Best of Panama’s Western Highlands

Finca Lérida [1]: This highland coffee farm is one of the best places anywhere to see the resplendent quetzal.

Parque Nacional Volcán Barú [2]: Panama’s tallest mountain is visible from everywhere in the western highlands, and on a clear day adventurous hikers can see both oceans from its summit. Don’t miss Sendero Los Quetzales — the most popular hike in the highlands — while you’re here.

Parque Internacional La Amistad [3]: A gigantic international park, PILA has some of the most diverse flora and fauna in Panama.

Cañon Macho de Monte [4]: This impressive and accessible canyon appeals both to bird-watchers and inner-tube rafters.

Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí [5]: A remote and still little-known tropical paradise, this marine park is lightly peppered with deserted islands, bohemian hangouts, and exclusive resorts.

Playa Santa Catalina [6]: Panama’s top spot for surfers, remote Catalina has one of the most consistently awesome breaks in all of Latin America.

Parque Nacional Coiba [7]: Panama’s answer to the Galapagos, Coiba is the crown jewel of the country’s islands, with virgin forest covering it, rich sealife surrounding it, and a Devil’s Island mystique about it.