There’s a lot to see in Panama, and it’s all surprisingly close together. The country’s small size means you can plan a trip to Panama without spending hours on the road. Roads are straightforward, flights are short, and ferries make the islands accessible. Along the way, you’ll pass coffee farms, small villages, and forest trails, and it’s not hard to notice sloths or tropical birds.
A bit of planning helps you focus on what matters most. Rough Guides' local experts can create an itinerary for you, handle bookings, and share tips so you can concentrate on enjoying Panama. Here are some of our expert’s favorite Panama itineraries.
Panama is full of surprises, and the best way to experience them is by moving between landscapes. You could spend a long weekend exploring the capital or take a two-week trip that includes highland coffee farms, jungle trails, and visits to indigenous communities.
Tips from Anna
Panama Travel Expert
One thing I always tell people is to get to the Miraflores Locks early. Try to arrive by 8 AM so you can beat the crowds and see the morning ships pass through when the light is best. And don’t forget sunscreen and water - the viewing platforms get direct sun.
Rather not deal with the logistics? Our Panama travel experts can handle that part for you.
How to plan a trip to Panama that's only a week long? This Panama itinerary gives you a taste of how varied the country is. During this 7-day Panama itinerary, you’ll start in Panama City, then head up into the highlands around Boquete before finishing by the Pacific coast near Boca Chica.
You’ll land at Tocumen International, get through immigration and customs, and make your way into town. The first day is left open so you can catch your breath after the flight and adjust to the humid air. If you’ve got the energy, walk the Cinta Costera along the waterfront or head into Casco Viejo.
The old quarter is full of restored buildings, narrow streets, and plenty of spots to eat or grab a drink.
Insider’s tip: Grab some cash from the airport ATM in small bills. Panama uses US dollars, but the coins are local balboas.
Travel time: About an hour by plane, then 45 minutes by road.
You can’t skip the canal. Start with the Administration Building, then swing by the Goethals and Stevens monuments before heading past the old US bases at Albrook and Clayton. The real highlight is Miraflores Locks. Watching massive ships inch their way through gives you a clear sense of the scale of this project, and the visitor center does a good job explaining how the locks work. After lunch, head to Albrook airport for a short flight to David, then take the drive up into the mountains toward Boquete.
Insider’s tip: Book one of the earlier afternoon flights. You’ll want daylight for the drive into Boquete. The scenery is half the fun.
During this Panama itinerary, youre time in Boquete is spent in nature. In the morning, join a zipline tour that runs over rivers and waterfalls in the cloud forest. It takes three to four hours and works for most people, though kids need to be at least five.
Afterward, trade speed for a slower pace on the SkyWalk suspension bridges. It’s a loop of about three miles across five hanging bridges, anywhere between 990 and 1,100 feet above sea level. It’s a quieter way to take in the forest, and you’ve got a decent chance of spotting quetzals or toucans with Volcán Barú rising in the background.
Insider’s tip: Bring long pants and closed shoes. Trails can get muddy, and it’s noticeably cooler up here than in the city.
Day four of this Panama itinerary is spend on the Three Lost Waterfalls hike. This hike is one of the best ways to see Boquete’s cloud forest up close. The trail is about 2.5 miles roundtrip and takes around four hours with breaks.
You’ll walk beside a creek through dense forest where howler monkeys call from above and hummingbirds flash past. Along the way, you’ll reach three waterfalls, each with its own pools. The water is icy, but if you don’t mind the shock it’s worth jumping in. With a guide, you’ll also get help spotting birds and a chance to check out a small cave system.
Insider’s tip: Trails can be slick, so make sure you’ve got proper boots.
Travel time: 3.5-hour drive from Boquete to Boca Chica
Leaving Boquete’s cool highlands behind on day five of this Panama itinerary, you’ll drive down toward the Pacific coast. The road passes coffee plantations, cattle ranches, and eventually open lowlands with palm trees.
Once you reach Boca Chica, you’ll take a short boat to your island resort and head out on a Sundown Mangrove Tour. The boat winds through narrow channels filled with mangroves, and it’s a good place to use binoculars since the birdlife is everywhere. As the sun drops, you’ll come out onto open water and watch the sky light up over the Pacific.
Insider’s tip: Download offline maps before you leave Boquete. Cell service gets patchy near the coast.
On day six, you’ll head out by boat to explore the Gulf of Chiriquí Marine National Park. Your captain usually takes a loop through a few islands. Isla Bolaños is great for snorkeling, with reefs full of fish and the chance to see turtles. Isla Gámez has soft white sand and calm water where you can swim or just relax under the palms. On the rides between islands, keep an eye out for dolphins, manta rays, and seabirds. Since the area is protected, the reefs and beaches are in good condition and you can snorkel straight from shore.
Insider’s tip: Only bring reef-safe sunscreen.
Travel time: 45-minute drive to David airport, 1-hour flight to Panama City
Your itinerary winds down with a boat back to the mainland and a drive to David airport for the short flight to Panama City. It’s one last chance to take in Panama’s changing scenery, from mangroves at the coast to mountain valleys inland. The flight itself is just an hour, and on a clear day you can sometimes see the Panama Canal from the air. Once you land at Albrook, it’s only a quick transfer back into the city.
Turn your ideas into days you’ll remember with itineraries from our local experts.
This 10 day Panama itinerary focuses on the country’s culture and cuisine. You’ll start in the capital, then head into artisan towns and indigenous communities.. Expect market snacks, homemade meals, and plenty of variety.
You’ll land at Tocumen Airport and head into Panama City. You’ll want to keep the first day simple. Unpack, walk around your neighborhood, and grab something to eat nearby. The city is where most trips begin.Take it easy tonight and get used to the climate.
Insider’s tip: Download Uber before you go. It’s the easiest way to get around the city, including from the airport.
Start day two at Panamá Viejo, the remains of the first Spanish settlement. While here, be sure to climb the cathedral tower for a wide view of the ruins with the modern skyline in the background. The small museum fills in the history.
From there, head to Casco Viejo, the colonial district rebuilt after pirates destroyed the original city. French Plaza is a good stop to learn about Ferdinand de Lesseps and his failed canal project. Grab lunch at a fonda, then spend the afternoon at the Miraflores Locks. Watching ships squeeze through the canal never gets old, and the visitor center explains how it all works.
Insider’s tip: Buy Miraflores tickets online so you can go straight up to the viewing deck.
On day three of this Panam itinerary, head to Madden Lake in the morning and board a guided dugout canoe for the trip up the Chagres River. The ride takes you through the rainforest, and you’ll likely see herons, egrets, or kingfishers along the way.
When you arrive at the Emberá village, you’ll be welcomed with music and dance. The community shows how they weave baskets, carve masks, and use jagua fruit for body paint. Lunch is usually fresh fish wrapped in plantain leaves. Afterward, take a short guided walk to learn about local plants before returning to the city.
Insider's tip: Bring small bills if you want to buy crafts. Everything here is cash only.
On day four, you’ll fly from Panama City to Chitré in the morning. The flight is short, and you’ll get views of the canal, coastline, and farmland along the way. Chitré has a slower pace compared to the capital and is known for its folklore traditions. Spend the afternoon visiting the Catedral San Juan Bautista, checking out the local market, or just walking around.
Insider's tip: The Mercado Central is best before 2 PM if you want the freshest fruit and produce.
Travel time: 40 minutes by car
La Enea de Guararé, a small town in Panama’s Azuero Peninsula, is known for its traditional crafts. One way to experience this is by visiting the home of local artisans who make the pollera, Panama’s national dress. You’ll watch the embroidery and stitching up close. To arrange a visit, ask at the Guararé tourism office or check with local community centers, which can connect you with artisans open to welcoming visitors.
Insider’s tip: Bring a small gift from home. It’s a thoughtful way to thank your hosts and it always goes over well.
Travel time: 1 hour by car
La Villa de Los Santos is a town where traditions come alive in both craft and food. Start by visiting local artisans who make the colorful masks used in Corpus Christi celebrations, and watch how the designs are created by hand. Afterward, explore the town’s small markets and family-run eateries, where you can try regional dishes like sancocho, corn tortillas with fresh cheese, and other local specialties. Leather workshops nearby allow you to see artisans shaping cutarra sandals, the everyday footwear of the countryside.
Insider’s tip: Wear socks the first few times with your cutarras. The leather softens with use.
Travel time: 1 hour by car to Ocú
Ocú is a small town in Panama’s Herrera province, known for its long history of pottery-making. You can visit local families who have been working clay for generations and watch how they shape bowls, vases, and traditional pieces.
Many will let you try the wheel yourself under their guidance. Between sessions, explore the village on foot: stop by the cathedral, walk through the central square, and observe daily life in the town. For lunch, check out local eateries or small home kitchens serving regional dishes like arroz con guandú and hojaldre. If you make pottery, it will need to be fired overnight.
Travel time: 45-minute flight to Panama city
Head to Chitré’s airport for a short flight back to Panama City. It saves hours compared to driving and gives you the day to see more of the capital. Start with a stroll around the neighborhoods of El Cangrejo or San Francisco, where you’ll find small shops, local cafés, and street food vendors.
Stop at Mercado de Mariscos for fresh ceviche or a casual seafood snack, and wander along Avenida Central to see colonial buildings and street art. If time allows, visit the Panama Canal Museum in Casco Viejo to learn about the country’s history, or walk the plazas and streets of Casco Viejo itself, stopping for coffee at a café tucked among the restored colonial buildings.
Your final evening is a folkloric dinner, an event that combines traditional Panamanian food with live music and dance. Typical dishes include tamales, yucca, fried plantains, fresh fish, and sancocho. While you enjoy your meal, performers bring Panama’s traditions to life with dances like the Punta, Travesado, and Diablos Sucios. Brightly embroidered polleras, the national dress, fill the stage, and musicians play the mejorana guitar and caja drum to keep the rhythm. Though arranged for visitors, the performances reflect the same music, costumes, and storytelling seen at local festivals.
Insider’s tip: Sit away from speakers if you want conversation.
Allow 30 to 45 minutes to reach Tocumen International Airport from central Panama City, depending on traffic. This is one of Latin America’s busiest airports, so it’s best to arrive with time to spare.
Before heading out, stop at a neighborhood bakery for pandebono or empanadas, which make for an inexpensive breakfast. It’s a better option than what’s available once you’re past security. If time allows, take a quick walk along Cinta Costera for city views and a last look at the skyline and canal before your flight.
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Two weeks is a good stretch for Panama. You’ll get to see a bit of everything: the Canal, colonial history, rainforest, and the Caribbean coast. This itinerary moves through Panama City, Gamboa, the San Blas Islands, and Bocas del Toro.
You’ll land at Tocumen Airport and drive into the city. The skyline comes into view quickly, with glass towers against the green hills. Don’t plan too much today. Check in, rest, and adjust to the heat. Later, take a short walk around your neighborhood and grab dinner nearby. Try sancocho, a chicken and root vegetable soup, or ceviche if you want something lighter.
Start day two of this Panama itinerary by visiting Panamá Viejo, the ruins of the original city from 1519. Climb the Cathedral tower for views, then stop at the small museum to see how the city developed. From there, head to Casco Viejo, the colonial quarter built in the late 1600s. It’s full of restored plazas, churches, and colorful streets. Have lunch there before making your way to the Biodiversity Museum, designed by Frank Gehry. Inside you’ll learn how Panama’s land bridge changed life across the Americas. Outside, there’s a park with native plants and quiet walking paths.
Insider's tip: Buy the combined Panamá Viejo and museum ticket at the ruins. It’s cheaper than paying separately.
On day three, take a boat from Flamenco Marina on the Amador Causeway for a partial Canal transit. It lasts about five to six hours and takes you through two sets of locks. You’ll feel the boat lift as water fills the chambers, with huge cargo ships moving alongside you. It’s one of the best ways to understand how the Canal works. The trip finishes near Gamboa, and a bus brings you back to the city through rainforest.
Travel time: 45 minutes
The drive to Gamboa runs along the Canal and skirts Soberanía National Park. You’ll pass ships that look like they’re cutting through the forest. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the road.
From Gamboa, take a boat onto Gatun Lake. You’ll pass massive ships and drift by small rainforest islands. Look for iguanas on branches, sloths in the treetops, and crocodiles near the banks. Monkeys are common here too: howlers, capuchins, spider monkeys, and tiny tamarins. In the afternoon, you can hike in Soberanía. The trails are full of bird calls, insect noise, and the roar of howler monkeys in the distance.
Insider's tip: Wear quick-dry clothes. The humidity is high and rain showers can come out of nowhere.
On day five of this Panama itinerary, you’ll visit Pipeline Road, one of the most famous birding areas in Central America. More than 400 species have been recorded here. Even if you’re not a birder, it’s worth it. You’ll likely see trogons, motmots, and antbirds following swarms of army ants. Sometimes mixed flocks move through at once, filling the forest with color and noise. After a simple lunch, join a workshop on photographing wildlife in rainforest light. It’s good practice for spotting and capturing animals as they move.
Insider's tip: Bring binoculars. They completely change the experience, even if birds aren’t your main focus.
Travel time: 3 hours
Getting to San Blas means an early start. The road is winding and rough in places, but the views of thick forest and small Guna villages make the drive worthwhile. You’ll stop for a quick breakfast along the way before reaching the coast, where wooden boats wait to take you out.
The archipelago is made up of hundreds of islands, most of them small and ringed with white sand. The Guna people manage and protect this area, and you’ll get a short introduction to their customs when you arrive. After that, the day is simple: snorkeling over coral reefs, swimming in clear water, or just lying on the beach. Dinner is usually fish or lobster with coconut rice, cooked over a wood fire.
Insider's tip: Bring cash in small bills. There are few ATMs anywhere in the islands.
On day 7 you’ll visit a Guna village to see how local women create molas, the stitched textiles that often tell stories or depict daily life. Afterward, head out in a cayuco, the traditional dugout canoes used to travel between islands. Some routes are busy with families and fishing boats, while others are quiet, letting you float through calm waters.
There’s time to swim and snorkel, and lunch is usually a picnic on a beach.
Insider's tip: Buy molas directly from the women who make them. It keeps your money in the community.
Travel by traditional boat with a local guide to small islands and reefs, stopping to snorkel over vibrant coral and tropical fish. Along the way, you may see sea turtles or schools of colorful parrotfish. On a quiet beach, enjoy a picnic lunch with fresh fruit and local snack. The pace is relaxed, with time to swim, walk along the sand, or simply take in the scenery. In the evening, return to your lodging and watch the sunset over the islands. Nights often end stretched out on the beach, stargazing without any light pollution.
Travel time: 3 hours drive
Your last morning in the islands usually starts with a boat back to the mainland. From there, it’s the same winding road through the mountains and back into the city. Watching the landscape shift from Caribbean to forest to the capital’s skyline is a good way to close the trip.
If you have time before leaving, the mola market is worth a visit. Guna women set up stalls early in the day, and this is one of the best places to buy textiles directly. Sometimes the community holds a short farewell, with songs and blessings before visitors leave.
Travel time: 1 hour flight
On day 10, take a short morning flight from Panama City to Bocas del Toro (Isla Colón Airport). From Isla Colón, a 10–20 minute boat ride brings you to Bastimentos Island in the Bocas del Toro archipelago. After settling in, take a walk through the village near your lodging, stopping at small shops or artisanal stalls If the weather is good, enjoy a short swim or relax on the nearby beach. This is a gentle introduction to the island before the more active excursions tomorrow.
On day 11 of this Panama itinerary, take a shared boat into Bastimentos Marine National Park, a UNESCO-listed area covering over 32,000 acres of islands, reefs, and mangroves. Snorkeling here gets you close to brain coral and schools of parrotfish.
Mangroves line the coast, creating nurseries for fish and shelter for crabs and birds. On Red Frogs Beach, named after the tiny strawberry poison dart frogs that live in the forest, you’ll hear their chirps before you see them. The beach itself has two sides: a calm bay good for swimming and an open coast with waves for surfing. It’s a clear picture of Bocas’ coastal diversity.
Insider’s tip: Pack reef-safe sunscreen
Spend day 12 at Dolphin Bay, or Laguna Bocatorito, where pods of bottlenose dolphins gather year-round, attracted by calm waters and plentiful food. They often swim alongside boats and sometimes leap through the wakes.
Afterward, snorkel reefs where starfish cling to sandy bottoms and angelfish move between coral heads. Smaller cays nearby have quiet beaches with little development, while forested trails bring encounters with sloths, white-faced monkeys, and tropical birds. A motorized canoe trip through mangrove tunnels adds a close-up view of crabs and herons. End the day in Bocas Town, where artisans sell cacao products, woven baskets, and handmade jewelry from local materials.
Insider’s tip: Go in the morning, since dolphins are more active before the heat sets in.
Travel time: 1 hour flight
Your flight back to Panama City gives a bird’s-eye view of the Bocas archipelago before crossing the continental divide. At its narrowest point, only 50 miles separate the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, which explains why the Panama Canal was built here.
Once back in the capital, you’ll have the evening free. It’s a good time to try traditional dishes like ropa vieja (shredded beef in tomato sauce), arroz con pollo (chicken with rice), or patacones (fried plantains). Pair your meal with seco, a sugarcane spirit mixed with fruit juice.
Insider’s tip: Restaurante Tinajas has traditional food alongside folkloric dance performances.
Spend your final morning shopping for souvenirs. Albrook Mall is one of the largest in Central America, while the Artisan Market brings together crafts from across Panama. Look for Guna molas, Emberá woven baskets, hand-painted ceramics, or polleras, the country’s traditional dresses.
The drive to Tocumen International Airport takes you past landmarks you now recognize, from the modern Cinta Costera to Panama Viejo’s crumbling stone towers. As your plane takes off, you may see both the Caribbean and Pacific at once.
Every traveler experiences Panama differently, which is why Rough Guides' local experts create itineraries based on your interests and travel style. You might want to photograph wildlife, spend time on quiet beaches, learn about indigenous communities, or plan a family trip across generations.
Our local experts handle the logistics. They can book boutique hotels in Casco Viejo, arrange private boat transfers to the San Blas Islands, secure permits for Darién National Park, or organize coffee plantation tours in Boquete. You can add private guides who know the country and its communities well. With 24/7 in-country support, you can travel with confidence.
Ready to plan your trip? Reach out for a free trip plan.
Panama isn’t a huge country, but there’s a lot to see. Spend a few days in Panama City wandering the old town and watching ships pass through the canal. Head west for Pacific beaches, or east into the jungle to meet local communities. And don’t forget the islands. Here are some additional itineraries to help inspire your next trip.
If you want a honeymoon with culture, nature, and plenty of downtime, Panama is a good choice. Spend your first days exploring historic Casco Viejo, then head into the mountains for cooler air and coffee tours, and finish with quiet days on a Pacific island.
This 10-day Panama itinerary keeps the pace manageable and varied. You move between city, rainforest, mountains, and coast in a way that feels easy to handle while still giving kids and adults plenty to do
This week is a good balance of activity and downtime. You’ll move between the coast, the mountains, and the rainforest, so you get a real sense of how varied Panama is. The days are active but not overwhelming, and there’s plenty of time to enjoy where you are.
Planning a trip to Panama means knowing how the country works and what makes it stand out. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and key points to help you make the most of your Panama itinerary.
Most travelers spend 7 to 10 days to see Panama’s main areas. A week lets you explore Panama City for a couple of days, spend 2 to 3 days on Bocas del Toro or the San Blas islands, and add a mountain town like Boquete or El Valle for another couple of days. Two weeks gives time to visit both coasts, the canal, highlands, and indigenous communities without rushing. Even 4 to 5 days works for a short trip combining the capital with one other location, but it limits the variety you can experience.
The dry season runs from mid-December through April and is generally the best time to visit Panama. The weather is usually sunny, which is good for beaches and hiking, but there are more visitors and higher prices. The green season, May to November, brings afternoon showers, greener landscapes, fewer tourists, and better deals. September and October are the wettest months.
On the Caribbean coast, rainfall is often the opposite, with February, March, September, and October usually drier. Temperatures stay warm year-round, around 75 to 90°F (24 to 32°C), and elevation affects conditions more than season.
Wildlife is generally easier to see during the dry season, January to April, when animals gather near water and the forest is less dense. Migratory birds arrive from October to March, making this a good time for birdwatching.
Sea turtle nesting varies by species: leatherbacks from March to July, hawksbills May to September, and greens July to October on Caribbean beaches. Humpback whales appear in Pacific waters from July to October from Antarctica and December to March from Alaska.
Transportation depends on where you are going. Rental cars work for the Pacific side, Azuero Peninsula, and mountain towns on good roads. Domestic flights save time for Bocas del Toro, San Blas, and Darién. Boats and water taxis are the main way to reach islands.
Public buses are cheap but slow, while tourist shuttles are faster but more expensive. Panama City has Uber and a modern metro system. Some remote areas require 4WD vehicles or boats. The Pan-American Highway runs across the country, but reaching certain indigenous communities often needs local guides and permits.
Panama works for different budgets but is usually more expensive than neighboring countries. Budget travelers can manage on $150 per day using hostel dorms, local meals, and buses. Mid-range travel is about $200 per day per person with private rooms, restaurants, and some tours. Luxury travel starts around $200 per day.
Remote islands like San Blas cost more because of logistics. Domestic flights are generally $100 to $200 one way. Multi-day tours are typically around $450 per day. Panama City prices are similar to US cities, while rural areas are cheaper. The US dollar is used everywhere.
Some great day trips you can add to your trip to Panama City:
Monteverde is in Costa Rica, about 7 to 8 hours from Panama City, so it is not practical as a day trip. Panama has cloud forests closer to the capital. La Amistad International Park near Boquete, four hours away, has misty mountain ecosystems.
For a day trip, El Valle de Antón’s La India Dormida trail gives cloud forest experiences about two hours from the capital. Cerro Azul and Altos de Campana National Park also have highland forests that are easy to reach in a day.
The coasts are very different even though they are only about 50 miles apart. The Caribbean side has Afro-Caribbean culture, calm waters, coral reefs, and a relaxed island style. The Pacific side has bigger waves, surf and sport fishing, whale watching, and more developed beach towns. Weather patterns are often opposite. Pacific beaches have stronger tides and darker sand, while Caribbean beaches have white sand and turquoise water.
San Blas is remote and managed by the Guna people. The islands have clear water, snorkeling, and traditional life. Travel from Panama City takes about 2.5 hours by car plus a boat ride. A minimum of 2 to 3 days is recommended. Basic accommodations and higher costs reflect the location. Early departures and rough roads are common, but the islands themselves make the trip worthwhile.
Keen to get your trip on the calendar? Rough Guides’ local travel experts live in the area and know it well. They’ll plan the details, make the bookings, and be there to help the whole way through. Learn more about our tailor made trips.
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Panama
written by
Dre Roelandt
updated 24.09.2025
