Panama? Like the Canal?

It is finally that time of year again where I go on a nice long hiatus traveling around the world! This year I finally get to go to the Antarctic Cruise I booked like 18 months ago! BUT — I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself.

Because the journey starts…. In Panama! Country number 57 for me!

When I told people I’m starting in Panama I got the same response every time – “like the Canal” (as opposed to Panama City, Florida. You’d think by now people would know I venture a bit farther out 😉

I had smooth flights from CVG through MIA to PTY. Unfortunately, I landed in Panama feeling run down having caught whatever was going around the office. LUCKILY, it was pouring rain in Panama, so it was the perfect day to go lounge in bed all day and recover. And that’s exactly what I did.

With status (Ambassador status, Marriot) I was upgraded to a very sweet suite – It was a two story loft room overlooking the city. HUGE two story tall windows which were amazing. I spent the first day in bed and I don’t regret a second of it. I really needed it to recover.

Day 2 I woke up bright and early to get to a cafe and enjoy a nice strong cup of Panamanian coffee — THAT woke me up! I roamed around the morning in Old Town, watched as the shops were opening up their doors, and the market was opening up with sellers setting up shop for the day. I couldn’t help but buy a Panamanian hat which came in handy through the rest of my trip!

I will say – walking to the canal did not seem possible. I tried. The only good way to get there was to go to Miraflores Visitor Center, which frankly, wasn’t very impressive. It was like any other tourist trap – overcrowded and over expensive. There were a few other places I found online to try and get a better view but it just didn’t seem worth it.

So I headed back to the hotel to lounge on the rooftop pool. It’s Thanksgiving anyways, so It was time to order a bottle of champagne and some food to the pool to eat and tan 🙂

It wasn’t overly exciting. I’m sure the nightlife was fun and wild, but spending a day there was more than enough time for me.

Off to the next stop…

Interior view of a two-story loft suite featuring a spiral staircase, a sofa, a coffee table, and large windows with sheer curtains.
A spacious two-story hotel suite with a large bed, a television, and tall windows letting in natural light.
A creatively arranged towel animal resembling a bear, dressed with a purple bow tie, sits on a wooden shelf next to a small plate of colorful desserts, including macarons and strawberries, with a handwritten note saying 'Hola' and 'Gracias por su estadía'.
Rooftop pool with stunning views of Panama City skyline on a sunny day.
Exterior view of a historic church in Panama, showcasing its ornate architecture and two tall bell towers against a bright blue sky.
A detailed nativity scene featuring figurines of the Holy Family, angels, and shepherds, surrounded by rocky terrain and sheep, illuminated by soft lighting.
Detailed nativity scene featuring figurines, lush greenery, and illuminated elements.
A person posing for a selfie near the beach in Panama, wearing sunglasses and a stylish outfit, with a skyline in the background and clear blue skies.
View of the Panama City skyline from the coastline, featuring a mix of modern buildings and a rocky shore under a clear blue sky with scattered clouds.
A person wearing a straw hat and sunglasses holds an ice cream cone while standing on a city street.
A bustling street scene in Panama City, with vendors under colorful umbrellas and a mix of people walking. Skyscrapers are visible in the background, showcasing the urban environment.
A smiling person wearing a fedora and sunglasses stands in front of the Miraflores Locks, part of the Panama Canal, under a blue sky.
The Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal, featuring a white building with a red roof and flags, surrounded by green hills and a blue sky.
A cargo ship named Seatrade White is docked at the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal, surrounded by industrial equipment and under a cloudy sky.
View of the Panama Canal with blue skies and clouds, showing a road with parked cars and palm trees in the foreground.
A person dressed in casual summer attire, holding a water bottle, poses in an elevator with a reflective surface. They wear a hat, sunglasses, and have a small black bag.
A rooftop poolside scene with a view of skyscrapers in the background, featuring a plate of assorted cheeses, charcuterie, olives, and bread, accompanied by a bottle of champagne in an ice bucket and a glass of sparkling drink.
A blurry photo of a person in an elevator holding a suitcase, wearing a Panamanian hat, and a black outfit.
View of the Panama City skyline with flowers in the foreground and a clear blue sky.
A black plate featuring a dish garnished with greens, topped with red berries and crunchy bits, alongside a serving of toasted bread on a separate black plate.
A plate of food featuring tender beef, creamy mashed potatoes topped with sauce, and a side of sautéed vegetables, alongside a glass of red wine on a table.
A panoramic view of Panama City at dusk, showcasing modern skyscrapers and palm trees with a vibrant city atmosphere.
A woman in a black dress stands next to a large decorative sign spelling 'PANAMA' at an airport, with colorful gift boxes beside her.

Read the full trip: South America & Antarctica in Six Weeks →

Travel with Becky. Candid solo travel stories and practical lessons from the road.

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