A Tale of Two Vibes: Panama’s Skyscrapers, History, and Everything in Between

Welcome back to my blog! I’m feeling refreshed from my trip and excited to share the highs (and a few lows) of my adventures. Can you believe we’re already in the fourth month of 2025? Time really is the only currency you spend without ever checking the balance.

Spring’s here, bringing along her first cousin, “Pau-leen” (pollen). The flowers are flaunting their colors, and the pollen level is absolutely ridiculous. But this year, I’m not letting that stop me from traveling —I have been dropping more Zyrtec than Delta passengers reaching for Biscoff cookies. My goodness, those cookies are A-MA-ZING…Anyway, I digress. HEHE.

This trip to Panamá took me to three different places, each offering a unique experience and perspective. From the modern skyscrapers of Panama City to the historic charm of Portobelo, I experienced a fascinating blend of fast-paced city life and laid-back coastal vibes. Grab your sunscreen and water bottle—don’t let the heat take you out before we start. Yes, it’s that hot...like for real hot!! LOL.

Portobelo: A Step Back in Time

Tucked away on Panama's Caribbean coast, Portobelo is a small town with a rich history. Famous for weathered forts, colorful streets, and pirate legends, it offers a unique glimpse into the past. A mix of colonial charm and Afro-Congo culture, Portobelo is a must-visit for history lovers. This town is also home to the revered Black Christ, or Nazareno of Portobelo, housed in the Church of San Felipe.

Black Christ Statue (Cristo Negro)

For centuries, the Black Christ has been a symbol of faith, hope, and protection. About 1.5 hours from Panama City, the town features Fort San Jeronimo, the largest fort built to protect the bay. With more than 20 cannons and stunning harbor views, it’s a key historical site. Another highlight is the Portobelo Customs Building, where you can learn about the history and resilience of the enslaved Congo people and their impact on Panamanian culture. The museum features three sections, beginning with their arrival, integration, economic roles, and liberation movements.

Portobelo Customs Building

🗣️Shoutout to our guide Pepe (bocas_jrtour), who brought the tour to life with stories, history, and humor. He shared a wealth of information while keeping us entertained the entire way—not to mention teaching us a bit of Panamanian slang. Now, I’m not sure if my Spanish has improved or gotten worse. HAHA! 🤔

San Blas Islands: Paradise with a Few Bumps Along the Way

The San Blas Islands are a stunning chain of 365 islands, 49 of which are home to the Guna indigenous community. The water? Crystal clear—so clear I spotted a starfish just vibing in its natural habitat. The Guna have preserved their traditions for centuries, with women owning property and grooms moving in after marriage. Love that for them!

*I was really looking forward to a meaningful glimpse into the Guna way of life—something beyond the Instagram reels and beach vibes *.

A starfish--just being unbothered

Our 5 AM tour started with a 2.5-hour drive through the mountains. The ride there was scenic and smooth enough, winding through hills and curves—but the return trip? Someone send help!! Our driver suddenly had a need for speed. Let’s just say one poor passenger didn’t keep their lunch, and the rest of us weren’t feeling too great either. Motion sickness for everyone—courtesy of Fast & Furious: San Blas Edition!

The islands? Absolutely breathtaking. The “Authentic Tour”? Meh...well, there's that. We were hoping for an immersive look into Guna culture but got a brief 10-minute rundown—only because a fellow traveler asked. Instead, it felt more like a beach-hopping, sipping-daiquiris-out-of-a-pineapple type of situation — which, sure, might be great for some travelers, but not exactly what we were looking for.

Also, there were extra costs that should’ve just been rolled into the overall price. So, read the fine print, bring cash, and if you're booking a tour, do your research. Oh, and maybe pop some motion sickness meds first!

Panama City: Skylines and Cobblestones

Panama City’s coastline is lined with towering skyscrapers, including some of the Western Hemisphere’s tallest buildings. Among them, the JW Marriott Panama holds the title of the tallest building in Central America, soaring 961 feet into the sky. But just a short drive away is Casco Viejo, the city’s historic district. And let’s be real—no trip to Panama is complete without wandering through Casco Viejo!

With its UNESCO World Heritage status, this charming area is a blend of colonial architecture, historic churches, cobblestone streets, and vibrant street art. To uncover its hidden gems, we booked a walking tour through GuruWalk. One of our stops included a coffee tasting at the Geisha Coffee Museum. You know your coffee game has reached bougie status when it’s served in a wine glass. All I can say is YASS—picture me swirling the coffee like it’s a fine Merlot. LMBO!

Church of Mercy

Finally, to wrap things up, I took a solo tour of Gatun Lake to see wildlife in their natural habitat. From white-faced monkeys and howler monkeys to sloths, we got to observe these incredible creatures up close. With our guide sharing fascinating insights, we snapped photos and soaked in the beauty of Panama’s diverse wildlife.

Tamarin monkey, locally known as "mono tití "

Final Thoughts

From the bustling streets of Panama City to the tranquil silence of Gatun Lake, this trip offered an intriguing blend of biodiversity and wonder. Whether you're into skyscrapers, cobblestones, wildlife, beaches, or history, Panama has something for every traveler.

Here's to drinking coffee out of a wine glass —because why not? HAHA!!

Until next time, keep exploring, laughing, and living life to the fullest. Feel free to fuel my coffee habit (or next adventure) via the donation links. Stay curious, stay adventurous, and share this with fellow travelers. See you on the next adventure! 🌍✈️ Blessings! (CashApp, Venmo or PayPal donations)