Planning a trip to Panama means diving into a country where skyscrapers, surf towns, cloud forests, and Caribbean islands all fit into one compact slice of Central America. Explore the lively streets of Panama City, then swap the skyline for the sun-bleached shores of the San Blas Islands. For something less tourist-trodden, head to Santa Catalina, a surf spot turned sleepy beach escape.
With Rough Guides’ tailor-made travel in Panama, local experts craft your trip around your style, interests, and pace, from hiking through highland towns like Boquete to snorkelling around Coiba Island.
A typical Panama trip mixes urban edge and island calm. Start in Panama City, with its rooftop bars, canal locks, and historic Casco Viejo. Head west to the highlands of Boquete, known for its coffee farms and cool climate hikes.
Chill out on the Caribbean coast in Bocas del Toro, or go full remote on the San Blas Islands, run by the Guna people. If you want to avoid the crowds, spend a few nights in El Valle de Antón or dive off the grid around Coiba Island, one of Central America’s best marine parks.
Absolutely. Every Rough Guides trip is tailor-made just for you. Want to surf in Santa Catalina, then sip rum in the Azuero Peninsula? Or swap out the beach for jungle hikes and wildlife spotting?
Our local experts listen to what you want, then build an itinerary to match, choosing the best routes, places to stay, and things to do. You set the pace and vibe; we handle the details.
We recommend planning 3 to 6 months ahead, especially if you’re traveling between December and April, Panama’s dry season. Trips that include island stays or festivals (like Carnival in Las Tablas) often book out early.
The good news: with tailor-made travel, you’ll have more flexibility and access to options that can be hard to book on your own.
Panama rainforest, spider monkey @ Shutterstock
Not necessarily. The price is similar to planning it yourself, but the value is much higher. You get insider access to local experiences, carefully vetted hotels and guides, plus 24/7 on-trip support.
With Rough Guides, you won’t waste money on things that don’t deliver, and you’ll end up with a smarter, smoother trip.
Our Panama specialists are based in-country and know it inside out, the kind of people who’ve driven every backroad and kayaked through the Pearl Islands.
They work with you one-on-one to build a trip that fits your interests, whether that’s history, food, adventure, or all of the above. They're your shortcut to a more authentic, well-balanced itinerary.
Ready to start planning your trip to Panama? Get in touch with a local expert today.
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