Expan Experience: A Third Look at Panama
Valeria Villalobos , Head of Digital Marketing at Expan Tours , explains why she decided to "return to Panama " for her last vacation. The reasons are plentiful.
"This is the story of why I chose Panama for the third time for my vacation. Yes, the world is vast, but I preferred to return to a place that had already made me immensely happy."
We met in 2013, during a long, leisurely vacation that led me to discover not only Panama City , but also Bocas del Toro . I returned in 2016, this time to be blown away by the San Blas (or Gunayala) archipelago . As a beach lover, I can attest that their beaches are among the most beautiful in the world.
But this time the plan was concrete: just six days to get away. I didn't have a minute to waste on this vacation, so I thought, " Where can I fly directly, preferably at night, and somewhere with entertainment and a beach? " You already know the answer.
I left Chile at 5:00 am on a Copa Airlines flight that landed me in Panama City at 9:00 am. Just a six-hour flight, nonstop, and a perfect time difference to make the most of that first day.
No time to lose in Panama
"I chose to stay in Obarrio , a central, safe, and quite touristy area. It's an area with easy access to the main areas of interest in Panama City, although you have to consider that traffic is usually heavy after 4:00 in the afternoon."
Early in the morning I set off to explore the Old Town , founded in the 17th century by settlers who left an invaluable architectural and cultural legacy . And of course, it's no wonder UNESCO has listed it as a World Heritage Site.
Nothing is left to chance in the Casco Viejo. The mansions are immaculately maintained and have been renovated into hotels, exquisite restaurants, and shops. You can easily explore it on foot in a morning and reach the Paseo de las Bóvedas , which offers one of the most spectacular views of the Panama City skyline. As a side note, there's a small artisan market there where prices are much more reasonable than in the rest of the historic district.
An amazing feat of engineering
"Traveling to this destination and not seeing the Panama Canal is like going on vacation to Paris and skipping the Eiffel Tower ."
Just 20 minutes from the city, the Miraflores Locks are home to one of the most impressive engineering feats of the 20th century . A series of gates are capable of regulating the water level between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans as ships pass through.
My suggestion? Be there at 2 p.m. , to have time to find a good spot to admire what is considered the "eighth wonder of the world." More ships usually pass by in the afternoons than in the mornings, so choosing that time is a safe bet.
Without a watch and wearing comfortable shoes
"Is Panama a shopping paradise? Yes and no . The negative aspect is that this country is not known for being one of the cheapest in America , but the positive side is that it has the largest shopping mall in Latin America ."
Albrook Mall has over 380,000 square meters and around 700 shops. It is directly connected to the metro station , providing excellent access from tourist areas such as Obarrio and El Cangrejo .
I don't know if this mall also has a portal to another dimension , but I arrived at 10 a.m. and when I looked at the clock, it was already 6 p.m. Okay, I won't blame the multiverse, but time just blurs when there's so much to see (and buy) .
On another trip to Panama, I also visited the Colón Free Zone , but I suggest doing so with a shopping tour , as the access procedures can be cumbersome for those going independently. Shopping there is definitely worthwhile, as it's the largest free trade zone in Latin America . Yes, Panamanians love records!
A millionaire's paradise
"Although many think otherwise, Panama City doesn't have beaches . But I have a very good eye for finding paradise islands , and this time was no exception. And, although I would keep it a secret, I'm going to tell you ."
An hour and a half from the capital lies Contadora Island , a haven for millionaires surrounded by warm beaches and turquoise waters . Located in the heart of the Pearl Islands archipelago , this island is a paradise for a short getaway .
If the bit about the millionaires left you with questions, here's the explanation. Since the 1970s, Panama's leading magnates began building impressive mansions on this island, which is only 3 square kilometers in size . It was even during that time that the then-famous Hotel Contadora opened, a resort where the world's wealthiest businesspeople and celebrities gathered, including El Chapo Guzmán and Pablo Escobar. The resort closed in 2009, and today only its ruins remain , reminiscent of a Chernobyl movie, on the beachfront of a dreamlike beach.
The island has few hotels and cars are not allowed , except for construction work. So there are two ways to get around: on foot or by golf cart , to keep up with the millionaire vibe. In any case, the three main beaches are relatively close together .
A curious fact : Contadora is heavily populated by deer . In the midst of the silence, you can suddenly hear noises coming from the jungle, which end up being curious little animals peeking out -without fear- from among the vegetation.
Will I return to Panama?
" I would love to . Panama is a highly developed country, with unique biodiversity and one element worth highlighting above all: the kindness of its people is something I had not found on any other trip through America."
Another fact: Copa Airlines offers the possibility of making a stopover in Panama City , staying for up to seven days there before continuing the trip to the final destination.
"I'll definitely be back for a fourth time ."
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