Why Central America’s most beautiful city should be your next international vacation

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What comes to mind when you think of Central America?

For many, this is the second best route to Mexico, given the extra travel time. Others who have had the pleasure of visiting Mexico put Mexico in the rearview mirror with countries that are even cheaper and less crowded.

We all know by now that El Salvador has become Central America’s trendiest destination because of its unfathomably impressive safety makeover.

But how can one beautiful city with a skyline reminiscent of Dubaicultural districts as timeless as Cuba, and countless valuable beach outings within easy reach, stay under the radar for an unforgettable holiday?

We at Travel Off Path wish we had the answer, but lucky for you, the man who typed this was one was in Panama for the first time last year.

It was truly one of the highlights of my year. That said, we’d like to show you why vibrant Panama City is the perfect destination to end the winter.

Panama City Is Mexico City’s best alternative

Not to brag about my travel portfolio, but I also recently visited Mexico City and was surprised by how much the atmosphere has changed.

No, not that it isn’t a great city to visit in every way, but there seemed to be extra eyes and fewer tourists – at least in my experience.

Mexico City has risen to new heights over the past decade, and locals have recently turned heads with anti-tourism protests.

Did they work? From what I saw and felt uncomfortable this month, I would say the atmosphere has changed. Having visited both Mexico City and Panama City within a year, the latter city is full of surprises and super easy to get to.

Yes, it takes a little longer to reach it, given its location, but it feels incredibly safe. hospitable to tourists, both modern and historic, offering impeccable cuisine, from the world’s most expensive coffee to casual fondas with hearty local classics.

With a stunning cityscape, worn out Casco Viejo to get lost in for hours, restored luxury hotels and ample flight connections: if you fancy another metropolis to explore, Panama City is the answer.

Why Panama City is the perfect place to end the winter

It’s not too late for an escape from the winter sun. Remember, many cities aren’t getting the memo because spring break is in March, and snow is still falling.

However, CentralAmerica.coma great resource as you can imagine, mentions Panama City specifically for February, and here’s why:

• Panama City really comes alive in February, thanks to the Carnival season
• Enjoy a 4-day Carnival celebration full of street parties (music, dancing, parades)
• A great way to experience Panama beyond the typical sightseeing
• Carnival marks the run-up to Lent and creates a special buzz across the country
• February is a good place for sunny weather and nearby beaches

Carnival transforms the Caribbean. Your usual holiday destinations won’t look the same, just as Bourbon Street will also take on a whole new vibe.

The same goes for Panama City, one of the largest carnival celebrations on this side of the world, after Brazil and Trinidad & Tobago.

But here’s the kicker: Even if you’re not a fan of overcrowded events like this, it just means it opens doors to other attractions.

In other words, it’s the perfect time to take a tour of the world-famous Panama Canal or book an all-inclusive stay outside the city for a peaceful paradise retreat.

Yes, Panama City is a beautiful beach getaway

If Panama City is famous for its beaches, it is the otherworldly blue San Blas Islands.

There are many other beaches closer, such as one of my favorites, Portobelo, on the Caribbean side – but only for real adventurers who don’t mind some crawling and off-path boat rides to get here.

Those looking for a more relaxing beach vacation need look no further than Playa Bonita, about 20-30 minutes outside Panama City and home to brands we all love, like Westin Playa Bonita Panama.

With Panama’s flagship airline, Copa Airlines, If you’re connecting from more than a dozen major US cities, you should have no problem getting into “vacation mode” right away.

Sam Sears

Sam, our lead writer and San Diego-based journalist, has visited 36 countries and written more than 1,000 articles with an emphasis on sharing his own travel experiences and highlighting lesser-known gems.