Travel blog Panama by Lorena Hübscher

When you think of Panama, the famous Panama Canal immediately springs to mind - but this country is so much more than just a waterway between two oceans. Panama made a deep impression on me: its contrasting landscapes, the warm-hearted people and the unique blend of tradition and modernity. It is a country that you have to experience to understand its true beauty. Here is a personal insight into what makes Panama so special.

In the capital, Panama City, you can really feel this cultural diversity. The Casco Viejo, the old city centre, with its colonial buildings and narrow streets, is a place where history and modernity meet. Sitting here, eating a fresh ‘ceviche’ and watching the hustle and bustle was a really great, relaxing moment before we set off again.

What particularly impressed me was the unspoilt nature in the dense rainforests. The diversity of wildlife is overwhelming: parrots, monkeys, sloths, hummingbirds and even jaguars are at home here. A highlight of my trip was the visit to Soberania National Park, where we spent a long time walking through the jungle and listening to the sounds of nature. 

Now we have reached our next, completely surprising destination: Boquete.

Boquete is not only known for its breathtaking nature, but also for its coffee. And as coffee lovers, it was of course a must for us to visit one of the many coffee farms. We opted for a tour of a small, family-run farm and it was an incredibly rewarding experience.
The people here are so proud of their coffee, and rightly so! We learnt how much dedication and knowledge it takes to produce high-quality coffee. From bean to cup - it's a long journey, and every single stage is carried out with love and care. The first sip of freshly brewed Boquete coffee as I gazed at the surrounding mountains was a moment of pure pleasure. This coffee didn't just taste good, it told a story.
 

After this journey of pleasure, we now continue towards the coast, the beach and the sea.
There are destinations that you visit and leave again - and then there are places that stay with you forever. For me, Bocas del Toro, an archipelago in the Caribbean, is just such a place. The archipelago consists of several islands, each with its own unique charm. 
Isla Bastimentos was one of my favourites. The island is a little quieter than Isla Colon and offers breathtaking beaches such as Red Frog Beach, where I spent hours in the warm sand surrounded by lush nature and the big waves.
Another absolute highlight for me was the day trip to Zapatilla Island - a pure Caribbean dream experience. This tiny, uninhabited island was simply magical: white sand, palm trees and turquoise-coloured water as far as the eye could see. Here I felt like I was standing alone in a postcard :) 
I snorkelled in the coral reefs and saw a variety of fish that I had never seen before. Not even in Egypt!

However, Panama would not be what it is without its people. I have rarely experienced so much warmth and hospitality as here. Whether in a small village in the mountains or in a lively bar in Panama City - the Panameños are proud of their country and are happy to share this joy with visitors. This openness has shown me that Panama is not only a geographical bridge, but also a human one: it connects cultures, stories and people in a very special way. And even if you don't speak a word of Spanish like I do, you will always be helped with your hands and feet :) 

Restaurant recommendations:

Restaurante El Nacional Sabores de Panamá

https://elnacionalpty.com/ 
Adresse: PH Plaza Catedral, Panamá, Provincia de Panamá, Panama
Telephone: +507 6213-5989
INFO: Booking recommended

Hotel Panamonte

https://panamonte.com/en/restaurant-cafe/ 
Adress: Av 11 de Abril 0000, Bajo Boquete, Provincia de Chiriquí, Panama
Telephone: +507 720-1327

Restaurant The Rock

https://therockboquete.com/ 
Adress: Av. Buenos Aires, Los Naranjos, Provincia de Chiriquí, Panama
Telephone: +507 720-2516

Restaurante El Pirata 

https://www.facebook.com/ElPirataBocas/ 
Adress: Isla Colon, C. 3a, Bocas del Toro, Panama
Telephone: +507 757-9088