Sometimes the journey IS the destination! And that certainly was the case with my last trip to Cartagena. I was able to add a pit stop and explore the incredible Panama City before continuing on to Colombia! With Copa Airlines’ strategic stopover program in Panama City, not only did I get a great taste of the city’s charm but also a seamless gateway to the energizing streets of Cartagena! Transform your layover into an incredible Latin American escapade!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Copa Airlines. The opinions and text are all mine.
This trip had a lot of firsts: the first time I’ve traveled to Panama and to Colombia as well as being the first time I’ve flown on with Copa Airlines! Recognized as one of the most on-time airlines in the world, Copa Airlines has more than 50 destinations across Latin America and the Caribbean through their ‘Hub of The Americas®’ in Panama! They’re a member of the Star Alliance, and have one of the most modern + sustainable 737 fleets in Latin America! The U.S. cities that Copa Airlines services, connecting over 50 destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean: Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Orlando, San Francisco, Tampa, Washington D.C., and our newest routes in Baltimore and Austin!
On the way to Colombia, I was able to take advantage of Copa Airlines’ Panama Stop-Over program! Copa Airlines offers you the option to make a stop in their hub of Panama City at no cost to your original fare. Your Panama Stopover can be anywhere from 24 hours up to 7 days, with one stop on your way to your final destination or on your way back home! You’ll get the chance to explore the history, discover the biodiversity, and experience the culture of Panama City! You can check out more and book your trip with Copa Airlines here!
Panama City is a bustling metropolis that seamlessly blends the old with the new + the natural with the man-made. With its rich history, gorgeous Spanish architecture, and proximity to the world-famous Panama Canal, this Central American gem offers a unique & unforgettable travel experience. Panama City’s modern skyline is a testament to its rapid development. It’s a stark contrast to the city’s Old Panama ‘or ‘Casco Viejo’ – the charming historic district deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site! With cobblestone streets and colorful colonial buildings, you can wander through its narrow streets & alleys to find small cafes, boutique shops, and lively plazas. The district’s ambiance is so romantic and its rich history makes it a must-visit for Panama City! One day we went humpback whale watching and took a boat to the Pearl Islands for an afternoon where we snorkeled, stand-up paddle boarded, and explored the beautiful island! It might be a little nerdy, but no trip to Panama City is complete without experiencing the engineering marvel that is the Panama Canal. We were lucky and got to witness a colossal ship pass through the locks — it was is a jaw-dropping spectacle! I’d recommend a private VIP tour if you want to see the canal up close and personal!
And on to our stopover in Panama City and final destination in Cartagena…
Also, when at the Panama Airport, you’ll have to check out the newly updated Copa Club — Copa Airlines’ premium business lounge! Inspired by a “modern Latin American hacienda,” the new Copa Club design combines a series of Latin American influences providing an assortment of local touches. One of the special spaces of the Copa Club is La Placita, where passengers can enjoy a replica of the interior courtyards of the houses of the Latin American haciendas, which has a Terrace with a panoramic view of T2 of the Tocumen International Airport. The new Copa Club offers passengers a quiet space to work and a homely space to unwind with dim lighting and comfortable leather chairs, an entertainment area for families, spacious showers, bars with a variety of snacks, drinks, and liquors, and buffet service with a menu consisting of various appetizers.
Have you flown with Copa Airlines yet? It was such a lovely experience and I know which airline I’ll now be flying as I start to travel and explore South America more often! I’ll have City Guides for both Panama City and Cartagena coming out soon, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled and check back soon for those!
Stay Risky.
– John
