Thinking of visiting Central America? Read on for a 10-day Panama itinerary that’ll have you experiencing this unique country in immersive — and unforgettable — style. Taking you from the old-world charms and ultra-modern verve of Panama City, to hopping the idyllic San Blas Islands (and beyond), you’ll most likely be left longing to return after enjoying a sensational taste of this colorful country.
Good news — ten days will enable you to experience many of the best places to visit in Panama, including soaking up Panama City’s UNESCO-designated treasures, and spending time on some of the country’s spectacular islands.
If you're trip planning to Panama, don’t rush it. This itinerary gives you enough time to unplug and soak in your surroundings instead of racing from place to place. Whether it’s standing still in a quiet jungle lodge or stretching out on a pristine beach, slowing down makes for a far more rewarding experience.
Love the unexpected? Read up on things you didn’t know you could do in Panama.
Our suggested Panama itinerary for 10 days includes a blend of beaches, islands and cultural hotspots © Shutterstock
In keeping with the immersive vibe of this Panama itinerary for 10 days, after arriving in Panama City and checking into your hotel, go for a stroll to find your new favourite café.
It's not for nothing that Panama is esteemed as one of the world’s best coffee-producing regions, with Geisha being the country’s most famous brew. We suggest heading to Café Unido — a friendly local favorite that’s known for its ethical, Panamanian-sourced coffee.
Once you’re full of beans, take a leisurely stroll along Cinta Costera, a scenic coastal path that hugs the Bay of Panama. This wide, palm-lined promenade stretches for miles, offering incredible views of the city’s towering skyline on one side, with the Pacific Ocean on the other.
Next, enjoy a local lunch in the Mercado de Mariscos (Fish Market). You’ll find it just off the Cinta Costera on the edge of Casco Viejo.
Pair your bowl of corvina ceviche (sea bass marinated in lime) with a cold Balboa beer or fresh coconut water and savour while watching fishermen bring in the day’s catch.
After lunch, stroll Avenida Central, Panama City’s pedestrian-only shopping street, or head to Parque Omar.
Lastly, round off your first day in the city with a sundowner (or two) and dinner at a rooftop bar.
Rough Guides tip: Limited to a week? Dive into our 5-day Panama itineraries.
Panama Canal @ Shutterstock
Given that Panama City’s neighborhoods all offer something different, read on for an overview of what makes each unique. Happily, there are options for all tastes and budgets.
Historic and hip, Casco Viejo will suit travelers who want easy access to Panama City's cultural scene.
Packed with boutique hotels, restaurants, and rooftop bars, this revitalized old town area ain’t quiet, but it is loaded with attractions.
Located near the business district, with easy metro access, El Cangrejo has accommodation options ranging from high-rise apartments to very affordable hotels.
Also known for its international dining scene, with everything from sushi joints to Middle Eastern eateries serving (largely) affordable food, El Cangrejo is also loaded with local flavour.
Fancy bedding down in a swanky skyscraper hotel that offers sweeping sea views? Punta Paitilla and Punta Pacifica have your name all over them.
Both neighborhoods offer some of the most upscale accommodations in Panama City along with luxury malls and fine dining restaurants.
For something more serene and scenic, check out accommodation in the Amador Causeway, possibly somewhere that serves views of ships lining up for the Panama Canal.
You’ll be away from the hustle and bustle of downtown — though the center is still within easy reach — and have access to outdoor activities.
Casco Viejo, Panama © Shutterstock
Next on the agenda of our Panama itinerary for 10 days is an immersive, old-meets-bold experience in the UNESCO-listed Casco Viejo neighborhood.
Not only is this area rich in history, it’s also the soul of Panama City, and stacked with bars, restaurants and boutiques selling local crafts.
Start your day early to explore Casco Viejo’s historic charm before the heat sets in. You could, for example, head to Plaza de la Independencia to see the Metropolitan Cathedral, a stunning 18th-century church with twin bell towers.
Just steps away from the square, the Museo del Canal Interoceánico reveals how the Panama Canal was built.
On that subject, we also suggest spending time in Plaza Francia, which honors the French engineers who began work on the Panama Canal.
Right near Plaza Francia, be sure stop by one of the local artisan markets to buy unique souvenirs, most notably colorful molas (hand-stitched textiles) made by indigenous Guna Yala.
As the sun begins to set, it’s time to switch gears and soak up Casco Viejo’s lively nightlife, staring with cocktails on a rooftop terrace.
Here’s a handy checklist of some of the best things to see in Casco Viejo.
San Blas, Panama © Simon Dannhauer/Shutterstock
A change of pace and scenery is in store on the next leg of this 10-day Panama itinerary when you head to the stunning San Blas islands.
Located in the Caribbean Sea off Panama’s north-eastern coast, the islands are known as Guna Yala, a semi-autonomous area governed by the Indigenous Guna people
As such, they’re accessible, yet still feel like an untouched paradise. Think postcard-perfect soft white sand, swaying palm trees, and some of the clearest water you’ll ever see.
Offering opportunities to learn about Guna customs, they’re also an excellent destination for travelers interested in culture, and invite adventure in the form of island-hoping, snorkelling and diving.
Fancy enjoying wild adventures in Panama? Check-out our beginners guide to the Panama rainforest.
The San Blas islands lie about 3 to 5 hours by car or boat from Panama City, or you can reach them in under an hour if you fly. Read on for a run-down of your travel options.
The most common way to reach the San Blas Islands from Panama City is through a combination of 4x4 drive and boat.
From Panama City, it’s a 2.5-3-hour drive to Carti — the main launch point for boats to the islands.
While the views through the Guna Yala mountain range are stunning, the roads can be rough and winding. So, rather than self-drive you might want to book a 4x4 transfer through local tour operators. Expect to pay $30-50 one way.
On arrival in Carti, you’ll hop on a small boat (usually 20-30 minutes) that will take you to whichever island you’re staying on. Boat rides are often included in the package deal with your accommodation.
You can also fly from Albrook Airport in Panama City to El Porvenir, the administrative capital of the San Blas Islands. From there, you’ll take a boat to your accommodation.
Flying is faster (around 40 minutes) but more expensive than driving — expect to pay $100-150 each way.
Those with more time — and money — could sail to the San Blas Islands.
Many companies offer multi-day tours that take you from Portobelo (on the Caribbean coast) or Panama City through the islands.
Sailing trips can last anywhere from 3-5 days and often include stops at various islands. Expect to pay $400-600, depending on the length and services provided.
San Blas, Panama © Shutterstock
This recommended Panama itinerary for 10 days devotes days 4 and five to doing a (perhaps literal) deep dive into the San Blas Islands. Here’s what you can see and do during those two days. Spoiler alert: beaches loom large. Talking of which…
Kicking off with the obvious, one of the best things to do in San Blas is to simply bliss out on the beach. Whether it's in a hammock under the palms or lying on the soft sand by the water, the islands are perfect for disconnecting from the outside world.
With 365 islands to choose from, we suggest joining an island-hopping tour to visit several in a single day and move between beaches, reefs, and sandbars.
When it comes to must-visit islands, Isla Perro (Dog Island) is known for its beautiful beaches and sunken WWII shipwreck, with Cayo Holandés reefs making it a top spot for snorkelers. On that subject…
The coral reefs surrounding the San Blas Islands are teeming with marine life, including tropical fish, starfish, rays, and sea turtles.
One of the most rewarding joys of visiting San Blas is learning about Guna culture.
In fact, many island stays are run by Guna families, which means you’ll get to taste traditional foods and see mola textiles being made.
A Guna homestay is recommended during trips to San Blas © Shutterstock
When it comes to accommodation, the San Blas Islands offer something for everyone — from solo backpackers on a budget, to couples seeking romance.
Read on for a summary of where to stay in San Blas.
Ideal for budget-conscious travelers, Isla Perro Chico boasts a lively backpacker vibe, with plenty of affordable basic accommodation in stunning natural settings.
Expect simple wooden cabanas, usually with sand floors, shared bathrooms, and limited electricity, to cost around $40–$80 a night.
Oft hailed one of the most beautiful islands in San Blas, Isla Chichime is known for its long white-sand beaches, swaying palm trees, and crystal-clear water.
Being much quieter than Isla Perro, it’s ideal for couples who want to escape the crowds and have a more intimate experience. Expect to pay $80–$150 for a beachfront cabana.
Isla Diablo (Devil Island) is a family-friendly island that strikes a balance between comfort, affordability, and opportunities to engage with local culture.
It’s also close enough to visit neighboring islands like Isla Perro and Isla Chichime on day trips.
Family-sized cabanas with private or semi-private bathrooms will set you back around around $100–$200 per night.
Looking for a more exclusive, luxury experience? Isla Coco Blanco is a private island escape with a more upscale twist.
Expect spacious beachfront cabanas with private bathrooms, eco-friendly amenities, personalized service and high-quality meals. And the cost? You're looking at $200–$400 per night.
Bocas del Toro, Panama © Damsea/Shutterstock
Day six of this 10-day Panama itinerary will see you head back to Panama City in order to travel onto the beautiful Bocas del Toro (“mouths of the bull”) area.
Here’s how to do exactly that.
Isolated on the Costa Rican border between the Caribbean and the forested slopes of the Cordillera Talamanca, Bocas del Toro is a paradise of beaches, mangroves and marine life.
There are several ways to get to Bocas del Toro from Panama City, each offering different levels of speed, comfort and cost.
The quickest and easiest way to get to Bocas del Toro from Panama City is to take a domestic flight from Albrook Airport in Panama City to Bocas del Toro International Airport on Isla Colón, the main island in the Bocas archipelago.
Flights take round an hour and cost $100–150 one way, depending on the season and how far in advance you book.
The most budget-friendly way to get to Bocas del Toro is to take an overnight bus from Panama City to Almirante (the coastal town closest to Bocas), then a water taxi to Isla Colón.
Prefer to travel at your own pace? Rent a car in Panama City, drive to Almirante (this will take 10-11 hours), and then take the water taxi to Isla Colón.
Most of the drive is on the Pan-American Highway, followed by a scenic route through the Cordillera de Talamanca mountains.
Renting a car typically costs around $40–70 per day, plus fuel.
If you want more comfort than the bus but don’t want to drive yourself, consider booking a private shuttle from Panama City to Almirante, followed by the water taxi to Isla Colón.
Your time on the road will be around 9-10 hours, and you can expect to pay $50–70 one way.
Bocas Town © Shutterstock
Deciding where to stay in Bocas del Toro will depend on your taste (and budget), with each island having a distinct vibe and set of options. Here are a few ideas to kick-start your search.
Bocas del Toro boasts a bounty of wildlife © Shutterstock
Devote day seven of your Panama vacation to island-hopping Bocas del Toro. Either take affordable water taxis from Bocas Town on Isla Colón, or else book a boat tour from Colon.
Most visitors focus on Isla Colón — the liveliest island of the archipelago — because Bocas Town, its main settlement, serves as the region’s transport hub.
It's also not short of restaurants, bars, tour operators and beaches. Don't miss spending time on Starfish Beach and Bluff Beach, with the latter recommended for surfers.
In contrast, Isla Bastimentos has more of a back-to-nature a vibe — think dense jungle hikes in Bastimentos National Marine Park, and unspoiled beaches, among them picture-perfect Polo Beach and Red Frog Beach.
For the ultimate away-from-it-all island, be sure to visit Isla Solarte. With no roads and no town, it’s beloved by divers and snorkelers, with lush hiking trails revealing stacks of sloths and tropical birds.
Bocas del Toro, Panama © Damsea/Shutterstock
If you’re in Bocas del Toro, taking a day trip to Dolphin Bay and the Zapatilla Islands is an absolute must.
Offering a joyful blend of wildlife encounters, stunning beaches, and crystal-clear waters, it showcases the best of Bocas del Toro’s natural beauty from the moment you board your boat to Dolphin Bay (Bahía de los Delfines).
Located in the calm waters between Isla Cristobal and the mainland, this is a popular spot for observing wild bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat.
Most tours then make a stop at Coral Cay — an overwater restaurant and snorkeling spot near Isla Bastimentos — before heading to the Zapatilla Islands.
Here two uninhabited, undeveloped islands — part of the Bastimentos National Marine Park — are ringed by shallow coral reefs that teem with marine-life.
Come day nine, we suggest you take time to simply chill out and relax to truly soak up some island magic.
If the need for activity strikes, consider going on a snorkeling trip. We especially recommend heading to Hospital Point off Isla Solarte or Coral Cay, between Isla Bastimentos and Isla Solarte.
National pollera dress, Panama © Shutterstock
After your paradisiacal stay in Bocas del Toro, it’s time to head back to Panama City ready for your flight home (or your onward journey, if you’re lucky) on day ten.
If you prefer a more varied vacation, consider cutting down your time on the San Blas Islands or Bocas del Toro to explore Valle de Antón — a verdant valley surrounded by lush forests, waterfalls and towering peaks.
Nestled in the crater of an ancient, dormant volcano, and reached in 2–3 hours by car or bus from Panama City, it’s a spectacular haven for hikers and nature lovers, with several trails offering stunning views as they lead to secret waterfalls and hot springs.
In good news if you’re not into hardcore hikes, many trails are moderate.
If you’re still making up your mind, browse our customizable Panama itineraries for inspiration, and contact our local expert to craft your perfect vacation.
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Panama
written by
Joanne Owen
updated 15.10.2024
