Travel Itinerary ideas for Panama

Itinerary 1: The Classic Panama Experience (7-10 Days)

This itinerary is crafted for the first-time visitor, providing a perfect introduction to Panama’s most iconic sights. It balances the vibrant energy of the capital city with the rich history of its ruins, the engineering marvel of the Canal, and the natural beauty of both its highland cloud forests and Caribbean islands.

Days 1-3: Panama City & The Canal

• Day 1: Arrival & Casco Viejo: Upon arrival at Tocumen International Airport (PTY), you will be transferred to your accommodation in Casco Viejo. Spend the remainder of the day acquainting yourself with the historic quarter’s cobblestone streets, admiring the restored colonial architecture, and discovering the district’s renowned rooftop bars for an evening drink with a view.
• Day 2: The Panama Canal & Modern City: The morning is dedicated to the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center. Here you can witness the impressive scale and operation of the Panama Canal as massive ships transit the locks. For the best chance of seeing vessels, plan to visit between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, or after 3:00 PM. In the afternoon, contrast this with a tour of the modern city, culminating with a visit to the Amador Causeway, which offers striking panoramic views of the downtown skyline.
• Day 3: History & Rainforest: Delve into the city’s origins with a morning visit to the ruins of Panamá Viejo, the original 16th-century settlement. In the afternoon, a short trip takes you to Soberanía National Park. Here you can hike a section of the world-famous Pipeline Road, a premier destination for birdwatching and spotting other rainforest wildlife like monkeys, sloths, and coatis.

Days 4-6: The Caribbean Highlands (Boquete)

• Day 4: Travel to Boquete: A morning flight from the domestic Albrook Airport (PAC) takes you to David (DAV). From there, a scenic transfer brings you up into the Talamanca mountains to the charming town of Boquete. After settling into your hotel, take some time to explore the town center, with its flower-filled gardens and fresh mountain air.
• Day 5: Coffee & Cloud Forests: Discover the secrets of one of the world’s most prized coffees with a guided tour of a local coffee plantation, known as a finca. Consider visiting reputable plantations such as Finca Lerida, Elida Estate, or Hacienda La Esmeralda. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the cloud forest with a hike on one of the area’s famous trails, such as a manageable section of the Quetzal Trail or the gentler Pipeline Trail.
• Day 6: Adventure or Relaxation: Choose your own pace for the day. For an adrenaline-filled experience, opt for a whitewater rafting excursion on the Chiriquí Viejo River or a zip-lining tour through the forest canopy. For a more tranquil day, visit the Caldera hot springs to soak in the therapeutic waters or embark on a guided birdwatching walk to spot the region’s diverse avian life.

Days 7-9: Caribbean Islands (Bocas del Toro)

• Day 7: Travel to Bocas del Toro: Today involves a journey from the highlands to the coast. You’ll transfer from Boquete to the port of Almirante, where you will board a water taxi for the short trip to Isla Colón, the main island in the Bocas del Toro archipelago.
• Day 8: Island Hopping & Marine Life: A full-day boat tour is the best way to experience the beauty of the archipelago. Typical key stops include Dolphin Bay to observe bottlenose dolphins, Crawl Cay for excellent snorkeling among coral reefs, and the popular Red Frog Beach, named for the tiny strawberry poison-dart frogs that inhabit its forest fringe.
• Day 9: Beach Day & Departure Prep: Spend your last full day relaxing on one of the area’s idyllic beaches. A popular choice is Starfish Beach (Playa Estrella), known for its calm, clear waters and the abundance of sea stars visible from the shore. Enjoy a final Caribbean dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants in Bocas Town.

Day 10: Departure

• Fly from Bocas del Toro Airport (BOC) back to Panama City (either PTY or PAC) to connect with your international flight home.

Itinerary 2: Adventure & Adrenaline (8-12 Days)

Designed for the active traveler, this itinerary focuses on physical challenges and exploration beyond the main tourist trail. From surfing Pacific breaks and diving in a world-class marine park to trekking Panama’s highest peak, this journey offers a series of unforgettable, high-energy experiences.

Days 1-2: River & Rainforest

• Day 1: Arrival & El Valle de Antón: Arrive at Tocumen International Airport (PTY), collect your rental 4×4 vehicle, and drive approximately two hours to El Valle de Antón. This unique town is situated inside the crater of a massive extinct volcano, surrounded by lush, steep-sided mountains.
• Day 2: Crater Hiking & Waterfalls: Begin the day with a pre-dawn hike up the India Dormida trail to watch the sunrise illuminate the entire volcanic crater. In the afternoon, choose your adventure: rappel down a series of waterfalls on a guided canyoning tour or take a more relaxed walk to the impressive Chorro El Macho waterfall.

Days 3-5: Pacific Coast Surfing & Coiba National Park

• Day 3: Travel to Santa Catalina: Drive from the mountains to the Pacific coast, making your way to the laid-back surf town of Santa Catalina. Once a sleepy fishing village, it is now the primary gateway for accessing Coiba National Park.
• Day 4: Diving/Snorkeling in Coiba: Embark on a full-day boat trip to Coiba National Park. This remote archipelago is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is often compared to the Galápagos for its marine biodiversity, making it one of the world’s premier diving locations. Whether scuba diving or snorkeling, you can expect to see whitetip reef sharks, sea turtles, manta rays, and enormous schools of fish.
• Day 5: Surfing: Dedicate the day to surfing. Beginners can take a lesson on the calmer beach break, while experienced surfers can test their skills on the powerful, world-class point break at La Punta.

Days 6-8: Highlands Trekking (Boquete)

• Day 6: Travel to Boquete: Undertake the scenic drive from the Pacific coast of Santa Catalina up into the highlands of Boquete.
• Day 7: Volcán Barú Ascent: Today you will summit the highest point in Panama. This is an exceptionally demanding activity requiring a high level of physical fitness. You have two main options: an overnight trek beginning around midnight to reach the summit for sunrise, or a rugged 4×4 jeep tour that also departs in the middle of the night. From the top, on a clear day, you can see both the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic (Caribbean) Ocean simultaneously.
• Day 8: Recovery & Ziplining: Use the morning to rest and recover from the strenuous ascent. In the afternoon, get your heart racing again on a thrilling zip-line course, soaring through the cloud forest canopy on some of the longest and highest cables in Central America.

Days 9-11: San Blas Islands Sailing

• Day 9: Travel to San Blas: Drive from Panama City to the port of Cartí. From there, a water taxi will take you to meet your pre-booked chartered sailboat. Travel to the autonomous Guna Yala territory requires specific arrangements; your sailing charter will typically coordinate the necessary 4×4 transport and entry logistics. This is a gateway to the stunning San Blas Islands.
• Day 10: Unplugged Paradise: Disconnect completely as you sail through a stunning archipelago of over 365 pristine, palm-fringed islands. Your days will be spent snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, kayaking over coral reefs, and learning about the indigenous Guna culture from your captain and crew.
• Day 11: Final Island Exploration: Spend a final day exploring the idyllic islands. You may have the opportunity to visit a Guna community to see their traditional way of life and purchase intricate handmade *molas*. Enjoy one last sunset over the Caribbean.

Day 12: Departure

• Your charter will arrange your return journey by boat and 4×4 to Panama City for your connecting flight home.

Itinerary 3: Nature, Wildlife & Culture (14 Days)

This itinerary is for those who wish to delve deeper into Panama’s extraordinary biodiversity and rich cultural tapestry. With a slower pace, it offers immersive experiences in some of the most ecologically significant and culturally authentic regions of the country, from the untamed Darién to the traditional heartland of the Azuero Peninsula.

Days 1-3: The Darién Gap (Eco-Lodge Stay)

• Day 1: To the Edge of the Wilderness: Take a domestic flight from Albrook Airport (PAC) to an airstrip in the Darién province. You will be met and transferred to a reputable eco-lodge, such as the remote Cana field station. This region is best and most safely explored with an established, responsible tour operator who maintains strong relationships with local communities and guides.
• Day 2: Harpy Eagle Quest: Join expert local guides for a trek into the primary rainforest on a quest to find the magnificent Harpy Eagle, the national bird of Panama and one of the world’s most powerful eagles. Sighting this rare raptor is a true highlight for any naturalist.
• Day 3: Jungle Immersion: Explore the immense biodiversity of Darién National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Guided hikes offer opportunities to see a vast array of flora and fauna, including several species of monkeys, rare birds, and other jungle inhabitants.

Days 4-6: Panama City’s Natural & Cultural Hub

• Day 4: Return to the City: Fly back to Panama City. In the afternoon, visit the Biomuseo, a striking building designed by architect Frank Gehry. Its exhibits provide a comprehensive overview of Panama’s geological and ecological history, explaining how the isthmus rose from the sea to change the world.
• Day 5: Emberá Indigenous Village: Journey up the Chagres River in a traditional dugout canoe to visit an Emberá community. This respectful cultural exchange allows you to learn about the tribe’s history, customs, intricate handicrafts, and deep connection with the rainforest.
• Day 6: Birdwatching at Gamboa: Travel to the Gamboa area, where you’ll spend the morning on the famous