This paradisiacal island, located at a 30-minute ferry ride from Panama City, is full of history, beaches, and nature. A destination with trails that allow you to explore its biodiversity and enjoy incredible views of Panama City and the entrance to the Panama Canal.
Colonial Era, Gold Rush, and Panama Canal Construction
Founded in 1515 by the Spanish, Taboga was visited by famous pirates, including Morgan. However, after the disappearance of the Spanish Empire, the island regained its splendor until the 1850s, during the California Gold Rush, when it was visited by Ulysses S. Grant, who would later become the American Civil War hero and eighteenth President of the United States. Beginning in 1880, French engineer Ferdinand de Lesseps used the island as a rest and recreation center for workers on the Panama Canal, a project that also attracted one of its most illustrious guests, the painter Paul Gauguin.
Authentic Flavors to Enjoy
Taboga’s culinary offerings reflect its cultural richness, as local restaurants offer a variety of traditional dishes with an emphasis on fresh seafood. Ceviche, fried fish, and other local delicacies are traditional dishes that visitors enjoy alongside spectacular ocean views.
Playa La Restinga and Playa Honda
These golden sand beaches offer a welcoming escape from the routine and stress of Panama City. The most popular is Playa Honda, offering an ideal setting for kayaking and swimming. Playa Restinga stands out for its natural beauty, and at low tide, tourists can cross its sand bridge to El Morro, an islet attached to the island, with trails filled with birds such as frigate and pelicans.
The Second Oldest Church in the Western Hemisphere
Visitors can immerse themselves in the narrow, colorful streets of Taboga Island, where they can visit San Pedro church, the second oldest in the Western Hemisphere. From its bell tower, you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the Bay of Panama. Touring the island, visitors will realize why, since colonial times, Taboga was an important stopover for voyages that were on their way to discover the South Pacific and, during the construction of the Panama Canal, a major supply center.
Cerro La Cruz Trail, a Popular Activity
Visiting this hill, 165 meters above sea level, is one of the most popular activities among locals and visitors. The hike is a 1-hour hike of moderate difficulty, surrounded by vegetation and a sea breeze. At the top, there is a huge cross from which you can enjoy stunning views of the Bay of Panama and the rest of the island.
Cerro El Vigia, Former World War II Station
This hill is the highest on the island at 307 meters above sea level. The hike is of moderate difficulty and lasts a total of 2 hours. Along the trail, you can watch tropical biodiversity such as songbirds, hummingbirds, and tree poison dart frogs in vibrant shades of green and metallic blue. The viewpoint is a former World War II station and offers contrasting views of the Panama Canal, the Las Perlas Archipelago, and the city skyline.
Birdwatching Boat Tour
This sunset experience allows you to discover unexplored places on Taboga Island. You can discover beaches, rocky shores, caves, and waterfalls, while observing seabirds such as brown pelicans, cormorants, and frigate birds.
