Ride the world-famous Panama Railway. The Railway, which began operation in the 1850s initially catered to people traveling from the East Coast to the West Coast of the US and vice versa and later on played a critical role in the construction of the Panama Canal. These days, the Railway has a luxe panoramic cabin that offers staggering views of Lake Gatun (the man-made lake that is critical to the operation of the Canal), ships cruising through the canal, and segments of rainforest. We rode the train during a time of drought and could see old tree trunks emerging throughout Lake Gatun. 
 
Tip: Read Erased by the Panamanian Scholar Marixa Lasso to find out more about Lake Gatun and the villages that were lost in its formation.     
 
The Details: Roundtrip trips are available via Passline. The train departs from the station in Ancon. We arrived at 8:30am, which was great as we could choose the best seat for us, and the train departed around 9:10am. We pulled into the return station around 12pm. Times vary depending on the passage of the cargo trains. The trips are usually offered on Saturdays but do not (as of yet) run every month. Follow the Panama Railway Company on Instagram to see when the next trip will be taking place. Tickets for the panoramic wagon sell out quickly. If a trip is not available, you can take the train to canal and arrange for transport back to Panama City (or stay to explore sites in Colon!). 
 
Kid-Friendly? My kids (two and five) loved it! I brought journals to color in, binoculars, as well as a number of snacks given the length of the trip. We cruised up and down the aisles and enjoyed heading out to the open-air cabin. The tunnel was a highlight as everything suddenly went dark, and we played lots of eye spy!  
 
Post-trip rec: Head to Maagoos Fish Tacos or Gamboa Bakery for a bite to eat after your ride!  

  


When visiting Panama, take advantage of the early morning and evening hours to stroll and be outside! By 10am it is usually very hot, especially so in the Casco.

So wake-up, put your walking shoes on and stroll around the Casco Antiguo, looking for the influences of the French, Spanish, and North American visitors.   

After your stroll, head to the Canal Museum in the Casco Antiguo. Recently updated, the museum will take you through pivotal moments in the history of the Panama Canal and the eventual return of the Canal Zone to Panama. The exhibits are fresh, engaging and thought-provoking. While not geared towards kids, our five-year old loves running around pushing buttons on the various exhibits.  

Tip: We usually recommend stopping by before your visit to the actual Canal - it helps set the stage, highlighting the marvel and complexity of this mega work. 
 
After a morning of in-depth information, meander your way over to Fonda Lo Que Hay for classic Panamanian dishes with unusual, gourmet twists. Make sure to finish your meal off with a raspado (a shaved ice) that they serve with fresh fruit sauce and all of the typical adornments. Tip: Get there at 12pm sharp to ensure you get a table. 

After lunch, head several doors down for a visit to the small but beautifully done Museo de la Mola (the MuMO) to learn about the Guna Yala tribe and their brightly colored molas that the Guna women craft and wear. This museum is free and kid friendly!

By now, the Panamanian sun is probably blisteringly hot (or it is raining cats and dogs). Head for a siesta or a dip in the pool, if your hotel is nearby, or a fabulous Panamanian coffee. The Panamanian chain, Cafe Unido, which carries top-of-the line beans from Panama's coffee farms is nearby and is a comfortable place to sit and relax while the sun shines strongly. 

By 5pm, the sun has probably cooled off - finish your day off with an early evening bike ride, run or walk on the coastal path called the Cinta Costera to admire the walls that run around the Casco Antiguo. And, a small, challenge - can you spot an old marine entrypoint to the Casco? 

For a full Casco day, head to one of the beautiful (and historic) hotels (La Compania, the American Trade Hotel or the Sofitel) for a bite to eat. And, if you're looking for live music,  check out The Club at the American Trade Hotel. 

Happy exploring!