5 days in Panama itinerary

Short on time but in the market for a big vacation? Consider heading to Panama for a trip that’s packed with equally exhilarating measures of culture and adventure. Intrigued? Read on for details on a Panama itinerary for 5 days that’ll have you experiencing this colorful country in unforgettable style. 

5 days in Panama itinerary

While spending five days in the country won’t enable you to experience all the best things to do in Panama, this itinerary has been curated to provide a satisfying taste of its rich culture and spectacular natural scenery.

From soaking up Panama City’s UNESCO-designated treasures, to enjoying pulse-quickening hikes that’ll also stir your soul, dive into our Panama itinerary for 5 days.

Love the unexpected? Read up on things you didn’t know you could do in Panama

Day 1-2: Panama City

This trip kicks off with a couple of days in Panama City.

While your two days here are likely to fly by, through discovering Casco Viejo’s cultural attractions and Cerro Ancón’s wildlife wonders, you’ll leave with an appreciation of Panama City’s historic soul, modern verve and natural magic.

Rough Guides tip? Thinking of a longer trip? Check out our 10-day Panama itineraries.

Casco Viejo

First on the agenda of our Panama itinerary for 5 days is exploring Panama City’s UNESCO-listed Casco Viejo neighborhood.

Not only is this area rich in historic attractions, but it’s also the heart and soul of Panama City, and stacked with a bounty of boutiques, bars and restaurants.

Start your day early to explore Casco Viejo’s historic charm in the cool of the morning. We suggest heading to Plaza de la Independencia to see the Metropolitan Cathedral — a stunning 18th-century church with twin bell towers — before grabbing a coffee.

Next, just steps away from the square, visit the Museo del Canal Interoceánico to find out how the Panama Canal was built before strolling to Plaza Francia, which honors the French engineers who began work on the Panama Canal.

As a bonus, Plaza Francia also offers views of the Pacific Ocean, with the Amador Causeway in the distance.

While here, be sure to spend time in the local markets, and look out for artisan vendors selling colorful molas (hand-stitched textiles) made by the indigenous Guna Yala.

Then, when the sun starts to set, head up to a rooftop bar for pre-dinner cocktails. 

Cerro Ancón

Located in the heart of Panama City, the lushly forested, wildlife-rich Cerro Ancón rises to a height of 199 meters above sea level. 

One of the main joys of Cerro Ancón is hiking to its summit, which — thanks to the 1.5 km paved road — is relatively easy. 

You can also drive or cycle up to be rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views of the urban landscape, Panama Canal, and Pacific Ocean.

Covered in tropical forest, Cerro Ancón is also home to a variety of wildlife, including sloths, toucans and monkeys, making it a great spot for nature lovers and birdwatchers. 

The massive Panamanian flag at the summit also showcases the historic significance of the site. 

Controlled by the United States during their administration of the Panama Canal Zone, today Cerro Ancón stands as a symbol of Panamanian pride and sovereignty.

And all this can be enjoyed within easy reach of the city — it only takes ten minutes to drive to Cerro Ancón from Casco Viejo.

Where to stay in Panama City

Panama City’s neighborhoods each have their own distinct vibe, so read on to discover which area will suit you best.

Casco Viejo: best for history and culture 

Hip and historic, Casco Viejo is ideal for travelers who want easy access to some of Panama City's top attractions and cultural energy.

The area is packed with old colonial buildings that have been transformed into cool boutique hotels.

El Cangrejo: best for foodies and backpackers

Known for its global food scene, El Cangrejo is loaded with local flavour, and also offers some of the best-value accommodation in Panama City. 

Located near the business district, with access to the metro, it’s ideal for backpackers who are looking to bed down – and get around — for less.

Punta Paitilla and Punta Pacific: best for seafront luxury 

If you like the idea of staying in a swanky skyscraper hotel that offers sweeping sea views, check out accommodation in Punta Paitilla and Punta Pacifica.

These neighborhoods play host to Panama City’s most upscale accommodation, along with luxury malls and fine dining restaurants.

Amador Causeway: best for scenic stays 

Want somewhere quieter? Consider booking accommodation in the Amador Causeway. You could get lucky and bag yourself a place that serves views of ships lining up for the Panama Canal. 

While you’ll be away from the noise of downtown Panama City, and have access to outdoor activities, the center is still within easy reach.

Browse places to stay in Panama City.

Day 3-4: El Valle de Anton

After the hustle and bustle (and heat) of Panama City, the next stage of this 5-day Panama itinerary heralds a move to the cooler climes of El Valle de Antón, located 2-3 hours by car or bus from Panama City.

Surrounded by lush forests and towering peaks, this verdant valley is tucked in the crater of an ancient dormant volcano, with hiking trails leading to cascading waterfalls and bubbling hot springs. 

Fancy enjoying wild adventures in Panama? Read our beginners guide to the Panama rainforest.

Hike La India Dormida

Named for its resemblance to the profile of a reclining woman, climbing La India Dormida (The Sleeping Indian) is one of the valley’s most iconic hikes, and offers breath-taking views of the valley and surrounding peaks.

In practical terms, it’s a moderate 3km (1.9 mile) round-trip that’ll take around 1.5–2 hours, depending on how often you’re lured to gawp at the views and watch wildlife. 

The trailhead is located near La Piedra Pintada archaeological site, where you can view pre-Columbian petroglyphs.

The first stage of the hike takes you through lush forest, passing streams and Chooro del Macho waterfall.

During your gradual ascent, the valley opens up, leading to 360 views of the valley —— and beyond — after the final climb.

After descending La India Dormida, treat yourself to lunch at a local restaurant before spending the rest of the afternoon exploring El Valle de Antón at a slower pace.

For example, head to El Valle Artisan Market (Mercado de Artesanías) to buy locally made crafts, or unwind at Pozos Termales’ natural hot springs. 

Hike Cerra Cara Iguana

Another recommended activity around these parts is hiking the more rugged Cerra Cara Iguana trail.

It’ll take you around 2-3 hours to cover the 4 km (2.5 miles) round-trip. Steeper and more rugged than La India Dormida — with some rock scrambling required near the top — it’s a moderate-to-challenging hike that starts off gently.

After passing farms and fields, you’ll encounter more rugged terrain, passing thick forest and open ridges as you ascend.

Where to stay in El Valle de Anton

Good news — no matter where you stay, El Valle’s natural beauty will be within sight. When it comes to where to stay, it’s a question of deciding how close — or far — you want to be from town.

Here’s a breakdown of a few areas to consider.

El Valle Proper: best for convenience seekers, families, and first-timers

This is the heart of El Valle, which means you’ll be close to restaurants, cafes, stores and the famous Sunday market. 

Most tour companies start their hikes from here, too.

La Mesa: best for nature lovers and hikers

A little further from the town center, La Mesa offers peace and quiet, plus majestic mountain views. 

It’s the ideal spot if you’re mainly here to hike or birdwatch, but still want to dip into town.

El Hato: best for adventure seekers and local flavor

Set in the cooler hills above the valley, El Hato is quieter still, with some eco-lodges and family-run hostels. 

With trails on the doorstep, it’s suited to outdoorsy backpackers.

Los Llanitos: best for peace-seekers and off-gridders

Located on the outskirts of the valley, Los Llanitos is perfect for those who want to disconnect and enjoy the valley’s natural beauty without distractions.

Think simple cozy cabins with mountain views.

Cariguana: best for quiet escapes with a touch of culture

Located on the other side of the valley from the town center, Cariguana is far enough from the main hustle to feel quiet, but close enough when you fancy a restaurant meal or need supplies.

Largely residential, it offers some rental cabins and guesthouses and is home to the Cariguana Archaeological Museum.

Explore accommodation in El Valle de Anton.

Back to Panama City or continue traveling in Panama

And that’s a wrap for this five days in Panama itinerary — say goodbye to El Valle de Anton and head back to Panama City.

You find more inspiration in our customizable Panama itineraries, or you could contact our local expert to kick-start curating your perfect vacation.