Panama is home; it is where I grew up, where my people are, and where some of my most cherished memories live. There is something deeply special about Panamanians and the way we love our country. In a place this small, the pride runs extraordinarily deep, and rightfully so. Within just a few hours you can go from lush mountain highlands to the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, from pristine Pacific beaches to one of the most vibrant and delicious food scenes in Latin America. It is a country that has everything, and yet somehow still feels like a hidden secret to much of the world.
Growing up here meant growing up surrounded by music that never seemed to stop, tables that were never quite big enough for everyone who showed up, and laughter that carried well past midnight. Family, friends, food, dancing, always all at once, always until the early hours of the morning. It is the only way I have ever known how to celebrate, and it is exactly the kind of weekend we have planned for you.
Having you in Panama means more to me than I can easily say. I hope you wander, eat everything, stay a little longer than you planned, and leave with a piece of Panama in your heart, just as Alex did.
Victoria
A Note from Alex
My education of Panama has been conducted, free of charge and entirely without my consent, by Victoria. I have been taught how to pronounce things, where to sit, what to eat first, and enough slang to get myself into trouble in two languages instead of one. It has been one of the great privileges of my life.
A few things worth passing on. Lunch is never just an hour, so clear your afternoon. If someone tells you the place is nearby, settle in for the drive. Nobody navigates by an address here; you go past the church, turn at the yellow building, and somehow you arrive every time. And when you are told to try something, that is not an offer. It is an instruction, delivered warmly.
I have found so much of Victoria here. The warmth, the noise, the way a room fills up and stays full. We could have gotten married anywhere in the world, but once I had been here, it was never really going to be anywhere else.
Alex
Panama is one of Latin America's most dynamic and captivating destinations, a small country that punches far above its weight in natural beauty and cultural richness. Stretching just fifty miles at its narrowest point, it is the only place in the world where you can watch the sun rise over the Pacific and set over the Atlantic. Lush rainforests, pristine Caribbean islands, highland coffee farms, and a vibrant cosmopolitan capital all exist within a few hours of each other. What Panama is perhaps most known for, beyond the iconic Panama Canal, is its people. Panamanians are warm, welcoming, and genuinely proud of their country, and that hospitality is felt everywhere you go.
Our wedding will take place in Casco Viejo, Panama City's historic old quarter and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is the neighborhood we love most: walkable, full of character, and endlessly photogenic.
For those visiting for the first time, we hope you'll take the opportunity to explore beyond the city and discover the magic Panama has to offer.
Weather in May
May is the start of Panama's rainy season. Expect warm, humid days with bright sunny mornings and short, heavy afternoon showers that tend to clear as quickly as they arrive, leaving the city lush, cool, and vibrant by evening.
Temperature
Average high
88°F
Average low
75°F
Precipitation
Rainfall
~8 inches
Rainy days
~17
There is so much to discover in Panama, and we hope you find the time to explore. Here are some of our favorite places.
Frank Gehry's only building in Latin America, at the entrance to the Causeway. Its galleries tell the story of how the isthmus rose from the sea and changed life on Earth. Our Welcome Party will be held here on the Thursday of our wedding weekend.
Simply walking through Casco Viejo is an experience in itself, a perfect blend of heritage and modern buzz. Casco is full of hidden corners, colonial plazas, bougainvillea spilling over stone arches, striking rooftop views, and centuries-old churches. We are hosting a guided walking tour of the neighbourhood on the Friday of our wedding weekend; details are on the Itinerary page.
Between wandering and eating, here are some museums and experiences worth making time for:
A scenic waterfront strip stretching into the Pacific at the entrance of the Canal. Ideal for a leisurely walk or bike ride at golden hour, with sweeping views of the city skyline and passing ships.
Cerro Ancón is a forested hill offering some of the best panoramic views of Panama City, the Canal, and the surrounding bay. A relatively easy hike to the top rewards you with an extraordinary vantage point, and if you're lucky, you may spot sloths, toucans, and other wildlife along the way. A perfect morning excursion before the day heats up.
No visit to Panama is complete without seeing the Panama Canal, one of the greatest engineering feats in human history, connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. The Miraflores Locks Visitor Center is the best vantage point, with observation decks, a museum, and an IMAX theater featuring a documentary narrated by none other than Morgan Freeman, one of our personal favorites. Ships pass through during specific morning and afternoon transit windows, so check the schedule before visiting.
Founded in 1519, this is the oldest permanent European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas and, together with Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ruins, including a cathedral and stone walls, sit in striking contrast to the modern city skyline visible just across the bay.
Panama is a small country with an extraordinary amount to explore. If your schedule allows, we encourage you to extend your stay and venture beyond the city. You won't regret it.
Day Trips
One of the most breathtaking destinations in all of Latin America. A pristine Caribbean archipelago of over three hundred islands governed by the indigenous Guna people, with turquoise water, white sand, and a way of life unlike anywhere else in the world. Reachable by a two-to-three-hour drive plus a short boat ride, or a quick charter flight. A truly unforgettable day.
Only forty-five minutes from the city, Gamboa sits at the edge of Soberanía National Park along the Canal. You can take a boat through the Canal, spot wildlife such as sloths, toucans, and crocodiles, and visit the famous Pipeline Road for birdwatching. Very accessible and spectacular.
A charming mountain village nestled inside the crater of an ancient volcano, about two hours from Panama City. Known for its weekend market, thermal pools, hiking trails, and cool mountain air.
For Longer Stays
Panama's highland coffee country, nestled in the mountains of the Chiriquí province. Home to the world-famous Geisha coffee, stunning cloud forests, white-water rafting, and some of the best hiking in Central America. Plan at least two to three nights to do it justice.
A stunning Caribbean archipelago in northwestern Panama, known for its colorful stilted houses, incredible snorkeling and surfing, and laid-back island energy. Best reached by a short domestic flight. Plan at least two to three nights.
A beautiful Pacific archipelago about an hour by boat or short flight from Panama City, known for pristine beaches, excellent sport fishing, and absolute tranquility. Isla Contadora is the most accessible for a short stay.
Panama's culinary scene has earned its place among the finest in Latin America, and Casco Viejo is at the heart of it. Here are our top recommendations, grouped by whether you're looking to dine, grab a coffee, or find a great bar.
Panama's culinary scene has quietly become one of the most exciting in Latin America. In Casco Viejo alone, you could eat brilliantly for a week without repeating yourself.
Panama is home to some of the world's most prized coffee. The Geisha variety, grown in the highlands of Boquete, regularly commands record prices at international auctions.
Panama has a vibrant and diverse nightlife scene. From rooftop terraces with sweeping views to intimate cocktail bars tucked into colonial buildings, there is something for every mood and pace.
