mercado de Mariscos (Panama)
  40. Hike to the top of Cerro Ancon (Panama)
  41. Walk Metropolitan Rainforest, situated within Panama City limits (Panama)
  42. Visit Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (Panama, Colon, Bocas del Toro)
  43. Go spear fishing for tuna off Pedasi (Los Santos)
  44. People-watch at a bar on Calle Uruguay (Panama)
  45. Reserve corner table at La Posta, Eurasia, or Market Restaurants (Panama)
  46. Chew the coca leaf or taste Viagra fern (Darien)
  47. Paddle traditional wooden panga with Ngobe Bugle tribe (Comarca Ngobe Bugle)
  48. Swim in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean in the same morning (Panama, Colon)
  49. Get healed by a local shaman in El Valle (Cocle)
  50. Learn to windsurf off the coast of Chame (Panama)
  51. Relax in thermal hot springs and mud baths (Cocle, David)
  52. Kayak through the little-known Lake Alajuela (Colon, Panama)
  53. Sneak into a hotel pool for an afternoon of sun and drinks (Panama)
  54. Hike the largest hill on Isla Taboga to reach the giant white cross (Panama)
  55. Join in on a game of dominos on the historic streets of Casco Viejo (Panama)
  56. Trace the steps of the ancient Camino Real
  57. Venture out for a morning of bass fishing on Lake Gatun (Panama)
  58. Have an ice cold agua de pipa in Rio Mar beach
  59. Watch the Panama national soccer team live at Rommel Fernandez stadium
  60. Spot the colossal Harpy Eagle in it's natural habitat

If you think we missed anything, feel free to contribute using the comment form below...
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Let me guess...
written by Leon , October 23, 2007
Let me guess Matt, you've done all of these? Terrific list! Opens our eyes regarding what Panama is really all about: easy to take for granted sometimes. Great article.
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Wow. Astounding
written by brucea. , October 24, 2007
This list is amazing. I had no idea all these magical things were possible in Panama. My wife and I are coming down next month for vacation (2 weeks) and will certainly be looking to spot the mythical birds and uncover the hidden waterfalls. Is there any assistance you can offer (or do you ever provide guide services)? We would be most interested. - Bruce and Winn, Ontario
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Bruce & Leon
written by Mateo , October 24, 2007
Leon: I've done all of them except a few. Get out there and explore!
Bruce: I do not offer private tour services, but if you are interested in expert help regarding your vacation (and how to go about experiencing these wonderful things) check out www.vacationtopanama.com or email Roberto at panamasales@goduesouth.com. Mention this article and get 5% OFF your entire vacation package.
-Matt
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gio
...
written by schitre , October 24, 2007
Wow! Sooo much in such a small piece of land. Panama is awesome.
I'll be looking for Tavidal Waterfall next time.
Here is one more:
Watch the final game of The National Baseball League. Par to none. It is by far the most popular sport in Panama.
Great list.
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...
written by Budd , October 26, 2007
This is literally a biggy! View simultaneously both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans from the summit of Panama's highest peak, the extinct Volcan Baru at 11,400', the only place in the western hemisphere where this is consistently possible. (Chiriqui)
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corrine
written by panama_girl45 , October 28, 2007
so many things to try or experience....gives a whole new meaning to "been there , done that" I've done 3 things on your list and been close to a couple of others..
can't wait to cross off a few more...
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travel in panama
written by jon , January 19, 2008
I love panama. It is a beautiful place.
travel in panama
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Matt, Great List!
written by Richard Detrich , February 02, 2008
Matt, Great list! I'd like your permission to use it sometime on my blog - Of course I will give you credit and link back. Let me know. Richard
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Information!
written by Edwin , May 15, 2009
Hello,
Iam Edwin from Holland and we are working on subject for a television program in Holland called Try Before You Die and I would like to have somemore information!
Maybe somebody can help me on information about:
Break a giant Marlin record off Pinas Bay
Chew the coca leaf or taste Viagrafern
Paddle traditional wooden panga With Ngobe Bugle tribe
Go spear fishing fortuna off Pedasi ( Los Santos )
Get a customary Wounan Indian tribal tatoo
I hope somebody can give me some more information soon!
Thanks a lot!
Pura Vida!
Edwin
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Last Updated on Monday, 11 August 2008 22:24
 
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