panama travel experiences

70 Awesome Things To Do In Panama: The Ultimate Guide

Jackson Groves

Posted on Last updated: October 2, 2023

Categories PANAMA

Attention all adventure enthusiasts! If you’re searching for a new destination to satisfy your thrill-seeking needs, Panama should be your next getaway. This country boasts an array of unbelievable landscapes and exciting adventures. Whether it’s riding the waves in Santa Catalina, trekking through the lush jungles of Boquete, or standing atop a volcano, Panama promises an unforgettable experience. In this Ultimate Panama Travel Guide , I’ll guide you through some of the most adventurous things to do in Panama.

I made it my mission to create the largest-ever adventure Panama Travel Guide. I even explored some spots that surprised the locals. Panameno’s love their adventure and I met so many awesome locals along this journey. Thanks to all of you for making my 100 days of exploring Panama such an unforgettable experience. I have put an unbelievable amount of energy into documenting these adventures so that I can share them with you all. This is my adventure guide to Panama. These are 70 awesome things to do in Panama.

3 MOST POPULAR TOURS IN PANAMA

These are the three most popular activities for tourists in Panama. Personally, I love the San Blas Islands boat trip!

• San Blas Islands Boat Trip : Explore the tropical paradise of the San Blas Islands, the most beautiful region in Panama. Easily the most amazing activity I did in Panama.
• Taboga Island Catamaran Cruise : Admire Panama from the water on a sightseeing catamaran cruise to Taboga Island. Admire the city skyline, dive from the boat for a swim, relax on a beach in Taboga, and enjoy snacks and an open bar.
• Half-Day City Tour & Panama Canal : Connect with the beautiful and modern Panama City on this shared or private city tour. Stroll the narrow streets of the Old Town and watch ships sail through the Panama Canal

70 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN PANAMA: THE BUCKET LIST

In this blog post about the top things to do in Panama, I have split the activities up by region so you can plan out your trip. If you enjoy hiking, I suggest basing in Boquete or El Valle de Anton for at least a week. If you want those tropical beaches try Bocas Del Toro, Escudo de Veraguas , and Santa Catalina .

Table of Contents

BOQUETE (CHIRIQUI PROVINCE)

Boquete has fast become one of my favorite adventure towns. It is nestled in the province of Chiriqui, which is in the north of Panama only a couple hours’ drive to the Costa Rican border. At almost 2000 meters above sea level, Boquete has a cool climate, which is perfect weather to explore all of the awesome hikes and waterfalls in the region. Boquete is also one of the best places to spot the famous Resplendent Quetzal bird in the canopy of the many forests

THE LOST WATERFALLS TRAIL

On one of the most stunning jungle trails in the world, we looked for the lost waterfalls of Boquete. Through the luscious jungle, we trekked. Over muddy paths, we slipped and stumbled. From one patch of wildflowers to the next we discovered. Until we reached three, breathtakingly powerful and mind-blowingly beautiful waterfalls. The Lost Waterfall Trail Hike is one of the best things to do in Panama.

The Lost Waterfalls Trail is the first thing most visitors do in Boquete. It is a $7 entrance fee but quite easy to get to and only a short hike it gives great value with three amazing waterfalls. It is the crowd pleaser and great for those who want a bit of an adventure, a waterfall but only half a day’s worth of effort.

View the full blog post:  THE LOST WATERFALLS TRAIL HIKE

THE PIPELINE TRAIL

The Pipeline Trail is another great hike in the Bajo Mono region just outside of Boquete Town. Walk alongside a river through the jungle until you reach a massive yet slow-descending cascade at the end of the trail. On the way, you will discover a thousand-year-old tree and some unique wildlife. The trail takes about two hours and is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon when you are staying in Boquete town.

The Pipeline Trail is a nice short walk through the jungle, with a great chance of spotting a Quetzal bird. They say this is one of the best things to do in Boquete for spotting the Quetzal. we also spotted a snake, caterpillars, and lots of beautiful plants along the way.

View the full blog post:   THE PIPELINE TRAIL

EL PIANISTA TRAIL

El Pianista Trail fast became my favorite jungle adventure in Boquete with its narrow canyon-esque path. The trail is just 4km out of Boquete town and is a 3-4 hour out and back trail with more than 2000 feet of elevation. The trail leads you into a cloud forest, which essentially means at least half of the trail is inside the clouds. This turns the scenery into a dripping rainforest, where life is buzzing, water droplets are falling to the floor from every leaf, and wildflowers and birds are plentiful.

This trail harbors some dark secrets. In 2014, two Dutch girls in their early 20’s made it to the summit and then went missing. There was no sign of the girls until a few weeks later. There are huge holes in the story of what happened and how the investigation unfolded. The girls’ backpack was found 8 weeks later, and bones including a foot still inside a boot were also found weeks later. The girls had hiked down past the summit into the continental divide. The area between Costa Rica and Panama. The Ngobe tribe were the people to discover the backpack and would have been the first contact for the girls had they come into trouble and looked for a way out according to the reports. It’s one of the spookiest things to do in Panama.

View the full blog post:  EL PIANISTA TRAIL

LA PIEDRA DE LINO HIKE

It may be one of the shortest hikes in Boquete distance wise but La Piedra De Lino will hurt your legs the most! This hike was a grueling 434 meters in elevation over just 1.3km. That means for every three meters you walk forward, you walk up one meter. However, the view of Boquete from the top rock is worth the climb.

La Piedra De Lino means the rock of Lino. Lino is a small section of Boquete only about four kilometers from the center of Boquete town. There were lots to see on the way up with flowers, berries, and glimpses of the view as we made our way to the top of the rock. There was no one else on the trail at all and we felt like we were out in the jungle even though we had views back towards Boquete town!

View the full blog post:  LA PIEDRA DE LINO (THE ROCK OF LINO) HIKE

LA PIEDRA DE ARTILLERIA HIKE

La Artilleria hike is a beautiful trail up to one of the most epic viewpoints in all of Boquete. However, it is a strange one. At the top of the trail, we scrambled up the rocks and watched the clouds part to show us an amazing view of Boquete! It was definitely the best view we had during our hiking in Boquete and something I will never forget. In the opposite direction, we had rolling mountains with several layers and even a rainbow appeared. It was a day where everything seemed to turn out perfectly although this is one of the things to do in Boquete that won’t be recommended at your hostel.

View full blog post:  LA ARTILLERIA HIKE

LA PIEDRA DE LA INDIA VIEJA HIKE

La Piedra de la India Vieja hike has in my opinion, the best views of any hike in Boquete. However, it also has the worst trail, or from what I found… no trail. My legs had many a battle scar after this hike but boy was the rock viewpoint at the top worth it all and more. If you are up for an extremely tough jungle adventure, go for it. Otherwise, enjoy my photos and head to one of the other beautiful hikes in Boquete. That’s genuine advice, not a challenge. This was one of the toughest things to do in Panama!

At the summit,  the view was totally unexpected. A jagged rock wall curved around right beneath me while mountains in all directions created an immensely atmospheric backdrop. Despite the rough journey up and the imminent rough journey down, I felt like I was on top of Boquete and I really was out here alone.

View full blog post:   LA PIEDRA DE LA INDIA VIEJA HIKE

ROCK CLIMBING WALL

On the way to Bajo Mono, the location of the Lost Waterfall Trek, and many more, there is an epic Basalt rock climbing wall. The best part about it is that is completely natural. Josh and I used to run here in the morning and work out on the grass amidst the beautiful mountains. However, in the late mornings and afternoons, there were rock climbing tours that would set up and take tourists through their paces at climbing the wall.

SENDERO LOS QUETZALES

Los Senderos Quetzales, translated to the Quetzal Trail, is one of the most popular hikes near the small town of Boquete in Panama. The Boquete region has a variety of trails to choose from yet Los Senderos Quetzales remains near the top of the list for visitors. The popularity of Los Senderos Quetzales is because this trail, in the Volcan Baru National Park, provides hikers a great opportunity to spot the elusive Quetzal bird.

The Quetzal is the national bird of Guatemala as it plays an important role in numerous types of Meso-American mythology. Additionally, the Quetzal is a very striking bird with impressive green feathers on its back while on its front it is covered in striking red feathers. The Quetzal also has a long tail. All of these features make it an attractive bird for bird-watchers to travel all the way to the Chiriqui region of Panama. El Sendero Los Quetzales is one of the most popular things to do in Boquete.

View full blog post:  SENDERO LOS QUETZALES: THE TRAIL OF THE FAMOUS QUETZAL

HIKE TO THE SUMMIT OF VOLCAN BARU

Volcán Barú is an active stratovolcano located in western Panama and stands at an impressive height of 3,475 meters. It is the tallest mountain in Panama and provides breathtaking views of both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts.

Trekking to the summit is a challenging but rewarding experience, and the summit provides incredible views from above the clouds. Despite being an active volcano, Volcán Barú is considered safe for visitors and offers a unique opportunity to explore one of Panama’s natural wonders. It’s an overnight hike and one of the tougher things to do in Panama.

View the full blog post:  27KM VOLCAN BARU HIKE OVERNIGHT FOR EPIC SUNRISE

THINGS TO DO IN CHIRIQUI PROVINCE (OUTSIDE OF BOQUETE)

Those are all of the hikes, waterfalls, and activities that I got up to in Boquete. However, while in Boquete I made a few day trips within Chiriqui Province. None of these trips were much more than an hour by car. It is quite hard to rent a car and DIY by bus isn’t the easiest but is possible.

I have added directions and helpful information with an individual blog post to all of the activities above and below to help you also. So, below are the waterfalls, hikes, and places I visited while in Boquete that aren’t technically in the Boquete region.

ROMELIO & KIKI WATERFALL

I’m standing behind a waterfall, watching the droplets majestically float down right before my eyes. I feel like I am inside the earth, inside a chamber watching the raw power of mother nature from the inside out. I am within the heart of Kiki Waterfall in the Ngäbe-Buglé region, Chiriqui. It was the second waterfall of the day after visiting Romelio Falls earlier with two local tour guides and a group of new friends.

These two waterfalls are a little tough to reach but if you can organize a crew it is an epic adventure for a day of waterfall chasing. I have linked the details of the guides in the full blog post which is linked below.

View full blog post:  ROMELIO & KIKI WATERFALL IN NGÄBE-BUGLÉ REGION

CHOCLON WATERFALL

Choclon Waterfall is a beautiful twin falls at the end of a small gorge. The tiny amphitheater is the perfect place for a short hike and to hang out in the afternoon with friends on a sunny day. The water has a beautiful blue tinge to it and vines grow all around the walls of the waterfalls giving this spot a magical atmosphere.

View full blog post:   CHOCLON WATERFALL IN CHIRIQUI

CASCADA DEL TRUENO WATERFALL

When the destination of the day is ‘Thunder Waterfall (Cascada Del Trueno) you know the crew is heading somewhere aggressive, powerful, and possibly a little bit extreme! Bundled into the back of a pickup truck, we wound our way through Chiriqui to Cordillera to begin the short trail. The 30-minute hike led us down into the amphitheater of dreams as the Thunder Waterfall lived up to its name, slapping a rage of spray at anything that came within a 20m radius with pure fury.

View full blog post:  CASCADA DEL TRUENO (THUNDER WATERFALL)

CABELLO DE ANGEL WATERFALL

Cabella de Angel waterfall was huge! It flowed from two different sides and then converged into one, an almighty powerful force that rocketed into the pool below. The mist blew everyone and the rocks were incredibly slippery, which made it a fun experience but incredibly hard to shoot.

View Full blog post:  CABELLO DE ANGEL WATERFALL

CANGILONES DE GUALACA

Los Cangilones de Gualaca is a natural canyon slot in Chiriqui. It has stood the test of time and is thousands of years old. It’s a great spot to hang out with friends, cliff jump, and swim! Cangilon means bucket in Spanish or deep vessel for collecting water. This canyon is one hell of a long bucket and an epic spot to visit in Chiriqui.

View full blog post:  LOS CANGILONES DE GUALACA

SINDIGO WATERFALL

Sindigo Waterfall in Chiriqui Panama is a great little spot with cliff jumping, a rope swing, and beautiful blue water. What I am saying is… welcome to paradise!

The waterfall is in the Gualaca region and is unmarked from the road. We jumped a barbed wire fence and headed down a small path. After hiking down a little path for 10-minutes we arrived at Sindigo Waterfall.

The scene was magical. Moss-covered boulders created a swimming pool, which a sweet little waterfall poured into. From the top of the boulders, you can jump in from about 4 meters. This epic little spot even had a rope swing, which flung you all the way out into the middle of the pool.

View full blog post:   SINDIGO WATERFALL IN CHIRIQUI

JOGUATA WATERFALL

After more than a week in the town of Boquete, I had visited many waterfalls but none so far had a sizeable cliff jump. That all changed when I paid a visit to Joguata Waterfall in Caldera. An 8-meter jump from beside a waterfall into the pool below was enough to get my adrenaline pumping for the day.

The water is quite deep and the waterfall crashes into the pool so aim just to the left of that but check the conditions first as you never know what lurks beneath the surface.

View full blog post:   JOGUATA WATERFALL CLIFF JUMP

EL VALLE DE ANTON (COCLE PROVINCE)

El Valle de Anton or ‘El Valle’ for short is a town I based myself in for a month. El Valle means ‘The Valley’, and this beautiful region just a few hours out of Panama City is much more than a valley, it is a volcanic crater from many years ago. There are plentiful hikes around the rim of the crater and in the surrounding region.

LA INDIA DORMIDA HIKE

One of the most popular sunrise viewpoints in all of Anton Valley. The hike only takes about 45 minutes to summit from the town, making it a perfect way to start your morning. The loop trail takes you along the edge of the beautiful mountains of the crater, which resemble the body of a sleeping person. This is where the hike gets its name and we will delve into the Legend of the Sleeping Indian in this blog post as well as everything you need to know about hiking La India Dormida to enjoy an epic sunrise.

Legend has it that Luba, known as ‘Airflower’, was the youngest daughter of heralded Chief Urraca. Urraca was the leader of one of the many Guaymi Tribes in Anton Crater. Luba was a rebellious girl and despite her tribes fighting with the Spanish for years, she fell in love with a Spanish official who lived in the town. Yaravi was a brave warrior from the tribe who loved Luba but she didn’t love him back. Yaravi couldn’t handle this and took his own life, throwing himself off of a mountain while Luba stared in a perplexed fashion. Luba didn’t want to betray her town and in a desperate panic of crying and mourning she loses herself in the bushes and dies

Need more information?  Full blog post:   HIKING LA INDIA DORMIDA FOR SUNRISE

CERRO CARA IGUANA

My first hike in Cocle was a short, sweet, and eventually very wet trek to the summit of Cerra Cara Iguana.  Anton Valley is actually a giant volcanic crater. It is said to be the only volcanic crater, which is inhabited. It’s pretty crazy to think that at some stage a key decision maker decided that the best place to set up camp was inside a volcanic crater.

What you have now is a beautiful town surrounded by epic mountains. In short, the Anton Valley unintentionally placed itself as a future adventure tourism destination. Cerro Cara Iguana gives you a great view of this crater. The ridge of Cerro Cara Iguana extends out towards the middle of the crater, more than any other point and it was great to do this hike early in my stay in Anton Valley. It gives you a great idea of the layout of the town and is one of my favorite places to visit in Panama.

Need more information?  Full blog post:  CERRO CARA IGUANA HIKE

CERRO GAITAL

Often labeled as ‘The toughest hike in Panama’, the Cerro Gaital hike will definitely challenge you while making your way up to the epic viewpoint.

Cerro Gaital leads you through a tunnel of the dense forest before hitting you with intense vertical rock climbs into the foggy summit. The hike takes less than three hours depending on how long you spend at the top. It is possible to walk to the trailhead from Anton Valley Town or you can catch a bus to the trailhead for $1.

From the top of Cerro Gaital, you have views over the whole valley and beyond. I sat atop the small cement hut eating my lunch enjoying yet another empty mountain in El Valle de Anton!

Need more information?  Full blog post:  CERRO GAITAL HIKE

CERRO LA GAITA

Although it is not directly in El Valle de Anton, Cerro La Gaita is only a short drive or even a bus trip away from the town center. This makes it one of the best things to do in El Valle de Anton or at least nearby.

Every mountain in Anton Valley seems to surround you as you emerged from the jungle to rise above the canopy on a wooden platform. For an hour you trek up the slippery path and then the stairs that pierced through the dense jungle. You will reach the summit of Cerro La Gaita and the view over Cerro Picacho and San Carlos Lake is beautiful.

Need more information?  Full blog post:  CERRO LA GAITA HIKE

POZO AZUL WATERFALL CANYON

In what seems to be the middle of a quiet farmland region is one of the wonders of Panama. A lot of places around the world get hyped up but surprisingly Pozo Azul was spoken of as a nice spot but I didn’t expect to encounter such an epic location. In the depths of the jungle, a series of waterfalls flow down from one level to the next into crystal-clear azure pools. Rock climbing, cliff jumping, and the ultimate waterhole await you at Pozo Azul in Cocle, Panama.

Need more information?  Full blog post:  POZO AZUL WATERFALLS

CERRO LA SILLA

Cerro La Silla is a short journey to an epic viewpoint atop the mountains to watch the sun rise over the horizon with views of Valle de Anton and beyond! It’s interesting that  Cerro Cara Iguana  and  India Dormida hikes  are the most suggested but you don’t hear a lot about Cerro La Silla. Having experienced all three I would say it is hard to separate them all but La Silla possibly has the best views.

Just before the sun was about to break over the horizon we made it to the summit where we sat down beneath the giant cross, which seems to be common at viewpoints in Valle de Anton. We could see all the way back into the crater of Valle de Anton but also out to  Cerro Picacho .

Need more information?  Full blog post:  CERRO LA SILLA ‘THE ARMCHAIR’ SUNRISE HIKE

CERRO PICACHO IN SAN CARLOS

Overlooking San Carlos Laguna, the Cerro Picacho hike in San Carlos (West Panama) is one of the best viewpoints in the region. It is a steady incline through the dense forest, which leads you over roots, through muddy paths, and underneath a beautiful canopy. The tropical conditions mean that as per usual you will be sweating, hot, and searching for air when you reach the summit.

There are two viewpoints on Cerro Picacho in San Carlos. The first is a really cool boulder that sticks out of the trail and gives a great vantage point of the lake and the other peak. The other peak is incredibly steep although I have seen a video of someone sitting on top of it. From the boulder lookout, we could see other hikes like  Cerro La Gaita  platform. It is a great spot to check out the other mountains in the area.

Need more information?  Full blog post:  CERRO PICACHO HIKE IN SAN CARLOS

CERRO TUREGA HIKE

Cerro Turega is an epic trail that leads you past waterfalls before up an intense incline to reach the three peaks at the summit with panoramic views! The hike is only a 6km trail. However, the hike is regularly touted as a 4-hour journey and this is because the terrain is incredibly steep and slippery making it very slow going.

There are three epic peaks but as far as I know, you can only reach the first where you can see us standing in the photos. They are very steep and I would be surprised if peaks two and three are accessible. The views are beautiful and we got a few glimpses amidst the fog and stormy clouds.

Need more information?  Full blog post:  CERRO TUREGA ‘THREE PEAKS’ HIKE

ISLA FARALLON DAY TRIP

Isla Farallon is a unique island off the coast off of Farallon on the southern coast of Panama, only a couple of hours’ drive from Panama City. We ventured down on three buses from Valle de Anton in about an hour and enjoyed a day of soaking up the sun, exploring Isla Farallon, and beach volleyball on Farallon Beach. This is a family-friendly beach with nothing but chill vibes, sun, and salt!

It only took us just over an hour to reach Farallon Beach from El Valle on two buses. Farallon Island only takes another fifteen-minute boat trip from there. I thought it would be handy in this guide as sometimes in El Valle de Anton, you forget what the beach looks like when you go on daily hikes!

Need more information?  Full blog post:  ISLA FARALLON AND FARALLON BEACH

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT IN COCLE PROVINCE

These are a few other random spots in Cocle province that didn’t quite fit into a popular region.

AGUILA FALLS AND CANYON

Aguila Waterfalls is one of those locations that take you into another world. I found myself wading through knee-deep in crystal clear blue water while staring up at huge walls of ferns and vines as sunlight crept in through the canopy, lighting up the canyon. This is an Indiana Jones type of adventure.

Need more information?  Full blog post:  AGUILA WATERFALLS AND CANYON

CERRO TRINIDAD HIKE

Cerro Trinidad is a steep hike through the jungle to an epic viewpoint out over Capiro. It isn’t very popular and subsequently, the trail is quite rough and very steep in some parts. A guide is highly suggested and hikers not in good physical condition may decide to give this hike a miss due to the incline.

Need more information?  Full blog post:  CERRO TRINIDAD HIKE IN EL CACAO

CERRO CHAME SUNRISE HIKE

Cerro Chame is a collection of ridges and rolling hills overlooking the region of Chame. The hike takes just over an hour until you reach the cross at the summit, although you can continue on much further along the ridges, which makes it a much longer hike.

Need more information?  Full blog post:  CERRO CHAME SUNRISE HIKE

30KM TIFE WATERFALL TREK

A journey of 30km with over 2000 meters of incline through the forest of Omar Torrijos National Park to reach the epic Tife Waterfall in Panama. It isn’t for the faint-hearted but it is an incredible experience and off the beaten path, to say the least! If you are game the adventure to Tife Waterfall challenges you! This was easily one of the toughest things to do in Panama!

Need more information?  Full blog post:  30KM TREK TO TIFE WATERFALL

FILIPINAS WATERFALLS

Filipinas waterfalls is a series of five different waterfalls easily accessible along a short, but interesting trail that leads you through the jungle to each spot!

The fifth and final waterfall is a double-tiered beauty. At the end of a short but narrow canyon, a slim waterfall shoots down into a little pool of blue water. It is possible to climb up the left side but it is very slippery and can be quite dangerous. However, if you do make it to the top the view is beautiful!

Need more information?  Full blog post:  FILIPINAS WATERFALLS IN SORA

NATIVA WATERFALL IN SORA

Nativa Waterfall is an amazing wall of water like nothing else in Panama! It’s a really unique waterfall as it is a rounded wall that pours into a tiny little pool and then shoots off sideways down the river

This huge water wall was one of my favorite waterfalls in Panama because it is just so different from the regular style of a waterfall. It’s deep enough to swim in the pool below, even though it is only a 3-meter wide pool!

Need more information?  Full blog post:  NATIVA WATERFALL IN SORA

LOS VALLES WATERFALL CLIFF JUMP

Los Valles Waterfall cliff jump is by far one of my favorite places to hang out in all of Panama. Taking in the sun while laying on the rocks in between massive cliff jumps is heaven on earth for me! This was one of the most fun things to do in Panama.

The biggest cliff jump is 15m and other spots are possible to jump from throughout the watering hole. The biggest factor to point out that this is not an easy place to cliff jump. Especially on the big 15-meter jump, you need to run and really push off to reach the middle of the pool below. It is dangerous if you are scared and only do a small jump or back out halfway. Don’t take this place lightly.

Need more information?  Full blog post:  LOS VALLES WATERFALL: THE BEST CLIFF JUMP IN PANAMA

OLA WATERFALLS

The waterfalls of Ola are a spectacle that could be argued to be among the best series of waterfalls in Panama. Two huge waterfalls are accompanied by many smaller cascades and watering holes, which on clear days boast beautiful blue waters.

The main waterfall was a sight to behold. It was aggressive and the pool it flowed down into was a scene of carnage. Huge rocks were littered everywhere from previous falls most likely and the water smashed down onto one of the rocks spraying up with pure force.

Need more information?  Full blog post:  THE AMAZING WATERFALLS OF OLA

CERRO PICACHO SUNRISE HIKE IN OLA

Sitting in the long grass on top of Cerro Picacho in Ola, we slowly watched the illumination of the epic ridges all around us until we had become ants amidst a golden glow in what is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Panama.

The sun rises directly in front of you lighting up the valley, which is littered with other epic mountains. Fog circled many of the bigger mountains and in combination with the layers of mountains, the view was incredible. Because of the sharp ridges, Cerro Picacho hike in Ola became one of my favorite hikes in Panama. It was only short but the view was just breathtaking. It is like nothing you ever expected from this country and one of the top things to do in Panama. I think this morning is one of my favorites photography-wise as well.

CERRO PICACHO SUNRISE HIKE IN OLA, PANAMA

MANGLARITO WATERFALL

Manglarito Waterfall in Chame begins with an insane canyon drop, which flows down into an amphitheater with the main waterfall. Both of the waterfalls are beautiful and this jungle atmosphere is one of my favorites in Panama.

Need more information?  Full blog post:  MANGLARITO WATERFALL IN CHAME

LOS CAJONES DE CHAME

Hidden in the depths of Chame is a masterpiece from mother nature. Los Cajones de Chame (The draws of Chame) is one of the most unique land formations in Panama. Only 90 minutes from Panama City, it is one of the most remarkable and popular spots to visit in Panama.

Need more information?  Full blog post:  LOS CAJONES DE CHAME IN PANAMA

CERRO DE LA CRUZ SUNRISE HIKE

We waited in the cold, curled up behind boulders atop Cerro De La Cruz with the almighty cross towering above us. It had been an early wake-up call at 2 am and we were now patiently shivering our way towards a beautiful sunrise in the Campana National Park on the Cerro De La Cruz viewpoint hike. After patiently waiting for an hour, the sun finally started to break its way through and we started to see how beautiful the view was with the sun streaming into the valley and up onto the mountain.

This viewpoint, which is at 905 meters of altitude, was one of my favorite lookouts in Panama. Standing beneath the cross with such an epic drop below us was an insane way to start the day!

Need more information?  Full blog post:  CERRO DE LA CRUZ HIKE IN ALTOS DE CAMPANA NATIONAL PARK

SANTA FE (VERAGUAS PROVINCE)

Santa Fe is a beautiful little town, nestled in the towering mountains of Veraguas. Almost exactly in the center of Panama, Santa Fe is one of the adventure hotspots for hikers and waterfall enthusiasts. I stayed in Santa Fe for ten days and went on a hike or visited a waterfall every single day. Not many people think about Santa Fe when considering what to do in Panama but it was one of my favorite backpacking spots in Panama.

CERRO TUTE HIKE

Cerro Tute is a viewpoint that looks out over Santa Fe from a pile of precarious rocks! I really loved Cerro Tute and it was a great first experience in Santa Fe, Veraguas. I recommend doing it as your first Santa Fe hiking trail even though it is quite long. You will get great views of the area and can even pick out a few other peaks you might want to summit also!

Read the full blog post:   EPIC CERRO TUTE HIKE

ALTO DE PIEDRA WATERFALL HIKE

I now backtracked all the way to the front gate and decide that I would try the trail on the far left. It was the only trail I had not yet visited because I entered the far right trail and emerged in the middle trail. I had seemingly done a loop. But I hadn’t yet visited the far left trail so off I went. It turns out that this is actually the trail to the biggest waterfall and maybe the most popular as the trail had tires placed to help with the mud and was the most well-defined and easy to follow.

At the bottom of the trail was a huge waterfall, the biggest of the day. I felt like the waterfalls in this region just never ended but that’s Panama for you. A shallow pool once again collected the water at the bottom of this pool.

Read the full blog post:   ALTO DE PIEDRA WATERFALLS HIKE

BERMEJO WATERFALL HIKE

Bermejo Waterfall was a scene of beautiful destruction. As I sat atop a wet rock, alone in the amphitheater of Bermejo, I could only envision the events that had unfolded over the years to leave this magical place in the state it remains today. Boulders the sizes of houses are covered in moss with trees growing readily from their surface. Freezing cold water swirls viciously, inviting you to test the danger. And then there is the waterfall itself. A multi-tiered, dual-directional flow of pure aggression, which slices through the earth in the middle of the Santa Fe Jungle with an exclamation point.

It’s an aggressive waterfall without a place to swim directly below it. However, the first pool is deep enough to at least cool off. I definitely suggest packing lunch and hanging out in this area for a few hours to appreciate the region and recover from your trek in!

Read full blog post:  BERMEJO WATERFALL HIKE

EL SALTO WATERFALL HIKE

El Salto is a collection of 22 waterfalls (if not more) in the middle of the mountains near Santa Fe. I explored two by foot and one other with the drone. It is possible to explore all of them but takes expert knowledge of the area, ropes, and some serious skills and planning.

It’s definitely one of the longer Santa Fe hiking trails but you usually get out what effort you put in and it’s is true in this case. Remote paradise!

Read full blog post:  EL SALTO WATERFALLS

NUCA DEL TORO HIKE

Amidst a myriad of amazing waterfalls and trails, Nuca Del Toro, is a basic trail without much of an epic viewpoint. However, if you give the trail a chance it can be a fun afternoon activity with a change of scenery from the Panamanian Jungle. Huge pine trees surround you on top of the hill with snippets of the mountain range visible depending on what giant boulder you can clamber onto.

Read full blog post:  NUCA DEL TORO HIKE

NATURE NIGHT TRAIL

Take a walk into the dark, armed with your flashlight! In the jungle at night, the creatures come out to play and we had an epic time exploring. We saw frogs, snakes, a shy sloth, cicadas, butterflies, tarantulas, and all kinds of crazy bugs.

The interesting part is that in Santa Fe there are lots of motion-sensor cameras and Edgar showed us the photos they had captured within the last 2 years. It is pretty shocking. Jaguars, Ocelots, Pumas, and lots of other large mammals are out here in the jungle, but they are seldom seen!

We walked for about 1.5 hours total admiring all of the amazing creatures along the way. Let’s just see if the bugs are bigger in Panama. If you are interested in this experience I do recommend it. Just drop into Hostal La Qhiaand let them know. It was $25 per person and the only paid tour I did in Santa Fe. The rest of the Santa Fe hiking trails were free!

Read full blog post:   NATURE NIGHT TRAIL IN THE JUNGLE

LOMA GRANDE WATERFALL HIKE

Loma Grande Waterfall near Santa Fe, Veraguas is one of the most spectacular little spots to visit in the region. Not only is this waterfall an epic natural sight but the amphitheater within which it is found is out of this world. Slopes on either side are covered in tropical plants, dripping from the spray of the waterfall. Moss-covered rocks are scattered throughout the stream that leads up to the fall. The best bit, however, is the unexplainable pool of blue water that sits to the side of the waterfall.

Read full blog post:  LOMA GRANDE WATERFALL

LAS GOLONDRINAS WATERFALL

I had heard about this goliath waterfall but never envisioned it to be quite so epic. Las Golondrinas Waterfall is a mammoth falls near Santa Fe, Veraguas. The trek to the falls takes only 20 minutes but leads you through a wonderland of vines and river crossings before revealing the gigantic waterfall.

The trail is very clear to follow and has handrails in some points. However, because of the conditions, it is very muddy and you will get wet and dirty on this trail. If the trail doesn’t get you wet, the river crossing will.

Read full blog post:  LAS GOLONDRINAS WATERFALL TRAIL

EL SALTO DEL LIMON WATERFALL

Multiple streams poured over the edge of the cliff, like lines of tears seeping out of the earth. El Salto del Limon is a beautiful waterfall that has a quiet, peaceful atmosphere rather than an aggressive show of raw power like many of the other waterfalls in Panama.

Read full blog post:  EL SALTO DEL LIMON WATERFALL

LA SILAMPA WATERFALL HIKE

A rocky path carves its way through the rolling hills of Calobre. For an hour of steep trekking, curious hikers can only imagine what paradise may be found at the end of their journey. The trail finally ends, and what is found is truly an oasis, a crystal clear oasis. Flowing down for a river through the mountains, a waterfall cascades into the azure blue water, which then flows into several small lagoons before finally free-falling into another waterfall to disappear into the river below. This my friends is a mountain paradise.

Silampa is one of my favorite places in Panama and it’s the perfect location for an all-day hangout with a packed lunch and good company. The trek is only an hour one-way, which makes it the perfect weekend adventure in Panama.

Read full blog post:  LA SILAMPA WATERFALL HIKE

ISLA ESCUDO DE VERAGUAS CAMPING TRIP

Locals will tell you it is the last frontier or the final hidden paradise in Panama. Escudo de Veraguas means ‘The Shield of Veraguas’ and it is one of the most amazing locations in Central America. It is home to the elusive three-toed pygmy sloth, which at times swims in the crystal clear waters of the mangroves in this tropical island oasis. Escudo de Veraguas is a must-see place in Panama!

SANTA CATALINA

Santa Catalina is the ultimate beach and surf destination in Panama. It’s a bit of a hidden gem but still has a few beautiful resorts and fun hostels to host you while you kick back and enjoy the chill, coastal vibes.

SURF AT LA PUNTA

La Punta has built a reputation as being one of the best waves in Central America because of its year-round offshore and consistency, which is seen almost nowhere else in the region.  It breaks right every day between April and October. With a tide sweeping in and out by quite some distance, surfers wait for high tide to paddle directly out from Hotel Santa Catalina or nearby entrance points.

The most popular section at La Punta surf break is the outside section. It gets dispersed down the long point, especially during high tide. The offshore winds get strong in the afternoon.

LEARN TO SURF AT PLAYA ESTERO

If La Punta break looks a bit too crazy or advanced for you, that is no problem in Santa Catalina. Just down the hill at the other end of the village is Playa Estero. This huge stretch of beach is home to some kinder, rolling waves. These are perfect for beginners of all ages. Kids and first-timers can be seen catching their first-ever waves here all day long.

You can rent a board for $5 right on the beach from local surf vendors who also offer lessons. If you have never surfed before I suggest taking at least a half-hour lesson so you have your feet right and your technique under your belt. Learning to surf is one of the best things to do in Santa Catalina.

Read the full blog post:   7 BEST BEACHES IN SANTA CATALINA

HANG OUT AT PLAYA SANTA CATALINA

Playa Santa Catalina is the second black sand beach of Santa Catalina. It is the hub of activity as it is situated right in the heart of the town. Cafes are situated nearby as well as scuba, kayak and snorkel rental stores.

During the day the beach is a great place to hang out and it never gets too busy. Groups of locals take to the volleyball court in the evening with fun social games that even tourists are welcome to join. Down near the water, the soccer games get into full swing on the slick black sand. I had an epic sunset soccer game and it was one of my favorite things to do in Santa Catalina.

TREK TO PUNTA ROCA

Punta Roca is a little trail that starts at the far-left part of Playa Santa Catalina. It takes you through some farm fields and along the coast for about thirty minutes until you end up at Punta Roca. It is an area along the coastline with lots of tight coves, inlets, and secret beaches. I walked out to Punta Roca once and it was kind of strange. You had to pass through what seemed like private farms but the fences had a little gap made for you to pass through.

The trail wasn’t clear the whole way but I ended up getting there in the end. When I arrived it was a huge storm. I decided to fly back with the drone the next day from Playa Santa Catalina to explore the region from the air. It’s one of the less popular things to do in Santa Catalina but it is an adventure for sure!

SEE THE REFLECTIONS AT LA COQUITA

La Coquita is one of my favorite beaches in Santa Catalina because of the reflections. It reminds me of Bali beaches, which give epic black sand reflections every night. When the sunset gives you some color you want to be at La Coquita.

Because of the huge stretch of sand, it is a popular spot for horseback riding and we even took the cruiser bikes all the way down here. On our visit to La Coquita, we watched an insane storm come straight past us as the horses were riding through. It was a pretty surreal ten minutes and the storm never even touched us. Visiting La Coquita for sunset would have to be one of my favorite things to do in Santa Catalina because of the reflections.

EXPLORE PUNTA BRAVA

If you walk down Playa Estero and then all the way down La Coquita you will then cross over the rocks to Punta Brava. It will take you about thirty or so minutes to complete the walk. It is a very rocky beach and this is evident at low tide. It isn’t at all like Playa Estero or La Coquita when considering how much sandy beach they have. Visiting Punta Brava isn’t one of the popular things to do in Santa Catalina but it’s a great spot to finish a walk from Playa Estero.

At high tide, it is a great surf spot where the waves can grow well beyond 6 feet. There are a right and a left wave. The right can be hollow and the fast left begins to work when there are more than 6 feet of well.

KAYAK TO ISLA CATALINA

Santa Catalina Island or Isla Catalina as it is known locally is a beautiful island sitting just off the coast of Santa Catalina in Veraguas. Snorkeling and a virgin white sand beach are the highlights of the island. You can expect a peaceful afternoon with tourists rarely venturing out to the island. You can either rent a boat to drop you there in a few minutes or head out on a kayak adventure to Santa Catalina Islands as we did. For me, this is one of the best beaches in Santa Catalina if not the best beach. However, it takes some effort to get out there.

The back side of the island is all rocks and the front side is a long sandy beach. It was a great place to grab a tan and hang out in the sun for a while. We explored along the shore keeping our eyes out for a trail we had heard about.

This day was epic and kayaking to Isla Catalina was easily one of the best things to do in Santa Catalina!

Read the full blog post:   KAYAKING TO SANTA CATALINA ISLAND IN PANAMA

TAKE A DAY TRIP TO COIBA NATIONAL PARK

MAKE A DAY TRIP OR STAY OVERNIGHT ON CEBACO ISLAND

Less than an hour away from Santa Catalina by boat is another amazing destination for whale spotting, snorkeling, and island hopping. Cebaco Island is a beautiful palm tree-laden paradise and the best part about it, you will be the only one there!

There is only one hotel on Cebaco Island called  Cebaco Sunrise  and there are less than 300 locals living on the island. I spent 48 hours on Cebaco Island and didn’t see another tourist or even another local. From  Cebaco Sunrise  we were completely isolated in our own little paradise. I walked up and down the coast in solitude, exploring lagoons, waterfalls, and caves. It’s not often you feel like you have an entire island to yourself!

Read the full blog post:   CEBACO ISLAND IN VERAGUAS

PLACES TO VISIT NEAR PANAMA CITY

Panama City isn’t my favorite region in Panama but if you find yourself in the city for a few days, these adventures will keep you busy.

ANCON HILL VIEWPOINT

Ancon Hill is the most popular viewpoint in Panama City, with views over the Panama Canal, city center, and Casco Viejo old town region. The climb up Ancon Hill (Cerro Ancon) in Panama City takes only 30 minutes. The incline is quite steep but it is gradual and on a paved road. This is a leisurely climb suitable for kids, dogs, and hikers of all abilities.

Once you reach the top there are two viewing platforms. Well, there are actually three but only two are legal. The first platform has a bench and a little viewing hut with good views over Casco Viejo old town. The second viewpoint is the most popular with a big seating area and great views back across the city center and the ocean.

READ THE FULL BLOG POST:  ANCON HILL VIEWPOINT

CERRO CEDRO VIEWPOINT

Cerro Cedro is arguably the best viewpoint of Panama City. At just over 500ft above sea-level, you will have great views of Panama City, the business hub of Central America. The part I love about this viewpoint is that you are seemingly in the Jungle staring out at the metropolis through the branches. Howler monkeys scream nearby to confirm that you are indeed in the wild despite your proximity to the urban jungle.

READ FULL BLOG POST :  CERRO CEDRO IN THE METROPOLITAN NATURAL PARK

PLANTATION TRAIL IN SOBERANIA NATIONAL PARK

Panama City can get quite crazy at times amidst the traffic and the urban jungle. However, the beauty of Panama is that you are never far from the jungle or an adventure. Just a 28km drive from Panama City is Soberania National Park. Inside the park, you will find several trails with one of the most popular being the 14km Plantation Trail.

READ THE FULL BLOG POST :  THE PLANTATION TRAIL IN SOBERANIA NATIONAL PARK

JAGUAR FALLS HIKE IN KALU YALA

Jaguar Falls is a beautiful waterhole and waterfall at the end of a 5.3km hike through the jungle. It’s called Jaguar Falls because it is indeed a site where the Jaguar is present at night. It is not known how many but sightings are not uncommon. During the day, however, it is safe to visit Jaguar Falls. There is a great cliff jump of about 8m or even higher at the falls too! This is my favorite hike near Panama City.

READ THE FULL BLOG POST :  JAGUAR FALLS HIKE AT KALU YALA

SAN BLAS ISLANDS

The journey from Colombia to Panama is not a straightforward transit. The dangerous Darien Gap Jungle makes it impossible to pass through overland on a bus or via car. The most common way to reach Panama from Colombia is to fly to Panama City. However, we found that the tickets were $250 USD one way, which is quite expensive given the distance of the flight. The next option is to sail or take a boat from Cartagena to Panama City, which sounded like the most adventurous option. We organized a 3-night/4-day San Blas Islands tour boat trip from Colombia to Panama, which costs $399 USD.

The San Blas Islands were epic. We did some amazing snorkeling, island-hopped, and had some tense beach volleyball games. The nights were spent sleeping in hammocks and the days were spent exploring different islands, meeting the local indigenous tribes, and hanging out at the beautiful beaches.

View the full blog post: SAN BLAS ISLANDS TOUR

BOCAS DEL TORO

Bocas Del Toro is the one destination in Panama other than the city that most travelers do visit. With the promise of tropical conditions, blue waters, sloths, and beaches can you blame them? It’s definitely a beautiful place full of great snorkel spots, empty islands, and beach shack getaways. I spent a few nice days hanging out in Bocas before the bad weather forced me to head to the mountains to go hiking. Bocas Del Toro is one of the most popular places to visit in Panama.

OVER-WATER BUNGALOWS

I don’t travel for luxury villas, but when your villa is over the water that is a really cool feeling. I was lucky enough to shoot for Azul Paradise and enjoy their resort for a few days. It is super expensive at more than $300 per night but some places in the Maldives are $5000 a night so if you do want that over-water experience and luxury getaway you could do it in Bocas Del Toro for much less than other locations around the world.

SPOT A SLOTH

There are many places to spot a sloth in Panama. I saw them on hikes near Panama City and in Campana. However, they are quite common in Bocas Del Toro. We did a little river cruise while on Bastimentos and our guide managed to spot several sloths. They are pretty difficult to spot and don’t move much but you may just get lucky.

ISLAND HOPPING IN BOCAS DEL TORO

You really can’t go wrong with island hopping in Bocas. There are so many trips offered and they all lead to beautiful islands with snorkeling spots. Try Zapatos Island or just ask a local for their favorite spot if you don’t want to join one of the group tours, which is a more economical option.

Wow! You made it this far. I made it this far. That’s it guys, this is my adventure guide to all of the best things to do in Panama. I hoped you enjoyed planning your trip based on some of the spots I visited and of course, I hope you love Panama as much as I do!

HAVE YOU CHECKED OUT MY OTHER PANAMA GUIDES

• 70 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN PANAMA : The ultimate guide to exploring the whole country!
• 26 AMAZING WATERFALLS IN PANAMA : The ultimate guide to waterfall chasing in Panama.
• 6 BEST CLIFF JUMPING SPOTS IN PANAMA : The guide for thrill-seekers and adrenaline hunters.
• 37 AMAZING HIKES IN PANAMA : All of the best hiking trails. Many you’ve never heard of!
• 18 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN BOQUETE : Hiking, waterfalls, and volcanoes.
• 12 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN EL VALLE DE ANTON : My favorite place to base in Panama.
• 10 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN SANTA CATALINA : Surf, hike, swim, kayak, and explore.

I hope you enjoy my guides and have a great time exploring Panama!

CONTACT JERRY THE LOCAL GUIDE (MY BEST FRIEND IN PANAMA)

If you need a local guide or are looking for tips to travel through Panama I suggest contacting, Jerry,  one of my best friends from Panama.  He runs group tours to off-the-beaten-path locations like Escudo de Veraguas and Bayano Caves. He is a local, indigenous guide who is incredibly funny, honest, and knows Panama by the back of his hand. We explored all of Cocle together and went on some insane adventures and he became like a brother to me. If you have any questions or want help, tours, guides, or tips he is your man.

• Instagram:  @jerryfit
• WhatsApp:  +507 6153 8924
• Email: [email protected]

BEST INSURANCE FOR TRAVELERS

Don’t wait for an accident to happen… get insured! My travel insurance is HeyMondo which offers low-cost travel & medical insurance. That’s me on the left with three teeth knocked out after a motorbike crash in Bali!

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Saturday 9th of September 2023

what a good blog. thank you!! I got some supplemental info in regards to beaches. https://expat-tations.com/leisure/best-beaches-near-panama-city/ Keep going man!

Monday 31st of July 2023

Hey Jackson, a friend in Cambutal (Sam) recommended you...I'm looking to do some jungle hiking to some obscure falls and also into Darien. I'll becin Panama in September for a couple weeks. You can reach me at [email protected] Cheers!

Thursday 13th of October 2022

Hi! I loved all the places you are sharing. Actually know i really want to go to Panama and explore all the waterfalls. I'm a solo traveler and I'm worried that all this treks is better to do it with someone, isn't it? Do you recomend to do the treks alone?

Thank you very much

Thursday 10th of February 2022

Love this blog post! I just spent a month in Panamá as my partner is from there. Great to see all these amazing places. How can I follow you? Do you have IG? Cheers, Deon

Friday 28th of January 2022

Hi Jackson Great post of Panama!!!!! Can I share this with my travelers friends?

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Things To Do In Panama: A Complete 10 Day Panama Vacation Itinerary

last Updated: December 17, 2023 bocas del toro boquete panama panama city san blas islands

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

→ Planning a trip to Central America and looking for the ultimate Panama vacation itinerary? Look no further; I’m sharing our favorite things to do in Panama (we just got back!), including our exact 10 day itinerary, when to go, where to stay, how to maximize your time on your Panama trip, and oh so much more!

Panama is a tropical destination that has a little bit of everything – stunning turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, lush rainforests, laid-back surf towns, misty mountains, and vibrant cafes. There’s cultural diversity, cloud forests, and colonial charm. Wondering what to do in Panama? I’ve got you covered, don’tchu worry, my friend! <3

I was determined to somehow get all of this onto my recent Panama vacation itinerary, and was thankfully able to figure it all out! And now I’m sharing my list of things to do in Panama with all of you, including my exact Panama itinerary that we pretty much followed to a T.

I have to admit that figuring out this itinerary was kinda tricky. Yes, we followed the typical tourist route – Panama City (with a side trip to San Blas ) → Boquete → Bocas del Toro , but with only 10 days in the country, squeezing everything in proved rather difficult.

At first I wished we had a few more days, but after seeing the trip come to life (aka doing it all), I’m not so sure extra time was in fact necessary. I think we would have liked an extra half day or so in Boquete, but I just couldn’t make it work.

Do note that this Panama vacation itinerary is pretty jam packed; if you’re looking for a more relaxed trip, it’d be wise to tack on at least another 2 days or so. That being said, I carefully researched the most efficient transport options in order to fully maximize our time in the country, and it all worked out pretty swiftly.

MAIN REGIONS VISITED ON THIS ITINERARY:

• Panama City
• San Blas Islands
• Bocas del Toro

Pre-Travel Guide to 10 Days in Panama

Where is panama you ask.

The country is located in Central America sharing borders with Costa Rica to the north and Columbia to the south. It’s actually the connection of land that links Central and South America (hence, the Panama Canal)!

This itinerary starts in Panama City (which is where most international travelers arrive in the country), heads up northeast to the San Blas Islands , due west to Boquete, and then finally up north to Bocas del Toro .

We chose to fly from region to region when we could, as this saved us lots of time considering our Panama vacation was only 10 short days. The country is large but not too large, making it possible to visit three (if not four) areas when planning out your Panama itinerary.

There are a whole myriad of things to do in Panama, so carefully planning out your trip is so very important if you don’t have tons of extra time for mistakes and possible transportation mishaps (more on this below).

WHEN TO VISIT PANAMA:

Before planning a trip to Panama, it’s important to understand its weather patterns. BUT first things first – humidity is always high (hey, it’s a tropical country!), so be prepared for frizzy hair and sticky skin throughout your trip.

Panama experiences two distinct seasons, the dry season (mid-December to mid-April) and the rainy season (May to November). If you’re looking for comfortable temperatures and little to no rain, I highly suggest you visit during the dry season, which is actually Panama’s summer.

However, thankfully, temperatures remain pretty consistent throughout the year, at an average of 86 F/30 C.

But of course it’s not that easy, as different regions around the country experience different climates, temperatures, and specific rainfall patterns.

Caribbean destinations, like Bocas del Toro, have a shorter dry season, occuring in September/October and February/March, although rainfall can happen any day. Unusually heavy rains are common in Bocas in December, so it’s best to avoid that month.

Boquete experiences high winds and some misting (called bajareque) from mid-December to mid-February, while January see’s the occasional thunderstorm. Looking for some sun? Head to Boquete between March and May.

San Blas is a whole different story, which we’ll get into down below.

Don’t fret if your Panama vacation plans don’t fall within the country’s dry season – the early months of rainy season (April to July) only receive short bursts of sudden thunderstorms in the afternoon, with plenty of sunny mornings or afternoons. I’d try to avoid August through November if you don’t want rain to possibly take over your trip.

HEALTH AND SAFETY:

A few notes on health-related things:

• I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the tap water in many parts of Panama is potable, as many visitors don’t expect this! However, do note that you cannot drink the water in Bocas del Toro or on San Blas → stick to bottled.
• I was also thrilled to learn that there are no required vaccinations to enter the country. With so much lush jungle, I was shocked by this! However, always consult your doctor, as yellow fever, typhoid, rabies, and hep A and B vaccinations are recommended.
• You’ll want to take along a decent amount of sunscreen with you, as the sun is extra brutal over in these parts.
• On the last day of our trip I felt a little dizzy and wasn’t feeling my best – pretty sure I was wildly dehydrated and the intense heat and humidity wasn’t helping. Make sure to stay hydrated and drink plenty and plenty of water!

And now some safety info:

• For the most part, Panama is a relatively safe country. We felt safe during our entire Panama vacation, and didn’t worry about pickpocketing or other petty crime. That being said, there are a few areas in Panama City that are a bit seedier than the rest.
• This Panama itinerary doesn’t visit the city of Colon, but if you diverge from my recommended plans and end up there, know that the city has a high rate of street crime. Stay alert.
• There have been cases of drug trafficking on boats traveling from Colombia to Panama → just FYI and something to keep in mind if you’ll be on the water near the border.

Psst: it’s a good idea to get travel insurance no matter where you go. I recommend and personally use SafetyWing (the best insurance out there because they include pandemic coverage). They’re reliable, cost-efficient, and cover a wide array of potential travel problems, not only health-related. Check them out and get a free quote over here.

No visa is required for U.S. citizens traveling to Panama as long as a valid tourist passport and proof of onward travel is in possession, and you’re traveling to the country for 180 days or less.

HOW TO GET TO PANAMA:

Most international flights arrive at Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City, with many direct nonstop flights leaving from a wide array of large cities in the states.  

Our flight was originally scheduled as a direct flight from San Francisco to Panama City, but we got rerouted to Las Vegas at the last minute due to the groundings of the 737 MAX’s (better safe than sorry, though!)

I like using Skyscanner and Google Flights to check for prices, and most commonly find the cheapest flights on one of these. We flew economy class from SFO to Panama City for approximately $650 round trip per person, which we thought was a pretty good deal considering our dates were not particularly flexible.

→ It’s important to be very careful when booking your flights to Panama City, as there is also an airport in Florida with the same name! For this Panama vacation, you’ll want to head to the Tocumen International Airport, code PTY. And if you end up in Florida, don’t blame me! :p

Where to Stay in Panama :

• Panama City : American Trade Hotel (we LOVED) -or- Hotel Casa Panama (also great!)
• San Blas : we opted for a private thatched hut on Isla Diablo (lots more info here )
• Boquete : The Haven and Spa (Adult’s Only)
• Bocas del Toro : Azul Paradise Bocas Town

(more info on each one throughout itinerary below)

HOW TO GET AROUND:

You’ll be taking a myriad of public and private transportation during your Panama vacation! There was definitely a lot of moving around throughout the 10 days, and as noted was kinda difficult to figure out the logistics of this trip, but we made it work! And lucky you, I did all the hard work for you!

We found Uber to work in Panama City, and rates were typically much cheaper than taxis.

→ Don’t have Uber yet? It’s super easy to use! Sign up here and use code jessicak148 for $$ off your first few rides!

Here’s a quick synopsis of our travels throughout Panama:

• flight from SFO to Panama City (Uber around Panama City )
• shuttle bus and speedboat to San Blas Islands
• return to Panama City via speedboat and shuttle bus
• flight from Panama City to David → taxi to Boquete → taxi around Boquete
• shared van and shuttle boat to Bocas del Toro → taxi and boat around Bocas del Toro → walk to airport (for real)
• flight back to Panama City → flight back HOME.

Phew, told you we were moving!

You’ll want to book your inter-country flights as soon as possible, as there aren’t tons of flights per day and I’ve heard the prices jump exponentially the closer the dates get. We paid approximately $100 each per person per flight within Panama (all one-ways).

If you follow this Panama trip, you’ll need a flight from Panama City to David (for Boquete) and then Bocas del Toro to Panama City.

Do note that the airport in Bocas is prettyyy much the smallest one I’ve seen to date, with one waiting room, one “gate”, and 1-2 bag scanners. That’s pretty much it. Don’t expect to be able to grab food here, that’s for sure.

WHAT TO PACK FOR PANAMA

Panama is a country of all climates: dense, misty jungles, stunning sunny islands, and humid cosmopolitan cities.  Within this itinerary, we’ll be doing tons and tons of exploring, so you’ll want to make sure you’re completely prepared for those 10 days. Don’t worry, I gotchu.

• Because of its hot, sticky climate, you’ll want light, airy clothing.
• Comfy footwear- you’ll be walking ALOT!
• Sandals/bathing suits for the islands
• MORE DETAILED LIST COMING SOON!

Currency in Panama

Those coming from the USA will be pleased to know that Panama uses the same currency as the States, so there’s no need to worry about an exchange rate or getting foreign bills! It’s important to note that you’ll undoubtedly come across some Panamanian coins, called Balboa, used around town and on the islands in the form of coins.

With that being said, the US dollar is accepted everywhere and you don’t need to worry about exchanging dollars for balboa. Just be sure to use up any balboa you receive (when receiving change) as you obviously can’t use them in the States!

Communicating in Panama

The official language of Panama is Spanish, although quite a few Panamanians know basic English as well. We had no trouble communicating with hotel staff, taxi drivers, and/or restaurant staff, either using our limited Spanish or since they knew English. There’s also quite a few expats as well.

We had the most difficulty in the San Blas Islands, and wish we had brushed up on our Spanish a bit more before visiting (many of the locals speak their native language and Spanish, but very minimal English).

And now, what you’ve been waiting for, my complete 10 day Panama vacation itinerary!

Things to do in Panama: My Ultimate Panama Vacation Itinerary

Day 1: arrive in panama city and explore.

Fly into Panama City! You’ll find most international flights to Panama will fly into Panama City, which is perfect as it’s the first stop on our Panama itinerary!

The flight isn’t as long as I had originally thought – just over 7 hours from San Francisco (which is just over my usual flight time between SFO from JFK where I frequent for long weekends).

We chose to take a red-eye flight (so, the night before) in order to arrive in Panama City mid-morning (we landed around 10:30am, FYI), allowing us ample time to explore the city our first day.

If you’re tight on time like we were, I highly recommend you take advantage of flying the night beforehand and arriving into Panama City in the early morning.

Check into your hotel, drop your bags if ya room ain’t ready yet, then we’re directly off to lunch in Casco Viejo! There’s a whole slew of restaurant options, but we loved both the ambiance and food at Tantalo Hotel and Kitchen. The rooftop terrace was divine, and that watermelon juice was the perfect way to start our oh so lovely Panama vacation.

Panama Canal | Miraflores Locks

We’re getting right to it on the first day (don’t wanna waste any time), so the Panama Canal it is!

Ahh, the connection between the Atlantic and the Pacific – how could you miss this super popular attraction in Panama City? Ya can’t! We took an Uber from Casco Viejo to Miraflores Locks for about $15 (something like that?), which took roughly 35 minutes or so.

Out of all the things to do in Panama, the Panama Canal is at the top of everyone’s list, and for good reason. It’s utterly fascinating.

Upon arrival, you can opt to pay for a $20 ticket to all the attractions at Miraflores Locks (the museum, exhibition halls, short films, highest viewing platforms, etc), but if you’re fine with reading about the canal yourself, head up to the restaurant and watch the ships pass through for the price of a beer.

We enjoyed a few drinks while basically getting the same view as everyone who bought a ticket (woop woop). And since we didn’t have much prior knowledge on the whole Panama Canal system, we googled some fun facts and read them over a few beers.

Things to know before visiting:

• Miraflores is just one of three sets of locks in the Panama Canal, and it’s the most popular one to visit (due to its close proximity to Panama City).
• The ships don’t pass through every minute of every hour. You’ll be able to watch the ships between 9am-11am, and then again from 3pm-5pm(ish). If you’re here at a different timeframe, you’ll have to wait! We arrived at the canal around 2:45pm after getting lunch, and only waited a few minutes for the first boat to start making its way through the Miraflores section of the canal.

• Oh and trust me, you won’t want to stay the entire 2 hours or so, as the ships pass by super slowly and it takes quiiteeee a long time to set everything up. We watched 2-3 ships pass then had enough. Do keep your eyes peeled on the locks and water levels prior to a ship passing through – it’s wild!

Afternoon Stroll on the Cinta Costera

Once you’ve had enough of the Panama Canal, make your way to the Cinta Costera. We had planned to visit around sunset, but arrived early due to how quickly we got over the canal – it’s intriguing the first 2 times a ship passes through, but then kinda monotonous going forward (you’ll see). And it literally takes foreverrrr (10 hours for a ship to fully pass through the canal).

The Cinta Costera is essentially a pedestrians walkway and complex park next to the water. We enjoyed strolling around for about an hour or so, picking up some raspados from a street vendor (kinda like the Panamanian version of a shave ice) to cool off.

Walk far enough and you’ll find the iconic Panama sign – a giant colorful piece of artwork (which we unfortunately missed). If you finish early like we did, don’t fret – just watch the sunset from the next spot!

Sunset drinks at Finca del Mar

Cocktails and ceviche with a view of the sun setting on the water with a gentle ocean breeze? Sounds like the perfect way to finish off the day, am I right? The atmosphere here is very fun, with outdoor seating, string lights, and colorful seating (including a few swinging chairs at the bar). Tuna ceviche was very tasty, as were the mojitos we ordered.

If you’re still hungry → consider Cafe Coca Cola for a fast and simple dinner

This unassuming restaurant is actually the oldest cafe in Panama City! I heard that the Coca-Cola brand let the restaurant keep its name due to how long they’ve been in business! While the ambiance was nothing to write home about and the food was decent at best, it’s a quick and easy spot if you’re exhausted (like we were).

Where we stayed: Hotel Casa Panama → we loved the trendy and open-air leafy vibe of the hotel. The room was basic with funky decor touches, and the shower was heaven on earth! Located right in Casco Viejo, which is a great location to base yourself in while in Panama City!

There’s also a rooftop plunge pool if you find yourself with some time to enjoy it! It’s known to get kinda noisy on weekend nights since there’s a bar on the roof, so just keep that in mind! We slept like babies though!

Day 2: Off to the San Blas Islands!

Hopefully you went to bed early last night, because you’re getting picked up bright and early this morning! 5:30am to be exact. 🙂 Alllll your tropical island dreams, coming right up (you can sleep on the bus, I promise, although the last hour is kinda bumpy)!

Note : You’ll want to have your hotel in Panama City hold your luggage – you only need to pack a small bag for your few nights in San Blas. Suitcases are unheard of on the islands, and you’ll be getting to your final destination via tiny speed boat, so leave that large luggage behind.

We packed a few bathing suits, shorts, and tank tops, and that’s all we really needed besides basic toiletries. Ladies – leave your makeup and beauty bag behind (I couldn’t even find a mirror on the island and there’s no place to plug in items for doing your hair)! DO take lots of SPF though!

Yes, the San Blas Islands are kinda a pain to reach → you’ll need to take a 3 hour shuttle ride to the Kuna Yala port, then hop on a speed boat for 45 minutes or so to reach your island of accommodation. Worth the hassle? Easily. My advice- book a tour and everything will be taken care of for you.

P.S. → We booked with San Blas Dreams and had a lovely experience. We opted for the 2 night, 3 day experience, as you can choose to spend only 1 night on the island, or even do a day trip to San Blas (although I recommend staying over at LEAST 1 night). Alternatively, if you don’t wanna stay on the islands for 2 nights like we did ( read my FULL recap over here ), you can spend the extra time in the rainforest in Boquete.

→ Read next: everything you need to know about visiting the san blas islands

We reached our island of accommodation around 10ish or so, and had the option of lazying around or going straight out on a tour. We opted to stay put and soak up the sun, swing in the hammocks, read our books in the sand, and just enjoy each other’s company with zero distractions that first day. Oh, and get a few coconuts – the freshest water you can get!

A few things to note about the San Blas islands:

There’s really no best time of year to visit the San Blas Islands , but the Kuna’s (the indigenous people on the island) informed me that the least rainfall occurs in January, February, and March. Rainy season begins in April, comes out in full force in May, and basically lasts until the end of the year.

However , if you’re planning on heading to San Blas in the rainy season, don’t fret – you’ll still find beachdays with hours of sun even when the clouds aren’t cooperating. The weather can be tricky and unpredictable, so just hope for the best!

Accommodations are basic at best , with super simple thatched huts with literally only a bed in a single room. You won’t find any pools, sun loungers, or anything remotely luxurious on the islands (not even hot water or the amount of electricity you’re used to).

It’s very possible you’ll be sharing bathrooms with other guests (our island had one set of shower stalls and toilets for everyone), will have to charge your devices at the few outlets at the restaurant, and will eat the same meal time and time again.

You will, however, find untouched beauty, starfish in their natural habitat, tons of healthy fresh fish and coconuts, and luminous turquoise waters.

The islands are not a culinary experience ; you’ll have minimal meal variations and given a choice of fish fillet (my meal of choice), fried/grilled fish, mixed seafood, prawns (when available), and chicken (on occasion). The food wasn’t half bad, we just ate mostly the same thing for 3 days.

The Kuna’s and San Blas in general are a cash society . Plan to take some small bills with you to buy coconuts and beers, and purchase any handicrafts you may wish, as well as to supply a ~$23 Kuna tax and port fee.

Read my very thorough post about our experience in the San Blas islands to help decide if you want to add a few days on the islands to your Panama vacation.

In my opinion though, no trip is complete without visiting these glistening palm tree ridden islands (just suck it up and rough it for a few days, you got this!. Make some room in your itinerary and you’ll come home with glistening golden skin and feel relaxed as ever.

Where we slept : Beach bungalow in San Blas! Be sure to go for a night walk and look up – the stars are so bright over here!

Day 3: Get some Sun on San Blas

After a hectic first few days on this Panama vacation, it’s finally time to just relax and soak up some sun. Hopefully you slept ok, as I woke up hot and sticky each morning (allll the more reason to jump in the sea, right?)

Here’s a typical day-in-the-life on San Blas, and what you can expect during your time here:

• 7:30ish: Wake up to the birds happily chirping (your ears off)
• 8:15ish: Hot Breakfast
• 9-10: Lounge on beach, read, free time
• 10:15ish: Island hop (tour of the day)
• 1:00: Lunch back on your “home” island
• 2-7: Free time/showers (snorkel, nap in hammocks, read, swim, laze around)
• Night: beers and card games, stargazing and short beach walks

Those San Blas tours we took each day for a few hours took us to nearby islands, natural swimming pools (previously sunken islands), and sand bars, where we wandered around the islands taking photos, going for swims, snorkeling, and hanging with other people from our boat.

The Kuna’s provided rum and cokes for us to enjoy, and we even saw a bunch of exceptionally large orange starfish in the shallow waters!

I talked about this in my big San Blas blog post , but I think it’s important to mention again. Starfish are living creatures, you guys. They need to be kept in water – do not lift them out! They are extremely sensitive and should be handled with care, for the least amount of time possible.

Our Kuna guides said we could lift them up for a quick photo (still halfway submerged in water), then place them right back. Don’t go moving them all around for your perfect IG shot, just don’t do it. They’re so delicate – we want to keep these little sea beauties alive!

Where we slept : Beach bungalow in San Blas!

Day 4: San Blas in Morning/Afternoon, then back to Panama City

Last Morning in Paradise

Another day in paradise it is! Well, most of the day at least! Depending on what tour company you book with, and which package you choose, you’ll either leave San Blas at 9am or 3pm. We chose the latter, and enjoyed exploring other islands before leaving our new favorite place.

If you think you’ll want to explore a bit more of Panama City (we’ll have another ¾ of a day before leaving the country later on in this itinerary), you may want to choose the earlier San Blas departure. The beach is sooo our thing, so we opted to stay as long as possible without staying another night.

Make sure to drink alll the coconuts, revel in the warm, luminous waters one last time, and take your last nap under the palm trees!

It was a breath of fresh air to have limited amenities and zero wifi availability. After 3 days in San Blas we were oh so relaxed, although any longer and I think I’d have been longing for a hot shower more so than actually enjoying the picturesque beaches.

Back to Panama City and Dinner at Ocho y Medio

Say goodbye to San Blas, because it’s back to Panama City we go! And yes, you’ll have to head back the same way you came → a 45 minute speed boat ride back to the port, then ~2hr, 30 min van ride back. If I remember correctly, we got back to Panama City around 6:30pm or so, then headed out to dinner at Ocho y Medio before picking up our suitcases at our first hotel, Hotel Casa Panama.

→ We booked a super early morning flight to David in order to have as much time as humanly possible in Boquete, so we chose to stay close to the airport at the Crowne Plaza Airport Hotel , which is roughly a 5 minute drive to the airport.

We’re definitely not morning people, and when there’s a sliiiiight chance we may oversleep, we like to stay as close to the airport as humanly possible, while still having a comfy bed.

Where we slept: Crowne Plaza Airport Hotel (highly recommended)

Day 5: Coffee Tasting in Boquete

First things first, get yourself to Boquete

Okay, so in order to get to Boquete at a normal hour, you’ll need to take an early morning flight to David. Our flight left Panama City at 7:30am, arrived in David around 8:50am, then we took a 45 minute taxi straight to Boquete for $35 (standard price). There are no ubers in David or Boquete, so you’ll need to find other ways to get around (hence the taxi).

Note that you can also take a bus to Boquete from the David airport, but you’ll need to get yourself to the bus station first (for only a few bucks or so). If we weren’t so exhausted I think we would have attempted to take the bus as it would have been the much more cost-effective option, but oh well, we were tired!

And not to stress you out, but be sure to book early as there’s only a few fights to David per day. We booked on COPA airlines and noticed there were only two flights a day from Panama City to David, at 7:30am and 4:30pm. I’m pretty sure Air Panama has flights as well, but no more than 2-3 either (7ish, 11ish, and later on in the day).

If you want to follow this Panama vacation itinerary exactly as I have laid out, you’ll NEED to get yourself on an early morning flight. If you have an extra day or two, getting into Boquete later on in the day will be fine, but we didn’t have this luxury.

Morning Stroll through Boquete Town

As soon as we checked into our hotel (yay for early check-ins), we dropped our bags then set out for town. Honestly, we were kinda surprised at how dirty and downright sad the town looked from an outsiders point of view (I didn’t even take one photo – there wasn’t anything really to photograph). I wondered out of all the things to do in Panama if I had made a bad choice by coming here, but nope, I’ll explain below!

It’s a pretty small town and I have to admit, the walk from The Haven (our hotel) to town was much, much nicer than the actual town itself. There was tons of construction going on, a mildly run-down main street, and a few unattractive shops.

BUT, let’s not dwell on the negatives, because there are SO many positives to this luscious green area that makes Boquete so appealing. (Plus – we learned that there’s even a large expat community here, so Boquete must be more than it’s tiny unassuming little town).

So, what is Boquete known for? First of all, after one look around, it’s evident all the lushness surrounding the town more than makes up for the complete lack of charm within the town itself. With its towering mountain views, blankets of flowers, and oh so much greenery, you’d be hard pressed to find a more stunning natural scenery in the mountains.

Venture outta town and you’ll find pristine waterfalls, an ancient volcano, and treetops full of birds! If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to spot the stunning Volcan Baru through the misty clouds.

Boquete is located on the Caldera River, within the Chiriqui Highlands, which is home to coffee plantation after coffee plantation, and is known as more of an adventurous mountain village for those wanting to take part.  

If you have an extra day or so, you can climb Volcan Baru, go ziplining, go on epic waterfall hikes in the jungle, go rafting, and partake in a chocolate making class (among other things).

It’s high elevation in the mountains provides a cool, enjoyable climate, so you’ll want to dress a tad warmer during your day in Boquete. We thankfully were blessed with an absolutely beautiful day in the mountains, only needing a light jacket at times.

In town we had some brunch at Sugar and Spice (the most popular breakfast spot in Boquete which we LOVED) and tried the famous gesha coffee at La Viuda del Cafe (The Coffee Widow)!

The coffee, originating from a village in Ethiopia, is said to be the most expensive cup on Earth. It commonly sells for about $9 a cup, but would found it (albeit a very small cup) at The Coffee Widow for about $5. A bargain if you ask me!

We actually saw it selling for $9 a cup in Panama City later on in the week. It’s said to be smooth, fruity, silky, and aromatic, tasting a bit more like tea than coffee, and we enjoyed our few sips.

We attempted to go to Fresas Mary for some famous Boquete strawberries and whipped cream, but they were unexpectedly closed (what a bummer – we even took a taxi there!) Hopefully they’re open when you go!

The walk back to our hotel was exceptionally scenic, as we found ourselves high above the town taking in all the lush greens and fuscia-colored flowers.

Afternoon Coffee Plantation Tour

Boquete is widely known for their mass coffee production, and boasts some of the best and most expensive coffee in the world. Yup, the world!

There are plenty of coffee plantation tours to choose from, but after doing a bit of research, Finca dos Jefes sounded like the best one! And I have to admit, I think we chose correctly. The story of the farm is just so moving and inspiring!

We walked through the fields, learned about coffee cherries and traditional organic farming, were given a brief education of the coffee industry (oh, it’s so fascinating you’ll see), and learned how to properly roast coffee beans. And of course we tasted a whole bunch of freshly brewed coffee (both a medium and dark roast blend)!

Unlike other coffee tours, there were only about 8 of us in total, so we felt like we were given a more personalized experience and had allll our crazy coffee questions answered.

I especially appreciated how the tour spoke a lot about economics; the realities of the global coffee economy and the impacts made on the farmers and workers were especially eye opening and really makes you think.

And plus, the dogs on site were the absolute cutest (we’re a suuuuucker for pups!) The farm was covered in plants, flowers, and hummingbirds, and I just couldn’t get enough. Towards the end of our tour a rainbow appeared above the fields, which made for such a beautiful end to the day. A well-spent $30 (each).

Note that there are two options for tours each day, at 9am and 2pm. We obviously chose the 2pm tour since we weren’t even in Boquete by 9am! The tour lasts for roughly 3 hours, so we got back to our hotel around 5ish or so.

Private pool time and some dinner

If you’re staying at The Haven and Spa , take advantage of the pool before dinner! You’ll have to make a reservation, but this just ensures you have the pool to yourself! We were bummed it wasn’t heated, so just enjoyed putting our tired feet in.

If you’re looking for a good dinner option, we thoroughly enjoyed our meal at Boquete Fish House – you can never go wrong with some fish and chips, yucca fries, and fresh fish sauteed in white wine lemon garlic butter. Oh, and their house margs were a-okay and only a few bucks.

Where we Stayed: The Haven , and it was just like I imagine heaven to be. As soon as we arrived, I was overly wowed – the grounds are so incredibly luscious and green, and the outdoor space was so inviting. I desperately wish we had another night here.

Note that the hotel is an adults-only resort, so if you’re traveling with kiddos, you’ll have to find another place to stay. We loved the indoor pool, and we even took advantage of the fully equipped gym and sauna/steam room. The included room-service breakfast was lovely, and we ate on our outdoor patio in the garden every chance we got!

Day 6: Arrive in Bocas del Toro

Today we’re making our way to Bocas del Toro , another one of Panama’s hot spots with a chill, surfer vibe and gorgeous islands off the coast, oh, and a jungle too! Bocas is kinda the best of both worlds, allllll rolled into one archipelago of beautiful islands.

Before we dive into the Panama vacation itinerary of the day, lemme explain the geographical makeup of Bocas del Toro for a hot second (as I was semi-confused when initially researching).

Bocas del Toro is made up of a few different islands, with Isla Colon being the most popular and consisting of Bocas Town, where the bulk of visitors decide to stay, and Starfish Beach (very popular spot as well). Next you’ve got Isla Solardo, which is only a few minutes off the coast of Isla Colon, and an island not many choose to visit.

Finally, there’s Bastimentos, which is the largest of the archipelago and where you’ll find Old Bank, Up in the Hill, Red Frog Beach (very popular), and other secluded resorts/hotels. We chose to base ourselves out of Bocas Town on Isla Colon, which I’ll explain in more detail below.

→  Read Next: A Comprehensive Guide to Bocas del Toro

Transfer to Bocas del Toro

It’s semi-complicated (yes, again) to get from Boquete to Bocas del Toro, as you’ll need to take a 3.5 hour shuttle to Almirante (a port town), then a 30 minute marine taxi (which was essentially a speed boat) from there to Bocas Town. Thankfully, there are organized transportation services that will take care of everything for you.

We booked with Hello Travel Panama through Mamallena Hostel, left Boquete around 9am, and arrived in Bocas del Toro around 1:30pm or so. Make sure to schedule this transfer in advance as the shuttles get booked up beforehand.

With that being said, there’s absolutely no reason to attempt this transfer yourself, as prices weren’t half bad: $30 per person, including the boat transfer from Almirante. Our shuttle was comfortable, air-conditioned, spacious, and safe, with enough room for all luggages (on top of the shuttle actually).

Wander Bocas Town -or- head to Starfish Beach

Since we arrived in Bocas around 1:30pm, we had quite a bit of time to explore on the first day! And with so much going on this area, you’ll want to make sure to use your time wisely!

You’ve got a few different options for your first afternoon in Bocas del Toro:

• Wander around town; get some ceviche and cocktails (the lazy man’s choice)
• Head to Starfish Beach (the need-to-see-and-do-it-all choice)

Since we were feeling a bit sluggish (and hungry) after our transfer to Bocas, we kept things pretty casual by wandering around Bocas Town. We opted to miss out on Starfish Beach since I had read tons of negative reviews, with many even saying they hardly saw any starfish, or none at all.

And since we had suuuuch a wonderful experience seeing the starfish in San Blas, I felt okay missing out on Starfish Beach in Bocas del Toro. Do your own research though, as the reviews are mixed at best.

However, if you think you’ll have FOMO (fear of missing out), getting to Starfish Beach on the outskirts of Isla Colon isn’t all that difficult from Bocas Town. You’ll need to take a 45 minute bus ride from the park in the middle of town to Drago, and then you can either take a quick water taxi to Starfish Beach or walk 20 minutes.

Where we Stayed : Azul Paradise Bocas Town (not to be confused with the location on Bastimentos). After doing tons of research (it’s what I do best!), we ultimately decided on Azul Paradise Bocas Town, as other hotels looked a bit run down and not in the best shape.

Bocas is kinda like a party town so be prepared for late night shenanigans and loud music, although we didn’t experience any of these things.

The hotel was modern, fresh, and in a wonderful location. We splurged and booked the King Luxury Suite, and it was roomy to say the least. With floor to ceiling windows with views of the sea, a soaking tub, and a superrr comfy bed, we couldn’t have picked a better spot.

→ There are two main options for accommodation in Bocas del Toro. You have the option of staying in Bocas Town (close to lots of bars and restaurants), or spending a few nights on Bastimentos, the island next door and much more secluded. Up to you, but we highly prefered being in the middle of everything and having dinner options (after basically eating the same thing for 3 days on San Blas).

After visited Bastimentos (later on in the itinerary), we quickly learned the sheer seclusion of the island just wasn’t for us. Up to you!

Day 7: The Ridiculously Gorgeous Zapatilla Islands

Intoxifying. Serene. Wild. Enchanting. There’s no words significant enough to describe the Zapatillas. It’s say to safe that I’m low-key obsessed with this place I had never previously heard of.

If there’s one stop you can’t miss while in Bocas, it’s the Zapatilla Islands, also known as Cayos Zapatilla. These two uninhabited islands are located east of Isla Bastimentos and are quite honestly, one of the most amazing places I’ve ever been (same level as Bora Bora I might add).

While many say that San Blas is way more beautiful than Bocas, I’d have to disagree, as long as you make your way to the Zapatillas. We booked a tour the day before with Hello Travel Panama on a whim, and I’m obviously more than glad we did.

All was (more than) fine in the end, as we not only got to visit Zapatilla Island, but also visited Sloth Island, went snorkeling and anfibia boarding, and had a fresh seafood lunch overlooking the sea.

1st Stop: Searching for Sloths at Sloth Island

We first visited the protected mangroves of Sloth Island to, well, you guessed it, look for some sloths! Despite how difficult they are to spot, we found a whole bunch! Our guides were experts at spotting them, and thankfully made sure everyone on the boat got a few glimpses! They’re kinda hard to see in the photos, but look for the hornet’s-nests-looking things! Makes me wanna go to Costa Rica (they’re known for them, right?)

2nd Stop: Snorkel and Anfibia Boarding

Next up, it was finalllyyy time to jump in the refreshing waters with some snorkel gear! We had about 45 minutes or so to snorkel, where I saw tons of colorful coral (many that I had never seen before!), schools of glistening silver fish, sea fans, parrotfish, and so much more. It’s hard to keep your eye on one thing when you’re underwater – they’re just so much to see and I get distracted quite easily.

The water was calm, clear, and sheltered from debris from land – we were out in the middle of the Caribbean Sea! I so wish I had brought my go-pro with me to photograph all the lovely underwater life.

Since we were already in the water, anfibia boarding it was! It’s kinda hard to explain what anfibia boarding actually is, so I’ll just leave you with this: it’s oh SO much fun. You’ll feel like you’re flying underwater. Move the board up and down and you’ll see what I mean.

3rd Stop: Seafood Lunch

A fresh seafood lunch over the water? Yes please! Plates start at $15 per plate, so thankfully we had brought exactly $31 with us…enough to cover two lunches and nothing else. Take a bit more cash if you want more lunch choices. Kinda expensive for what it is, but hey, they’ve got little to no competition out in the sea so they can charge as much as they want.

You can plan to pack your own lunch, but the food was surprisingly really tasty and a hot lunch after being in the water for a while was appreciated.

We had some time to explore the restaurant on stilts, and some people chose to snorkel around as there’s known to be starfish nearby.

4th and Final Stop: Zapatilla!

In my opinion, Zapatilla is by far the best beach in Bocas del Toro, and all of Panama I might add. Yes, we LOVED San Blas more than anything, but if you get a perfect day weather-wise on Zapatilla, you’ll see exactly what I mean. This serene island paradise is absolute heaven and then some. It’s actually where Survivor Panama was filmed!

Out of all the things to do in Panama on this itinerary, spending the day on Zapatilla was by far my favorite. <3

It was soooo nice to just relax on a (nearly) deserted island and soak up the sun for a few hours. Oh, and that crystal clear water didn’t hurt either – I spent a decent chunk of our time wading in the shallow waters offshore, just admiring that gorgeous turquoise Caribbean water.

Note that there are zero facilities on this stunning and untouched uninhabited island, but our tour company set up a gorgeous spread of tropical fruits for us to enjoy. The Zapatillas are actually part of the undeveloped national marine park, so you can expect to find lots of little fishies under the water, as well pay a $10 National Park entrance fee if you aren’t part of a tour.

Thankfully it was quite isolated when we were there so didn’t have to share the palm-tree lined beach/waters with too many others. There was tons of space to lay out our towels, and we chose a shady spot underneath a few palms.

With sooo many shades of turquoise and oh so many palm trees inland made for an absolutely wonderful day. It was almost unreal how perfect the day was. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!

Where we Stayed: Azul Paradise Bocas Town (not to be confused with the location on Bastimentos)

Where we ate dinner: Restaurante Azul (6 course tasting menu for $20 and very tasty!)

Day 8: Explore the Jungle and Beaches of Bastimentos

Ahh, back to the jungle it is! If you’re kinda sad you only had one day in Boquete, now’s the time to make up for it! We found Bastimentos SO incredibly different from Isla Colon and Bocas Town, so make sure you hit up this spot when you’re in the area as well! And despite their close proximity, they’re like different worlds!

Quick Note → Bastimentos is another island in the Bocas del Toro archipelago, and is roughly a 10 minute boat ride from Isla Colon. If you’re staying in Bocas Town like we were and want to follow the days activities I planned out, you’ll have to first get yourself to Bastimentos Town.

You can do so by basically asking anyone on the street in Bocas for a water taxi ride (they’ll probably come right up to you and offer their services). We paid $5 each to get from Bocas Town to Old Bank, which was our first stop of the day.

Wander throughout the sleepy town of Old Bank

When we first stepped off the water taxi, we instantly knew that Bastimentos was much more rugged and real that Bocas Town. We explored Old Bank, an Afro-Caribbean community which is right off the dock from where our boat let us off. There’s not as much tourism in this area, and you’ll get to see first-hand how the people live.

We saw roosters, baby chicks, lots of laundry hanging to dry, and tons of colorful old wooden buildings amongst lush vegetation. Just follow along the main dirt path directly from the port, and you’ll come across all this and more. With flavors of the West Indies, and being the second largest town in the Bocas archipelago, don’t miss it!

(P.S. pop into any market and you’ll find cans of rum and coke – my husband loved that!)

Up in the Hill Organic Chocolate and Coffee Farm

And now the main reason we popped on over to Bastimentos for the day – to learn all about how chocolate is grown/processed! When I first heard about Up in the Hill, I knew we just had to include this on our longgg list of things to do in Panama. An organic chocolate and coffee farm with jungle tours – sign me up!

Up in the Hill is a fully sustainable farm, producing zero waste and using every last bit to better their efforts. There’s a tour through the family farm everyday at 11am, which we signed up for the night before.

But beware — Getting there is an activity in and of itself! Start making the short trek from Old Bank around 10:15ish, and keep going up, up, and up into the jungle and through the woods. They’ll be signs, don’tchu worry. The hike/walk wasn’t difficult per say, we were just super hot and sweaty from the intense humidity and heat.

Be sure to take ample amount of water, and forget about having a good hair day (I had just washed and blow dried my hair the night before – biiiiig mistake).

On the tour we saw poisonous red frogs (harmless to look at, but no touching allowed), huge spiders with insanely strong webs (you can touch these to see what I mean), parades of ants carrying leaves (just wow !), yellow tailed birds, and chocolate cocoa trees!

We learned the reasons why they’ve chosen to live off the land, how the plants work together to help the others grow, and how they go about creating and sustaining a permaculture organic farm. It’s all very fascinating stuff, and quite inspiring to say the least.

Our guide carried a machete with us throughout the jungle (don’t be alarmed), which he used to chop down plants and show us some of the fruits of his labor. At the end of the tour, we were served a delicious spread of jackfruit, plantains, banana with fresh cocoa, chocolate drinks with coconut milk, pumpkin soup, coconut brownies, and more, all made with fresh ingredients from the farm.

→ Practicalities : $25 per person; tour starts at 11am; we emailed the lady the night before to register for the tour; put on LOTS of bug spray beforehand if you don’t want to get eaten alive (I warned you)

Red Frog Beach

Beach time, finally! After making your way back down to Old Bank (it’s sooo much easier going down, trust me), take a water taxi straight to Red Frog Beach ($5 per person). We chose to get dropped off at Palmar Dock, and took a 15 minute walk to the beach through the “shortcut” for another $5 each.

It didn’t quite seem like a shortcut, but it is what it is!  On the nature walk to the beach we saw lots of monkeys playing in the jungle (ahhhh I was exceptionally excited about this) and passed a pond with caiman (in the alligator family) which royally freaked me the F out (we didn’t see any thankfully).

We unfortunately didn’t find Red Frog Beach to be anything that spectacular; considering we had already spent time at both San Blas and the Zapatillas, Red Frog was just so-so comparatively. Nevertheless, our veggie bowls and fresh fruit smoothies made for a fantastic lunch at Palmar Resort.

And after our tiring morning hiking in the jungle to Up in the Hill, laying out on the beach was an afternoon well spent. Oh, and seeing those monkeys out in the wild totally made the short trek to Red Frog Beach worth it.

You’ll have to cough up around $8 to get back to Bocas Town from Red Frog Beach.

Where we Stayed : Azul Paradise Bocas Town (not to be confused with the location on Bastimentos)

Where we ate dinner: El Ultimo Refugio

Day 9: Cocktails at Blue Coconut (or the “Floating Bar”)

Chill out for a while, then it’s off to the airport to head back to Panama City!

Cocktails and Tacos Over the Sea

On our last day in Bocas, we chose to take it easy and had a relaxing brunch at Francine’s, where we had the most delicious breakfast crepes and coffees. We wandered around town a bit more before we set off for the Floating Bar, which is essentially just that – a bar floating in the middle of the Caribbean sea!

We took a $5 water taxi here, and it only took a few minutes or so to reach the freestanding bar surrounded by water.

It was kinda dead when we went (probably because of the unfortunate foul weather), but I heard that there’s usually live music playing and people snorkeling around in the surrounding waters (to see the nearby starfish). Although we didn’t make use of all the amenities (hellooo pool floats), we still had a relaxing time. The fish and chicken tacos were bomb, don’t miss them!

Psst : you can also head to the famed Blue Coconut (closed on Fridays), which is a bit farther away but still the same vibe, so we ultimately decided on the Floating Bar because of the mix of clouds and rain.

Fly Back to Panama City in Late Afternoon

Our flight was at 6:10pm, so we had the better portion of the day to see the last of Bocas. If the weather had been more cooperative, I’m sure we would have appreciated this extra time in the area, but we were itching to get back to Panama City.

Up to you if you want to book an earlier flight or not. We flew into PAC (Albrook International) on Air Panama, but there are flights to PTY (Tocumen) as well.

Note that the airport in Bocas is supperrrr tiny and located directly in town! We even chose to walk from our hotel in town to the airport, it was that close! As noted earlier, there’s only one waiting room, one “gate”, and 1-2 bag scanners. Make sure you eat beforehand (or take along a few snacks) because there’s no restaurants over here!

Night in Panama City

We had our last official dinner in Panama at CasaCasco, which was quite delicious, although a bit pricey I might add! There’s also a night club at top, in case you’re feeling a bit frisky and wanna dance your heart out on your last night.

Where we stayed: The American Trade Hotel

The American Trade Hotel was quite possibly our favorite accommodation of our entire Panama vacation, and we wish we could have at least stayed another night. Located smack dab in the historic center of Panama City right in the heart of Casco Viejo, ATH   boasts lovely marbled tiled floors, tall ceilings with large windows (oh that natural light <3), and such charming architecture.

The old world charm of this place just makes it that much more appealing. And plus, it’s part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection, so you know this place will not only have beautiful decor, but wonderful service as well. We were lucky to be given a room with a cute flower-filled balcony overlooking the square, which we enjoyed using both night and morning.

Day 10: Wander Casco Viejo and head home!

After a short sleep in, we hung by the pool for a bit then made our way downstairs to brunch at The American Trade Hotel. The decor is just lovely and the husband had to literally put my camera down for me. Even if you’re not spending the night at The American Trade Hotel , I highly encourage you to check out the restaurant for brunch/lunch, and grab some liquid fuel at the adjoining coffee shop (Unido Panama Coffee Roaster).

Stroll Around Casco Viejo

Out of all the things to do in Panama City, going for an aimless wander around Casco Viejo was by far my favorite! This historic district and UNESCO World Heritage Site wasn’t always what it is today, but has now revitalized into Panama City’s center of art and nightlife, with tons of hip cafes and restaurants.

Oh, and the colonial buildings are to die for. To. Die. For. The absolute cutest. It’s beyond instagrammable → trust me. You’ll find boutique hotels, rooftop bars, crumbling facades, and cobblestoned streets. Swoon.

Psst: you may hear this area being called Casco Antiguo or San Felipe – they’re all the same beautiful spot. 🙂

A few things not to miss out on your wander in Casco Viejo:

• Grab a quintessential Panamanian ice cone, known as a raspado to keep cool
• Check out La Michoacana and try out their condensed milk popsicles
• Enjoy fresh ceviche at the Fish Market
• Head to Weil Art for a traditional Panama Hat
• Lunch at Mahalo (loved this trendy spot)
• Admire the hand sewn molas (by the Kuna’s!) at Plaza de la Independencia

It’s important to note that Casco Viejo lies on the border with El Chorrillo, known to be a bit seedy and not highly recommended to walk around. I’m pretty sure we unknowingly ended up here, and it was quite obvious the distinction between the two areas. Note: after doing some research, I learned that El Chorrillo is one of the city’s most famous ghettos – whoops.

We were butt tired by this point, so just carelessly strolled around the city looking for buildings to admire and had some lunch.

If you want to eat all the things, I highly recommend booking a Panama City food walking tour , which will take you to the best restaurants in town to sample local coffee, chocolates, beer, cocktails and ceviche. You’ll also wander around Casco Viejo with a local guide who can explain the history of the area better than I ever could.

If you have additional time in Panama City (we would have loved another night at the American Trade Hotel and quite possibly another day or so to see the monkeys on Monkey Island ), be sure to check out these highly-rated activities:

Say Goodbye to Panama and Head Home

Be sure to book a flight later in the day or evening (our flight was at 6:30pm) so you can properly explore on your last day in Panama! It’d be an absolute shame to miss out on Casco Viejo – we loved it oh so much!

Phew! Hopefully that answers all your questions about things to do in Panama and how to carefully plan an itinerary for roughly 10 days! We were absolutely blown away by the country and can’t wait to return!

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February 24, 2023 at 5:45 pm

This is amazing!! Would you be willing to share the approximate amount your trip cost total without the flights from USA included? We are considering a trip to Panama!! So excited! But I would like to do the reservations myself as I also am a serial planner 🙂 Thank you!!

February 25, 2023 at 3:33 pm

Hi Tracy! Unfortunately I don’t have current prices, as I took this trip a few years ago! It really varies depending on your choice of hotels, where you eat, etc. I will say we found Panama to be a bit more expensive than other Central American countries, minus Costa Rica. Enjoy — it’s a fantastic country!

August 20, 2023 at 2:39 am

This is such a helpful guide! Can’t wait for my trip to Panama 🙂

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How To Plan An Unforgettable Panama Itinerary

Looking for an incredible Panama itinerary?

I’ve got you covered below.

Every summer, my boyfriend Andy and I plan an epic two-week vacation together. It’s one of the few times annually I’m not traveling solo; and because it’s such a special time, a lot goes into planning the perfect trip.

We’re curious outdoor enthusiasts who love experiential accommodations.

If that sounds like you, then you’ll want to keep reading to steal our favorite Panama vacation spots and travel tips.

Note that this post contains affiliate links to trusted partners I think you’ll love!

Psst! Don’t forget to pin this post for later!

Table of Contents

Panama Travel Video

Prefer to travel Panama through video?

You’re in luck!

We filmed a Panama travel guide to really show you what the experience was like.

Watch the video here:

A big thanks to Andy for helping me shoot the footage, and for editing this video!

Panama Travel Tips

Before I get into actual things to do in Panama, I want to go over some important Panama travel tips.

This way, when you begin diving into our Panama itinerary, you can better understand what your trip will look like.

Additionally, you can grab my free Ultimate Travel Planning Kit — which also includes a downloadable Google Map of this Panama itinerary.

Is Panama Safe?

In short, I felt very, very safe doing the Panama itinerary I share with you below.

That being said, whether at home or on the road, I’m never without a few very important safety essentials.

Vigilant Personal Alarm . Vigilant makes personal safety alarms — or sound grenades — in a variety of models and styles. Press a button to activate an alarm louder than a firetruck, meant to disarm and scare potential attackers. The model linked here even has a backup alarm in case the primary alarm becomes disabled.

Speakeasy Supply Hidden Pocket Scarves . Hand-made by my fellow travel blogging friends over at Beers & Beans, these stylish scarves come in designs for all seasons. Bonus: The hidden pockets in the scarf are large enough to fit your passport!

Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments . Nervous about pickpockets? In more touristy areas of Panama City, for example, pickpockets are fairly common. Having pickpocket-proof garments ensures thieves don’t even know you’re carrying cash. I love the underwear, tank top, long johns and short sleeve dress!

Planning A Trip To Panama: Destinations

There are so many options when planning your Panama itinerary.

Below, I provide an overview of some — emphasis on some — of your options based on your travel preferences.

Beach Destinations In Panama.  Bocas del Toro, Pearl Islands, San Blas Islands, Isla Coiba, Santa Catalina, Colon.

Hiking / Outdoor Adventure Destinations In Panama.  Boquete, El Valle de Anton, Cocle Province, Santa Cruz de Cana.

Urban Destinations In Panama. Panama City, David.

Agricultural Destinations In Panama. Boquete, Santa Fe, Cocle Province, Isla Bastimentos, Isla San Cristobal, Colon.

Two Weeks In Panama Itinerary

If you don’t feel like reading this entire article, you can swipe my two weeks in Panama itinerary here in this quick overview.

We arrived into Tocumen International Airport in Panama City, and then took an Uber to get to the Albrook “Marcos A. Gelabert” International Airport to board a domestic one-hour flight to the Bocas del Toro “Isla Colón” International Airport in Bocas Town.

Our Panama itinerary was as follows:

Bocas Town on Isla Colon in Bocas del Toro  ( Airbnb- Stay Bocas ). One night.

Arrived via Air Panama flight from Panama City.

Highlights included Bibi’s on the Beach, Starfish Beach and simply wandering the lively town to peruse the shops, bars and even a brewery called Bocas Brewery.

Isla Bastimentos in Bocas Del Toro ( La Loma Jungle Lodge & Chocolate Farm ). Two nights.

Arrived via pickup in Bocas Town by the La Loma Jungle Lodge boat captain (ride is about 20 minutes).

Highlights included sleeping in a treehouse with no walls in the jungle, hiking to a bat cave, kayaking at sunrise and the creative meals made with mainly ingredients grown on their onsite farm.

Isla San Cristobal in Bocas del Toro ( CocoVivo ). Two nights.

Arrived via skiff boat taxi (about 25 minutes from Bocas Town).

Highlights included onsite hiking trails to waterfalls, snorkeling the healthy coral reefs, night swimming in the bioluminescent Tierra Oscura Lagoon, a dock with a second-storey diving board and hammocks right over the water, and paddle-boarding to the local fried chicken shop nearby (a very Panamanian experience!).

Boquete (Airbnb- Lost Waterfalls Cabin ). Two nights.

Arrived via Hello Panama tourist bus ($30), with the Airbnb host picking us up at the bus stop to take us to the cabin.

Highlights included hiking in Panama  — specifically through high altitude jungle to numerous waterfalls — a farm-to-fork dinner at Colibri Restaurant in Boquete Town and having a secluded cabin in the breathtaking cloud forest where our yard was filled with unique flora and hummingbirds.

Panama City ( The Bahia Grand Hotel ). One night.

Arrived via Air Panama flight from Enrique Malek International Airport in David, which we got to by paying $50 for a taxi from Boquete to David (though note there is also a cheaper bus option that we didn’t feel like navigating with our luggage).

This was just a one-night stopover before our trip to El Valle de Anton (aka “El Valle”), and we spent it by exploring some of the hotel’s amenities. These included swimming in the infinity pool, having an unforgettable chef’s tasting dinner at Tejas Restaurant, gambling in the Ocean Sun Casino and having drinks at their 66-storey Poolbar rooftop. Afterward, we took a bubblebath with wine in our in-room standalone tub. Heaven!

El Valle de Anton (Airbnb- Casa del Alma ). Two nights.

Arrived via 2.5-hour bus from the Albrook Bus Terminal in Panama City (~$4.50 one way).

Highlights included hiking to the top of La India Dormida for incredible views, having a seafood dinner on the chill patio of Bruschetta Restaurant, and enjoying our funky zen lodging with had a pool, garden and deep soaking tub.

Panama City ( The Bahia Grand Hotel ). Three nights.

Arrived via the same bus we took to El Valle de Anton, but in the opposite direction.

Highlights included more swimming and enjoying cocktail-filled pineapples at the infinity pool, wandering the UNESCO-listed Casco Viejo neighborhood, seeing boats pass through the Panama Canal, walking the scenic Cinta Costera at night, savoring craft cocktails at the Strangers Club and a satisfying dinner at the innovative Wall Street Bar & Lounge where menu prices change based on their inventory.

If I could change anything about the above Panama itinerary, I would have stayed a few days longer in Panama to spend more time in Panama City. There is a lot to do there, both within the city and as day trips.

Currency In Panama

Interestingly, US Dollars — along with the Panamanian Balboa — are both official currency in Panama.

They even equal the same. Sometimes locals will mix up currencies, too.

So, if you’re supposed to get $1.50 change back, you might back $1 USD and 50 cents in Panamanian Balboa coins.

In short, we used US dollars the entire time.

Getting Around Panama

To get around Panama, Andy and I opted to travel by plane and bus.

There’s so much to do in Panama, and we were on a tight two-week schedule; so, we did take two domestic flights on Air Panama to save time, even though they were pricier than the bus.

Additionally, we opted for the tourist transfer bus offered by Hello Panama between Bocas and Boquete.

Another option we heard a few travelers rave about is renting a car, as long as you’re outside Panama City and Bocas del Toro.

Next time I go to Panama I’ll probably opt for this, as there are so many natural places and beautiful parks to explore that are time-consuming to get to via public transportation.

I recommend using a service  like Discover Cars  to determine the best car rental deals available.

Users of this site can save up to 70% on their booking just by being able to easily compare their options!

What’s great is their comparison tool does the hard research work for you.

You can use their widget right here to compare right now:

Solo Female Travel In Panama

While I was not traveling solo in Panama per my usual trip style, I know many of you are solo travelers.

Ladies, you can definitely feel confident traveling alone through Panama. We encountered a number of solo female travelers during our trip, and at almost all of our accommodations.

Actually, while the Panama itinerary I’m sharing works well for couples, there’s nothing we did on this trip that I wouldn’t come back and do solo, aside for maybe staying at the Lost Waterfalls Cabin because it’s pretty secluded (and I’m terrified of ghosts!).

Even the hikes in Boquete that I mention below — both of which are very well marked — would be fine to do on your own without a guide.

Just make sure you have the Vigilant Alarm I mention above on you for added protection, especially from wildlife.

Health Concerns & Zika Virus In Panama

Note that as of this writing (September 2018) there is a risk of Zika Virus in Panama. This means that if you’re pregnant you should avoid visiting Panama.

All travelers will definitely want to take precautions to limit mosquito bites, as well as bites from no-see-ums (or sand flies), which can also carry diseases.

In Bocas del Toro both of these insects were very prevalent.

Personally, I typically opt for natural insect repellent, as I feel it works better and doesn’t harm the environment.

I was able to buy an incredible insect repellent and bite soother at La Loma Jungle Lodge. It was made from coconut oil, citronella and fresh lemon.

If you’d prefer to buy your insect repellent before your Panama trip, here are a few highly-rated natural options from Amazon:

• 2 ounce repellent (spray)
• 2 ounce repellent (cream)
• 4 ounce repellent
• 8 ounce repellent

Another question in terms of health safety you’re probably asking yourself:

Can you drink the water in Panama?

The answer:

Yes and no.

Do realize in certain Panama regions and cities you can’t drink the tap water, like Bocas del Toro.

On the other hand, drinking the tap water in places like Boquete, El Valle de Anton and Panama City is absolutely fine.

Honestly, I thought the tap water in Panama — especially in mountainous places like Boquete — was some of the best I’ve ever tasted!

And while we’re on the topic of drinking, do remember to ask for your beverages without a straw when ordering at restaurants.

Many restaurants and bars will typically provide straws automatically, which can then get eaten by wildlife and harm or kill them.

My Panama Itinerary In-Depth

Now that we’ve covered some important Panama travel tips, it’s time to dive deeper into where to go in Panama, and what to do once you’re there.

Visiting Bocas Del Toro 

Christopher Columbus actually visited this beautiful archipelago in 1502, when he was searching for Asia. That’s why you’ll find a number of Bocas del Toro islands that give nods to the Spanish explorer — like Isla Colon, Isla Cristóbal and Bahía de Almirante — because he named them after himself.

According to Rough Guides , it wasn’t until 1826 that the town of Bocas del Toro — today called Bocas Town — was founded by West Indian immigrants.

Later on in the 19th century, it was the United Fruit company that built up Bocas del Toro’s wealth by planting banana plantations.

This strategic move led to over 50% of Panama’s export income coming from Bocas bananas.

While disease eventually hurt the banana industry in Bocas del Toro, a growing tourism industry is taking its place as a key money maker.

How To Get To Bocas Del Toro From Panama City

Arriving into Bocas del Toro via Air Panama flight was one of the most beautiful experiences I’ve ever had on a plane.

With the soft hum of the aircraft as my soundtrack, I gazed down over hundreds of lush islands — some large enough to have homes, some so small they appeared like rocks from above.

As the plane descended, I noticed the water hitting the shoreline of the vibrant emerald green islands, sprouting dense forest that appeared like billions of broccoli stalks, the trees so close together.

Suddenly, the plane made a loud whizzing noise, and a burst of colorful buildings broke up the repeating green hues.

We were in Bocas Town.

Now, flights to Bocas del Toro from Panama City are relatively inexpensive on Air Panama. Andy and I paid $112 each for our one-way flight — including taxes and fees — booked for the end of August.

If you’re wondering how to get to Bocas del Toro, the above-mentioned flight to Bocas del Toro airport will be the easiest, quickest way at less than one-hour of travel time.

Another option is taking a bus from Panama City to Almirante, and then a boat to Bocas Town (or another Bocas del Toro island), though note this takes 10.5-11.5 hours total. Considering the flight is about 50 minutes, I personally think it’s the smarter option unless you’re on a really, really tight budget.

Driving is another option, and we met loads of travelers road tripping around Panama.

The thing with this is that once you’re in Bocas del Toro you’ll be getting around by taking tiny skiff boats. These don’t fit cars, so you’ll need to leave yours in Almirante. Driving from Panama City to Bocas del Toro takes about eight to nine hours.

Now Bocas del Toro is interesting in that it sits on Panama’s Caribbean coast and features some truly unspoiled beaches.

Moreover, you can swim in crystal waters, snorkeling lagoons and watching dolphins in the wild. You can float in a bioluminescent bay. You can hike through the jungle spying birdlife, monkeys and sloths, or head into a bat cave and go cliff jumping inside.

These are just a few of the many Bocas del Toro attractions and experiences to be had.

Bocas del Toro islands are plentiful. In fact, aside for the mainland there are nine main Caribbean islands to choose from when planning your trip.

That being said, you’ll notice as your flying over this Panama province that there are actually myriad small islands, calm waters sprinkled with lush emerald tufts of land. While you won’t find Bocas del Toro hotels on these smaller islands, many make for fun kayaking and paddle boarding destinations.

Visiting Bocas Town On Isla Colon [Bocas Del Toro, Panama]

Bocas Town — situated at the southern end of Isla Colon — is the capital and main hub of the Bocas del Toro archipelago, so this is where you’ll likely begin your journey, even if just to connect elsewhere.

That being said, no  Bocas del Toro vacation would be complete without spending a night or two in Bocas Town.  It’s extremely lively, with loads of restaurants, bars, shops, a main square and a walkable layout.

Bocas Town Hotel Recommendation: Stay Bocas

When researching where to stay in Bocas del Toro, specifically in Bocas Town, we chose Stay Bocas due to its positive reviews.

Plus, it’s literally a three-minute walk from the Bocas del Toro “Isla Colón” International Airport. This is where you’ll arrive into when flying into Bocas del Toro from Panama City.

As soon as we walked through the garden patio up to the check-in desk, a smiling man greeted us and offered us local Balboa beers.

The room was clean with air conditioning, and the location was walkable to all of the noteworthy things to do in Bocas Town.

It’s also budget-friendly at less than $50 per night, including breakfast, wifi and bike rentals.

We booked this Bocas Town accommodation on Airbnb. If you’ve never used Airbnb before, I recommending clicking here to set up your account so you get $40 off your first booking .

Once you’ve created your account, you can click here to book Stay Bocas.

Bocas Del Toro Restaurants: Bibi’s On The Beach

Bocas Town is the epitome of a chill beach town. Even as we walked around on a Monday night, small wooden bars and restaurants painted in bright tropical colors blasted calypso and reggae.

Near to a small brewery strung with fairy lights was a dock where locals eagerly wait to take people by taxi boat to other islands and destinations nearby.

Our destination for the night:

Bibi’s on the Beach , a restaurant recommendation from Stay Bocas.

Located on nearby Carenero Island, Andy and I were dropped off on the dock — after paying the $2/person fare — and took a short walk along the palm shaded, sandy shore to the open-air eatery.

Fresh seafood paired with fruity cocktails made fresh in a blender is the name of the game here.

On the water, we sipped Pina Coladas and Bahama Mamas while enjoying grilled tuna, mussels, shrimp and Bibi’s famous tender octopus.

The scene is uber romantic, with bare bulbed lights strung up over picnic tables and lounge chairs right on the water.

I highly recommend going before sunset so you can watch the sky light up and cast warm hues over the islands.

Bocas Del Toro Beaches: Starfish Beach

Possibly my favorite Bocas del Toro beach from the whole trip was Starfish Beach near Bocas Town.

On the main road in Bocas Town — the widest road, two blocks from Stay Bocas — is a park square.

Here, you’ll catch the bus to Bocas del Drago ($2.50 each way, payable on the bus in cash), the last stop on the bus.

The ride takes about 30 minutes, and you’ll drive through lush jungle and even some cow-laden countryside.

When you arrive at Bocas del Drago, you’ll be greeted by soft sand coastline shaded by palms, azure warm waters and chill beach bars selling rum drinks and lobster.

The real treat though:

Hiking 25 minutes along the coastline —walking barefoot through the warm water — to the gorgeous Starfish Beach.

Not only is the beach stunning, with hawks gliding overhead, but the clear water is filled with giant colorful starfish!

A note on responsible tourism at beaches:

Don’t touch the starfish!

There are signs everywhere warning visitors not to touch them, and that if you do they might die; but yet, we saw tourists not only touching them but moving them to take a “great” Instagram photo.

A photo is never worth hurting a living creature over, so just admire them with your eyes!

A warning on the buses:

They apparently come earlier than they tell you when you get off. The 2pm bus back to Bocas left at 1:55pm! Luckily we got back early.

Back in Bocas Town, we took a stroll through the lively, colorful streets, spending most of our time shopping at the artsy  Black Cat boutique.

Afterward, we headed to a really cool bar and restaurant —  Bocas Blended , aka the Batido Bus — to eat lunch.

This hippie bus serves smoothies, healthy wraps, salads and refreshing mojito lemonades.

It was the perfect place to relax while we waited to meet our captain — Mr. Kelly — who’d be whisking us away to our next Bocas del Toro island destination.

Visiting La Loma Jungle Lodge On Isla Bastimentos [Bocas Del Toro, Panama]

When Mr. Kelly arrived, we boarded a small skiff boat to visit La Loma Jungle Lodge & Chocolate Farm on Bastimentos Island.

The scenic ride took about 20 minutes — taking us past inlet eateries, small islands and mangroves — until we pulled up to dock dense with forest; a small dog, who we came to know as Zorro, greeting us.

Resting on 57 acres of tropical forest and fruit groves, La Loma Jungle Lodge is unlike any of the other Bocas del Toro hotels you’ll come across on your search.

First of all, the property is a self-sustaining experiential accommodation only accessible by boat, meaning you don’t need to worry about having a negative impact on the environment or about encountering too many tourists.

As a guest of the hotel — which is also a working farm — your stay includes three deliciously prepared meals.

About 60% of the ingredients in the food are grown right on their property. During my stay, I savored dishes like pumpkin soup with fried yuca, grilled blackjack fish over coconut rice, and roasted red pepper-laced lentils served alongside fresh salad from the garden and locally-sourced cheese.

For dessert, sometimes we savored homemade guava cookies showcasing onsite grown fruit, or decadent chocolate cake gowned in dulce de leche, made with La Loma’s renowned cacao.

Hey, Panama chocolate is some of the best in the world. And if you want to have the best of the best, it’s smart to get it right from the source.

You can work off the food through onsite hiking trails, night walks to spot caimans and jungle insects, trips to trek across Red Frog Beach and kayaking to the nearby bat cave or Sloth Island (which is home to — you guessed it — hundreds of sloths!).

While mornings were filled with watching wildlife — mainly birds and sometimes sloths and monkeys — through our open air treehouse, evenings were spent playing cards under the stars while enjoying a bottle of wine and listening to tree frogs.

Moreover, staff were happy to set up their kayaks for sunrise paddling with views looking out toward the active Volcán Barú — Panama’s tallest mountain at 11,400 feet — and the rest of the Cordillera de Talamanca range.

Adventures On Isla Bastimentos: Beach Hiking

No trip to Panama would be complete without visiting the beautiful beaches.

And one of my favorite experiences during my La Loma stay was to Red Frog Beach , specifically to do the 45-minute hike from that beach to the more secluded Polo Beach .

Admittedly, Polo Beach is a proper hike to get to.

While your feet will be slapping over the warm Caribbean Sea most of the time, you’ll also need to navigate jagged tufts of coral and humongous fall trees blocking the path.

Once you arrive, though, you’ll realize the effort was worth it as you have the crystal waters and outer island views all to yourself.

There aren’t beach bars at Polo Beach, so pack lots of water and lunch!

Adventures On Isla Bastimentos: Panama Bat Cave Exploration

Another one of the unforgettable things to do in Panama while staying at La Loma:

Hiking through the  Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park to the  Nivida Bat Cave with a local named Roger, whose father actually discovered the cave.

I always joke that when I’m working hard I’m in my bat cave; but the truth is I’ve never been in a bat cave like this.

Hundreds — possibly thousands — of bats hung upside down, grinning devilishly through the glow of our headlamps in the darkest corners of the cave.

Every few seconds, one would whizz past our ears so quickly they looked like a burst of black light; so close you could almost feel it’s little hairs on your skin!

I was glad I wore a bathing suit, as the further we hiked into the cave, the deeper the water inside became.

Actually, what started out as a stream quickly came to above our waists!

When we got to a large dry rock shelf the water didn’t reach, Roger instructed us to leave everything behind aside for our helmets and headlamps.

“The water gets very deep. You’ll need to swim at parts.”

Peering at a giant tarantula-like spider on the wall, I hoped the creepy crawlers of the cave wouldn’t also be making the journey.

After about 15 minutes, we came to a giant cave pool sitting below loads of stalagmites — where you could also cliff jump.

Andy jumped three times, and each time I held my breath hoping I wouldn’t need to tell his parents I’d lost their son in a Panamanian bat cave.

Luckily, he came up laughing each time.

The bat cave excursion also included a scenic boat ride through the mangroves. Roger not only gave us a comprehensive overview of the three types of mangroves on Bastimentos Island — red, brown and yellow — but also helped us spot an array of wildlife.

Crabs, capuchin monkeys, caimans and giant clawed pistol shrimp all made their way onto my camera roll, though the highlight was a sloth so close we could make out her facial features.

I learned sloths go to the bathroom once per week in the water, where the caimans sit hungrily waiting.

As this sloth moved about the tree, I hoped she realized what waited below her.

Luckily, what waited for Andy and I was much less scary:

A delicious multi-course lunch at La Loma, complete with plates of guanabana fruit and chocolate truffles for dessert.

Visiting CocoVivo On Isla San Cristobal [Bocas del Toro, Panama]

After washing down our meal with homemade passionfruit juice, Andy and I said our farewells, faithful Zorro giving us his final doggy kisses on the dock, before we headed back to Bocas Town to catch a taxi boat to CocoVivo Panama , a sustainable eco-retreat on Isla San Cristobal.

A friendly Bocas local named Choy was our captain, recommended to us by CocoVivo.

The scenic 20-minute ride cost $45 total for both Andy and I, and as our boat pulled up to the CocoVivo dock, surrounded by lush jungle, we knew we were in for a relaxing treat.

This portion of our trip was about simply enjoying the beauty and chilled out vibe of the property.

Actually, my laptop had sadly fallen prey to humidity on Isla Bastimentos. While I was more than a little sad about the screen of my $1500 laptop being destroyed, I decided to look at it as a blessing:

No laptop meant I had no choice but to take a deep breath and relax.

And CocoVivo certainly was the place to it.

Owned by expat couple Carmen and Lazare — who met while living in Bocas Town — the property is rustic and environmentally conscious using solar panels, a rain catchment system and composting.

You’ll need to be mindful of water usage, electricity usage and waste.

Moreover, our in-room toilet — for #1 only — was a hole right over the mangroves, and short cool showers handled only bio-digradeable products like this shampoo (though they provide soap, and have a beautiful Hill House with western facilities, too).

If you’re okay with that, then you’ll be rewarded with simple clean rooms built right into the island’s landscape.

Things To Do On Isla San Cristobal: Aquatic Bocas Del Toro Adventures

Actually, swimming in their bioluminescent Tierra Oscura Lagoon when the sky is completely dark is a magical experience; each slap of your hand on the water making bright sparkles shoot out from your fingertips.

Swimming during the day is also a must, as the property is surrounded by healthy reefs full of tropical fish and colorful corals.

A must-have CocoVivo experience:

Jumping off the second-storey diving board that’s on their main deck lounge, where fresh communal meals are served and the bar sits.

Here, you’ll find hammocks and wooden swings hanging right over the water, with a second-storey diving platform.

It’s scary the first time you jump, though after you come up for air giggling, you’ll want to do it again and again.

Things To Do On Isla San Cristobal: Bocas Del Toro Restaurants

Additionally, we loved grabbing the free-to-use kayaks and paddle boards and paddling across the lagoon to Los Amigos Restaurante & Bar .

Here, in this eatery on the water that genuinely feels like someone’s home, they serve one thing:

Three pieces of delicious fried chicken with fries and coleslaw.

It’s a true Panamanian experience, from getting to practice your Spanish to chatting with the owner — Ernesto — about his time living in the states, but coming back to where he was born and opening the business.

Behind the counter sits a shelf with a few bottles of liquor and a handful of mixers, which we turned into ginger ales spiked with local rum.

Around the open air restaurant, locals play music and sit on their porches, offering a glimpse into daily life in Panama.

Things To Do On Isla San Cristobal: Hiking On Isla San Cristobal

Additionally, the onsite hiking trails at CocoVivo allow you to see birds, wildlife (read: sloths!), waterfalls and crazy insects.

Led by CocoVivo’s three pups — Captain, Osa and Nanoosh — we ended up at a lovely waterfall.

This was a refreshing stop to cool off as Bocas del Toro weather can be very hot and humid.

After my laid back stay, I truly felt like I was leaving home, especially when Carmen, Lazare and the dogs stood at the dock waving (and barking!) goodbye.

Click here for a great list of unforgettable Bocas del Toro tours!

Visiting Boquete In Panama

So, where were we leaving Bocas del Toro for?

Boquete, a small mountain town located in the highlands of the bountiful Chiriquí province of Panama, renowned for its hiking trails and proximity to Volcán Barú , Panama’s highest point.

This is one of the best Panama vacation spots for those wanting to experience the country’s gorgeous cloud forest.

According to  Hotel Panamonte , Boquete was founded on April 11, 1911, when it became a shortcut to California for those looking to profit from the California Gold Rush.

Many locals and immigrants settled here, also drawn by the Panama destination’s abundance and natural beauty.

Today, the town is known for a few things:

• Boquete coffee production. The coffee in Boquete is said to be some of the world’s best!
• It’s retirement community. Many senior locals and expats settle in Boquete to take advantage of the mild weather, low costs, modern amenities and slower pace of life.
• Boquete tourism. If you’re looking for outdoor adventures, Boquete should be on your Panama itinerary!

Hotels In Boquete, Panama: The Lost Waterfalls Cabin

Andy and I booked the Lost Waterfalls Cabin on Airbnb, so if you’ve never used Airbnb before make sure to use this link to signup and get $40 off your first stay !

If you’re interested in hiking in Panama, the cabin is situated at the beginning of the renowned Lost Waterfalls Trail, high up in the cloud forest.

So high in fact that you’ll need to hike 20 minutes up a steep trail to reach the dwelling — meaning you’ll definitely need to be physically fit, and be okay with walking across shaking suspension bridges — to stay here.

Once you reach your cozy wooden cabin, you’re surrounded by hummingbirds, blue vervain, red spiky heliconias, tall moss-covered oaks and other high elevation flora.

Or, as I like to call them, Dr. Seuss-looking plants.

Plus, you won’t need to look up to see clouds; they’ll roll right past you like puffy tumbleweeds as you sit on the large porch — complete with rocking chairs and resident pup named Rocky Balboa.

Even the outdoor toilet and shower — both very clean — have views of the valley.

We loved our stay at this Boquete accommodation, especially because we spent almost our entire time hiking.

If you want to explore the actual main town in Boquete — with its many restaurants, bars and shops — you should stay at a hostel or hotel down there. For example:

• A popular choice is Hostel Mamallena , which has budget-friendly dorms and private rooms.
• Another great option if you’re not a hostel person is Agaseke Lodge Boquete , a simple and inexpensive Panama hotel right in Boquete Town that includes breakfast, Wi-Fi, and a clean room.

Another idea:

Do a few days in Boquete Town and a few days in the Panamanian cloud forest at the Lost Waterfalls Cabin.

You can always get to town via 15-minute hike down to the trailhead and then get a $10 cab, which the Airbnb host can call for you since you won’t have cell service.

If it’s the evening, make sure to bring a flashlight to see and your Vigilant Personal Alarm for safety, as it gets dark.

Most likely, you’ll eat most meals at the cabin, where you have a cooler (no fridge), outdoor grill, stove (no oven), sink and dishes / glassware.

Things To Do In Boquete, Chiriquí: Boquete Restaurants

One meal I do highly recommend you have in town:

A globally inspired farm-to-fork experience at Colibri Restaurante .

“Colibri” means “hummingbird” in Spanish, which is a great name for this restaurant focused on creative Mediterranean meals infused with mainly local ingredients.

They have outdoor seating, as well as indoor tables surrounded by walls covered in local artwork.

The menu is extensive with lots of noteworthy tastes, from the locally-made passionfruit limoncello to the home-brewed beer to the creative ice cream flavors.

Personally, I loved the tree tomato option, as well as the goat cheese made with a variety they find at a local farmer’s market.

Instead of bread, we were given a bowl of fried pasta with a pesto dipping sauce.

As a starter, the beef tenderloin salad was almost too pretty to eat, laced with carrot spirals, faddish slices and tender seasoned beef; all dressed in a passionfruit dressing.

The meal offered a delicious introduction to discovering the terroir of Boquete and the Chiriqui Province, as the reason many travelers visit is access to unique outdoor adventure opportunities.

Things To Do In Boquete, Chiriquí: Boquete Hiking Trails

Andy and I decided to continue exploring the landscape through two esteemed hiking trails:

The Pipeline Trail ($3 entrance fee) and the Lost Waterfalls Trails ($7 entrance fee), the latter of which our cabin sits at the trailhead of.

Both are moderately difficult, unbelievably scenic hikes that introduce you to lush jungle and renowned bird life. Moreover, they’re a short taxi or collectivo (shared taxi) ride from Boquete Town.

Additionally, both are well-traversed enough that I’d highly recommend them for solo female travelers — though do pack your personal alarm just in case. We didn’t see any, but there are jaguars here, and a sound grenade can help scare off wild animals.

The Pipeline Trail is 2.8-miles long, gradually bringing you to 1,578 meters above sea level. Despite the elevation gain, this is the easier of the two Boquete hikes. This is because the Lost Waterfalls Trail is very, very steep in sections.

During the hike, you’ll pass through two micro-climates of the cloud forest, seeing a wide variety of flora — and fauna, mainly birds.

Actually, along this trail sits a designated Quetzal habitat.

If you’re wondering where to see the sought-after Resplendent quetzal in Panama, this is where you need to go — though note having a local Boquete guide like this one will dramatically increase your chances of spotting one. These beautiful birds, despite their bright colors and dramatic feathering, are tough to spot on your own.

Another Pipeline Trail highlight:

A 1,000+ year-old Mexican elm tree, with enormous roots twisting out of the ground.

This is a fun photo spot for sure!

Along the way, you’ll cross lovely bridges — many crafted from parts of the pipeline the trek is named for — and will likely see lizards, butterflies and possibly even snakes, sloths and howler monkeys. We didn’t see the latter, but we definitely heard them!

At the end of the hike, you’re rewarded with a front row view of a waterfall perfect for swimming.

As Andy and I visited in the late August rainy season — Panama’s off season — we had the place all to ourselves.

The Lost Waterfalls Trail in Boquete was, in my opinion, even more beautiful, albeit more challenging with hugely spaced staircases and steep climbs — sometimes so sharp you’ll need a rope to assist you.

That being said, you’re introduced to three wildly gorgeous waterfalls, each quite different from the other.

Here is Lost Waterfall #1, the tamest of them all, with a viewing platform to see the falls:

Here is Lost Waterfall #2, my favorite of the three due to the multiple tiers and the cave behind it:

And here is Lost Waterfall #3, which you can also climb up and walk behind:

As a photographer on this Panama hike, I couldn’t help but notice the many opportunities for gorgeous natural framing.

Bring a raincoat! That rain can come out of nowhere. I’m a fan of the compact LINENLUX Rain Poncho .

Boquete gets much cooler than Panama City and Bocas del Toro, so bring some warm clothing. My travel-friendly scarf shawl  — which also makes for an excellent airplane blanket — came in handy for keeping me warm when hanging out on the porch.

Click here for a great list of unforgettable Boquete tours !

Visiting El Valle De Anton In Panama (aka El Valle)

After our cloud forest adventure in Boquete, we bid farewell to our Airbnb host, Elias, and the adorable Rocky Balboa.

While there is an inexpensive bus from Boquete to David — where you can board another inexpensive bus from David to Panama City — we decided to save time and hassle and instead grabbed a taxi to David’s international airport (1 hour, $50).

Then we took a flight from David to Panama City, where we grabbed a 2.5-hour bus to El Valle de Anton. Or, as it’s more commonly called, El Valle.

The town of El Valle — which I was told sits inside the largest inhabited volcano crater in the world — is known for its hiking trails, natural beauty and unique geography. Here, you’ll enjoy mountain treks, waterfalls, butterfly and orchid gardens, and hot springs.

Taking The Bus To El Valle From Panama City

So from Albrook Bus Station in Panama City there are ticket sellers coming up to you and anxiously asking you where you’re going.

“El Valle de Anton,” I said.

“Come!” A man said, beckoning me to follow.

He hurriedly brought me to a ticket selling table, and I again said “El Valle de Anton.”

A bunch of men were shouting around me, it was hectic and rushed, so when the guy repeated back “Anton?” I didn’t think that that might be a different place.

But alas, it was.

And our 2.5-hour bus ride took almost six hours as we arrived in Anton — different from El Valle de Anton — and had to backtrack to then take two different buses.

But hey, it was an experience.

Picture a small bus where people get on and off before the vehicle even really comes to a complete stop. Latin club beats blast, and on some buses there are even R-rated music videos to go along with them!

El Valle Panama Hotels: Casa del Alma (aka House of Soul)

We booked the funky, zen Casa del Alma space on Airbnb — so if you’ve never used Airbnb before, click here to create your account and receive $40 off your first stay!

This large house with four thoughtfully-decorated guest rooms, each with a private bathroom, is chock full of inspiring nooks, female-centric artwork and playful touches.

Moreover, the outdoor garden features a pool, fireplace (upcharge for setup) and tropical flora attracting birds — including hummingbirds!

In the morning, a big kitchen stocked with coffee, eggs, cereal and bananas is included in your stay.

Hiking In El Valle: La India Dormida Trail

While we had a nice seafood meal at Restaurante Bruschetta and tasty fried chicken from a place off the main drag that read “Bar Restaurante,” the reason to visit El Valle isn’t the food.

It’s the nature.

Specifically, it’s to hike La India Dormida , or “The Sleeping Indian.”

From afar, this mountain range looks like a sleeping indigenous woman, quite a sight to see from afar.

And from the top, the views are even more spectacular.

According to Journey Era , there is a legend surrounding the mountain.

Apparently, an indigenous woman named Luba — a local chief’s daughter — fell in love with a Spaniard, despite incessant fighting between them and her tribe.

There was an indigenous man in her tribe who did love her, but she didn’t feel the same. Deeply hurt, he threw himself off a mountain in front of Luba.

Luba then became hysterical and got lost in the bushes, perishing.

Back to the La India Dormida hike itself, Andy and I were told there are four routes by which you can get to the top. Three are free and one is paid.

We weren’t sure where the free ones were, so we went in the paid entrance near the Piedra Pintada. You’ll see tons of signs in El Valle Town pointing you to La India Dormida as well as to the Piedra Pintada trailhead.

Honestly, I was happy to pay $3 for such a beautiful, well-maintained trail.

After paying, you’re shown a 3D diagram of the natural Panama attractions that await; neat, but nothing compared to seeing them up close.

At  times the 45-minute uphill hike is pretty steep, and you’ll need to traverse uneven rock steps and roots.

That being said, you’ll be distracted from any fatigue thanks to the fact that there’s barely any lag time between sites.

Almost immediately, you see the famed Piedra Pintada , an enormous rock covered in petroglyphs said to date back to Pre-Columbian times; as in, before 1492 when Christopher Columbus “discovered” the Americas.

After that, you’ll cross wooden bridges and veer off the path out onto small outcroppings to view three different waterfalls, each cascade offering something different.

Here is a look at my favorite waterfall from the La India Dormida hike, with beautiful views out toward the Pacific Ocean.

Along the path we saw so many giant Blue Morpho Butterflies, along with yellow-bellied flycatcher birds.

Toward the top, we saw one more petroglyph rock before shortly arriving at a crossroads.

We almost missed it, but in very faint white there is an arrow directing you toward the left.

This takes you higher up the mountain, until you come to a tent with decent views over the valley.

As usual, I thought this was the end before it really was. Like in Boquete, Andy volunteered to run ahead and scope things out.

We were lucky he did, as despite having to climb up a very steep and uneven rock face, we were ecstatic to come up onto the edge of the volcano crater.

The views here are completely open, with rolling hills on one side and the valley drop on the other as you walk along the crater rim.

There are a lot of great photo opportunities here; though do be smart, as the drop down is really long.

Visiting Panama City

After 10 days of Panama beach and jungle exploration, we ended our trip with three nights in Panama City.

Panama City is definitely the wealthiest and most cosmopolitan city I’ve ever been when traveling Central America , with a lot of money coming in thanks to the Panama Canal.

Along with exploring innovative infrastructure, cosmopolitan architecture and cultural institutions like the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo and the Martin Theatre, you can also enjoy Panama beaches, hiking and wildlife in and around the city.

Getting Into Panama City From Tocumen International Airport

When you arrive into Tocumen International Airport, you’ve got a few options for transportation into the city — or to the nearby Albrook “Marcos A. Gelabert” International Airport for domestic flights.

• The bus. The cheapest option at less than $2, though note you can’t bring suitcases.
• Taxis. These you can grab right in the Arrivals Hall. The tourism information booth advised us it would be $35 from Tocumen International Airport to Albrook “Marcos A. Gelabert” International Airport.
• Uber. The best option if you’ve got luggage. We paid about $17 for the 14-mile ride to Albrook “Marcos A. Gelabert” International Airport.  If you’ve never used Uber, you can use code jessief7 to get your first ride free!

Where To Stay In Panama City: Bahia Grand Panama City

While trekking up hills to reach gorgeous jungle view rooms and hiking up steep stone paths for a secluded cloud forest retreat was so worth it, we decided to end with some luxury — and an elevator — by staying at the Bahia Grand Panama City   (formerly the Trump International Hotel & Tower Panama, though it’s now been taken over by JW Marriott).

This Panama City hotel is located in the opulent Punta Pacifica neighborhood, where you’ll see a number of luxury high rise hotels and condominium buildings.

Essentially, the Bahia Grand is a city within a city, with a shopping corridor, four restaurants, five oceanfront pools, a business center and a wellness center.

While mornings were spent enjoying fresh fruit and eggs at the BARcelona buffet breakfast and taking a dip (with a view!) in the 13th floor infinity pool, evenings were enjoyed taking baths in the standalone tub, drinking wine on our 31st-floor balcony and savoring the chefs menu at Tejas .

Their seafood — specifically their ceviche — is incredible!

Attached to the hotel is also the Ocean Sun Casino , from which you can take the elevator up to the 66th floor rooftop bar called Panaviera   Pool Bar .

I don’t think I’ve even been to a bar that high back home in NYC!

Now I have to be honest:

I was much less active in Panama City than I usually am while traveling.

Andy and I packed so much into our Panama itinerary that by the time we reached Panama City we really wanted to chill out.

So, a nice chunk of our time was spent sipping pina coladas out of pineapples by the pool.

#SometimesYouJustGotta

But, that’s not all we did…

Things To Do In Panama City

As stated above, if I could have changed one thing about our Panama itinerary, it would have been staying a few extra days to really get to know Panama City.

A few things we’ve added to our bucket list for the future since we didn’t have time on this Panama trip:

• Visiting Monkey Island where there are a lot of — you guessed it — monkeys.
• Whitewater rafting on the Mamoni River , which offers Class III-IV rapids.
• Taking a food tour of Casco Viejo , Panama City’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed quarter dating back to the 1670s. We certainly explored it, but it would have been a lot of fun to do an actual food tour with a local guide.
• Trekking to the top of Ancon Hill , which is about 1.2 miles each way and offers gorgeous views from the top.
• Spending a few nights in the San Blas Islands , an autonomous territory in Panama touted as possibly the country’s most pristine archipelago. There are over 365 islands, with the native Kuna people inhabiting a few of the larger ones where tourists also visit.
• Hiking the Pipeline Road from Panama City , which introduces you to Panama wildlife like numerous bird species and monkeys.
• Doing an all-inclusive catamaran booze cruise to the renowned Pearl Islands . Out of all the Panama City excursions we saw, this is the one we were most bummed to miss out on. Unfortunately, the catamaran goes out on very specific days which didn’t align with our Panama vacation plans.

Okay, enough about what we didn’t do in Panama City. Let’s talk about what we did do.

One must-have experience is wandering Casco Viejo .

As mentioned above, this Panama City neighborhood dates back to the late 17th century, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You really don’t need a plan here. You can simply walk and admire the historic Spanish colonial facades, which are protected.

In fact, many modern restaurants and bars gut the insides, but are not allowed to change the outsides. This gives Casco Viejo an enchanting old world feel.

Some of our favorite stops within Casco Viejo:

• Café Unido . Attention Instagrammers: This Panama City cafe was made for you. Along with being lovely looking, this is also one of the few places you can try the soft, tea-like Geisha Coffee. It costs a steep $9 per cup, but offered a gentle pick me up!

• CasaCasco . In this multi-level Panama City restaurant you’ve got three eateries to choose from, not to mention a rooftop bar serving tapas and a dance club. We opted for the Asian-focused NacionSushi. Warning: Their rolls are much, much, much bigger than you’re likely used to!

• The Strangers Club . This American-style craft cocktail bar was started by the team behind NYC’s famed Employees Only, along with two Panamanian partners. As many of you know, I lead a cocktail tour in Manhattan, so of course I had to try it. The ambiance is relaxed, with the menu showcasing Panama’s best ingredients. Pro tip: Order the “Angie,” featuring gin shaken with fresh passionfruit, house-made lemongrass syrup and frothy egg white. Yum!

Of course, you’ll also want to admire the views of the Panama City skyline and Panama Bay, as the neighborhood juts into the water.

Additionally, Casco Viejo is full of historic and cultural attractions, like  Palacio de las Garzas (where Panama’s president lives), the 18th century  Catedral de Panamá and the 17th century  La Iglesia San Felipe Neri .

Another experience you can’t miss when you visit Panama City:

Spending time at the Panama Canal !

While I appreciate engineering, I’ll be honest that this isn’t usually how I’d want to spend my time; however, Andy and I agreed that it would be wrong to miss it.

I’m glad we went, as we were able to get up close to the action.

Even if the idea of learning about boats and canals bores you, just seeing how the system works is interesting.

Something else fascinating:

The idea for the canal actually came from France; however, they eventually pulled out, which is when the project became a joint venture between the USA and Panama.

This short two-minute video by The BBC does a great job of explaining this further.

So, how long is the Panama Canal?

A whopping 48 miles, with ships generally taking eight to 10 hours to pass through. Astounding!

After visiting the Panama Canal, Andy and I spent some time roaming Panama City’s lesser-explored areas.

We really enjoyed the walkable  El Cangrejo, Obarrio and Marbella neighborhoods. 

Once we’d sufficiently worked up an appetite, we stopped at one of the most unique Panama City restaurants we’d seen yet:

Wall Street Bar & Lounge in Marbella.

Their concept is innovative in that the menu prices change based on what’s in stock.

The idea is that diners might be tempted to try something they normally wouldn’t order based on a great price.

Plus, the food and cocktails are just really good. Our drinks were works of art, adorned with flowers and burnt fruit slices.

In terms of dining it’s mainly hearty comfort food. We especially loved the burger topped with a creamy house sauce and served with spiced fries.

Definitely don’t come here on a diet!

To end the night — and the trip — Andy and I took an evening stroll along Panama City’s  Cinta Costera .

The coastal beltway begins and ends on the mainland, though a large portion of it weaves away from the city into the water, like one of Saturn’s rings.

Despite it being after 8pm, many locals were out running, skating and riding their bikes.

As we walked, Andy and I were able to take in an impressive view of Panama City, really grasping how humongous the cosmopolitan city really is.

Click here for a great list of unforgettable Panama City tours!

While Andy and I packed a lot into our two-week trip to Panama, we’re both looking forward to going back and exploring even more of what this beautiful country has to offer.

Because trust me, it’s a lot!

Travel Insurance

While you hope everything runs smoothly, sometimes travel just doesn’t go according to plan.

This is why I recommend always purchasing travel insurance. The scary truth is it only takes one bad accident to lose everything — or be thankful you were covered.

Personally, I use SafetyWing, as they’ve got a large network, offer both short-term and long-term coverage (including limited coverage in your home country), are budget-friendly, and offer $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

What would you add to this Panama itinerary? Any questions on backpacking Central America? Please share in the comments below!

Panama Itinerary Logistics: Electronics Warning: MacBook Pro problems! Make sure to keep your electronics, namely your laptops, in a sealed bag, as high humidity in places like Bocas del Toro can ruin them. Additionally, you can purchase a dry bag for when your gadgets are not in use, like this one . Panama Transfers: Hello Panama is a top-rated company in Panama who do many of the popular transfers. We used them to go from Bocas Town to Boquete for $30. Car Rentals: Discover Cars  lets you compare various rental companies and save up to 70% on your booking!  Bocas Taxi Boat Recommendation: If you need a boat ride between Bocas Town and another Bocas island, contact Choy at +507 6711 8878. Taxi Service In Boquete Recommendation: William. Very nice guy recommended to us by our Airbnb host! His cell is +507 6784 0277. Recommended Reads:  Panama Fever: The Epic Story of the Building of the Panama Canal Panama: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture Panama Birds: A Folding Pocket Guide to Familiar Species Hands of the Rain Forest: The Emberá People of Panama Packing List:  A few must-pack items when visiting Panama include: A Vigilant personal safety alarm or safety whistle Clever Travel Companion pickpocket-proof garments Speakeasy Supply Co hidden-pocket scarves A compact raincoat A waterproof backpack All-natural insect repellent  Panama Tours: Bocas del Toro Tours Boquete Tours Panama City Tours All Panama Tours

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Thank you, Jessie, for sharing everything in so much details. You’ve made planning a trip to Panama very easy for me. Would love to go for hiking trails. Keep sharing your trips with us!

The natural beauty of Panama looks out of this world! And omg those little hummingbirds! So cute. Panama is officially on my list now. Thanks for such a comprehensive guide Jessie.

That’s a very informative post! You have covered so much and it seems like you had a perfect trip! Whenever I read such posts, my attention diverts to the food bit hehe (which looks amazing in your post btw) but my favourite here is the hands down, the Jungle Lodge, looks like a slice of heaven!

This is such a fantastic & comprehensive guide! It looks gorgeous! Panama is one of my husband’s top destination choices, so I’ll definitely be pinning for when we finally make it out there!

Really appreciate this wonderful post that you have provided for us. Great to share this information thanks.

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Best things to do in Panama

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written by Andy Turner

updated 11.01.2023

Boasting cloud-forested highlands, idyllic palm-topped small islands, vibrant indigenous cultures, riotous festivals, water sports, and Central America’s most ebullient capital city, Panama is truly an amazing country. Here is our list of the best things to do in Panama.

1. Explore Panama City and Casco Viejo

2. take a trip through the panama canal, 3. the guna yala and the guna people of central america, 4. the historic sites of darien national parks, 5. chiriqui highlands — on the border of costa rica, 6. the idyllic islands of bocas del toro, 7. see the renowned woodcarving of the embera, 8. see the marine life at coiba island and coiba national park, 9. see the festival de toro guapo of el valle de anton, 10. take a day trip to the pearl islands, 11. speciality coffee in boquete, 12. soberania national park — one of the best things to do in panama.

This article is inspired by our Rough Guides to Panama — your essential guide for travelling in Panama.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Panama, created by local experts

10 days  / from 1655 USD

Highlights of Panama

Explore Panama's vibrant capital, including the famous Panama Canal before heading out to the tropical rainforest. Nature trails are waiting to be explored before your flight to Bocas del Toro, where you will enjoy a few days kicking back or being active, the islands offer something for everyone.

10 days  / from 2099 USD

Cuisine & Culture of Panama

Explore Panama's culture and cuisine in depth in this itinerary. Learn about the Emberá traditions close to the capital, before heading to Panama's cultural heart. Take a local cooking class and explore the surroundings of Chitre, one of Panama's oldest settlements.

8 days  / from 1882 USD

Thrilling Adventures in Panama

Mountain-biking, river rafting, mangrove tours - Panama has endless opportunities for all adventure-seekers. Enjoy this fast-paced itinerary from Panama City to the highlands of Boquete and ending on the beaches of Boca Chica.

The exploration of Panama City is best started on foot in the old colonial heart of San Felipe, more commonly referred to as Casco Viejo (sometimes Casco Antiguo).

Here the city’s historical monuments and tourist attractions are packed into its narrow streets. Visit Panama City, specifically Casco Viejo, for eating fresh seafood and other Panama food. Or visit a local coffee shop for speciality coffee.

Where to stay in Casco Viejo, Panama City:

• For a full-service stay: La Isabela Suites . Hire one of the on-site masseuses or chefs to make your stay truly relaxing.
• For a central stay: La Concordia Boutique Hotel . This hotel is located in the centre of Casco Viejo. Each room is decorated differently and has its own balcony.

Find accommodations at any budget in Panama City .

Casco Viejo, Panama City, Panama © Robin Runck/Shutterstock

The iconic Panama Canal is the only connection between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Located between North and South America — to fully appreciate the engineering brilliance and majestic beauty of the Panama Canal, you need to experience it on a boat trip.

You may feel you’ve ‘done’ the Canal after a morning gazing at ships manoeuvring through the locks from the observation deck. But it’s hard to beat the excitement of gliding under the Puente de los Américas, and approaching the mighty mitre lock gates head-on, as they open and empty before you.

Dreaming of experiencing the Panama Canal? Our Highlights of Panama trip will take you through the famous Panama Canal before heading out to the tropical rainforest. Our trips are completely customisable and are crafted by local craft experts.

A trip through the Panama Canal is one of the essential things to do in Panama © Shutterstock

The Guna (pronounced ‘Guna’ or ‘Kuna’, depending upon the dialect) – or the Dule (pronounced ‘Dule’ or ‘Tule’), as they call themselves – are Panama’s highest-profile indigenous people. They inhabit a vast semiautonomous region (or comarca) along the eastern Caribbean coast in Central America.

Guna Yala is like nowhere else in Panama: a mixture of idyllic palm-topped islets, island village tours, and a fiercely independent indigenous nation fighting to preserve its traditions while simultaneously adapting to change.

Pacific Ocean, Panama © rj lerich/Shutterstock

The fabled Darién Gap – roughly 12,000 sq km (4,633 sq miles) of dense tropical rainforest, swamp, and mountains straddling the border between Panama and Colombia. It constitutes the only break in the Panamerican Highway that stretches from Alaska to the tip of South America. Teeming with danger, this untamed jungle has fascinated explorers, outlaws, scientists, and adventurers for hundreds of years

This bridge between two continents is one of the world's wildlife hotspots. Darien National Park is the most expansive protected area in Central America. This magical park is accessed by boat tour and is one of the best things to do in Panama.

Looking for inspiration for your trip? See our collection of beautiful photos of Panama.

Darien jungle, Panama © Shutterstock

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Most visitors to western Panama head for the forested Highlands. Hiking and birdwatching are the most established activities around the Chiriqui Highlands . With trails ranging from a gentle undulating stroll around Finca Lérida to an eight-hour slog up and down Volcán Barú, with several scenic options in between.

For rafting and Kayaking, the top destination is the natural beauty of Río Chiriquí Viejo, which runs parallel with the border of Costa Rica.

Travelling further into Latin America? See our guide to the best beaches in Costa Rica.

Where to stay in the Chiriqui Highlands:

• For a tranquil stay: El Regalo Resort . Quiet rooms in the mountains overlooking incredible panoramas
• For a deluxe stay: Isla Palenque Resort . A 400-acre private tropical island resort.

Waterfall at cloud forest, La Amistad international park, Chiriqui province, Panama © Alfredo Maiquez/Shutterstock

The Caribbean archipelago of Bocas del Toro (‘Mouths of the Bull’), by the Costa Rican border, is one of the most beautiful areas in Panama. The islands of Bocas del Toro reel in water-sport enthusiasts, nature lovers, and party-goers in equal measure.

However, there are treats on the mainland too — including some magical wetlands and an enticing, remote national park. Not to mention the white sand beaches.

Find your dream accommodation in Bocas del Toro .

Looking for more inspiration? Want to go off the beaten path? Don't miss our guide to 10 things you didn't know you could do in Panama .

Palm trees and Caribbean beach, Bocas del Toro, Panama © Damsea/Shutterstock

One of the best things to do in Panama to understand Panama's history is to take a village tour. This includes a talk about the traditional Emberá way of life, and a demonstration of basketry or woodcarving as well as a short walk into the rainforest to a waterfall, or with a village elder to learn about medicinal plants.

A simple lunch precedes traditional dances accompanied by drums, bamboo flutes, and maracas, after which tourists can get their bodies painted with jagua dye, frolic with the kids in the river, and peruse the finely made crafts on display. Unlike the Guna, the Emberá are fairly comfortable being photographed, though permission should always be sought from individuals.

The Rough Guides to Panama and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Ready to take a village tour? On our Cuisine and Culture of Panama trip , you will learn about the Embera traditions close to the capital, before heading to Panama's cultural heart. Our trips are crafted by local travel experts and are completely customisable.

Learn about the Embera on your trip to Panama © Shutterstock

'Abundance of fish’ is one possible meaning of the name ‘Panama,’ in the indigenous Cueva language, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the crystalline waters of Coiba National Park.

The reserve encompasses Panama’s largest island and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Coiba Island. In addition, it includes eight smaller incredible islands and 40 islets. However, The vast majority of the reserve consists of an ocean brimming with spectacular marine life, including the Pacific Oceans' second-largest coral reef. Scuba diving on these beautiful beaches off of the pacific coast is one of the best things to do in Panama.

Prefer to leave planning and booking to experts? Our Thrilling Adventures of Panama trip will take you through a fast-paced itinerary from Panama City to the highlands of Boquete and ending on the beaches of Boca Chica. All tailor made trips can be modified together with your local expert.

Whitetip reef sharks, Pacific Ocean, Coiba, Panama © Shutterstock

The small town of Antón really only registers on the tourist radar once a year, during the Festival de Toro Guapo (Fierce Bull Festival).

Here one will find folkloric dancing, colourful street parades, beauty pageants, and progressively more drunken revelry are Toros – men who cavort around the streets, charging at all and sundry. They dress in a diverse range of fantastical costumes draped over wooden or bamboo frames, topped with a bull’s head adorned with ribbons and mirrors.

National holiday dress from Panama © Shutterstock

For those who need a quick fix of beach, a day trip to the dreamy Pearl Islands fits the bill perfectly. Comprising over 200 tropical islands and cays set in coral-rich crystalline waters and only a short hop from Panama City.

Where to stay in the Pearl Islands:

• For the budget conscious: Contadora Island Inn . A simple inn with nice rooms and nearby beautiful beaches.
• For a B&B experience: Hibiscus House Bed & Breakfast . Located in a residential area within walking distance from white sand beaches.

Pearl Islands, Pacific ocean, Panama © Shutterstock

Many head for the Highlands and scenic Boquete. This area is home to speciality coffee plantations, resplendent quetzals, and emerald cloud forests. Come to this area for leisurely coffee tours and birdwatching.

Or come to Boquete for adrenaline-fueled, action-packed entertainment. For example, Panama’s longest and most exhilarating zip lining or whitewater rafting.

Where to stay in Boquete

• For an all inclusive stay: Los Establos Boutique Inn . One of the best boutique hotels in the area. Fantastic service and rooms.
• For coffee enthusiasts: Coffee Estate Inn . With views of the nearby Baru Volcano, this is a great place to stay to learn about coffee plantations.

Find your perfect accommodation in Boquete.

Canopy Tree Trek in Boquete, Panama © Shutterstock

A mere 30-minute drive away from the skyscrapers of Panama City, Parque Nacional Soberania is one of the country’s most visited national park. It is well worth exploring and covers more than 190 sq km (73 sq miles).

It encompasses a stretch of the majestic Río Chagres, the Canal’s lifeblood. You can explore by boat or kayak. There are also several well-maintained trails on either side of Gamboa.

Where to stay near Soberania National Park:

• For golf lovers: Summit Rainforest and Golf Resort . With an 18-hole golf course, included pool and breakfast buffet this is a great place to stay.
• For a stay in the rainforest: Gamboa Rainforest Resort . This luxurious resort is located in the rainforest. The hotel offers small boat tours and walking tours.

Blue-gray Tanager (Thraupis episcopus), Soberania national Park, Panama © Shutterstock

When considering a Caribbean destination, take a look at undiscovered Honduras, where you will also find plenty of exciting things to do . Or make your choice using our guide to Central America: an adventure travel paradise .

This list could truly go on. There are countless fantastic things to do in Panama. Ready to start planning your trip? Check out the The Rough Guide to Panama . Learn about the best time to go and the best places to visit in Panama.

If you prefer to plan and book your trip to Panama without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.

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What Kind of Traveler Are You?

Pick 5 activities you’d love to experience in Panama to generate your unique Traveler Profile. It will give you a customized breakdown of your personality and your Heritage Experience mix.

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Take a Rum Tour in Pese

Visit the Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge

Let the History of the Mola Take You Back to Ancient Times

Try Afro-Antillean Gastronomy in Old Bank and Carenero Island (Bocas Del Toro)

Join the Embera Community for a Day in the Gatun River

Scuba Dive in a Caribbean Paradise

Watch the Intricate Craft of Devil Masks Making

Surf in Isla Colon

River Rafting in Mamoni Valley Preserve

Visit Panama’s Geisha Coffee Farms

Hike From Ocean to Ocean via the Camino Real Trek

Partake in Artisanal Tuna Fishing and Tuna Gastronomy in Pedasi

Dive with Sea Monsters in Coiba National Park

Wander on the Los Quetzales Trail

Explore Panama’s Natural Wonders in the BioMuseo

Kayak in Venas Azules and the Tunnel of Love

Visit the World-Renowned Panama Canal

Explore Neverending Waterfalls at Santa Fe National Park

Visit the Sloth Sanctuary in Gamboa

Learn About Community Turtle Conservation Projects on Panama’s Pacific Coast

Enjoy Panama’s Best Gastronomic Experiences in Casco Antiguo

Hike to the Top of Baru Volcano in the Chiriqui Highlands

Hike in the Anton Valley

Watch the Whales in the Bay of Panama and Las Perlas Archipelago

Dance with the Congo Queen in Portobelo, Colon

Take in the Best City and Canal Views From Cerro Ancon

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The Most Unique Experiences to Have in Panama

Largely undiscovered, Panama is the perfect destination for adventurous travellers and nature-lovers. With thousands of desert islands, indigenous tribes and natural wonders, there are lots of unique experiences waiting to be discovered. Here’s our round-up of the best off-the-beaten-track experiences.

Wake up on a desert island in san blas.

San Blas is an archipelago made up of 360 or so tropical islands off Panama’s northern coast, home to the Guna Yala indigenous people. Getting to San Blas is not the easiest thing – and probably for a reason. The Guna people want to preserve their land and they control tourism. San Blas is one of the few places in the world where, if you travel by boat, you can actually stay on an island by yourself. Picture something like Robinson Crusoe’s hideaway, with the whitest sand, warm crystalline, turquoise water and coconut palms. A true little piece of paradise, and one of the most unique experiences to have in Panama.

Hike the Darién Gap, the roadless jungle on the Colombian border

Spend a day with the Emberá indigenous people

One of the highlights of visiting Panama is the possibility of approaching indigenous tribes. The Emberá, a semi-nomadic people, live in the Darién province. Friendly and welcoming, they open the doors of their villages to select groups of visitors who come to discover their way of life. You can either go on a day tour, or immerse yourself totally and spend the night at the village, watching adults creating traditional handicrafts, women cooking and children playing.

Take in both the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans from the summit of the Barú Volcano

The Barú Volcano is a dormant volcano and one of the only places in the world where you can see both the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans at the same time. Close to the beautiful mountain of Boquete, the volcano is a coveted attraction but also an extremely challenging hike. In order to make it to the summit before the sun rises high above the clouds, many people choose to start climbing around midnight.

Snorkel in Isla Coiba, one of Panama’s treasured UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Santa Catalina is a true gem on the Pacific Coast of Panama right in front of an archipelago made up of 38 islands including the stunning marine park of Isla Coiba. Known for its scuba diving and snorkelling excursions, it’s similar to some of Ecuador’s Galapagos islands thanks to the extremely diverse exotic underwater life on offer.

Surf in Playa Venao, the best beach break in Panama

Playa Venao, located on the Pacific Coast of Panama, is considered one of the country’s best beaches for surfing. With waves that break both left and right, and a sandy floor, it is a good place for beginners to start but also a favourite destination for advanced surfers. One great advantage is that it’s possible to surf all year round – another is that it is a vibrant beach community, with lots of hostels , eco-lodges and bungalows, so get ready for some beach parties with like-minded travellers.

Cross the Panama Canal by boat

The Panama Canal is the country’s biggest source of revenue as well as one of the most impressive engineering marvels of all times. Following its recent expansion, it has now doubled its capacity. Approximately 80 kilometres (49.7 miles) long, the canal flows between the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans, going from the capital to the city of Colón. There are many ways of visiting the canal, though the most exciting one is to cross it from end to end by boat .

Go whale watching in the Pearl Islands

From June to November, whales migrate the Panamanian Pacific Ocean to mate. These spectacular humpback whales are visible from a few key spots in the country, including the beautiful Pearl Islands, not far from the shores of Panama City. Bottlenose and pantropical spotted dolphins can also be seen. Panama is committed to protecting whales, and backs the moratorium on whale hunting from the International Whaling Commission.

Island hop in Bocas del Toro

Home to some astonishing natural wonders, the archipelago of Bocas del Toro is a sanctuary of raw beauty made up of nine main islands and hundreds of islets and cays. The best way of getting to know the tropical chain of islands is to get on a wooden motorboat in Bocas Town, on the main island of Isla Colón, and to hop from one island to the other. You will discover paradise beaches, exotic marine life, the coral reefs of the Zapatilla Islands, subterranean lakes and dolphins playing along the shores, where the warm waves meet the mangroves.

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24 Best Things to do in Panama City, Panama

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: December 20, 2023

Looking for things to do in Panama City, Panama? Whether you are going on a cruise through the Panama Canal or escaping to one of Panama’s luxurious islands, chances are you are going to visit Panama City for at least a day or two. This Panama City guide will help you plan your time there.

We first visited Panama City when we were invited to check out all the cool elements of the Hard Rock Hotel downtown Panama. Not only was it a cool hotel, but the city also blew us away! It has the perfect blend of a high-tech modern metropolis combined with a well-preserved history in its old town and historic ruins.

Table of Contents

Things to do in Panama City

During our first time in Panama City, we spent a week exploring everything it had to offer in the downtown core. We visited the Old Town, and the waterfront, and stayed at one of Panama City’s most recognizable hotels, the Hard Rock Hotel Panama. (rumour has it that this hotel is now closed but the website is still up and running so it is unconfirmed)

Recently, we returned to Panama with Uncruise to sail to Costa Rica from Panama and had the chance to tick off the rest of our Panama City bucket list. This city is a modern wonder that has blended its state-of-the-art architecture with its historic center. If you are visiting Central America, make sure to spend at least a few days exploring the best of Panama City. Enjoy these must-see attractions in Panama City and extra travel tips to help you make the most of your stay!

1. Panama Canal – Miraflores

The obvious choice for first-time visitors to Panama City is to check out the Panama Canal . The closest locks to Panama City are the Miraflores Locks located less than 30 minutes from downtown making it an easy day trip. It is amazing to see the crowds that the locks still attract and even we were a bit giddy when we viewed a cargo ship going through.

The Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic ocean with the Pacific ocean, is one of the Seven Industrial Wonders of the World and when you walk through the fabulous interactive Miraflores visitors center, you’ll understand why! This was not an easy waterway to make. There are two levels of viewing platforms to watch the ships and a Panama Canal museum. It is definitely the number 1 thing to do in Panama City.

First time to Panama City? This city tour is a great introduction to Panama where you’ll visit many of the top attractions including the Miraflores Locks visitor center where you’ll skip the lines arriving as soon as they open. After you’ve seen the famous Panama Canal, you’ll make your way to Casco Viejo, the Amador Causeway, the viewpoint of Panama City, and the boardwalk and waterfront with your local expert guide.

2. Casco Viejo

No visit to Panama City would be complete without taking a stroll through its old town. Casco Viejo, (Old Town) is the historic center of Panama City that is being restored to its original glory. Dating back to 1673, Casco Viejo is worth visiting on a tour to learn about all the buildings, cathedrals, and history of the area.

The historic center of Panama is a must-visit. It reminded us of the old town of Havana, Cuba and I can envision it being as beautiful in just a few short years as hotels and corporations transform the crumbling ruins into boutique hotels. This 2-hour walking tour takes you through the old quarter, where you’ll see the top tourist attractions including San Francisco de Asis and San José churches, the Panama waterfront and admire the architecture inspired by Spanish, French and early Americans.

3. Plaza de Francia

While in Casco Viejo make sure to visit Plaza de Francia. Also, known as The French Plaza, Plaza de Francia is a monument dedicated to the 22,000 workers who died during the construction of the Panama Canal. Here you’ll be able to see the Instituto Nacional de Cultura (National Institute of Culture) that houses a theater and cultural events. The statues and tablets depict the role that the French played in the construction of the Panama Canal.

Fun Fact: It is here that you’ll see a plaque dedicated to the Cuban doctor Carlos J. Finlay, who discovered out how mosquitoes transmitted yellow fever. 

4. Convent Santo Domingo

Located in the Casco Viejo, a quick photography stop is the Convent Santo Domingo and its Flat Arch (El Arco Chato). Similar to another popular tourist attraction in Panama (eh-hem, The Panama Canal), the arch is a feat of engineering for its time. Spanning nearly 50 feet without any support, it stood the test of time and helped solidify Panama as the place for the canal connecting the two oceans. Since it had stood since the 17th century, it proved that Panama wasn’t as prone to earthquakes at Nicaragua, thus making for better, … for the Panama Canal.

5. Plaza de la Independencia (Independence Square)

 Also known as Plaza Mayor or Cathedral Plaza, Plaza de la Independencia is a plaza with the Metropolitan Cathedral of Panama (Basilica of the Virgin of Santa María la Antigua) standing proud at its center. It is a quiet respite from the city with colonial architecture housing restaurants, shops and boutique shopping. You’ll also see the Panama Canal Museum and the headquarters of the Municipal Council in Plaza de la Independencia. We stumbled upon this square during a walk around the city and fell in love with its colonial architecture, its lovely white gazebo and the shady trees lining the square.

6. Iglesia San Felipe Nativity Scene

Even if you are not religious, this nativity scene in Iglesia San Felipe is impressive. For years, families in Panama set up their own nativity scenes around the city but after the restoration of Iglesia San Felipe de Neri, one family donated their massive scene that they built up over the years for everyone to enjoy. If you take a walking tour of the Old Town, chances are your guide will take you into this hidden gem.

Other Things to see in Casco Viejo

You should spend at least an afternoon in Caso Viejo. Take a walking tour of Casco Viejo to see all the main sites and attractions. Check out this city tour with GetYourGuide

One of the best ways we explored Panama was on a private tour. This highly rated private tour lets you explore Panama at your own pace with a customizable tour to suit your desires. Follow your local guide to top-rated attractions such as Casco Viejo, The Causeway, and other parts of the city as you learn insider tips, such as the best places to eat, buy groceries and the easiest ways to get around.

• Historic Society of Jesus
• Church of San Jose – Gold Altar

Gentrification is becoming a problem for the local families that lived in this neighborhood rent-free, so I do hope the government takes care of the people who are the heartbeat of Panama City. But I do also believe in progress, and turning this UNESCO World Heritage Site into a maze of walking streets filled with boutiques, cafés, and restaurants, will help everyone in the long run.

7. Panama Viejo

Not to be confused with Casco Viejo, Panama Viejo is a fascinating tour through the abandoned ruins of the original city. The highway once ran directly through these historic monuments, but thankfully, it was diverted before it all disappeared.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, dating back to 1519, Panama Viejo was the heart of the economic power of trade, religion, and commerce. The city was in use until 1671 when the Spaniards sacked the city themselves before moving to what we know today as Panama Viejo.

Panama was the first European settlement on the Pacific Coast and became a strategic location for mining gold and silver. There are several walls and facades remaining and they are doing regular restoration. The most impressive ruin is the Cathedral – Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción where you can climb up the bell tower for a panoramic view of Panama City.

8. Cinta Costera

Cinta Costera is the beating heart of Panama City. This 64-acre oceanfront parkway is within walking distance from the major hotels, shopping malls and restaurants. One of our favorite things to do in Panama was to walk along the walking trails of Cinta Costera taking in the views of the city. Spanish for Coastal Walkway, tourists and visitors alike use this greenspace for cycling, working out or simply taking relaxing away from the hustle and bustle.

You can rent bikes or hire a rickshaw to take you on a tour of Cinta Costera to explore many of the top attractions in Panama City.

9. Balboa Avenue

Avenue Balboa is Panama City’s downtown neighborhood with skyscrapers lining the waterfront. This ultra-modern waterfront neighborhood is a fun place to hang out for the afternoon.

There’s a paved walkway for cycling or walking. You can walk all the way along the 3km route to Casco Viejo. We stopped in at five-star hotels for a cocktail and for rooftop views of the bay.

10. Amador Causeway

This incredible 6km stretch of road houses some of Panama’s top attractions. It’s located 20 minutes outside the city and offers excellent views of Panama.

It is here, that you can enjoy some fun in the sun paddle boarding, hanging out at the pool bars or do some shopping. You can also hop on the aqua bus here for a view of Panama from the water.

11. Centro Artisan Market

Located at the Amador Causeway, this huge Artisan Market is a great place to shop for your souvenirs. I’ve picked up many a necklace from here, but you can also get masks, jewelry, Panama hats, and other nick nacks here. For another great shopping experience check out the pedestrian mall at the end of Avenida Central.

12. Albrook Mall

If shopping is your thing, pay a visit to Albrook Mall. It is the largest shopping mall in Central America. This mall really is a tourist attraction unto itself. It’s the 14th largest mall in the world and that’s saying a lot. When you think about the mega malls found in Dubai and Asia, its’ amazing that one of the top 20 is in Panama. The mall is located close to the airport and is just minutes from three of Panama’s most popular tourist attractions, the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal, the historic area of Casco Antiguo, and the Causeway.

The Wyndham Hotel is connected to the Albrook Mall making it a good choice to stay in Panama if you are flying out the next day.

13. Bridge of the Americas

It is from the Amador Causeway that you can see the Bridge of the Americas. This massive bridge spans the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal. It was built by the United States in 1962. What is so unique about this bridge? It connects the landmasses of North America and South America.

14. Sunset at the JW Marriott 65 Floor

Another residential neighborhood popular with ex-pats is Punta Pacifica. It’s about a 20-minute walk from Balboa Avenue, or you can take an Uber or taxi for a reasonable price.

The JW Marriott has a huge Casino attached to the main floor. If you go here, take the elevators up to the 65th floor to the rooftop bar overlooking the infinity pool. This rooftop pool and bar is one of the most chic areas in the city. It’s one of the best sunset views in the city!

15. Marvel at El Tornillo

Definitely, the most unique building in Panama City is the spiral skyrise of El Tornillo. The best view we found of it was from the Hard Rock pool bar, but we also went for a walk to check it out up close. There isn’t a lot around there, so we suggest viewing it from afar instead.

16. Buy a Panama Hat

Here’s a fun fact. Panama Hats are not made in Panama. Panama Hats originated in Ecuador and are still made there. The Panama Hat got its name when President Roosevelt was photographed wearing one while visiting the Panama Canal.

The name stuck and even though they are not made here, they are very popular. In Casca Viejo, you can find many Panama Hats on sale at shops. Victor’s is the most popular spot for purchasing a hat. What we loved about buying a Panama Hat in the shops, is that there is no bargaining. You can buy high quality or cheaper imitations ranging from $25 – $200.

17. Biomuseo

Designed by architect Frank Gehry, the Biomuseo explores the biodiversity of Panama. Its unique location bridges North and South America. It’s also a pretty cool and funky building!

18. Ancon Hill

For one of the best overhead views of Panama, Ancon Hill is a great stop. It is included in many Panama City Day Tours, so if you don’t have transportation, chances are you’ll be able to see it if you book a tour!

Panama City Day Trips

19. san lorenzo fort.

Checking out the San Lorenzo Fort was a part of our UnCruise itinerary and I am so glad we had the chance to see this! Another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Panama, this former Spanish military fort was a strategic location for the gold trade. Located on a beautiful clifftop the ocean and Chargras River views are extraordinary. Plus, it is a well-preserved fort dating back to the 1500s.

20. Monkey Island of Gatun Lake

As part of the UnCruise land extension for their Panama to Costa Rica cruise, Gatun Lake is an excellent way to see Panama wildlife such as iguanas, crocodiles, monkeys, toucans, and sloths. I had no idea that the Panama Canal was intertwined with wide and vast waterways.

This highly rated tour takes you to Monkey Island where you’ll catch a riverboat to the Chagres River to see the monkeys of Monkey Island including white-face monkeys, howler monkeys and tamarinds on this island in Gatun Lake.

21. Agua Clara Visitor Center

This Panama Canal expansion is located at Gatun Lake and is an interesting trip to the small town of Colon City. This lock was made to accommodate larger ships sailing through the Panama Canal. You can watch the cruise ships and cargo ships go through from the viewing platforms.

There is a projection room, restaurants, and a hiking trails where you can to try to spot wildlife. You Can visit Colon, Agua Clara, and San Lorenzo Fort on a day tour with Get Your Guide from Panama City.

Enjoy our Video Tour of Panama City

No trip to Central America would be complete without getting on the water, and this boat tour out of Panama City takes you to Taboga Island where you’ll hop aboard a catamaran for a 45-minute cruise where you’ll see the extraordinary Panama City skyline, and Cinta Costera with light snacks, lunch and an all-inclusive bar included.

22. San Blas Islands

San Blas Island has gained in popularity since the Netflix series Money Heist featured the beautiful and secluded white sand beaches of the San Blas Islands surrounded by turquoise water. San Blas Port is located 2.5 hours outside of Panama City and from here you’ll take a Pangas boat to the islands. If you have more time, we suggest spending a night or two on the island, but day tours are offered from downtown.

You can book a Money Heist-themed tour to San Blas Islands from Panama City. ON this tour you’ll visit four islands in one day including snorkeling at Perro Chico, known as the best snorkeling spot in the San Blas Islands, Waily Lodge, Pelicano and the natural swimming pool on a sand bar in the middle of the ocean.

Where to Stay in Panama City

Marbella neighborhood.

Bella Vista Neighborhood

Bristol Hotel – We enjoyed our stay at the Bristol Hotel and found it to be an even better location than the Hard Rock. It didn’t have the amenities of the Hard Rock though if you are looking for a full service hotel. Instead, it is a good luxury choice for a couple of days of sightseeing. We loved the breakfast. Check Availability and Prices on Booking.com or TripAdvisor

Punta Pacifica Neighborhood

JW Marriott – We didn’t find this area to be ideally located as it is away from most of Panama’s top attractions. But the hotel is luxurious with full amenities and an excellent view of the city. Check Availability and Prices on Booking.com or TripAdvisor

Casco Viejo Neighborhood

Central Hotel Panama – Casco Viejo is probably the best location to stay in Panama if you want to be in the heart of the action. Most nightlife has moved to this area and it is near plenty of shopping and culture. Check Availability and Prices on Booking.com or TripAdvisor

Panama City Facts

• Panama uses the USD currency. It is $1 – $1.
• When shopping at markets, it is fair to bargain, but when going into shops, prices are fixed.
• Uber is available in downtown Panama City. When taking taxis be sure to negotiate prices first.
• The main international airport of Panama City is Tocumen Airport
• Panama is a good walking city and we felt safe walking around during the day. Use caution when walking at night.

Book your own  Panama / Costa Rica Panama trip   within the next year with UnCruise, you’ll get $100 per person savings on the same 10-night trip we are taking!

And these are the best things to do in Panama City. Make sure to spend a few days exploring Panama City before you set out on your Panama Cruise or Panama tour, you will love it!

What to Expect on a Panama Canal Cruise with Uncruise

• Things do to in San Jose, Costa Rica
• Central America
• Panama Travel Guide

Experience the Hard Rock Hotel Panama Megapolis

• Best City Skylines in the World – Our Favourites in Photos

Did you enjoy all this Panama City guide? Save it to Pinterest for future travel planning.

• 21 Best Things To Do in San Jose, Costa Rica
• 23 Interesting Facts About Costa Rica

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

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4 thoughts on “24 Best Things to do in Panama City, Panama”

Panama city looks cool and awesome. Thanks for sharing all these tips.

Perfect place to explore!!

Amazing post with beautiful images. helpful and informative.

Simply awestruck by Marvel At El Tornillo what an architecture…what a beauty. Thanks for sharing.

Panama travel guide, including map of Panama, top Panama travel experiences, tips for travel in Panama, plus where to see wildlife and meet indigenous tribes in

The southernmost of all the Central American countries, this sliver of land linking Costa Rica and Colombia never made it onto the ‘gringo trail’. Thankfully. Look beyond the eponymous canal; Panama has far more to offer the traveller. Its diverse cultural make-up reflects a medley of ethnicities from the descendants of Spanish conquistadors to Native Indians, and the little-visited, steamy rainforests and virginal coastlines play host to an array of exotic wildlife. You can venture into jungle communities, where puberty rites and other tribal customs still hold sway, or soak up the rays on an uninhabited island. Moreover, despite recent development, the country retains serious ecotourism credentials: there are vast swathes of untouched tropical wilderness bustling with monkeys, jaguars, bears and more species of bird than anywhere else on the planet.

Wanderlust recommends

• Enjoy a taste of tribal life – hop in a dugout canoe to reach an Emberá Indian village in style or head to Kuna Yala, an autonomous region inhabited by a traditional and fiercely independent community
• Go hiking in wild Darién Province (check www.fco.gov.uk before you go)
• Drink in the views from a tropical island. If the Archipiélago de las Perlas doesn’t offer enough paradise isles, then the uninhabited Isla Coiba provides gleaming white sand and azure water aplenty
• Visit the Parque Nacional Volcán Barú for beautiful scenery, colonial towns and the country’s only volcano
• Swim in two seas in a day. Panama is just 50 km wide at its most narrow point meaning you can spend the morning lounging by the Pacific and the evening watching the sunset over the Caribbean Sea

Wanderlust tips

Take a torch for the unlit rural areas and frequent power cuts.

I wish I'd known...

Wanderlust web intern Thomas Rees on the thing he wished he'd known before he arrived:

"Book ahead for onward trips to Colombia. Places on backpacker yachts through the San Blas Islands fill up quickly. Organise your journey ahead of time and be sure to check-out the testimonials available online when choosing which boat to travel on. Some of the captains can be a little shady.”

Further Reading

Travel in panama: vital stats.

• Capital of Panama: Panama City
• Population of Panama: 3.3 million
• Languages in Panama: Spanish, Kuna, other dialects
• Time in Panama: GMT-5
• International dialling code for Panama: +507
• Voltage in Panama:  120V 60Hz AC
• Visas for Panama: Panama visas
• Money in Panama: US dollar ($), often called the balboa (native currency is used only for coinage). Try to keep small notes – as anything higher than a $20 note can arouse suspicion. ATMS are available in most places and credit cards are widely used although in certain areas of Panama you’ll have to rely solely on cash. Travellers cheques are expensive and difficult to exchange. Tipping isn’t standard practice but is becoming more common in tourist areas.
• Panama travel advice: Foreign & Commonwealth Office
• Panama tourist board: Panama Tourism Bureau

When to go to Panama

The dry season runs from December to April on the Pacific side, though the Caribbean side gets rain all year round. The heaviest rainfall, usually in October and November, can cause flooding, landslides and travel disruptions. Dry season generally has the best hiking and diving conditions although it is also peak tourist season, so things get booked up pretty quickly. It’s worth planning your trip to coincide with one of the festivals such as the Panama City carnival and Peninsula de Auero’s carnival (Mardi Gras), held in February and the run up to Ash Wednesday respectively.

International airport

Tocumen Airport (PTY) is 24 km from Panama City.

Getting around in Panama

Car hire is available and there is a good road network everywhere except Darién Province. Bear in mind that car insurance isn’t compulsory and many locals don’t have any. Trips on buses and in taxis can be a little hair-raising and accidents are common. It’s possible to chug between Panama City and Colon on the world’s first transcontinental railway .

Panama accommodation

Most of the tourist accommodation is to be found around Panama City and along the coast, though in sections of the country you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere at all to lay your head. Standards and prices are a hit and miss affair – expect varying quality and a pricing system that fluctuates depending on factors such as who serves you and how rich you seem to be. Book well in advance if you want somewhere to stay during a festival or public holiday. Options include sumptuous and budget hotels , eco resorts, national park campsites , traditional village homestays , coastal houseboats and roadside motels (although these are usually ‘push buttons’– sex hotels where you pay by the hour).

Panama food & drink

Panama has a unique blend of African, Spanish and Native American cuisines. Meat, fish, rice and plantains dominate. Flavours are mild, though you will have the option to slather food in salsa piquante (spicy sauce). Along the coast seafood such as lobster , corvina , snapper , and octopus abounds. The country produces an array of fruit. Popular foods include sancocho (chicken and vegetable soup) and empanadas made from flour or corn and filled with anything from minced meat, fish and spices to cheese or dessert fillings. Vegetarians may need to develop a penchant for Chinese fare. Tap water is, by and large, safe to drink (but be wary in Bocas del Toro Province). Tropical fruit juices and local coffee are good. Locals swig seco (the national drink), rum, palm wine and an array of nationally produced beers .

Health & safety in Panama

Earthquakes pose a risk. Swimming off the Pacific and Caribbean beaches can be dangerous and drownings are frequent. Don’t even dip a toe in the Bay of Panama – it is jam packed with sewage and industrial waste. Street crime does occur so take precautions. Darién Province can be perilous – enter by air and only if you’re on an organised expedition accompanied by Panamanian police. Consult your GP or travel health clinic before departure for advice on jabs and malaria prophylaxis. Healthcare is good in the capital but facilities further afield are limited. There is a risk of contracting malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, leishmaniasis and leptospirosis. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and Chagas’ disease are also a threat; try and avoid rodent habitats and mud and thatch huts.

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Epic Panama Travel Guide (Everything You Need to Know Before Your Trip!)

Home » Central America

After 16 days in the small country of Panama , I am so excited to share with you everything I learned while there and help you be as prepared as possible for a trip of your own. Panama is an exciting destination that offers so much from sea to jungle, culture to nightlife and very varied experiences. This is a very comprehensive Panama travel guide broken into standard things to know before your trip like getting a SIM and budget tips as well as what to do while you’re there. I have added a map of the top towns to visit, tour options, the top experiences to have in Panama, and much more.

While 16 days isn’t a lifetime, it’s quite a while for such a small country and I have covered a lot of ground in that time which this blog post in mind so I kept notes throughout and want to make sure you’re prepared budget-wise and also have all the best experiences Panama can offer on your first visit.

Panama Travel Guide

Panama travel guide: things to know before you visit panama, when to visit panama.

The peak travel time in Panama is December to April with the rest of the time being the rainy season, but there is never really a time that it is guaranteed not to rain. The country is mostly rainforests and gets rain all year round. If you travel in the off-season like I did, it will rain but it’s quick showers that pass by and you still get tons of sunny days.

Festivals in Panama

If you want to plan your stay around some popular festivals, you can check out this calendar which lists them out.

How long to stay in Panama

I stayed for 16 days. This was more than enough to see the top “tourist” places and beyond. I think two weeks is the ideal time but even with one week, you can see quite a bit.

Here is my two-week travel itinerary for Panama .

International flights in and out of Panama vs. entering overland

Panama City is connected between Colombia and Costa Rica. You can enter Panama from Costa Rica, which many backpackers do. You can also come on a sailing trip from Colombia through the shared San Blas Islands but you cannot enter overland from Colombia unless you want to take a huge risk. You can read here about this area of the world ‘The Darien Gap’, which is barely traveled, and a bit dangerous. The main way to enter Panama is through the Tocumen International airport in Panama City. I came from Mexico with Aeromexico but most major airlines fly here and Panama City is a good place to start and finish your trip.

Transportation around Panama: taxis, Uber, budget shuttles, domestic flights, cheap local buses

There are taxis everywhere and they use the meter or will tell you the price ahead of time. Ours always said $3 or $5 and didn’t hassle us at all. Uber was about the same price and we found Uber reliable and safe when we used it in Panama City, however, I don’t think it’s available outside of there.

Between cities, many travelers choose to use the tourist shuttle buses which are around $30 for most routes and are economically a good option. Budget travelers tend to go for local buses which are just a few bucks but take much much longer as they stop often. You can hire drivers/taxis between cities for usually around $100-$200 depending on the distance and if you are splitting with friends this can be a great way to get around.

You could rent a car yourself which is a very easy way to get around and most likely the cheapest. The roads are very safe, paved, and wide and you won’t have a problem driving yourself.

Lastly, you can fly between the bigger destinations into hubs like David and Bocas Del Toro from the small Albrook Airport in Panama City with Air Panama. I did this a few times and it was wonderful. Flights anywhere are only an hour and they are around $100. More detailed information is in the itinerary later.

Visas For Panama

Most nationalities like all of the EU, USA, Aus, Canada, and a huge list do not require visas to enter Panama. You can see the list here . When you enter Panama, you can stay for 180 days as a tourist. I was put through the fast-tracked line at the airport and got a piece of paper NOT a stamp in my passport but Silvia, who flew separate, went through the normal line and got a stamp. I’m not sure how they choose this, but they pulled me out of line. Either way is fine but if you are like me, then you need to keep that piece of paper for when you leave or when you fly domestically.

How to get a SIM card in Panama

It’s very easy and cheap to get a SIM card in Panama. When you get to Panama City, go to Avenida Central and go into any phone shop. Buy a Digicel SIM which is $1. Then get two weeks of credit which is unlimited for $10. This is super easy and for us worked like a charm. Digicel has the most coverage and I even got signal out in the San Blas Islands.

Health, Safety, Solo Travel, Culture, and Language in Panama

Panama is a very clean, safe country overall. While there are some regions that are less safe, like Colon (which apparently has pirates), our only real concern here would be a small scam or pickpocketing like anywhere in the world.

The people speak Spanish here and many will know English. But, in more rural areas it is helpful to know some basic Spanish. You can dress how you’d like – it’s not conservative or anything like that. Traveling solo here might be a bit boring in my opinion as it’s not a big backpackers country overall, but it’s safe to do.

Packing for Panama

I have written a post dedicated to packing in Panama and tips on what to wear in Panama which you can read here .

Currency and budget tips for Panama

In Panama when you go to the ATM, you will get US Dollars. While the “Balboa” is the Panamanian currency, the USD is equal to it and used more often than the Balboa. When you get change at a shop, it might be coins from Panama. It’s okay to intermix it.

Panama is fairly expensive and comparable to the rest of Central America, widely recognized as the most expensive country. But, keep in mind it’s still much cheaper than the USA or UK for example and you can easily travel on a budget here staying at $15 hostels, $100 nice hotels, and $200-300 luxury hotels. Transportation is also tiered very cheap ($5 for a long local bus ride or $200 for a taxi for 5 hours). You can make your own budget here and definitely stay under $30/day if you wanted or even less if you didn’t do tours and ate street food.

Lodging styles in Panama: where to book, where I stayed, unique stays

There are 5-star and chain hotels in Panama City but the rest of Panama is mostly B&Bs, boutique hotels, lodges, and other independent style hotels. I loved this and it added to the charm. There are also hostels in all the places tourists would go in Panama, so there are going to be budget options.

Airbnb is a great option in Panama as there are cute apartments in Casco Viejo (the trendy part of Panama City), tree houses in Bocas Del Toro , and sailboats in San Blas . If you book through them, this link will give you $40 off. Browse Airbnb’s in Panama here .

We stayed in some amazing hotels in Panama. Here are a few of my favorites which I’ll link to through booking.com since that is the main booking site in Panama (so more places will be listed there than other sites). These are the most popular and beautiful hotels in Panama. There are more which I mention in posts about each destination, but these are my favorite ones.

• Panamonte Hotel , Boquete
• Casa Azul , Boquete
• Casa Cayuco , Bocas Del Toro
• La Loma Jungle Lodge and Choco Farm , Bocas Del Toro
• Finca Vela Lodge , Bocas Del Toro
• American Trade Hotel , Panama City
• Clementinas , Panama City
• Isla Palenque , Boca Chica (island)

Local Panamanian food

Panama has delicious food! Panamanian food is great (and has a Caribbean twist with a focus on seafood) but you’ll also find Italian, Mexican, and more here. A simple dish here would be beans, rice, some chicken with spice on it, and some plantain chips or the famous Panama chicken stew (which is yummy!). Everything is very fresh and locally made – that was the vibe we got in all the areas we traveled. If you don’t like seafood you might struggle in the San Blas islands where they don’t have meat. There is no electricity to keep it cold). You will need to pack snacks if you don’t eat meat or seafood.

Top towns to visit in Panama with a   map

The top towns in Panama to visit are Panama City (and the surrounding Gamboa Rainforest), San Blas Islands (now called Guna Yala), Boquete (in the mountains where the Baru Volcano is), the Gulf of Chiriqui (to see the whales and forest), and Bocas Del Toro . If you’re into surfing and yoga, then you will want to check out Santa Catalina.

David a hub to get from Panama City to Chiriqui by flight. David will get you just an hour from both Boca Chica (to get down to the whales) or Boquete (to go to the mountains. As you can see the small country has very cool landscapes from the Caribbean to the Pacific and the city to the jungle. There is a lot to see which is why I say you’ll want at least a week.

Two-week itinerary for Panama

I spent 16 days in Panama, however, 14 would have sufficed. I have written up a detailed itinerary of my time there for 14 days (taking out what I felt I would change if I did it again) and also added in a one-week itinerary. You can read this here and have a good idea of how your trip will go and how to get from point A to point B.

Tour companies to consider in Panama

Once you reach Panama, you’ll see travel agencies on every street where you can book day tours. If you want a tour planned for the whole country, I recommend booking with G Adventures who do a “Best of Panama” tour for $799 for 8 days. That includes internal transport (which is two flights), your Panama canal tickets, your hotels, day-tours, and activities. You can check out all the details here . The tour ends in Panama City and covers the top places except for San Blas, so you could extend and go to San Blas on your own if you wanted.

Top experiences and things to do in Panama

You will see sloths, eat good food, see starfish, meet tribal Indians, shop til you drop, stay at amazing B&B, have jungle adventures, and more. I made a list of the top 37 experiences to have in Panama so that you don’t leave with FOMO (fear of missing out). You can read it here .

Yoga retreats in Panama

Most yoga retreats in Panama are in Santa Catalina. This is kind of on its own in comparison of the rest of Panama and not something I could fit on my itinerary. Most people who go here for retreats fly into Panama City and have transportation arranged. It’s kind of dead center in the South of the country.

The most trusted site for yoga retreats is bookyoagretreats.com which has reviews set up like TripAdvisor. The top-ranked retreat is this one  which is $1200 for 7 days. It includes all your meals, lodging, airport transfer, 5 surf lessons, 5 yoga lessons, and some local tours. it looks beautiful!

What to buy in Panama and tips on negotiating

I’m a shopper but let me tell you – there was not an awful lot I wanted to buy in Panama. I got two famous Panama hats (which range from $15-300); one was plain for $15 and one had stripes for $30. I bought some traditional Panamanian shoes for $10. I bought all this from one woman and originally it was $15 for the shoes but she gave me $5/off since I got three things. So, negotiating here is necessary but it’s not going to make a huge difference.

In Boquete, I got some net bags. One shop told me $15 and I thought that can’t be right but couldn’t be bothered to negotiate. Later, someone told me $6. I told her I’ll take 4 of them if they are $5 and she agreed. I didn’t buy anything other than this. The rest of the items were colorful backpacker things. I didn’t see any homewares that weren’t tacky. You can get some small souvenirs and chocolate or coffee to take home to friends. A bottle of rum is also a nice idea.

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What a guide Rachel. Well done. You stayed in some amazing places too. Low season is the way to go in almost all countries. More rain and more green, less tourists and lower prices. I prefer to have some rain; cools things off.

Panama looks really cool! Your guide is definitely quite comprehensive and helpful. I think I’m intrigued to visit this small country now. :)

Thank you so much. This is the first resource I have come across that I feel will really help me plan our family’s upcoming trip to Panama.

Some good info here, but not all. Rental cars here are extremely expensive due to unpublished, but mandatory insurance fees. “Panama hats” are not Panamanian nor made in Panama. They’re from Equador. Please don’t touch the starfish. The police patrol the beach and will ticket you if they see you picking them up. The starfish population has declined dramatically here because of boats and tourists handling them. I know of very few people who like Panamanian food overall. It’s very bland and starchy. That being said, there are some very good restaurants in Panama City. Not many really good ones anywhere else, except the fresh fish. But Panama is beautiful, diverse and relatively safe. Please come and visit, but don’t believe all the hype.

I am doing my research on going to Panama, one of the reasons I wanted to go was I heard that it wasn’t so expensive, but now I am thinking I may want to try somewhere else first. You gave some very detailed information and seemed you had a good time though. Thanks for the info.

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The 14 best things to do in Panama City

Mar 8, 2023 • 7 min read

With the proper planning, you'll be ready to explore the beauty of Panama City © Chrispictures / Shutterstock

Panama City? It's only got that canal, right? Well, no, actually. The Panamanian capital has way more to offer than that: world-class museums, wildlife spotting in tropical forests, paddleboarding in the Pacific. 

With soft-sand beaches, a buzzing craft beer scene, and bounteous – burp! – belly-filling food trucks,  it's got way more to offer than its massive manmade river. Though watching huge ships breathe in and squeeze through the canal is well worth a peek during any trip.

So whether you’re a first-time visitor or coming back for more, these are the 14 best things to do in Panama City .

1. Rooftop bar-hop around Casco Viejo  

You could while away the hours simply gawping at Panama City's most historic neighborhood, Casco Viejo . Dripping with galleries and boutiques, this palm-lined quarter has legions of recently-restored colonial mansions and is crowned by the fabled golden altar inside Iglesia de San José . Better still, pair your sightseeing in the capital's most atmospheric district with some expertly-mixed drinks at a rooftop bar.

At long-time favorite Tantalo , well-crafted cocktails pair with panoramic city views and sets from top DJs. Selina’s rooftop comes with a tropical vibe, pool and party atmosphere, while sophisticated CasaCasco serves sushi with its show-stopping vistas.

2. Marvel at the sheer size and complexity of the Panama Canal  

Engineering enthusiasts aside, you might think that the Panama Canal won’t be that interesting. But a visit to the city isn’t complete without a sighting of the world-famous waterway, and there are various ways to do it.

Get within touching distance on a partial canal transit or combine ship-spotting with wildlife-watching on Gatun Lake on Ancon Expeditions’ Panama Canal Rainforest Boat Adventure. On dry land, the viewing platforms at the Miraflores Visitor Center are the best places to see the mechanics in motion. Try to time a visit around when a mega-ship passes through the locks. 

3. Taste a new spin on Panamanian food  

There's no shortage of international restaurants or hole-in-the-wall restaurants serving comida típica (traditional food). But it's at Lo Que Hay – literally meaning "what there is" – where chef José Carles showcases his contemporary take on Panama 's traditional dishes. The chalkboard menu puts the spotlight on seasonal produce, but some dishes are so popular they’re always on offer – including the toasted yuca with tuna carpaccio and onion ceviche and the flavor-bomb lettuce wraps. Mojitos are stuffed with mint plucked from the courtyard garden. Book ahead.

4. Sip a cup of Geisha, the champagne of coffee 

For coffee lovers, Geisha is the stuff of legends. Originating in Ethiopia , the beans made their way to Panama and today are cultivated on the lofty volcanic slopes of the Chiriquí Highlands and Volcán Barú near Boquete . Its complex flavors and distinct aroma make it one of the world’s finest – and most expensive – cups of joe. Sample it in Casco at the industrial-chic, vegan-friendly Sisu Coffee Studio , which serves varieties from the owner’s estates. Prices for a cup of Geisha range between USD$10 to $15. 

5. Cycle the Amador Causeway  

This skinny sliver of land jutting into the bay was created from earth leftover from the construction of the Panama Canal. Originally a breakwater and a land bridge to the diminutive islands of Perico, Naos and Flamenco, the Amador Causeway is a recreation hub and favorite of both residents and tourists.

Best explored on two wheels – try Bicicletas Moses – head to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute's family-friendly Centro Natural Punta Culebra . The marine museum is filled with educational displays and exhibits detailing the lives of the three-toed sloth or the strawberry poison dart frog. Later, indulge in some hearty Panamanian fare under a palapa at Mi Ranchito . 

6. Discover Panama’s incredible biodiversity at the BioMuseo  

Designed by starchitect Frank Gehry, the BioMuseo , with its multicolored origami-like canopies, is quite a spectacle – inside and out. The world-class museum, located on the Amador Causeway, showcases how the skinny isthmus of Panama changed the planet. The museum’s eight galleries explore the country’s fascinating geology, natural history and diverse cultures through a host of interactive displays. And don’t miss the beautiful biodiversity gardens with a zone on native plant species.

7. Enjoy Guna Yala art at the Museo de la Mola  

This small – just five rooms – but perfectly curated (and free) museum in Casco Viejo celebrates the mola , colorful appliquéd textiles handcrafted by Indigenous Guna women from the San Blas Archipelago . With around 200 molas on display, you’ll learn how they’re made and how the designs evolved from geometric patterns to symbols of the natural world and pop culture icons. 

8. Go on a paddleboarding adventure in Panama Bay  

StandUp Panama offers SUP lessons for all levels, including people with disabilities, from its base on the Amador Causeway. More experienced paddlers can join the two-hour tour to the Peñón de San José, stopping to take in the stunning city views – if you’re lucky, you may spot dolphins en route. 

9. Hike the trails of the Parque Natural Metropolitano  

The Parque Natural Metropolitano is a sprawling wild space in the heart of the city and a haven for a host of mammals, reptiles, birds and outsized butterflies.  The air is filled with chirps and squawks as you explore its five easy-to-follow trails, sloth-spotting and toucan-tracking. The forest opens at the park's high point to reveal stellar views across the city. 

10. Stroll the Cinta Costera  

You'll share the Cinta Costera – a land reclamation project turned waterfront walkway  – with joggers, cyclists and in-line skaters weaving around smooching couples and stroller-pushing parents. Cool off with a fruity raspado (shaved ice), and stop to watch a game of beach volleyball or skateboarders trying out tricks. And don’t forget to slather on the sunscreen; shade is in short supply. 

11. Enjoy a fishy feast at the Mercado de Mariscos  

 A Panama City institution –  Mercado de Mariscos is a required stop. Get there early, and you’ll spot pelicans divebombing the boats as fishermen unload their catch. Inside, there’s an amazing array of seafood for sale – head to the upper level for a bird’s-eye view of the action. There are plenty of restaurants competing for your dollars, but a more budget-friendly option is to grab a cup of ceviche and an icy beer from one of the outdoor stands. 

12. Indulge in tasty treats from San Francisco food trucks  

Panama City’s San Francisco neighborhood is the home base of many of the city’s top food trucks. Urbano67 is the city’s first food truck park serving up everything from well-stuffed tacos and crispy empanadas to juicy burgers and huge burritos. Wash it all down with a craft beer or cocktail – perhaps after riding the mechanical bull – and look out for live music events, artisan markets, and stand-up comedy nights.

13. Trek to the top of Cerro Ancón, the city’s highest point  

With an enormous Panama flag – said to be larger than a basketball court – fluttering at its summit, Cerro Ancón rises 200m (650ft) above the city skyline. The paved trail winds up through its rainforest-clad slopes, dripping with vines and scattered with tropical blooms – start early and keep a lookout for the sloths, monkeys, and birds that call it home. Your reward for reaching the top is the views over gleaming glass-and-steel towers and Casco Viejo’s tiled rooftops.

14. Sample Panama’s booming craft beer scene  

Head to Casa Bruja Brewing Co.’s taproom to sample Chivoperro – Panama's first bottled IPA. And if you’re looking for more, try one of the 50 or so beers that have garnered 40 international medals. Saturdays mean brewery tours, and its smokehouse turned food truck dishes out smoked brisket and honey-fried chicken, fit for an alfresco feast in the industrial garden. In Casco Viejo, La Rana Dorada offers up its own line of award-winning brews, with a generous happy hour that runs from noon through 6pm.

This article was first published May 2022 and updated March 2023

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Best of Panama Tour Package

Destination:  panama   |  duration: 11 days  |  customized package: call for pricing.

Experience the best of Panama on this exclusive private tour with your own personal guide. Get up close to the impressive Panama Canal and admire this wonder of the world, then get off the beaten path on a wildlife expedition in the western highlands on this incredible Panama Tour Package. Sail through the rainforest canopy on a zipline, spot colorful tropical birds, tour a coffee plantation, explore historic Portobelo. This is the very best tour package to Panama focused on the Canal, the historic city, the rainforest and wildlife, and the most fun you will have in Panama!

Day 1: Welcome to Panama City, Panama!

Upon arrival at Tocumen International Airport you will be met by your friendly tour guide and transferred to your hotel. Relax and enjoy the stunning views of beautiful Panama City, dine on superb cuisine and relax in preparation for the adventures you will have tomorrow.

The Hilton Panama Hotel boasts one of the most spectacular locations in all of Panama City situated across the street from the Cinta Costera with postcard perfect views of the skyscrapers of Panama City in one direction and colonial Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in another direction. Cool off after a long day of touring in one of Panama City’s best rooftop pools complemented by a tiki bar and poolside restaurant.

Night at the Hilton Panama Hotel – Deluxe Ocean View Room

Day 2: Panama City and Miraflores Locks Visitors Center

Take a historic walking tour of Old Panama City, the oldest Spanish settlement in the Pacific and a bustling merchant centre in the mid 17th century. Visit the Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal, an impressive feat of engineering. Watch the ships as they move through the system from an observation deck high above.

See the “Causeway”, a group of three islands linked to the mainland by the breakwaters of the Panama Canal that feature fine cuisine, nightlife and shopping. Pick up beautiful handcrafted items including wood carvings, unique jewelry and mola applique fabrics created by the Kuna Yala Indians of the San Blas Islands.

Day 3: Fly to Boquete and Finca Lerida Coffee Plantation

Fly to the town of David and take the beautiful one hour drive through the countryside to tranquil Boquete. Here you will tour Finca Lerida Coffee Plantation where you can gain in depth knowledge of how the coffee beans are planted, grown, harvested and processed. You will learn about Toleff Boche Monniche, a Norwegian engineer, and his role in producing some of Panama’s best coffee.

The tour ends with a wonderful Tasting where you will be able to sample many different varieties of coffee and learn about  the variety of brewing methods. You’ll never forget the rich and flavorful taste of the fresh brewed coffee at Finca Lerida!

Night at Valle Escondido Resort and Spa – Junior Suite

Day 4: Nature and Bird Watching Hike

Get off the beaten path on a private and authentic Panama eco-adventure. You will experience an exclusive wildlife exploration to remote estates and wildlife sanctuaries. You will be picked up by your guide in a 4 x 4 Land Cruiser and ve nture off the beaten path into the very best spots for seeing the Pygmy Squirrel, the White Nosed Coati, the Agouti Paka, Howler Monkeys and the Resplendent Quetzal. Keep your eyes open and you might also spot snakes, spiders, frogs, caterpillars, armadillos, butterflies and many other species. Make sure your camera is charged so that you can capture these amazing wildlife encounters.

Day 5: Canopy Adventure Zipline & Hanging Bridges

This will be a thrilling day you will never forget – the day that you soar through the treetops high above the ground in the Panamanian rainforest. The zipline takes you flying through the air, so that you can look down upon the pristine rivers and waterfalls of La Amistad National Park and the famous Baru Volcano.

Did you know that ziplines were used hundreds of years ago by indigenous people as transport in the rainforest? They were also later used by naturalists and botanists to study the behavior of wild creatures in their natural habitat. Now they are used as a thrilling extreme adventure sport and when you are strapped into the harness you will feel like you are flying like a bird high above the forest.

Day 6: Flight Back to Panama City

You will have a morning transfer from Boquete to David for the short flight back to Panama City.  Be sure to get a window seat and admire the breathtaking views of Panama City and the Panama Canal as you land. After the short private transfer to your hotel you will have the remainder of the day at leisure to explore Colonial Antiguo on your own.

Central Hotel in Casco Antiguo – Junior Suite

Day 7: Panama Railway & Historic Portobelo

You will be picked up at the hotel for a private transfer to Corozal station, where you will board the comfortable and relaxing train for a historic ride alongside the Panama Canal. This stunning railroad weaves through gorgeous protected rainforests and alongside Gatun Lake, once the largest man-made lake in the world. Explore the sleepy bayside town of Portobelo on a historic walking tour and see the colonial fortifications that still point their canons towards the bay.

Then, take a tour of Gatun Locks which is the most impressive of the three sets of Locks. From the viewing platform, watch the large boats navigating through the impressive lock system.

Day 8: Chagres River Adventure & Embera Culture

This trip is truly paradise found in its purest form! The enchanting journey takes us deep into the dense jungles of Chagres where the Emberá Indians have lived for centuries. Our adventure begins with a one-hour ride up river in dugout canoes, visiting with the Emberá indigenous people, learning about their tradition and hand carved boats.

Upon arrival at the village you will be taken back in time as you are immersed in the ancient Embera cultural dances and music that have not changed much since Columbus arrived in the 1500´s. The Indians will give you a glimpse into their mystical rituals and amazing knowledge of medicinal plants and other natural remedies. The Embera women are known as one of the world’s finest basket makers, and you will be able to watch them create these beautiful objects made out of palm leaves and dyed with natural dyes.

Day 9: Panama Canal Partial Transit Tour

Experience a partial transit through the amazing Panama Canal. Your ship will sail through the Gaillard Cut, the narrowest section of the Canal. You will also get a chance to see the impressive expansion work that is being completed on the Panama Canal. At Pedro Miguel Locks the ship will be lowered 9.4 meters into Miraflores Lake. You will then travel through the Miraflores Locks – the tallest in the locks system. The vessel will be lowered into the Pacific Ocean and you will then sail under the bridge of the Americas. Disembark at the Amador Marina and return to your hotel.

Day 10: Gatun Lake Boat Expedition & Aerial Tram

A thrilling tram ride takes you up into the lush rainforest canopy of Gamboa where the sunlight shines through the green leaves and flowers. Climb to the top of an observation tower and admire the views of Soberania National Park. You see giant cargo ships maneuvering through the Galliard Cut, the narrowest section of the Panama Canal.

Next up, a 20-minute high speed boat ride through the heart of the Panama Canal. Journey through the jungle-covered islands of Gatun Lake where you might spot howler monkeys, 3-toed sloths, capuchin monkeys, toucans, caimans, turtles, crocodiles and many other creatures. Your highly knowledgeable naturalist guide will educate you about these animals and their natural habitat.

Day 11: Depart Panama

Today you will be picked up in the lobby of the hotel about 2.5 hours prior to your scheduled departure flight to be transferred to Tocumen International Airport.

Enjoy breakfast before departure.

*This is your private tour which can be customized to extend your stay and include visits to San Blas Islands, Bocas del Toro or the Pacific Beaches!

Panama Travel Co.

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Crafting Unique Kosher Experiences

Embark on a culinary journey like no other in Panama as we specialize in crafting unique kosher experiences. Indulge in a blend of traditional flavors and modern innovation, ensuring a memorable and authentic dining adventure tailored to your preferences.

Panama city

Panama City, modern skyscrapers, historic charm, and a vibrant culture.

Boquete, Charming town nestled in Panama’s highlands, perfect for nature-lovers.

Bocas Del Toro

Bocas Del Toro, tropical paradise with pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and biodiversity.

Buenaventura

Buenaventura, Pacific paradise boasting beaches, luxury, and natural beauty galore awaits.

Unleashing the Full Potential of Your Vacation Adventure

Our journey began with a deep passion for assisting Jewish travelers and friends visiting Panama. Fueled by a desire to share the beauty of our country, we found joy in providing personalized tips and suggestions. With expertise in diverse activities and a love for organizing seamless travel experiences, we’ve turned our passion into a commitment to curate unforgettable journeys. From exploring hidden gems to managing every detail of your trip, we’re dedicated to making your time in Panama exceptional

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Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! We offer tailored itineraries to accommodate your preferences, ensuring a personalized and memorable experience during your stay in Panama.

While Panama offers experiences year-round, the dry season from December to April is often preferred for travel due to less rainfall and more predictable weather conditions.

Our tours are conducted primarily in English, but we can arrange for guides fluent in other languages upon request, based on availability.

Absolutely! Our tours are designed to cater to families, offering engaging activities and experiences suitable for all age groups while adhering to kosher standards.

We collaborate with certified kosher restaurants and caterers to provide strictly kosher meals throughout our tours. Our team ensures that all meals align with kosher dietary laws.

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Panama City Panama Bucket List: Cool Experiences & Places

Are you headed to the country of Panama and looking for the best bucket list things to do in Panama City? You have come to the right place! I’m sharing some of my favorite experiences in and around the city. 

Panama City, Panama. The name typically brings on thoughts of those colossal cargo ships gliding through the iconic Panama Canal, a testament to human ingenuity. Sure, watching them navigate the canal is undoubtedly a bucket list experience , but trust me, this city has a whole lot more in store to wow you—from savoring fresh ceviche at busy markets to getting lost in the streets of Casco Viejo.

Activities & Attractions Not to Miss in Panama City, Panama

1. watch the ships pass through the panama canal .

Can you imagine giant ships gracefully moving through a narrow passage? This is not in a sci-fi movie, but the real deal at the Panama Canal, especially at the Miraflores Locks (one of its three locks.) On my recent Five-Hour City Tour & Panama Canal Adventure with Conozca Panama Primero Tours, I got a front-row view of this engineering marvel and its history.

The idea of linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through a canal began in the 16th century to avoid the dangerous trip around South America. After failed attempts by the French in the late 1800s, the United States took on the challenge in the early 20th century. The canal’s completion revolutionized global trade as we know it.

Today, the Panama Canal sees around 25 ships daily, taking 8-10 hours for a full crossing. Each lock adjusts water levels, lifting or lowering ships to the next “step.” 

2. Eat Ceviche at the Mercado de Mariscos

Mercado de Marisco at the Cinta Costera Causeway is a large, open-air fish market with a wide variety of fresh seafood, including fish, shrimp, lobster, and octopus. There are also several restaurants on-site where you can buy cooked seafood dishes.

Anthony Bourdain himself devoured the ceviche there, and let’s be real, the man knew good eats. The best part is that a styrofoam cup of ceviche will cost under five bucks. 

TIP: There’s plenty of restaurants to choose from, but I went to the busiest one at the time, El Bote Pty—and it was delish!

3. Try Geisha Coffee at Cafe Unido (the World’s Most Expensive Coffee)

Coffee connoisseurs, prepare to have your minds blown. Cafe Unido serves up the world’s most expensive coffee – the legendary Geisha. Each pound of these coffee beans reaches up to a jaw-dropping $600 due its rareness, meticulous production, and unique floral-citrus flavor. At $12 a cup at Cafe Unido, it’s a splurge, but worth every sip for the bucket list experience.

4. Plaza De La Independencia (Independence Square)

Step into the heart of Panama City at Plaza de la Independencia, a town square steeped in history and buzzing with life. Imagine a postcard come alive – grand colonial buildings, like the iconic Metropolitan Cathedral, frame the scene. This wasn’t just a pretty square, though; it witnessed a pivotal moment in 1903 when Panama declared its independence from Colombia.

5. Visit Plaza De Francia

Originally a military parade ground, Plaza de Francia (French Plaza) now honors the French role in attempting to build the canal, showcasing their efforts and sacrifices through commemorative plaques and statues. You can also see a statue of France’s national symbol standing tall atop a majestic obelisk, the Gallic rooster.

6. Get Lost in the Old City of Casco Viejo

Lose yourself in the living museum that is Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where every corner whispers a story. Built in 1673 after the original Panama City was sacked by pirates, it’s a living testament to resilience.

Because of its small size this historic gem is a pedestrian’s paradise, with plenty of sights to see as you walk, like the iconic white twin towers of the Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria or the hundreds of hanging hats along La Calle De Los Sombreros (Hat Street).

7. See the Wildlife at Punta Culebra Nature Center

Escape the city bustle and head over to Panama’s incredible biodiversity at the Punta Culebra Nature Center . Walk through a dry forest along two short trails filled with free-roaming monkeys, sloths, and vibrant birds. Then, head indoors to the “Fabulous Frogs of Panama” exhibit, where a chorus of croaks from its resident amphibians will greet you. This was my favorite part of the nature center!

You can also dive into the fascinating world of marine life at the touch tank, where you can gently stroke sea stars and curious turtles.

8. Walk through the BioMuseo

You can’t miss this colorful architectural marvel. Designed by Frank Gehry, the BioMuseo houses interactive exhibits that’ll have you buzzing about biodiversity and the wonders of the Panamanian isthmus. Think giant sloths, vibrant coral reefs, and even a peek into the construction of the Panama Canal – all brought to life with a dash of artistic flair.

9. Sip on Rum at Pedro Mandinga

Experience a piece of Panamanian culture with a visit to the legendary Pedro Mandinga rum bar in Casco Viejo. Sip on handcrafted rums and cocktails made with local ingredients, soak up the coy atmosphere, and listen to the rhythm of Panamanian music. It’s a fun spot to hit up before dinner, and I highly recommend their Mandinga Mule!

10. See the Iglesia San Felipe Nativity Scene

Iglesia San Felipe is a pretty church in Panama’s Casco Viejo, but the real draw is a large miniature Nativity scene covering almost one side of one of the church’s rooms, meticulously crafted to depict biblical villages and buildings in stunning detail.

TIP: It’s kind of hidden at the back of the church and through the large wooden door. Then go down a few stairs and you will enter a door on the left.

11. Take an Instagram-worthy Photo Down La Calle de los Sombreros

As you wander the charming streets of Casco Viejo, don’t forget to look up. Be prepared to be dazzled by one of the most Instagrammable of all the Panama City attractions, La Calle de los Sombreros, or “The Street of Hats”. You know I had spent quite some time there!

This spectacle unfolds along Calle 1a Oeste, where hundreds of Panamanian hats of all shapes, sizes, and colors dance overhead. 

12. Visit the Museo de la Mola

Get a glimpse of Panama’s indigenous art at the Museo de la Mola , where creativity knows no bounds. The museum, offering free admission, showcases the intricate craft of the Guna people, particularly their vibrant textile art known as “molas.” It’s a small museum, but packed in culture.

13. Walk the Paseo de las Bóvedas (Bougainvillea Walkway)

Take a walk through Paseo de las Bóvedas, where a tunnel of bougainvillea is the main star of the show, but that’s not all. This historical stroll treats you to a view of the Pacific Ocean and the Panama skyline. Above, colorful bougainvillea flowers make the scene pretty dang Instagram-worthy. Walk along the path, and you’ll pass ancient walls that have witnessed pirate tales and colonial battles. It’s like a history book, but with a view!

Plus, there’s little souvenir shops along the way. I bought myself the cutest bracelet for $10.00.

14. Eat Some Local Food

Panama’s culinary scene reflects its rich history, blending indigenous, Afro-Caribbean, and Spanish influences into a mouthwatering mix. Indulge in fresh-caught seafood like ceviche, marinated in citrus and spices, or savor hearty stews like sancocho, brimming with chicken, beef, and vegetables. For something heartier, dive into carimañolas, fried yucca balls filled with savory meat or cheese.

TIP: Some of the best spots I recommend for some local grub include the Mercado de Mariscos fish market, El Trapiche (get the Fiesta Panamena that has nine different specialties!), and Fonda Lo Que Hay .

15. Take a Tour to the Embera Village

Deep within Panama’s lush interior, the Embera people – known for their deep connection to the rainforest and vibrant cultural traditions – have thrived for centuries. And what better way to see or experience this firsthand than with a tour to their village led by knowledgeable guides?

There’s dozens of tours that go there, but I took the Viator’s Tour at the Chagres Rainforest and Embera Indigenous Village and it was great! Here’s a brief summary of my tour:

It started with a canoe through the Chagres River that led us to a rainforest hike. We hiked about ten minutes before reaching a waterfall where you have the option of taking a dip. 

Then it was back to the canoe for a short ride to the village. We were greeted by the Embera people with traditional music and dance.  While visiting we ate a tilapia feast, learned their traditional dances, and wandered through the village, discovering their artistry in basket weaving, wood carving, and beadwork.

16. Hike up Ancon Hill to get the Perfect View

Panama City has plenty of places promising pretty views (take it from me, they do not disappoint!), and one such gem is Ancon Hill (Cerro Ancon) . The trail, suitable for all ages and abilities, winds through lush rainforest, filled with exotic wildlife like toucans and playful monkeys.

As you ascend the 199-meter (653 foot) hill, the cityscape gradually unfolds, culminating in a panoramic display at the summit. There are three viewing platforms along the way, each with a beautiful sight: the lively cityscape of Panama City, the deep blue expanse of the Pacific Ocean, and the iconic Panama Canal, an engineering masterpiece.

17. See the Bridge Of The Americas

Standing tall over the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, the Bridge of the Americas is more than just a concrete structure; it’s a symbol of progress and collaboration. Completed in 1962 by the United States, it replaced the ferry system as the primary land link between North and South America, significantly boosting traffic flow. Today, the bridge stands as a proud landmark, its four lanes carrying thousands of vehicles daily, while its graceful suspension design remains a marvel of engineering.

Fun Fact: Originally named the Thatcher Ferry Bridge after the ferry it replaced, the Panamanian government soon rechristened it “Bridge of the Americas,” reflecting its wider significance.

18. Stroll the Amador Causeway

Craving a mix of fresh air, stunning views, and lively energy? The Amador Causeway is an opportunity to bicycle alongside locals, zip around on a scooter, or just chill at a waterfront eatery with tasty Panamanian dishes. History buffs can even explore the remnants of Fort Amador, a former military base once guarding the canal’s entrance.

19. See the Tile Mural of the Panama Canal at Mayda bar

Step into the Sofitel Legend Panama hotel and check out a masterpiece: the hand painted tile mural of the Panama Canal adorning the walls of their Mayda bar.

As you sip your cocktail (which are really good, if I may add), let your gaze travel across the meticulously hand-painted tiles, depicting the canal’s construction journey from dream to reality.

20. Go to Monkey Island

Ready for a one-of-a-kind Panamanian escapade? Head to Isla Gatun, a.k.a. Monkey Island, in the vast Gatun Lake. On a tour you will cruise toward the island and watch out for playful white-faced capuchin monkeys having a swinging good time in the trees – guaranteed to tickle your funny bone. These curious buddies, along with howler monkeys adding their iconic calls, call the island home, giving you a peek into Panama’s wild side. It’s a monkey business you wouldn’t want to miss!

While you can’t set foot on the island itself, a boat tour provides a close-up encounter, allowing you to observe their natural behavior and snap adorable photos.

PS: Some companies allow you to feed the monkeys, but this is not recommended. I took the Panama Canal Boat Safari & Jungle Walk w/ Local Brunch tour, and can not speak highly enough about it. It was with an eco-tour company whose focus is on preserving the wildlife and land. Plus our guide was super knowledgeable! PPS: This was my favorite tour in Panama!

21. Step Inside Cathedral of Santa Maria

In the heart of Panama City’s charming Casco Viejo, there’s a grand dame that steals the show: the Cathedral of Santa Maria (Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Santa María la Antigua).

Completed in 1796, this historic beauty has graced the city for ages, watching its journey through its fiery beginnings to the country’s independence. The cathedral flaunts a stone faced charm under the sun, its two white bell towers standing tall like proud twins on each side.

22. Get a Photo in Front of the Panama sign

Strike a pose and become part of the postcard! Panama City has two vibrant “Panama” signs, each offering a fun backdrop for your picture-perfect memory.

At the Amador Causeway, snap a photo with the colorful sign standing proudly against the Pacific Ocean, capturing both urban energy and natural beauty in one frame. If you prefer a more classic city vibe, head to the Cinta Costera, where it perfectly captures the bustling cityscape from behind.

23. Hike at Parque Metropolitano (Metropolitan Natural Park)

Panama City’s very own green oasis, Parque Metropolitano (Metropolitan Natural Park) , filled with diverse wildlife like colorful birds, playful monkeys, and even sloths hanging lazily from the trees.

Choose from seven different trails, each offering a unique challenge and reward. For breathtaking panoramas, as an example, conquer the Mono Titi Walk trail, reaching the Mirador Cedro lookout point for stunning city and canal views.

24. Catch the Sunset at Panaviera Sky Bar

I can honestly say that this is the best spot in the city to catch the sunset — Panaviera Sky Bar . Perched atop the Ocean Sun Casino at the JW Marriott on the 66th floor, it’s the highest rooftop bar in all of Central America. Sip on expertly crafted cocktails while the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues of orange, pink, and purple.

TIPS for Visiting

• Arrive at least 45 Minutes before sunset for a good spot. We found the place half full when we arrived at 5:45 PM for a 6:30pm sunset, and it didn’t take long for it to be full.
• Set the Uber to take you to JW Marriott, but you don’t need to go inside of the hotel. To the left of the front doors of the JW you will enter the Ocean Casino. Follow the signs to the elevators and take it to the 66th floor where the bar is located.
• FYI: the drinks are actually reasonably priced, but it’s not a place I’d stay for food or much longer than the actual sunset.

25. Buy a Panama Hat

Buying a Panama hat in Panama City is a quintessential souvenir and a chance to own a piece of the country’s cultural heritage. While not actually made in Panama (they originated in Ecuador), these hats have become synonymous with the country thanks to their association with the Panama Canal construction in the early 20th century. 

Here are some of the best places to buy a genuine Panama hat in Panama City:

• Victor’s Panama Hats : This iconic store in Casco Viejo has been selling authentic Panama hats for over 100 years. They offer a wide variety of styles and qualities, with prices starting around $20.
• Mercado Nacional de Artesanías (National Artisan Market) : This bustling market in Panama Viejo has a wide variety of souvenirs, including Panama hats at very affordable prices.

26. Take a Cooking Class

For me, one of the best things about visiting a new country is immersing yourself in the unique flavors of the food. And I love to do that by taking a cooking class. The Panamanian Cooking Class Experience not only takes you on a market tour, but then teaches you how to cook four different traditional dishes. Of course, you get to eat what you make!

27. Learn to Salsa Dance

Step into the dance scene and learn the sensual footwork of salsa, a cultural cornerstone of Panama.

For a truly immersive experience, join a group salsa class in the heart of Casco Viejo, where the atmosphere pulsates with the energy of salsa. The infectious rhythm will have you swaying and stepping in no time, guided by experienced instructors who share their passion for this beloved dance.

28. See San Lorenzo Fort

Step back in time and into the heart of Panamanian history at San Lorenzo Fort , a UNESCO World Heritage Site guarding the entrance to the Chagres River for over 400 years. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Caribbean Sea, this formidable fortress withstood numerous pirate attacks and played a crucial role in protecting Spanish trade routes during the colonial era. 

Explore the well-preserved structures, including the main courtyard, barracks, and gunpowder rooms, each offering a glimpse into the fort’s life and function.

NOTE: you can make your way there on your own or the Ocean to Ocean Panama Canal and Panama Jungle Tour will take you there, plus the Panama Canal!

29. Visit the Sloth Sanctuary

Ever feel like life’s moving a little too fast? Wish you could hit the “paws” button and just hang around all day? Then a visit to Panama’s Sloth Sanctuary in Gamboa is just what you need. This isn’t just a zoo exhibit though; it’s a rescue and rehabilitation center dedicated to helping injured, orphaned, and confiscated sloths.

As you stroll through the sanctuary, you’ll encounter these fuzzy ambassadors lounging in their leafy enclosures, munching on leaves, and engaging in their signature slow-motion adventures.

30. Go to the Agua Clara Visitor Center

Dive into the inspiring feat of Panamanian engineering at the Agua Clara Visitor Center , the Atlantic gateway to the iconic Panama Canal. Unlike the bustling atmosphere at Miraflores on the Pacific side, Agua Clara sits nestled amidst lush rainforest overlooking the expansive Gatun Lake.

Opened in 2016, the center offers exhibits and displays specifically dedicated to these groundbreaking new locks, allowing you to delve deeper into the engineering marvels hidden beneath the surface.

31. Spend the Day at San Blas Islands

Trade cityscapes for island bliss on a day trip to the San Blas Islands . Escape to a paradise of 365 turquoise-kissed islands, fringed by coconut palms and lapped by crystal-clear waters. Immerse yourself into the vibrant Guna Yala culture, where colorful mola textiles tell ancient stories and friendly smiles welcome you.

Dive into vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful fish, or snorkel alongside gentle giants like manta rays. Savor fresh seafood feasts served up with the warmth of Guna Yala culture. In the San Blas Islands, every day is an escape to paradise, a postcard come to life.

32. Go to the mountains of El Valle

Escape the heat and dive into the refreshing green haven of El Valle de Antón. Towering mountains embrace this charming town nestled within an extinct volcanic crater, offering an invigorating change of pace.

Breathe in crisp mountain air and hike verdant trails, rewarded with panoramic views of the crater floor and lush rainforest. Discover hidden waterfalls like Chorro El Macho, its cascades refreshing your spirit. After a day of exploring, soothe your muscles and melt away stress at Los Pozos Termales , natural hot springs bubbling from the earth’s core.

Whew, that was just a taste of the incredible things you can do in Panama City, Panama. As you tick off the items on your bucket list – from the maritime marvel of Miraflores to the historic sanctuaries like Cathedral Santa Maria – you’ll discover a destination that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity.

Whether you’re sipping rum at Pedro Mandinga, immersing yourself in the artistic tapestry of Hat Street, or catching the sunset at the Panaviera Sky Bar, the city has more treasure than a pirate’s booty! Set sail, explore, and discover why Panama City is more than just a bucket list destination – it’s your own personal Panama Canal, connecting you to something truly unforgettable.

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More things to do in panama.

• Panama City Panama Bucket List: 32 Best Things to Do
• 11 Bucket List Restaurants in Panama City, Panama

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