A surprise to many, Panama is home to one of the most exciting gastronomyscenes anywhere in Latin America. Panama City in particular boasts a vibrant street-food scene and hip farm-to-table restaurants, while elsewhere in the country the food focuses on Panama’s diverse regional produce. Coffee stands out too, with the Geisha varietal being one of the world’s most prized.
Day 1: Panama City Markets & Street Food
Get an early start at the Mercado de Mariscos, as artisanal fishing boats are unloading their catch from up and down the coast, turning the market into a frenzy of activity. Snack on a cup of ceviche or cocktail de camarones from one of the stalls as you watch the scene unfold. Stroll to nearby Casco Viejo to elite coffee roaster Café Unido, where you can taste a pour-over cup of Geisha, considered to be one of the world’s finest coffees. For lunch, taxi over to Sabores del Chorrillo, an outdoor food court serving some of the finest Afro-Panamanian cuisine in the city. For dinner, check out farm-to-table restaurant Intimo, followed by a craft beer session at Istmo Brew Pub.
Get an early start at the Mercado de Mariscos, as artisanal fishing boats are unloading their catch from up and down the coast, turning the market into a frenzy of activity. Snack on a cup of ceviche or cocktail de camarones from one of the stalls as you watch the scene unfold. Stroll to nearby Casco Viejo to elite coffee roaster Café Unido, where you can taste a pour-over cup of Geisha, considered to be one of the world’s finest coffees. For lunch, taxi over to Sabores del Chorrillo, an outdoor food court serving some of the finest Afro-Panamanian cuisine in the city. For dinner, check out farm-to-table restaurant Intimo, followed by a craft beer session at Istmo Brew Pub.
Day 2: David to Volcán
Grab a morning flight from Panama City to David, where you’ll pick upa rental car and drive to Cuatro, a fine-dining restaurant where Chef Luis Mendizábal’s food will serve as your introduction to Chiriquí ingredients such as pixbae (a tropical fruit) and otoe (a root vegetable). Drive into the mountains to Volcán, where organic farms and coffee plantations thrive in the rich organic soil. Have dinner at Cerro Brujo Gourmet, renowned for regional dishes.
Day 3: Coffee Boquete
Spend the day driving between coffee plantations in the region, particularly the ones near the town of Boquete. Check in to Finca Lérida, a boutique hotel with an excellent restaurant on a coffee estate. Later stop by Finca Hartmann and Finca La Milagrosa for coffee tours, being sure to taste the different Panamanian varietals, such as Caturra, Typica, and the prized Geisha.
Day 4: Boquete to Panama City
Spend the morning visiting any other coffee farms you might have missed, or alternatively go bird-watching or have a treatment at Haven Spa. In the afternoon, fly back to Panama City in time for an exclusive tasting menu at Donde Jose? in Casco Viejo. Finish the night with jazz and cocktails at Danilo’s inside the American Trade Hotel.
Day 5: Fine Dining in the City
Save the best for last. For your final lunch before your flight, go to Maito, widely considered the best restaurant in Panama. Transfer to Tocumen Airport for your flight home.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
