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Panama Tours & Vacations

Aerial View of boats anchored in turquoise Water of Blue Lagoon next to white Sand Beach of San Blas

Home to one of the world's most exceptional modern engineering marvels, Panama invokes historic nostalgia.

Yet there's more to this nation in Central America than the mighty Panama Canal, and travelers lucky enough to end up in Panama will be delightfully surprised by the uncrowded beaches, sensational surf breaks, magical rainforests and splendid towns. It's high time the world's wanderers added Panama to their adventure agendas.

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Costa Rica & Panama Discovery

Lonely Planet have spoken: here’s what’s hot in travel for 2019 (and how you can get there)

5 reasons why visiting Central America on a group tour was the right choice for me

4 places that prove Panama is the most underrated country in Central America

Panama City: A study in contrasts

Panama at a glance

Capital city.

Panama City (population 450,000)

3.4 million

(GMT-05:00) Bogota, Lima, Quito, Rio Branco

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin) Type B (American 3-pin)

Learn more about Panama

Geography and environment.

Bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Panama shares land borders with Colombia and Costa Rica .

With a typical tropical climate and environment, Panama has an abundance of rainforest, jungle, mangroves, islands, beaches and natural harbors.

There are around 500 rivers flowing through Panama, this Central American land - full of biodiversity - also has mountain ranges that dramatically cut through the mainland.

Though many of Panama's mountains have volcanic origins, most are considered dormant and pose no threat to residents.

Best time to visit Panama

Most of Panama revels in a tropical climate with year-round high temperatures and humidity.

Travelers tend to visit during the dry season from around mid-December to mid-April, as the wet season (from May to November) usually results in sudden, frequent downpours mixed with bursts of sunshine.

As with most other countries, the weather is cooler at high altitudes and much warmer in the lowlands.

Top 5 brilliant beach spots of Panama

1. starfish beach.

This small beach in the stunning Bocas del Toro area is named for the hundreds of vibrant starfish that live here year-round. A walk along the peaceful shore will reveal colonies of huge orange and red starfish lurking quietly beneath the water.

2. Zapatillas Cays

Another of Bocas del Toro's beauties, these two postcard-worthy islands are home to seriously stunning beaches with crystalline water, powdery white sand, and coral reefs teeming with turtles and fish.

3. Isla Coiba

This rugged, Pacific coast nature reserve is rich in an incredible range of species, making it a wonderful place for divers and snorkellers out to spot a host of creatures. Marlin, swordfish, groupers, rays, sharks, and eels can all be found within the coral reefs surrounding the area, and the clear water only makes spying them all the easier.

4. Playa Chiquita

This rough and remote wonder located on the Caribbean Coast is one of Panama's best-kept secrets. Its isolated location means it's a little difficult to get to, but the tranquillity, space, and natural beauty make the journey worthwhile. Don't expect beach bars and boutiques - just long stretches of sand with few people in sight. Beach bliss!

5. Isla Grande

This laidback Caribbean island offers an authentic slice of Caribbean life for those wishing to escape the more frequented tourist spots. Featuring beaches speckled with leaves and palm fronds, and small shacks selling fruity cocktails and fresh beers, this haven hand delivers relaxation Caribbean-style.

Do I need a visa to travel to Panama

PANAMA: Australia: Yes - on arrival Belgium: Not required Canada: Yes - on arrival Germany: Not required Ireland: Not required Netherlands: Not required New Zealand: Yes - on arrival South Africa: Yes - in advance Switzerland: Not required United Kingdom: Not required USA: Yes - on arrival

The cost of a tourist card on arrival varies by nationality.

Is tipping customary in Panama?

Tipping (although not mandatory) is considered polite in Panama. Tip 10-15% in restaurants and cafes, and leave a small amount of money for porters, guides and taxi drivers

What is the internet access like in Panama?

Travelers will be able to access the internet at cyber cafes and hotels in Panama's large cities and tourist areas. Access to the internet is generally less common in rural and remote areas.

Can I use my cell phone while in Panama?

Cell phone coverage is generally good in Panama's major cities, but may be less reliable in remote or rural areas. Ensure global roaming is activated before leaving home if you wish to use your cell phone.

What are the toilets like in Panama?

Panama has a combination of modern, flushable toilets (found in cities) and more modest squat toilets (found in rural areas), so prepare to encounter both while traveling in Panama.

What will it cost for a…?

Bottle of soft drink = 1 PAB Bottle of local beer = 1.50-2 PAB Snack at a market = 2-3 PAB Lunch at a café = 5-7 PAB Three-course dinner at a restaurant = 20 PAB

Can I drink the water in Panama?

Tap water is considered safe to drink in Panama unless marked otherwise.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Panama?

Major credit cards will be accepted by large hotels, shops and restaurants in the cities of Panama, but less so in rural and less developed areas. Be sure to carry other modes of payment just to be sure.

What is ATM access like in Panama?

Panama's major cities and tourist-orientated towns have ATMs readily available. It's advisable, however, to withdraw cash before leaving the city as ATMs may not always be available in regional areas.

What public holidays are celebrated in Panama?

1 Jan New Year's Day
2 Jan New Year's Holiday
9 Jan Mourning Day
28 Feb Carnival Day
14 Mar Good Friday
1 May Labor Day
3 Nov Independence Day from Colombia
5 Nov Colon's Day (Colon Only)
6 Nov Colon Day Holiday
10 Nov The Uprising of Los Santos
27 Nov Independence Day from Spain
8 Dec Mother's Day
25 Dec Christmas Day

Please note these dates are for 2017. For a current list of public holidays in Panama go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/panama/public-holidays

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to: Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to: UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to: Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to: US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

APRIL SALE: Discover and book at up to 60% off!

Panama Tours & Trips

Welcome to Panama - a jewel in the Caribbean seas - with amazing flora and fauna in its tropical rainforests. Eco tourism abounds and caters for all budgets – backpacker, families and resort style. A adventure navigating the complicated lochs of the famous Panama Canal is not to be missed. Get inspired by our Panama vacations .

45 Panama tour packages with 48 reviews

Sightseeing
Christmas & New Year

Classic Panama

In-depth Cultural

Independent Panama

Independent Panama with the Pacific Coast

Best of Panama

We had a great time on the Panama tour. Everyone was knowledgeable about their country and all it's beauty. It was a Well thought out and knowledgeable Tour. Thanks for everything! Peter & Mila

Glimpse of Panama

Tailor-Made Adventure to Panama Canal & Rainforest, Daily Departure

Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Tailor-Made Best Panama Tour with Daily Departure

Looking for tours beyond just panama.

Explore tours with itineraries going through multiple countries, including Panama.

Panama Circuit, Taboga and Gamboa - 6 days

The Best of Panama

San Blas Chichime Islands Experience 4D/3N

I should start this review off by stating that not only have I traveled quite extensively but I am also a travel agent and book people on tours similar to this one. The drive from Panama City to the "dock" took about 3 hours through the Panamanian mountains and jungle. Once we were off the main highway the road became much more of a roller coaster ride, if you get motion sick make sure to take some gravol prior to leaving Panama City. This road is also filled with pot holes so be prepared to swerve around them. The views from the mountain tops was amazing but brief. Once at the "dock" was were things got a little more interesting. What they call a "dock" is really a dirt parking lot, be prepared to get a little dirty, as the dust gets kicked up by all the cars dropping off/picking up passengers. Neither my wife nor myself speak any Spanish so it was near impossible to communicate with the people at the dock to try and figure out which boat we were suppose to get on. Originally we were told that it would be about 20 - 30 mins and someone would come get us and take us to our boat. After an hour to and hour and a half I started asking around what boat we were suppose to get on. Make sure to ask your driver to let you know which boat and company you are taking. As the companies that operate the boats are not Bamba. The ride from the dock to the island was very rough as the winds were quite high. Nothing you can do about that but be prepared to get wet. The water and air are both warm so it's not so bad. Had we known prior to leaving the dock though we would have put on our swim suits. Once we arrived at the island we figured out that we were not on the island on our itinerary that was given to us from Bamba, no update was sent along to us to let us know about any change in islands either. After 4 - 5 hours of travel and waiting to get on the boat, we found out that we weren't on the island we thought we were meant to be on. Again none of the locals on the island spoke English so we weren't sure what we were meant to do. Luckily one of the other passengers spoke enough Spanish and English to help us out and we figured out that we were indeed where we were suppose to be. Bamba should have emailed us prior to our departure to let us know of this crucial change. Once on the island though everything was better than we had expected, the hut we had was great, the islands and water were beautiful and the food was delicious. It was pretty much the same thing each day just different variations of fish and rice. We had up graded our package which said we would have more options to choose from, again this was not the case, everybody was served the same dish each meal. Overall it was an incredible experience and I would recommend the San Blas Islands to anyone looking to getaway from the hustle and bustle of the real world, just be prepared for a very rustic experience. I would also recommend that anyone looking to do this trip brush up on their Spanish as Bamba doesn't have anyone on the ground, either at the dock or the islands representing the company that speaks even passable English.

10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Panama City Express 5D/4N

Panamá, the interoceanic canal and its history

Panama Small Group 7Days/6Nights

Costa Rica & Panama Discovery (6 destinations)

The pros: The guide, Jonnathan, was very knowledgeable and flexible so we all could do any activity. Jonna was very nice and very easy to work with. The cons: This tour should be fully guided, not partially guided so the whole group stays together. I have never seen a group so divided, Partially guided tours create cliques. Also, days should start earlier than 8:50am. Starting the day at 8:50am means that travelers often arrive to their destination tool late to do any activity - it's just a waste of time.

Active 3-Day Trip to Paradise San Blas Island + Meals + Boat Tour

What people love about panama tours.

We had a great time on the Panama tour. Everyone was knowledgeable about their country and all it's beauty. It was a Well thought out and knowledgeable Tour. Thanks for everything! Peter & Mila

The pros: The guide, Jonnathan, was very knowledgeable and flexible so we all could do any activity. Jonna was very nice and very easy to work with. The cons: This tour should be fully guided, not partially guided so the whole group stays together. I have never seen a group so divided, Partially guided tours create cliques. Also, days should start earlier than 8:50am. Starting the day at 8:50am means that travelers often arrive to their destination tool late to do any activity - it's just a waste of time.

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Best 10 Panama Vacation Deals 2024/2025

1/2 Day, ‘Monkey Island’ Tour
City, Beach & Jungle
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Bocas del Toro
One Week Tour of Panama
Urban Adventures – Taste of Panama City
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Relax, and let us show you

Panama City tour visiting Casco Viejo, the old town.

Tours in the old town, Casco Viejo.

The Panama Canal.

Tour to San Blas islands is a glimpse of paradise

The San Blas archipelago, it's a paradise.

A historic Spanish fort on the Caribbean coast.

Visit an Indian village.

seeing a sloth in the jungle on a Panama day tour

See the tropical wildlife.

Monkey Island.

Boat trip on the Panama Canal and Lake Gatun

A boat ride through the heart of the

Adventure activities including

Corporate packages and golf tours.

Welcome to "Barefoot" Panama

At Barefoot Panama Tours, we encourage you to embrace the natural beauty of Panama and immerse yourself in the extraordinary. Our Panama Tours and Panama Vacation Packages bring you face-to-face with incredible culture, awe-inspiring wildlife, and unforgettable adventures.

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Kevin's handpicked team is dedicated to helping people make the most of their Panama experience. They are all intelligent, friendly, fun, customer focused — and nobody knows Panama better! They'll work hard to make sure that you have the best time possible in Panama.

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My Barefoot Panama – 12 Years of Tourism

Panama’s hidden treasures, the san blas vs. pearl islands, independence month.

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Please note that your tour reservation is not guaranteed until at least a 50% deposit is given. Once payment is received your tour confirmation will be emailed to you. Immediate payment is not required at the time of completing the tour booking form. After receiving your reservation request a representative will contact you to confirm you tour selection, availability, schedule a pickup time and review any special considerations, as well as provide payment details. If you have any questions please contact us

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The Land Between Seas

Destination Must-See's

Panama Canal:

The Panama Canal is a 48-mile waterway constructed by the United States and opened back in 1914. Its sequence of locks and passages links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, providing a vital conduit for international maritime trade. Visitors travel great distances to see this wonder of the modern world at work.

Anton Valley:

As the world’s only inhabited volcanic crater, Anton Valley is certainly a unique location. Its rich volcanic soil and year round spring-like weather creates the perfect environment for plants, animals and humans to thrive. The valley offers amazing scenery and many natural attractions like the “square trees,” waterfalls, and thermal pools.

Folklore and dance shows:

The heartland of Panama is where some of the best-known styles of Panamanian folk music and dance originate. With a rich tradition in the arts, it’s very common to witness people listening and dancing to the folklore music. Women dress in swirly embroidered dresses and men in striking embroidered shirts with cut off pants. It makes for a spectacular display of color, culture and tradition that everyone should experience.

Experience life in the rainforest while enjoying the unsurpassed luxury of a beautiful resort hotel. Surrounded by Soberania National Park, the Charges River and the Panama Canal, the Gamboa Rainforest Resort has easy access to Panama City and the magnificence of jungle flora. Look out over your hotel balcony and you just might see monkeys, sloths, toucans, butterflies and other rainforest dwellers passing by.

Destination Must-Do's

Embera Indigenous village:

The Embera people have lived in the jungles of Chagres for generations. Their fascinating culture is rich with traditional dances and music, but they’re also very knowledgeable about medicinal plants. The skill of the Embera natives also extends to the use of natural pigments to paint the skin, basket weaving and boat making. Visitors usually leave the village sporting a temporary tattoo and toting a beautiful hand-crafted souvenir.

Shop for Panama hats:

Lightweight, breathable and classic, Panama hats are associated with tropical heat and seaside retreats. But these hats are more than just fashionable accessories. The wearing of a Panama hat is a deeply rooted Ecuadorian cultural heritage but made famous when sold to North Americans in Panama, a hub of commerce and trade in the 19th century.

Panamanian Cigars:

Even though the cigar makers of Panama follow the same process as Cuban cigar makers, Panamanian cigars have their own unique and authentic flavor that distinguishes them from other nation’s cigars. There are many cigar manufacturers in Panama that hand roll their cigars and take great pride in their craft, much like Cuba.

Oxcart ride:

Traditionally, oxcarts were used to carry supplies from place to place. Each cart was unique and had its own painting and decorations as well as its own “song.” Over the years, oxcarts have been replaced by other means of transporting supplies, but they remain an important part of Panamanian heritage and can still be found in service. In some villages, visitors can hitch a ride on one and take a tour.

Expert Advice

The U.S. dollar is where it’s at in Panama. In 1904 they became the first of the Latin American countries to implement the U.S. dollar as its legal currency.

Drink up! In many foreign places, you can’t drink the water, but in Panama the water is generally safe for consumption. If you would like something a little stronger, try the beer. It is inexpensive, and they have four local varieties.

Bring your appetite. Panama has some of the freshest seafood and a ceviche that rivals the world’s best. But there is more…they enjoy big meals heavy on the meat and rice. But you must try the delicious Patacones, fried green plantains.

Featured Tours to Panama

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About our adventure trips:

" Aventuras Panamá " or Adventures Panama pioneers adventure travel in Panama city and the country. It offers soft adventure travel packages that include whitewater rafting , kayaking , mountain biking , hiking , camping , snorkeling , cultural inmersions on rainforest tribes , Panama vacation, Guna Yala , Panama City Panama , and more to turn your vacations in Panamain to unforgettable memories. Visit Panama !

Panama is a bridge that unites North America with South America, and separates the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in the narrowest area of America. That explain the huge biodiversity that you will encounter. Adventure into Panama Whale Watching , Bird Watching , or into any of our protected areas such as Soberania National Park to be amaze with our wildlife.

What ever your needs are in lodging, transfers, or activities we are here to help. If you can not find online what you are looking for contact us and we will be happy to assist you providing you reliable service.

* Unique Day & Multi-Day Adventures To Panama’s Pristine Jungles, Rivers & Oceans *

Servicing panama stopover flights with packages from arrival to departure , custom made • honey moon •family vacation • corporate groups • luxury • camping • national parks • rainforest tribes • nature and wildlife • cultural immersion • lodging • transfers • 1 – 8 day tours, best of panama’s adventure, culture & travel services, certificate of excellence, year after year , destinations.

Panama Canal
Guna Yala - San Blas Archipelago
Pearl Islands Archipelago
Mamey Island

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Best Panama Vacation Packages

6 nights from $1,036*

Panama's Best-Seller! . Enjoy Panama City (most attractive Capital City and a curious blend of old Spain, modern America and the bazaar atmosphere of the East. The city is a regional hub for trading . It is best known for The Panama Canal and its charming Casco Viejo . This lively Latin American city also borders one of Central America's richest rain forest). After that, a transfer will take you to Playa Blanca (with the best tropical climate in the country, where to enjoy white-sand beaches with lush vegetation, lovely lakes and deep-blue Pacific Ocean views ). Get back to Panama City to catch your flight back home. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

Flight into and out of Panama City
Hotel for 3 nights in Panama City
Transfer from Hotel in Panama City to Hotel in Playa Blanca
Hotel for 3 nights in Playa Blanca
Transfer from Hotel in Playa Blanca to the Airport in Panama City

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Highlights & Attractions

Other Panama Vacation Packages

Soberania National Park - Bocas del Toro - Panama City

7 nights from $1,202*

Rainforest and Beaches in Panama! . Escape the noise and hectic pace of Panama City and surround yourself with the tranquility of the mystical Soberania National Park (is the most accessible national park from Panama City. Just 45 minutes from the city, on 340 acres overlooking the stunning Panama Canal. It is known for excellent birding and wildlife viewing ). Continue to Bocas del Toro (at the northern coast of Panama, this beautiful archipelago is known for its unparalleled beauty and vibrant nightlife. Its boasts fine white sand beaches with turquoise waters, world-famous waves, colorful coral reefs, mangroves and nearby jungle rainforests ). Finally, enjoy Panama City (most attractive Capital City and a curious blend of old Spain, modern America and the bazaar atmosphere of the East. The city is a regional hub for trading . It is best known for The Panama Canal and its charming Casco Viejo . This lively Latin American city also borders one of Central America's richest rain forest). Private transfers will take you from the airport/hotel/airport, followed by domestic flights. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

Transfer from Panama City Airport to Hotel in Soberania National Park
Hotel for 2 nights in Soberania National Park
Transfer from Hotel in Soberania National Park to Domestic Airport in Panama City followed by a flight - Panama City to Bocas del Toro
Transfer from Airport to Hotel in Bocas del Toro
Hotel for 3 nights in Bocas del Toro
Transfer from Hotel to Airport in Bocas del Toro
Flight from Bocas del Toro to Panama City
Hotel for 2 nights in Panama City

Panama City and Cartagena by Air

6 nights from $759*

Discover the treasures of Colombia and Panama! . Visit Panama City (most attractive Capital City and a curious blend of old Spain, modern America and the bazaar atmosphere of the East. The city is a regional hub for trading . It is best known for The Panama Canal and its charming Casco Viejo . This lively Latin American city also borders one of Central America's richest rain forest). After that, catch a flight to Cartagena (colonial city on the shores of the sea, and one of the most visited cities. The historic walled city remains alongside the ultramodern skyscraper-filled Bocagrande. Cartagena is famous for its castles, culture, history and colorful buildings as well as the iconic palenqueras –Afro-Colombian women in bright dresses selling fruit in Cartagena`s plazas-). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

Flight into Panama City and out of Cartagena
Flight from Panama City to Cartagena
Hotel for 3 nights in Cartagena

Panama City - Playa Bonita

6 nights from $769*

The big City and the Pacific Ocean! in Panama . Discover Panama City (most attractive Capital City and a curious blend of old Spain, modern America and the bazaar atmosphere of the East. The city is a regional hub for trading . It is best known for The Panama Canal and its charming Casco Viejo . This lively Latin American city also borders one of Central America's richest rain forest); after that, with private transfer, travel to Playa Bonita (this newest beach idyllic retreat spot with golden sands, emerald ocean and lush, tropical rainforests it is located a short distance from Panama`s capital city). One last transfer will allow you to arrive at Panama City Airport to catch your flight back home. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

Transfer from Hotel in Panama City to Hotel in Playa Bonita
Hotel for 3 nights at Playa Bonita
Transfer from Hotel in Playa Bonita to Airport in Panama City

Panama City - Bocas del Toro

6 nights from $1,763*

A bustling city and a Beach Gateway in Panama! . Combine amazing stays in: Panama City (most attractive Capital City and a curious blend of old Spain, modern America and the bazaar atmosphere of the East. The city is a regional hub for trading . It is best known for The Panama Canal and its charming Casco Viejo . This lively Latin American city also borders one of Central America's richest rain forest); Bocas del Toro (at the northern coast of Panama, this beautiful archipelago is known for its unparalleled beauty and vibrant nightlife. Its boasts fine white sand beaches with turquoise waters, world-famous waves, colorful coral reefs, mangroves and nearby jungle rainforests ); and one last night stay in Panama City , to finish enjoying what the city has to offer. Connect these destinations with domestic flights, followed by private transfers from the airport/hotel/airport. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

Flight from Panama City to Bocas del Toro
Hotel for 1 night in Panama City

Panama Suggested Vacation Packages

Soberania National Park - Playa Blanca - Panama City

7 nights from $1,384*

Ultimate Panama Package! . Escape the noise and hectic pace of Panama City and surround yourself with the tranquility of the mystical Soberania National Park (is the most accessible national park from Panama City. Just 45 minutes from the city, on 340 acres overlooking the stunning Panama Canal. It is known for excellent birding and wildlife viewing ). Continue to Playa Blanca (with the best tropical climate in the country, where to enjoy white-sand beaches with lush vegetation, lovely lakes and deep-blue Pacific Ocean views ); and return to Panama City (most attractive Capital City and a curious blend of old Spain, modern America and the bazaar atmosphere of the East. The city is a regional hub for trading . It is best known for The Panama Canal and its charming Casco Viejo . This lively Latin American city also borders one of Central America's richest rain forest). Private transfers connect these destinations. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

Transfer from Hotel in Soberania National Park to Hotel in Playa Blanca
Transfer from Hotel in Playa Blanca to Hotel in Panama City

Panama City - Boquete - Soberania Park

6 nights itinerary

Green Panama! . Enjoy Panama City (most attractive Capital City and a curious blend of old Spain, modern America and the bazaar atmosphere of the East. The city is a regional hub for trading . It is best known for The Panama Canal and its charming Casco Viejo . This lively Latin American city also borders one of Central America's richest rain forest). Next, travel to Boquete (small and charming mountain village tucked away on the eastern slopes of Baru Volcano known for its cool, fresh climate and pristine natural surroundings, the sweetest fruits and the richest coffee in all of Panama ); and finally, visit Soberania National Park (is the most accessible national park from Panama City. Just 45 minutes from the city, on 340 acres overlooking the stunning Panama Canal. It is known for excellent birding and wildlife viewing ). These destinations are connected by private airport/hotel/airport transfers, followed by domestic flights. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

Flight from Panama City to David Airport in Chiriqui
Transfer from David Airport-Chiriqui to Hotel in Boquete
Hotel for 2 nights in Boquete
Transfer from Hotel in Boquete to David Airport-Chiriqui followed by a flight to Panama City Domestic Airport
Transfer from Panama City Domestic Airport to Hotel in Soberania National Park
Transfer from Hotel in Soberania Natiroinal Park to International Airport in Panama City

6 nights from

Panama City - Playa Blanca - Cartagena

8 nights from $2,328*

The Jewels of Colombia and Panama! . Enjoy Panama City (most attractive Capital City and a curious blend of old Spain, modern America and the bazaar atmosphere of the East. The city is a regional hub for trading . It is best known for The Panama Canal and its charming Casco Viejo . This lively Latin American city also borders one of Central America's richest rain forest). Continue with a private transfer to Playa Blanca (with the best tropical climate in the country, where to enjoy white-sand beaches with lush vegetation, lovely lakes and deep-blue Pacific Ocean views ). Get back to Panama City to catch your flight to you last destination in Colombia , visiting Cartagena (colonial city on the shores of the sea, and one of the most visited cities. The historic walled city remains alongside the ultramodern skyscraper-filled Bocagrande. Cartagena is famous for its castles, culture, history and colorful buildings as well as the iconic palenqueras –Afro-Colombian women in bright dresses selling fruit in Cartagena`s plazas-). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

Transfer from Hotel in Panama City to Hotel Playa Blanca

Panama City - Bocas del Toro - Playa Blanca

7 nights itinerary

A Taste of Panama! . Begin in Panama City (most attractive Capital City and a curious blend of old Spain, modern America and the bazaar atmosphere of the East. The city is a regional hub for trading . It is best known for The Panama Canal and its charming Casco Viejo . This lively Latin American city also borders one of Central America's richest rain forest); next, visit Bocas del Toro (at the northern coast of Panama, this beautiful archipelago is known for its unparalleled beauty and vibrant nightlife. Its boasts fine white sand beaches with turquoise waters, world-famous waves, colorful coral reefs, mangroves and nearby jungle rainforests ). Finally, spend a wonderful stay in Playa Blanca (is the destination with the best tropical climate in the country, where to enjoy white-sand beaches with lush vegetation, lovely lakes and deep-blue Pacific Ocean views ). Private transfers will take you from the airport/hotel/airport, followed by domestic flights. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

Hotel for 2 nights in Bocas del Toro
Flight from Bocas del Toro to Panama City followed by a land transfer to the Hotel in Playa Blanca
Transfer from Hotel in Playa Blanca to Airport in Panama City

7 nights from

Panama City Getaway

4 nights from $1,430*

Fullest Panama! . Enjoy Panama City (most attractive Capital City and a curious blend of old Spain, modern America and the bazaar atmosphere of the East. The city is a regional hub for trading . It is best known for The Panama Canal and its charming Casco Viejo . This lively Latin American city also borders one of Central America's richest rain forest). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

Hotel for 4 nights in Panama City

Panama City - Boquete - Playa Blanca

7 nights from $1,455*

Heavenly Panama! . Enjoy Panama City (most attractive Capital City and a curious blend of old Spain, modern America and the bazaar atmosphere of the East. The city is a regional hub for trading . It is best known for The Panama Canal and its charming Casco Viejo . This lively Latin American city also borders one of Central America's richest rain forest); continue to Boquete (small and charming mountain village tucked away on the eastern slopes of Baru Volcano known for its cool, fresh climate and pristine natural surroundings, the sweetest fruits and the richest coffee in all of Panama ). Lastly, have a wonderful stay in Playa Blanca (with the best tropical climate in the country, where to enjoy white-sand beaches with lush vegetation, lovely lakes and deep-blue Pacific Ocean views ). These destinations are connected by private airport/hotel/airport transfers, followed by domestic flights. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

Transfer from Hotel in Boquete to David Airport-Chiriqui
Flight from David Airport in Chiriqui to Panama City Airport, followed by a transfer to the Hotel in Playa Blanca
Hotel for 3 nigths in Playa Blanca

Soberania National Park - Playa Bonita

Beach and Jungle Adventure in Panama! . From Panama Airport travel to Soberania National Park (is the most accessible national park from Panama City. Just 45 minutes from the city, on 340 acres overlooking the stunning Panama Canal. It is known for excellent birding and wildlife viewing ); and after that, continue to Playa Bonita (this newest beach idyllic retreat spot with golden sands, emerald ocean and lush, tropical rainforests it is located a short distance from Panama`s capital city). Get back to Panama City to catch your flight back home. Private hotel/hotel/airport transfers connect these destinations. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

Hotel for 3 nights in Soberania National Park
Transfer from Hotel in Soberania National Park to Hotel in Playa Bonita
Hotel for 4 nights at Playa Bonita

Panama City - Soberania National Park

Bustling capital city and the Rainforest in Panama! . Combine a wonderful visits to Panama City (most attractive Capital City and a curious blend of old Spain, modern America and the bazaar atmosphere of the East. The city is a regional hub for trading . It is best known for The Panama Canal and its charming Casco Viejo . This lively Latin American city also borders one of Central America's richest rain forest); and Soberania National Park (is the most accessible national park from Panama City. Just 45 minutes from the city, on 340 acres overlooking the stunning Panama Canal. It is known for excellent birding and wildlife viewing ). These destinations are connected by private airport/hotel/airport transfers. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

Transfer from Hotel in Panama City to Hotel in Soberania National Park
Transfer from Hotel in Soberania Park to Airport in Panama City

Playa Blanca Stay

4 nights itinerary

Sun, Sea and Sand in Panama . Enjoy Playa Blanca (is the destination with the best tropical climate in the country, where to enjoy white-sand beaches with lush vegetation, lovely lakes and deep-blue Pacific Ocean views . A roundtrip airport/hotel/airport transfer connects this destination. This is a flexible package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

Transfer from Airport in Panama City to Hotel in Playa Blanca
Hotel for 4 nights in Playa Blanca

4 nights from

Panama City - Soberania National Park - Playa Bonita

8 nights itinerary

All in Panama: Beach, City and Rainforest! . Start in Panama City (most attractive Capital City and a curious blend of old Spain, modern America and the bazaar atmosphere of the East. The city is a regional hub for trading . It is best known for The Panama Canal and its charming Casco Viejo . This lively Latin American city also borders one of Central America's richest rain forest); after that, with private transfers, visit: Soberania National Park (is the most accessible national park from Panama City. Just 45 minutes from the city, on 340 acres overlooking the stunning Panama Canal. It is known for excellent birding and wildlife viewing ) and after that, Playa Bonita (this newest beach idyllic retreat spot with golden sands, emerald ocean and lush, tropical rainforests it is located a short distance from Panama`s capital city). Private hotel/hotel/airport transfers connect these destinations. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

Transfer from Hotel in Soberania Park to Hotel in Playa Bonita
Hotel for 3 nights in Playa Bonita

8 nights from

Panama City and Bogota by Air

6 nights from $822*

Visit Panama and Colombia , two dynamic countries with fascinating History and Culture. Enjoy Panama City (most attractive Capital City and a curious blend of old Spain, modern America and the bazaar atmosphere of the East. The city is a regional hub for trading . It is best known for The Panama Canal and its charming Casco Viejo . This lively Latin American city also borders one of Central America's richest rain forest); and up next, fly to Bogota (Colombia's capital city, has so much to offer in terms of cuisine, culture, history, sports and art , within its many contrasting neighborhoods, making the perfect jumping-off point to start your Colombia trip. La Candelaria , Bogota's old town, is also an obvious must-wander. It's where the museums, cobblestone streets, and government buildings are located). This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

Flight from Panama City to Bogota
Hotel for 3 nights in Bogota

Playa Bonita Stay

Pretty Beach in Panama! . Have unforgettable moments in Playa Bonita (this newest beach idyllic retreat spot with golden sands, emerald ocean and lush, tropical rainforests it is located a short distance from Panama`s capital city). A roundtrip airport/hotel/airport transfer connects this destination. This is a flexible package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.

Transfer from Airport in Panama City to Hotel in Playa Bonita
Hotel for 4 nights in Playa Bonita

Customer Reviews

224 Reviews

Cities in Panama

Panama City - Canal

Soberania National Park

Chiriqui Highlands

Combine panama with..., about panama, panama faq's.

When you get past the first big thing you think of when you think of Panama, the Panama Canal , Panama is known for its beautiful beaches on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts . They are perfect for a fun-in-the-sun vacation or a dream romantic getaway . There are great opportunities to participate in water sports , from surfing to jet skiing to parasailing . The beach towns and Panama`s cities both sizzle with great nightlife . Apart from the beaches and the cities, Panama is known for its diverse flora and fauna , much of which is found in nationally-protected wetlands and rainforests .

Visitors to Panama usually spend a few days in the glittering capital, Panama City , near the Panama Canal . Also near the Panama Canal, you can find Soberania National Park , a beautiful protected wetland home to unique flora and fauna. Playa Blanca and Playa Bonita are popular beach resorts to the west of the capital and the canal. If you are venturing to the west of the country, you can enjoy snorkeling in the Bocas del Toro Archipelago along the Caribbean coast, or hiking in the volcanic national parks of Boquete - Chiriqui .

You can journey to Panama any month of the year, however, the dry period occurs between mid-December and mid-April which is usually considered the perfect time to visit . Conditions stays a considerable constant high throughout the year, 85 degrees Fahrenheit and over. On the Caribbean coast, there are abbreviated heavy outpours of rain almost daily, while the Pacific coast has a clear-cut wet season from May to November. For more information, see Best Time to Visit Panama .

We recommend approximately 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in Panama City.

We recommend seeing Panama by air and by private transfer . Leave all of your transportation cares to us. If you will be visiting multiple destinations in Panama, you will be getting from point A to point B either by private transfer, in late-model, air-conditioned comfort, or by air, and from the airport you will take a private transfer to your hotel or resort.

The currencies of Panama are the Panamanian balboa (coins only) and the U.S. dollar (bills only). No currency exchange is necessary if you are arriving in Panama with U.S. dollars. For more information, see Tipping in Panama .

Spanish is the official language of Panama. About 1 in 8 people speak English fluently in Panama, with most of these people being in the business and tourism sectors. You will encounter many English speakers in Panama City and all tourist resorts in Panama, and at least a couple of English speakers even in more remote villages. Don`t assume everyone can speak English, however. Be prepared to learn basic Spanish phrases like hello/goodbye, please/thank you, how much is it?, where is the bathroom?, and the numbers from 1-10. To say `Do you speak English`, say `¿Habla ingles?`

Panama City - Playa Blanca (6 nights)

Panama Vacations, customize multi-city vacations to Panama, flexible trips to Panama. Review past Panama itineraries, book Panama vacation packages online. Travel to Panama your way

Includes: Flight into and out of Panama City, Hotel for 3 nights in Panama City, Transfer from Hotel in Panama City to Hotel in Playa Blanca, Hotel for 3 nights in Playa Blanca, Transfer from Hotel in Playa Blanca to the Airport in Panama City

Soberania National Park - Bocas del Toro - Panama City (7 nights)

Panama City and Cartagena by Air (6 nights)

Panama City - Playa Bonita (6 nights)

Panama City - Bocas del Toro (6 nights)

Yes, you can combine with: Colombia

Soberania National Park - Playa Blanca - Panama City (7 nights from $1384)
Panama City Getaway (4 nights from $1430)
Panama City - Boquete - Playa Blanca (7 nights from $1455)
Panama City and Bogota by Air (6 nights from $822)

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Panama All inclusive Vacations

Book an all inclusive hotel + flight or car together to unlock savings.

I only need accommodations for part of my trip

Experience the ultimate all-inclusive getaway in Panama's tropical paradise

Panama, known as the "Crossroads of the Americas," offers a diverse array of geographic landscapes and attractions for all-inclusive vacationers. Explore the bustling streets of Panama City, where you can indulge in shopping, dining, and vibrant nightlife. Embark on tours to witness the breathtaking beauty of Panama's rainforests, mountains, and stunning beaches. Immerse yourself in the country's rich art scene and try your luck at the lively casinos. Don't miss out on the chance to experience Panama's vibrant festivals and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of beachfront cafes. Discover the unique charm and natural wonders that Panama has to offer.

Top All inclusive vacation packages in Panama

Hotel Riu Plaza Panama

Reviewed on Apr 23, 2024

Dreams Playa Bonita Panama - All Inclusive

Reviewed on Apr 20, 2024

The Westin Playa Bonita Panama

Playa Blanca Beach Resort - All Inclusive

Reviewed on Feb 24, 2024

5* All inclusive vacations in Panama

3 night all inclusive vacations in panama, 4 night all inclusive vacations in panama.

Riu Playa Blanca - All Inclusive

Reviewed on Feb 29, 2024

Royal Decameron Panama All Inclusive

Reviewed on Apr 13, 2024

Top reasons for your vacation to Panama

Diverse landscapes : From rainforests to mountains and stunning beaches, Panama offers a diverse array of geographic landscapes for all-inclusive vacationers.
Bustling Panama City : Explore the bustling streets of Panama City, where you can indulge in shopping, dining, and vibrant nightlife.
Rich art scene : Immerse yourself in Panama's rich art scene and discover the unique charm and natural wonders of the country.
Lively festivals : Don't miss out on the chance to experience Panama's vibrant festivals and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of beachfront cafes.
Exciting nightlife : Experience the lively nightlife at bars and casinos, and indulge in delicious cuisine during your all-inclusive vacation in Panama.

Book a Package and Save Money on Your Panama Vacation

A travel package combines flights with hotels or car rental, allowing you to conveniently book everything you need for your Panama all-inclusive vacation in one place. This saves you time and effort, and can even help you save money. Customize your package to suit your preferences and budget with Expedia's price and theme filters.

Booking an all-inclusive vacation package in Panama is the perfect idea for a hassle-free vacation. Explore the vibrant shopping, dining, and art scenes, try your luck at the casinos, and soak up the sun on the beautiful beaches. With everything included, you can relax and enjoy all that Panama has to offer.

How to Save Money on a Vacation to Panama

Book your local transport in advance to take advantage of discounted rates.
Utilize public transportation like buses and trains instead of taxis to save money on getting around Panama.
Explore free or low-cost activities such as visiting local markets, parks, and beaches.
Take advantage of Expedia's OneKey program to earn points and save on future bookings.
Consider booking all-inclusive packages through Expedia, as they often include discounted rates for accommodations, meals, and activities.
Opt for self-guided sightseeing tours or use free audio guides instead of hiring expensive tour guides.
Try local street food and inexpensive restaurants to save on dining expenses.
Research and compare prices for activities and sightseeing options to find the best deals.
Consider visiting Panama during the shoulder seasons (April to May or September to November) for lower prices and fewer crowds.
Take advantage of discounts and promotions offered by Expedia's partners for additional savings.

Where to Stay in Panama

When it comes to an all-inclusive vacation in Panama, there are several exciting areas to explore. Panama City offers shopping, dining, business opportunities, tours, art, casinos, and festivals. For beach lovers, areas like Bocas del Toro and San Blas Islands are popular. Boquete is known for its beautiful landscapes, while Casco Viejo offers a taste of history and culture.

Panama City : Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Panama City with its bustling shopping districts, lively casinos, and trendy cafes. Immerse yourself in the thriving business scene and indulge in delicious dining options. Don't miss the opportunity to admire the stunning skyline, explore modern skyscrapers, and enjoy exciting tours and dancing.
El Valle de Anton : Find tranquility in El Valle de Anton, where you can relax amidst beautiful nature. Visit the zoo, go hiking through scenic trails, and marvel at exquisite flowers. This area offers adventure and romance, with its inviting cafes and the chance to explore stunning beaches and natural parks.
Colon : Explore the charm of Colon, perfect for a shopping getaway. Relax in its secluded ambiance and enjoy family-friendly activities. Take advantage of hunting and fishing opportunities, explore picturesque lakes and wildlife-filled jungles, or simply unwind with swimming in serene surroundings.

Explore the best places to visit in Panama

A vacation in Panama offers a diverse and vibrant atmosphere. From shopping and dining to business and tours, there is something for everyone. Experience the lively nightlife at bars and casinos, explore the local art scene, and indulge in delicious cuisine. Don't miss out on the exciting festivals and the relaxing beaches. Panama also has charming cafes where you can unwind and soak in the local atmosphere. Enjoy an all-inclusive vacation vacation that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Albrook Shopping Mall : This shopping center in Panama City offers a unique experience with its diverse range of shopping options, dining establishments, and stunning views of the city's skyline and the sea. Visitors can also enjoy activities such as boating and exploring the nearby urban and cultural attractions, including churches and the jungle.
Playa Blanca : Located in Rio Hato, this beach destination provides a unique experience with its romantic and family-friendly ambiance. Visitors can enjoy sunny weather, relax on the beach, and partake in various entertainment and sports activities. Additionally, Playa Blanca offers opportunities for recreation, including golf and business-related events.
Cinta Costera : As an urban park in Panama City, Cinta Costera offers a unique experience with its breathtaking views of the sea, boating opportunities, and a touch of tropical jungle. Visitors can engage in activities such as horseback riding, kayaking, fishing, birdwatching, and hiking, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Best months to visit Panama

Panama boasts a year-around average temperature of 81.1°F, peaking at 82.4°F in April, its warmest month, and dipping to an average low of 79.9°F in October, the coolest. Rainfall averages at 158.2mm annually, with October seeing the heaviest showers and February being the driest month.

All-inclusive Panama vacations: everything you need to know

Can i book a panama vacation with airfare and meals.

On an all-inclusive vacation, your mind and body can wander far from your wallet. Pay one simple price when you bundle your accommodation and airfare, and you avoid all those yucky bills after conversation-starting cocktails or decadent dinners.

How can I find Panama all-inclusive vacations that are adults only?

All the best all-inclusive, all-adult vacations are a click of a filter or two away. Choose from great grown-up features. Say, a spa for a couple’s massage, a hot tub to soak away the stresses of the day, or a swim-up bar to get the party started.

How much is an all-inclusive trip to Panama?

Affordable all-inclusive is yours, whatever your budget. Packages start tempting you from just $636. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

How can I book cheap all-inclusive trips to Panama?

Whenever you book your travel, sorting by price and filtering by budget shows you what’s out there in your price range.

What are the benefits of all-inclusive Panama vacations with airfare?

Create your dream getaway by bundling your flight and hotel and you get delightful deals and discounts. Add your car rental, too, and you save on all three.

What should I think about when I book an all-inclusive Panama family vacation package?

With little tummies taken care of, you just need to put smiles on their faces. Easy! Book an all-inclusive vacation with a full-on water park or epic pools—or book your stay near the world’s biggest theme parks and attractions.

Why should I book an all-inclusive honeymoon package in Panama?

You can start your married life how you mean to go on with an all-inclusive honeymoon package. Eat and drink to your heart’s content, waltz around in happy harmony, and have your fill of delights. Together, you can book up adventure excursions and return to a pool-side cabana for cocktails at sunset.

Can I book an all-inclusive Panama package with free cancellation and/or flexible dates?

When you’re searching for your all-inclusive getaway, filter your results by payment option to find free cancellation and buy now, pay later options. That way, you can rebook without worry, should your plans change.

Why should I book an all-inclusive Panama package vacation with Expedia?

Book amazing all-inclusive adventures, all in one place. Choose from a vast inventory of deals, adding every little extra to build your brilliant break in minutes.

Top All inclusive Panama Hotels

Gran Evenia Bijao & Convention Center - All Inclusive

2 hours drive from Albrook Shopping Mall

Reviewed on Mar 31, 2024

13 min drive from Albrook Shopping Mall

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More Vacation Ideas

Panama Tropical Adventure 8 Day Tour from USD $995 #1 In Value

Dear Traveler, Welcome to a great vacation at an affordable price. Your Panama tour is fully guided and includes most meals, all hotels, and all activities. Happy Travels! Caravan

2024 Daily Tour Itinerary

Day 1 • panama city, panama, day 2 • old panama, miraflores locks, day 3 • embera village, fort san lorenzo, day 4 • bird watching cruise, sloth rescue center, day 5 • panama canal boat ride, day 6 • playa bonita, day 7 • handicrafts, day 8 • panama city, 2024 hotels, days 1, 2 • panama city, westin panama, days 3, 4 • gamboa, gamboa rainforest resort, days 5, 6 • playa bonita, westin playa bonita resort, day 7 • panama city, intercontinental miramar panama, airport transfers, arrival transfers, departure transfers, passports & visas, weather & clothing, temperature °f (high/low) rainfall (inches), clothing tips, travel tips & faqs, my tour price includes, preparing for the tropics, are meals included, children on tour, family trips, my tour price does not include, age of travelers on a caravan tour, forms of payment, many tours sell out each year, fully guided tours since 1952, size of tour group, a well-paced itinerary, caravan’s $129 travel protection, customer reviews.

"Amazing. This was our first trip with Caravan and we will be taking another adventure with you. Couldn’t ask for better accommodations, the hotels were all topnotch. Enjoyed all the meals, something for everyone. Friends told us about Caravan and they were 100% right. We will be telling all my other friends about Caravan Panama." Mr. & Mrs. G.S., Ormond Beach, Florida

"This was our third Caravan tour and once again, it was wonderful. The detailed schedules and activities allow us to enjoy the tour with no concerns about logistics. Wonderful job of providing background and history. Every meal offered tremendous variety and diverse regional cuisine of Panama. Thanks to our Director and the many people helping with the tour, we learned a lot, experienced wonderful opportunities, and enjoyed local culture." Mr. & Mrs. M.L., Brussels, Wisconsin

"Panama is a spectacular place. The hotels were beautiful, the last one being the best I’ve ever stayed in. The food and drink was great. We had such an informed director, he knew history and current affairs. Very helpful and always there if needed. This was a wonderful tour that I will remember." Ms. M.N., Buffalo, New York

"Panama: a WONDER of the world! A fantastic week - expertly planned and executed! From history, observation and riding through the canal, with additional side events...awesome!! A most memorable experience." Ms. P.M., Winnetka, Illinois

"This was my fifth tour with Caravan. They have all provided wonderful opportunities to see spectacular scenery, enjoy the cuisine, and interact with local culture. The guides are professional, personable, competent and enhance the tours. Our canal transit was great." Mr. J.D., Upton, Massachusetts

"I selected this trip as an alternative to taking a cruise which visited the canal. What’s not to like about this trip? It totally went beyond my expectations. It provided so much more than the cruise we were considering. I am glad I found Caravan to give you a try. Our party of four would at dinner each night, review and evaluate the day, giving each other a high point or low point of the day. This was the first time trying to come up with a low was extremely difficult. Caravan has got traveling down to an artform." Mr. & Mrs. D.G., Rockville, Maryland

"We have fallen in love with guided tours. We don’t know how Caravan does it. We wanted to see the Panama Canal and we got to see every angle. Everything planned perfectly. The entertainment at night was very interesting, showing pride in the Panama culture. There is not enough space about our amazing tour director. His heart and soul was into the tour and travelers, his experience shows. Not only did we learn from the trip, we learned from fellow travelers. They became our family for a week." Mr. & Mrs. D.M., Tampico, Illinois

Why Travel with Caravan?

Excellence since 1952, caravan care, caravan's proud history, great hotels, complete sightseeing, fully guided by tour directors, all-inclusive, shopping freedom, great value, book early, how does caravan tours sell these tours for such a low cost, trade association memberships.

Customized Vacations to Panama

Panama vacations, your dream vacation is our mission.

Welcome to Panama Vacations – your experts in Panama who take pride in building the vacation of your dreams. We’re not interested in selling a generic package – we want to handcraft the trip you want with the care and attention you deserve. Whether it’s your first time here in Panama or you’re a returning visitor, we understand that you have your own expectations from your trip to this beautiful and diverse country and we’re here to make that happen.

With over a decade in business, we know our stuff!

Highlights of Panama 7 nights

Top 3 destinations in Panama to get the full flavor of this vibrant, exciting country

All-Inclusive Family Getaway 6 nights

Keep things simple with this all-inclusive, Panama beach vacation.

Canal to Coast 5 nights

Explore diverse offering of Panama City's rich architecture, and head out to beachfront resort...

Panama Classic Family Trip 7 nights

Family friendly exploration of the highlands of Boquete, beaches of Bocas, and the historic...

Island Hopping 7 nights

Island hop Panama in this unique adventure that will take you to the wonderful islands in each...

Perfect Honeymoon 7 nights

Relax with your loved one as you explore Panama from remote beaches to the classic old town

Why Plan Your Vacation with Us?

Central American-based agency check
Firsthand knowledge of each area and partner check
24/7 In-country service check
100% Satisfaction Guarantee check

We Work with You 100% of the Way

We will arrange a convenient time to talk to you directly about your wishes and then hand-pick the best selection of destinations, hotels, tours, and transport based on our years of experience. Our Travel Consultants live, work, and play in Central America and have visited the hotels and taken part in the excursions we offer. The result? A perfectly customized vacation for you built around your desires .

Leave the Hard Work to Us

Once we have the perfect itinerary designed around your wishes, we’ll get to work creating your seamless, worry-free vacation . We manage all the reservations and payments to every hotel and tour provider on your behalf and, before arrival, we’ll email over all the details including photos and useful info so you can start to get into holiday mode!

The Vacation You Deserve!

Our care and attention to you and your trip doesn’t end with the planning – we’re with you every step of the way! From the moment you arrive, our expert, bilingual travel guides will ensure you feel safe, comfortable, and supported . If you decide you want to tweak your trip, you need advice or a recommendation, your Travel Consultant is on hand to help 24/7. Trust us with the vacation of your dreams!

Guaranteed Satisfaction

We understand that your holiday time is precious and we want to make the whole experience easy and enjoyable. We’re so convinced that we can build you the perfect holiday, we guarantee it ! Our commitment is to personalize, build, and deliver the vacation of a lifetime!

Put yourself in our hands and discover the magic of Panama from your experts on the ground.

... Every detail was perfect, all hotels and activities as described, and every transfer driver on time, English speaking, and friendly. Highly recommended for a worry free and personalized vacation. April 3rd, 2018

The 8 best places to visit in Panama

Dec 1, 2023 • 6 min read

Experience the best of Panama with our guide to the top places to visit © Matthew Micah Wright / Getty Images

There’s so much more to Panama than its world-famous waterway.

Yes, its canal is a whopper – and something you won't want to miss – but this Central American country offers lots more besides. With myriad islands , wildlife-rich tropical forests and miles of pristine coastline on two oceans, it'll keep you under its spell for weeks.

Squeezed between Costa Rica and Colombia, this narrow land bridge and biological corridor may be compact, but it packs a lot in.

From a cosmopolitan capital filled with state-of-the-art skyscrapers to the splendid isolation of the Guna Yala Archipelago , there’s a good chance you’ll want to extend your trip here. Especially once you hear about its adrenaline-fueled adventures in the highlands around Boquete and the island hopping opportunities in Bocas del Toro .

These are the best places to visit in Panama.

A woman walks along a street in front of a building in an old city

1. Panama City

Central America’s most stylish capital is a tale of three cities. Downtown is a skyscraper-packed hub of international finance, glitzy shopping malls and upscale restaurants. Across the bay, tombstone-like ruins are all that’s left of the original city, Panama Viejo , which was sacked by pirates in 1671.

Next comes Casco Viejo , which, after an ambitious restoration, has become the city’s hippest neighborhood. Boutique spots like the American Trade Hotel and stylish rooftop restaurants and bars such as Casa Casco fill the pastel-colored colonial mansions that line its cobblestone streets.

Planning tip: To escape the urban jungle, hike the trails of the Parque Natural Metropolitano , or cycle along the scenic Amador Causeway, where the striking Frank Gehry-designed BioMuseo celebrates the natural and cultural history of the isthmus.

2. Panama Canal

The world’s most famous shortcut, the Panama Canal – dubbed “the big ditch” – has been a vital trade route between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans since it opened in 1914. An awe-inspiring feat of engineering, this artificial marvel operates around the clock and moves more than half a billion tons of goods a year.

Planning tip: The easiest place to watch the canal’s mechanics in action is from the viewing platforms at the four-story Miraflores Visitor Center – try to time your visit with the arrival of a mega-ship, and don’t miss the 3D movie. You can get even closer to the locks on a partial (six to seven hours) or full (10 to 12 hours) canal transit with Ancon Expeditions .

A solo figure stands at the top of a volcano as the sun rises

Adrenaline junkies should head to the highland town of Boquete , where adventurers have their pick of rappelling, rock climbing and rafting. From the foothills of Volcán Barú, you can hike up to the summit for a show-stopping sunrise, or whizz above the slopes on a zip line.

Hiking along its misty cloud forest trails in search of hidden waterfalls and elusive quetzals, shrouded in greenery and serenaded by birdsong, is a must.

After sweltering in Panama City, Boquete is – quite literally – a breath of fresh air, where shade-grown coffee plantations stretch to the horizon in an undulating patchwork of greens. Sample Panama Geisha, one of the world’s most expensive cups of joe, then feast on farm-to-table fusion fare at Italian-run Retrogusto .

4. Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro have something for everyone. Simultaneously a backpacker party hub, couples’ chilled-out Caribbean paradise, and expat enclave, the three main islands and scores of uninhabited islets also boast some of Panama's finest beaches .

Bocas Town on Isla Colón is party central. Everything from hostels to handicraft stores is housed in brightly painted, charming clapboard buildings.

Go starfish spotting at Playa Estrella, where the calm waters are perfect for snorkeling. Then kick back over killer cocktails and just-caught fish at over-the-water El Último Refugio .

Planning tip: For jungle-backed beaches, coral-fringed cays and magical surf breaks at Wizard Beach , island hop to Isla Bastimentos . Home to a namesake marine park , this important conservation area contains mangroves, monkeys, crocodiles and caimans, among other wild things, with superb snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities to match.

Woman sat on the edge of a boat looking towards an idyllic island

5. Comarca de Guna Yala (San Blas Islands)

Indulge your inner Robinson Crusoe on this string of jewel-like tropical islands off Panama’s Caribbean coast – all swaying palms, icing-sugar-soft white sand and azure water.

The San Blas archipelago has an island for every day of the year (plus a few to spare). This semi-autonomous region is home to the Indigenous Guna people, who fiercely protect their culture and customs – including molas , the hand-embroidered textiles designed and sewn by Guna women.

With their no-frills cane-and-palm-thatch cabañas, the island lodges are all owned and run by families from the more densely populated village-islands, such as Playón Chico.

Planning tip: The San Blas Islands offer the chance to disconnect from the world – we're talking no internet, no TVs and no telephones – so be prepared to take a step away from your tech for the duration of your visit. Instead, idle your time away, sunning, swimming, snorkeling and stargazing.

6. Santa Catalina

A fishing village turned surfer haunt, Santa Catalina in the Gulf of Chiriquí has some of the best year-round breaks in Central America – no wetsuit required.

Laid-back fishers sell the day's catch from the shade of a mango tree: expect sushi with a tropical twist. And if you aren’t there to surf, this is the jumping-off point for Parque Nacional Coiba .

Planning tip: Visit this former penal colony, dubbed "Panama’s Galápagos", at the right time of year and you can swim alongside the gentle giants of the sea: whale sharks (December to April) and humpback whales (August to November), along with whitetip reef sharks, rays, hawksbill turtles and shoals of technicolor fish. To access the park, you’ll need to book a tour in town.

Old Spanish cannon at the fortress ruin of Santiago with a view over the Caribbean Sea in Portobelo near Colon, Panama, Central America.

7. Portobelo

Strolling around the unhurried streets of Portobelo , it’s hard to believe this was once one of the most important ports in the Caribbean, where treasure plundered from the Incas was shipped back to Spain.

The ruins of often-sacked fortresses remain, with Fuerte San Jerónimo the most popular. The stone Customs House , once piled high with Peruvian gold, stands out among the clapboard houses.

Portobelo’s African roots stretch to the Congo and spaces like Casa de la Cultura Congo help keep traditional art and music alive.

Planning tip: Visit during the two spirited (and spiritual) festivals that celebrate the vibrant local culture: the colorful and rhythmic biannual Festival de Diablos y Congos ; and October’s Festival del Cristo Negro, when the Black Christ – a life-size wooden statue steeped in myth and legend – is removed from Iglesia San Felipe and paraded around town.

8. Península de Azuero

Farming, folklore and fiestas are the lifeblood of the Azuero Peninsula , the country’s cultural heartland, bordered by the Gulf of Chiriquí to the west and the Gulf of Panamá to the east.

Las Tablas puts on the country’s largest and loudest Carnaval celebration: expect flamboyant costumes, exuberant music and energetic dancing.

Further south, the streets of Pedasí are lined with well-preserved colonial buildings. Playa Venao, a golden sweep of sand with world-class surf, is another 34km (21 miles) south.

And for wildlife spotting, the reserves of Isla Iguana and Isla Cañas – one of the few places on the planet where olive ridley sea turtles go to nest in large numbers – are just short boat hops away.

This article was first published April 2022 and updated December 2023

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Panama Travel Tips

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

tropical palm trees and beaches in Panama

Its importance in global trade has helped the country proper (it’s one of the most developed in the region). And in recent years, Panama has also become a major tourist destination as flights from the US have become increasingly affordable and more Americans begin to retire here.

Most travelers visit Panama either at the end or the beginning of their journey through Central America here and stick to the well-worn tourist trail of Bocas del Toro, Boquete , the San Blas islands, and Panama City but, if you head to some of the lesser-known destinations, you’ll be rewarded with better food, amazing scenery free of tourists, and lower prices.

Panama is a beautiful country with an up and coming food scene (finally because, honestly, the food here is a bit bland) that I would say you need longer than you think to explore!

This travel guide to Panama can help you plan the perfect trip there without breaking the bank.

Things to See and Do
Typical Costs
Suggested Budget
Money-Saving Tips
Where to Stay
How to Get Around
How to Stay Safe
Best Places to Book Your Trip
Related Blogs on Panama

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in panama.

traffic and city skyline views in Panama City

1. See the Panama Canal

Opened in 1914, the Panama Canal is one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World and sees around 13,000-14,000 ships cross between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean each year. The Canal is 80 kilometers (50 miles) long and raises ships an impressive 27 meters (85 feet) using a complex lock system. It took a decade to create, relying on the labor of over 40,000 people — and over 5,000 of them died in the process. The Miraflores Locks are the easiest to reach from Panama City. Admission is $20 USD, and this includes the exhibitions at the visitor center as well as seeing the ships pass through from the observation deck.

2. Hang out in Bocas del Toro

Bocas is Panama’s most popular backpacker destination, combining a laid-back Caribbean attitude with the pristine natural setting of jungles, forests, and mangroves. Surfing is extremely popular here and there are always water taxis to take you to secluded coves, beaches, and the best snorkeling spots. This area is made up of three main islands: Isla Colon, Isla Bastimentos, and Isla Carenero. Bastimentos is calm and there are fewer people here so it’s a nice place to chill out away from it all. This area is also home to the Ngäbe and Naso Tjerdi indigenous cultures.

3. Relax in Boquete

Boquete is a laid-back village located in the mountainous region of the Chiriquí Highlands. There are several coffee plantations nearby, the ‘Mi Jardin es Su Jardin’ private garden, and several hiking trails of varying difficulty should you need to stretch your legs. This is a wonderful place to hike, bird watch, try some of the delicious regional coffee, and enjoy nature. One of the highlights here is the Volcán Barú volcano, where you can hike or take a 4X4 jeep tour up to the summit to catch the sunrise. The views are truly spectacular and you can enjoy panoramas of both the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts at the same time.

4. Sail the San Blas islands

This collection of 378 islands is a popular spot for sailing and boat tours (there are lots of resorts here too). These mostly uninhabited islands are under control of the Guna indigenous people and are still very rustic (no Wi-Fi, limited electricity), allowing them to maintain their raw beauty for ecotourism. The lodging there is made up of simple huts, hammocks, and tents. You can also opt to do a sailing tour around the area and stay on a boat. Most 3-day/2-night sailing tours cost around $285 USD, including food, while a 4-day sailing trip costs $559 USD. You can also visit on a day trip if you’re short on time

5. Tour a coffee plantation

Other things to see and do in panama, 1. check out the ruins of panama viejo.

Founded in 1519 by Spanish conquistador Pedro Arias de Ávila, Panama Viejo (“Old Panama”) was once the country’s capital. It was one of the Pacific coast’s busiest Spanish trading towns until it was destroyed by Captain Henry Morgan in 1671. The remaining ruins are spread out over 57 acres and include the original cathedral (you can climb the bell tower for an amazing panoramic view), a hospital, and churches and convents. Because of it is historic significance, in 1997 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with Panama City’s historic Casco Viejo neighborhood. Admission is $15 USD for adults and $2 USD for kids. It’s only a 10-minute drive or 30-minute bus ride from Panama City.

2. Bike along Amador Causeway in Panama City

This 6-kilometer (4-mile) causeway is made from the excavated rocks of the Panama Canal and links Panama City with three islands: Flamenco, Naos, and Perico. It’s an easy ride and you’ll have a view across the canal on one side and the city skyline on the other. There are plenty of restaurants to stop at along the way too. You can rent bikes on the causeway; expect to pay $10-20 USD for a rental.

3. Take the Panama Canal Railway

The Panama Canal Railway connects Panama City with Colón and runs from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean with this scenic 76-kilometer (47-mile) route. The train is an old-fashioned locomotive complete with an observation car that offers views of the canal, Gutan Lake, and the passing rainforests. The three-hour round-trip journey costs $50 USD ($30 USD for children aged 2-12).

4. Visit Portobelo

Christopher Columbus named this settlement Puerto Bello or “Beautiful Harbor” when he arrived there in 1502. Over time, it was shortened to Portobelo . The settlement became an important town at the northern end of the Gold Road, and its 18th-century fortifications were built by the Spanish to protect their gold from pirates. You can still see the original canon battery and the crumbling ruins of the fort. Portobelo is also a good launching point for sailing trips to San Blas. The cuisine in Portobelo has a lot of African influences as well, including curries, coconut, seafood, and fragrant spices (head to Casa Congo for an authentic taste of Congolese food).

5. Hit the beach in Pedasi

Located on the Pacific side, this town is located five hours from Panama City and is known for its surfing. Though it has become a haven for expats in recent years, it’s still not really “on” the tourist trail. Not a lot of people go here and you’ll have the beaches mostly to yourself. The water is warm and you can find surf lessons at Shokogi Surf School starting from about $40 USD for one hour for a private lesson and $30 for a group class in Playa Venao. This is also a prime spot to see humpback whales from May-November.

6. Hike in the rainforest parks

Parque Metropolitano is a rainforest in the center of the city, a short 15-minute walk from the Albrook Shopping Center. Admission is only $4 USD and, if you hike up to the top of Cedar Hill, you’ll have fantastic views over the city. Keep an eye out for sloths, toucans, hummingbirds, pacas, monkeys, and anteaters. Parque Soberania (admission $5 USD) stretches along the shores of the Panama Canal and is the most easily accessible rainforest from Panama City. This park is a bird watchers’ paradise, with over 500 different species. The ride from Panama City takes 25 mins. Parque Chagres (also $5 USD) is a bit further away (it’s about 65 kilometers/40 miles north of Panama City) but worth the trip for the variety of wildlife: 114 mammal species (including big cats), 96 species of reptiles and 396 species of birds!

7. Spot wildlife at Volcan Baru

Volcan Baru is the only volcano in Panama, and, at 11,500 feet, also the highest point in the country. The lower slopes are home to dozens of coffee plantations, while the higher ground is part of the Volcan Baru National Park. Bring your camera as the rainforest here is a good place to spot the colorful Resplendent Quetzal, which is considered one of the most beautiful birds in the world for its bright coloring. Expect to pay around $75-85 USD for a guided hike. For $120-150 USD, you can take a bumpy 4×4 ride up to the summit at the crack of dawn to see the sunrise. You can also hike the volcano independently.

8. Surf in Santa Catalina

Santa Catalina, located on Panama’s Pacific Coast, a six-hour drive west of Panama City, is a hotspot with the surfing community. Only 300 people live in this town on the Pacific coast, so don’t come here expecting fancy resorts or high-end dining. This is the place to be if you want to catch some fantastic waves and relax on some sandy beaches. If you want to learn how to surf, check out the surf camps where you can pay $225 for two-day camps and that includes accommodation, food, surfboard rentals, and lessons. For private lessons, expect to pay around $40 USD for a two-hour class.

9. Canoe to Embera Indian Village

To get to this village, which is located inside Chagres National Park, you’ll need to paddle up the Chagres river in a dugout canoe and then walk through a rainforest, giving you the chance to really immerse yourself in the surrounding nature. When you finally meet the Embera tribe you’ll be offered traditional food, music, and dancing followed by the chance to buy the tribe’s handicrafts or go for a swim under a waterfall. Day tours from Panama City cost between $85-175 USD per person, depending on how many people are going.

10. Explore Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo (“Old Quarter”) is the historic district of Panama City and the oldest city in all of the Americas. These days, the city’s red-bricked streets are lined with restaurants, cafes and bars, though the Spanish-colonial style architecture makes Casco Viejo feel worlds apart from the glitzy skyscrapers of the newer parts of Panama City. There’s a coastal fortification walk, churches, and cute little squares to admire. It’s a popular place to stay and eat in and watch the sunset from one of the many rooftop bars. Head to Mercado de Mariscos (the fish market) for a $3 USD cup of ceviche (a dish of diced fish that has been cured in lemon juice, with onions, peppers, and spices).

For more information on specific cities in Panama, check out these guides:

Boquete Travel Guide
Panama City Travel Guide

Panama Travel Costs

Note: Panama uses both the Panamanian Balboa (PAB) and US Dollars. Even though the PAB still exists, US Dollars predominate in day-to-day use (you’d be hard pressed to even find Balboas when visiting Panama).

Also, be advised that ATMs can be found in all larger towns and in touristy areas like Bocas del Toro, but if you’re planning to venture off the beaten path, check beforehand if there’s an ATM, or take out enough cash in advance. The San Blas Islands, for example, do not have any ATMs. Be aware that in most of Panama outside the capital, cash is king, and credit cards aren’t accepted in a lot of places.

Accommodation – Accommodation is cheap in Panama with a night in a hostel dorm costing $12-30 USD for a 6-8-bed dorm. A 10-bed dorm is usually around $10 USD. Private rooms range from $25-45 USD per night. All hostels offer free Wi-Fi and some include free breakfast.

Prices don’t really fluctuate much in the off-season – you might end up paying $1-2 USD less per night, but it isn’t significant.

Camping is available around the country at $5-10 USD per night for a basic plot for a tent without electricity.

Budget two-star hotels start around $30 USD per night. For a 3-star hotel or higher, expect to pay at least $65-80 USD per night. In the off-season, prices drop $5-10 USD per night.

Airbnb is available around the country, with an entire home or apartment starting at $50 USD per night (but average double that price or more). Private rooms start at $20 USD per night but usually average triple that price. Book in advance for the best deals.

Food – Panamanian cuisine features rice, black beans, yuca (a starchy vegetable similar to the potato), plantains, beef, chicken, and seafood. Common dishes include empanadas, chicken and rice, fried fish, and ceviche (a raw fish dish with lemon).

Local food-stall meals cost around $3-5 USD and get you chicken, rice, and beans. In a specialty coffee shop, you’ll pay between $3.50-5 USD for a coffee in Panama City, and between $2-4 USD in Boquete. Fish markets anywhere in the country usually have freshly-caught lunches for around $6 USD.

Breakfast is around $5 USD in a sit-down restaurant while a sandwich in a restaurant with table service averages $6-9 USD. Restaurants with table service generally cost around $10 per meal but remember to avoid restaurants with English menus as they’re usually more expensive.

For a nice meal with wine, expect to pay around $40 USD for 2-3 courses. A pint of domestic beer at a bar costs around $2.50 USD.

If you want to cook for yourself, expect to pay between $35-50 USD for a week’s worth of groceries including staples like fruit, veggies, rice, beans, and some meat.

Backpacking Panama Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking around Panama City, expect to spend about $45 USD per day. This includes staying in a hostel dorm, limiting your drinking, cooking your meals, using public transportation to get around, and doing mostly free and cheap activities like hiking and wandering the Old Town.

On a mid-range budget of around $150 USD per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb, enjoy a few drinks, eat out for a few meals, take the occasional taxi, and do some paid activities like visiting the canal.

On a “luxury” budget of $220 USD per day or more, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, take more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in USD.

Panama Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Panama isn’t hugely expensive but it is more expensive than other countries in the region so you’ll have to work a little to save money here. Here are some of the best ways to save money in Panama:

Travel off-season – Traveling is cheaper during the rainy season, between April and November. Most tourists visit Panama between December and April – that’s when hotel prices go up, especially in popular destinations like Bocas del Toro.
Eat at the local food stands – Meals at local food stalls cost between $4-5 USD. You’ll get rice, chicken, beans, and a drink. I didn’t love the food in Panama (it’s quite greasy) but at those prices, it made eating very cheap.
Avoid taxis – I found taxis here to be a complete rip-off. As my friend JP says, “You get Gringoed.” They were also far more unwilling to negotiate. I’d try to avoid them if possible.
Refill your water – In most of the country, you can drink the tap water. There’s no need to always buy new water bottles so save yourself a few dollars a day and fill up from the tap. The only places you can’t drink from the tap are the islands (including Bocas del Toro). To ensure your water is safe, use a LifeStraw water filter .
Stick to beer – Beer is much cheaper than cocktails so stick to beer if you go out drinking. It’s much cheaper!
Carry small change – Most taxis and small shops won’t accept larger bills for small purchases so make sure you carry change.
Embrace the bus! – Long-distance buses in Panama are a few steps above the infamous “chicken buses” so often found here in Central and South America. While a far cry from luxurious, they are good enough for long-distance journeys if you’re on a budget (there are still plenty of chicken buses though if you want to give them a try!).
Stay with a local – There are tons of hosts (and lots of community events) in the larger cities of Panama, making this a great country to Couchsurf in. Pick up some tips and save some money by staying with a local!
Barter hard – If you’re hopping ferries around Bocas del Toro make sure you barter hard. Much like the taxis in the city, you’ll likely be charged more than the locals so barter hard and make sure you know what you should be paying.

Where to Stay in Panama

Panama has plenty of fun and social hostels to stay at. Here are some of my suggested places to stay:

Hostal Casa Areka (Panama City)
Magnolia Inn Casco Viejo (Panama City)
El Machio (Panama City)
Bambuda Castle (Boquete)
Spanish By the River (Boquete)
Bambuda Lodge (Bocas del Toro)

How to Get Around Panama

A boat along the beautiful shores of the San Blas Islands in Panama

Long-distance buses are usually modern and air-conditioned, and night buses exist for longer journeys (like Panama City to Bocas del Toro). There is no online ticket booking system in Panama, you just show up at the bus station and buy your ticket at the counter.

For most routes, you can buy same-day tickets, but for night buses and longer journeys, it is recommended to buy your ticket a day in advance. Expect very basic buses in the smaller towns around the country – you’ll be riding Diablos Rojos (“Red Devils”): old repurposed American school buses that are colorfully painted.

There are two companies that offer services from Panama City all the way to Costa Rica: Expreso Panama and Tica Bus. Their ticket offices are inside the main bus station in Panama City which is inside the Albrook Mall.

Train – Train travel doesn’t exist in Panama. The Panama Canal Railway operates one train between Ciudad Panama and Colon on weekdays and that’s it.

Flying – Air travel is possible within Panama but is not recommended. The most common domestic connection is between Panama City and Bocas del Toro. The 1-hr flight is between $130-$145 USD. You can also fly from Panama City to David (near Boquete), Pedasi, Chitre, the San Blas Islands and the Pearl Islands. The 1-hr flight from Panama City to David costs $134 USD, vs. a 6-hr bus ride for only $9 USD.

If you’re on a budget, I wouldn’t recommend flying.

Car Rental – It is safe to drive in Panama, but be aware that rental agencies are scarce outside Panama City. Rentals cost around $15-20 USD per day. Websites like Expedia often advertise car rentals from $1 USD per day, but be aware that rental agencies charge additional fees and insurance. Most rental agencies require drivers to be at least 25, though some will accept drivers at 21 if they have a credit card.

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Panama

Panama has a short dry season between December and April, which is when you’ll get to enjoy clear blue skies. That said, Panama is less than 9 degrees north of the equator, which means temperatures are consistent year-round. The lowland regions are always hot and humid, but the highlands (Boquete, El Valle, Cerro Punta) can give you a bit of retreat from the heat – at least at night when it is a little cooler there.

Daytime temperatures in Panama average 30-33°C (86-91°F), and nighttime temperatures are around 21-23°C (69-73°F).

The rainy season lasts from May to December, but keep in mind that it usually only rains from late afternoon into the night. That means mornings and early afternoons can still be enjoyed. The rainiest month is November. If you visit during the rainy season, pack a rain jacket and avoid the highlands.

You never really have to avoid peak-season crowds in Panama; it’s never very crowded here, aside from certain areas (like Panama City) where cruise ships dock and crowds flood the streets for a few hours each day.

How to Stay Safe in Panama

Like neighboring Costa Rica, Panama is one of the safest countries for traveling and backpacking in Central America . That said, you’ll still want to be vigilant for petty crime.

Petty theft (including bag snatching) is one of the most common types of crime in Central America and it happens a lot in parts of Panama City as well as Colon. Always be vigilant and make sure your bag is properly worn and never left unattended.

The only city in Panama that is considered dangerous is Colon. Colon has the highest homicide rate of any municipality in Panama and you don’t want to wander after dark. Panama City, Herrera, and Chiriqui also have higher petty crime rates than elsewhere in the country so keep your valuables secure and do your best to fit in.

Some neighborhoods in Panama City can be a bit sketchy, including Curundu, El Chorrillo (which surrounds the neighborhood of Casco Viejo) and El Marañón. Avoid these areas after dark and don’t flash valuables like your phone or expensive jewelry.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, However, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

The Darien Gap, the border region between Panama and Colombia, is considered extremely dangerous due to Colombian rebel groups and drug traffickers who operate there, but it isn’t really on travelers’ itineraries so it’s unlikely you’ll be anywhere near that but, if you are, keep a watchful eye out.

Don’t carry more cash on you than you’re planning to spend, and leave your passport and credit cards in your hotel room/hostel. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

Keep an eye out for common scams against tourists , such as fake ATMs, taxis that don’t use a meter, and questionable tour operators.

If you experience an emergency, dial 911.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Panama Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Panama Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Central America and continue planning your trip:

Do You Need Travel Insurance for Costa Rica?

The Best Tour Companies in Costa Rica

The 6 Best Hostels in Panama City, Panama

Is Belize Safe to Visit?

Is Central America Safe to Visit?

How to Get Around Central America on a Budget

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A land radiating with life, perfectly imperfect, and full of authenticity. Where Northern and Southern worlds connect, old and new worlds coexist, and cosmopolitan landscapes live in harmony with wild, untamed rainforests.

A country for those who seek beyond expectations, that dares you to see more. Taste more. Connect more. Feel more. A place for those who long more stimulation, connection and transformation. Panamá is not the destination, but the journey to discover more of what truly matters.

Make more lasting memories through an explosion of inspiration and purpose. And let the spirit of Panamá unlock a sense of belonging.

Panamá. Live for More.

Panamá's unique location provides the experience of a lifetime. We are gifted with having a wide range of rainforests, a desert, and breathtaking beaches on both coastlines, the Caribbean and the Pacific, all within driving distance of a cosmopolitan city. Ready to start exploring?

March to October

Best swell for surfing, june 3rd to 18th, corpus christi festival, june to november, best time for river rafting, march to august, tuna fishing season, birdwatching, hiking & waterfalls, visit indigenous communities, places to visit, panama city.

Panama City is much more than the country's capital. Here you can pedal in front of a skyline with some of the tallest skyscrapers in Latin America, enjoy the Pacific breeze as you ride along the Bay of Panama, walk among archaeological sites and trails, and see how colonial history and the night come alive in the same place. Panama City is a high-contrast destination where greenery, indigenous peoples and vibrant city life are waiting for you.

Bocas Del Toro

Bocas del Toro is one of the favorite destinations among Panamanians and visitors. Just a 45-minute flight from Panama City brings you to the north-westernmost province of the country. Immerse yourself in its cultures, cross forest-covered mountains, sail through mangroves, swim among reefs, surf the perfect wave and discover the good vibes of Bocas.

Boquete is a colorful, wooded valley surrounded by the mountains of Chiriquí, in northwestern Panamá. The valley of dreams? Maybe so. This is a recurring destination for those who dream of trails with waterfalls and exotic animals, climbing natural rock formations, tasting the best coffee and enjoying excellent seasonal meals. Discover this unique place where peace and adrenaline converge.

Tierras Altas

The Tierras Altas region is a quite different place from the rest of Panamá. It is a mountainous district located in the extreme west of the country, in the province of Chiriquí. Take in its peaks, forests, rivers, and set out on an adventure among agriculture and culinary activities it has in store for you. Can you fathom how it feels to see both oceans at the same time? Well, in Tierras Altas, you can!

Riviera Pacifica

The Riviera Pacifica extends along the Pan-American Highway, a 25 mile (40 km) stretch of road dotted with beaches and mountains. On your way out of Panama City, just 50 miles (80 km), on your left, you’ll see a number of beaches where you can enjoy the best plans in the Pacific. And on your right, mountainous areas await that are brimming with trails, waterfalls and adventures in a cooler climate. Which one sounds best to you?

Pedasí & Tonosí

The province of Los Santos, located in the south of Panamá, is the cradle of folklore. At the end, towards the Pacific, there are two unique points: Pedasi and Tonosi. Here you will enjoy natural beauties such as the migration of humpback whales from July to October. You can also visit Isla Iguana to dive over the oldest and largest coral reef in the Gulf of Panama and see many of the birds and iguanas that live there.

Pacific Coast of Veraguas

The province of Veraguas in central Panamá is an exciting destination full of epic adventures. Its Pacific coast is a true jewel where lovers of the sea and wildlife coexist to enjoy the beauties of the region.

In the province of Colón, facing the Caribbean Sea, you'll find Portobelo. Legend has it that Columbus named Portobelo as soon as he saw it. The color of its deep blue sea, the white of its beaches, along with the intense green of its forests and mangroves, deserve no other name: it is a beautiful port. Come and discover it for yourself!

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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

Planning your Panama vacation and looking for a full itinerary?! I've compiled a complete list of things to do in Panama in 10 days, including turquoise beaches and lush jungles!

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.

Thinking about adding a few days in the San Blas Islands to your Panama trip? Good choice- you’ll be rewarded with forests of coconut palms, luminous aquamarine waters, remote Caribbean islands, and seafood meals consisting of the freshest fish possible.

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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With the world’s most famous canal as your go-between, Panama yields unrivaled rest and relaxation along both fascinating coastlines. Ecoadventure is the order of the day in these parts. The country’s mix of ecosystems throughout 50 parks and wildlife sanctuaries nets an extreme range of experiences, taking in lush rainforest and mangroves, Indigenous villages, mountain hikes, and swaths of palm-studded islands that are next to deserted.

Paddling through the mangroves yields an arresting realization that you are experiencing a place few people get the chance to see.

Panama City is the jewel of Central America, shiny and modern, with its nightlife and luxury boutique hotels conveniently concentrated in Casco Viejo, the oldest and now most chic part of town. Find rooftop cocktails, extraordinary dining, and cobblestoned-alley cafés, with music spilling from every square. While you’re strolling the Amador Causeway, plan for a pitstop at Biomuseo, a museum spotlighting the country’s natural history. A morning hike up Ancon Hill – before it gets too hot – will net you the best view of the city. In the Gulf of Panama, you can troll the Pacific coast’s tiny island rookeries, spotting cormorants, pelicans, blue-footed boobies, and more. In the Darien Jungle, villagers are eager to acquaint you with their traditional way of life – the same way they have been living for a century. Paddling through the mangroves yields an arresting realization that you are experiencing a place few people get the chance to see. On Panama’s Atlantic side, you can wander the historic remains of UNESCO-designated Spanish colonial ruins and snorkel the coral reefs of the Guna Yala Islands, each one picture-postcard perfect.

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What is the most memorable vacation you have planned for a client? I planned a lady’s trip to Portugal, for 8 women all celebrating landmark birthdays. We had our own Benz van with a driver and picked up local guides in each area. It was a lot of fun to put together!

Jill Djoleto

Senior Travel Designer

What is your approach to planning bespoke luxury travel? Our role can be so important. Whatever we plan will make for lasting memories and can seal or bond families, love and friendly relationships. It is primarily about listening and understanding what a client wants; their needs, moods and family dynamics.

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What is the most memorable vacation you have planned for a client? A ladies' food and shopping trip across Italy, including Rome, Lake Como, Sorrento, Cinque Terre and Portofino. It was such a fun trip to plan from beginning to end and the ladies enjoyed every minute of it and planned to do it again!

Natalie Thomson

If you’re considering bespoke private travel to Panama, let our expert Travel Designers make your vacation truly customized from start to finish. Having spent the last three decades traveling and experiencing the best luxury offerings first-hand, Tully Luxury Travel has an exceptional understanding of Panama. We have the contacts and the relationships in place to ensure your travel needs are met – milestone celebrations, romantic dinners, private tours, dietary requirements, special room-service requests – all the details curated in step with your every wish. In Panama, our private travel specialists have insider information about the best way to see the countryside and experience the canal. In the city itself, we know the most unique out-of-the-way spots for dining, the top highlights of all the hotels – and where to find the best jazz. The time to start planning your next vacation is now. Our private luxury travel service also allows us to secure the best amenities and VIP extras at no additional cost. That’s the Tully Difference. Talk with a Travel Designer and start planning your bespoke Panamanian vacation today.

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Experience the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal firsthand as your sailing yacht navigates the locks and channels that connect the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic during a daytime sailing.
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Our sailing yacht allows us to access smaller ports and more remote destinations than a typical cruise ship, resulting in a more authentic and off-the-beaten-path exploration of the region. Sailing also provides a travel experience characterized by the gentle sway of the sea, the sound of the wind in the sails, and the serenity of being away from the bustling crowds.
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This posh cruise sails from Vancouver to the Caribbean Islands for a steal

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This Holland America Line cruise from Vancouver to the Panama Canal offers a bucket-list voyage for a steal in 2024.

A cruise from Vancouver takes passengers on a bucket-list journey through the Panama Canal before making several stops in the Caribbean Islands.

The cruise departs from Canada Place on Sunday, Sept. 29 and spends a couple of days at sea before stopping in San Francisco on Wednesday, Oct. 2. It spends one more day at sea before stopping in Mexico in Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta.

Guests enjoy a day at sea before making two more stops in Mexico in Huatulco and Puerto Chiapas on Oct 10 and 11. The cruise visits Puerto Quetzal in Guatemala the following day before spending one more day at sea.

On Oct. 13, the cruise will make a stop in Puntarenas, Guatemala. On Oct. 15, it will move through the awe-inspiring Panama Canal before spending several days at sea with a day in breathtaking Aruba sandwiched in between.

The Panama Canal is considered a marvel of engineering and a favourite voyage of cruise enthusiasts.

After stopping in Florida's Fort Lauderdale on Oct. 20, the cruise makes stops in Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands, St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, San Juan in Puerto Rico, and Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas.

The cruise disembarks back in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday, Oct. 27.

Vancouver cruise with Holland America Line through the Panama Canal

Holland America Line is known for its mid-size vessels that can navigate this trim terrain. Fans of the cruise line typically enjoy sailing on ships they can become well acquainted with during the voyage and relish opportunities to speak with the captain and cruise director.

The ship is the five-star Nieuw Amsterdam, which offers 11 bars and lounges, three swimming pools, a basketball court, a tennis court, hot tubs, a movie theatre, renowned spa treatments, a showroom, a jogging track, and much more.

The total cost for the lead-in cabin category, an interior stateroom, is US$6,097.36 which converts to C$8,362.68 or C$4181.34 per person. This total breaks down to a per-diem, per-person amount of C$149.33 (see slide three).

One-way flights from Fort Lauderdale to Vancouver start for just over C$200 in October but typically involve two stops at that price. For an itinerary with only one stopover, prices typically start around C$250 (see slide four for details).

Travellers should spend at least one night in Florida post-cruise before flying in case there are delays; it also gives them a chance to enjoy the sun-drenched state before returning to Raincouver.

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You can sail on an all-inclusive luxury cruise from Vancouver to Barcelona, Spain

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7 Easy, Affordable Countries To Visit as an American Tourist

Posted: April 26, 2023 | Last updated: June 28, 2023

<p>Summer travel is upon us, and maybe this year you've got your sights set on somewhere more far-flung than the United States. <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/category/saving-money/travel/?utm_term=incontent_link_1&utm_campaign=1222872&utm_source=msn.com&utm_content=1&utm_medium=rss">Travel abroad</a> can be incredibly enriching and full of new experiences you can't get at home.</p> <p><strong><em>See: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/saving-money/savings-advice/cities-plenty-jobs-cheap-housing/?utm_term=related_link_1&utm_campaign=1222872&utm_source=msn.com&utm_content=2&utm_medium=rss" rel="">10 US Cities With Plenty of Jobs and Cheap Housing</a><br>Find: <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/how-to-build-a-financial-plan-from-zero-1705027/?utm_source=msn.com&utm_term=related_link_2&utm_campaign=1222872&utm_content=3&utm_medium=rss" rel="">How To Build a Financial Plan From Zero</a></em></strong></p> <p>However, the cost to travel internationally can sometimes be prohibitive. Because of this, GOBankingRates contacted several travel experts to recommend the most affordable <a href="https://www.gobankingrates.com/saving-money/travel/spring-vacation-planning-most-affordable-countries-to-visit-travel-insurance-factors/?utm_term=incontent_link_2&utm_campaign=1222872&utm_source=msn.com&utm_content=4&utm_medium=rss" rel="">countries for Americans to visit</a> right now -- like these seven.</p>

Summer travel is upon us, and maybe this year you've got your sights set on somewhere more far-flung than the United States. Travel abroad can be incredibly enriching and full of new experiences you can't get at home.

See: 10 US Cities With Plenty of Jobs and Cheap Housing Find: How To Build a Financial Plan From Zero

However, the cost to travel internationally can sometimes be prohibitive. Because of this, GOBankingRates contacted several travel experts to recommend the most affordable countries for Americans to visit right now -- like these seven.

<ul> <li><strong>Cost-of-living index:</strong> 36.39</li> <li><strong>Purchasing power index:</strong> 29.56</li> <li><strong>Grocery cost index:</strong> 28.39</li> <li><strong>Healthcare quality index:</strong> 53.05</li> <li><strong>Safety index:</strong> 60.48</li> <li><strong>Peacefulness index rank:</strong> 51</li> <li><strong>Average annual temperature:</strong> 59.0</li> </ul>

Charles Neville, with JayWay Travel , a specialist European custom tour provider, recommends Albania for food lovers.

He says, "Expect exceptional local produce and abundant fresh fish and seafood from the Adriatic and Ionian seas, combined with hearty traditional meat dishes, and more-than-decent local wine. Hotels work out to less than half what you'd pay for an equivalent property in western Europe."

Alex Gillard, the founder of Nomad Nature Travel , also raves about Albania, calling it "a great, relatively undiscovered country to visit as an American tourist."

He adds, "Depending on the season, you can get a 500 to 600 dollar round-trip flight. I've spent months in Albania and it is very safe, the food is an affordable and incredible mix of Greek, Italian and local fare, and you can rent a car and get around their beautiful country for very cheap."

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<p>Ande Wanderer, a travel writer and owner and editor of the travel site, <a href="http://wander-argentina.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wander Argentina</a> recommends Argentina not only for its affordable travel, but its excellent track record with COVID-19.</p> <p>"We have had continuous days with zero Covid deaths and 90% of the country is fully vaccinated." Additionally, there are no vaccine requirements to enter the country.</p> <p>He calls it one of the most affordable countries in the world to visit right now, where visitors "get double the pesos for their dollars." He recommends coastal Patagonia around Puerto Madryn to see whales, elephant seals, sea lions, and dolphins.</p> <p>Also, Buenos Aires is a culinary lover's best bet, "with $12 steak and Malbec dinners, never-ending cultural events...weekly street fairs such as the huge San Telmo Flea Market, all night milongas and dancing in the street, especially on Argentina's Independence Day, July 9."</p>

Ande Wanderer, a travel writer and owner and editor of the travel site, Wander Argentina recommends Argentina not only for its affordable travel, but its excellent track record with COVID-19.

"We have had continuous days with zero Covid deaths and 90% of the country is fully vaccinated." Additionally, there are no vaccine requirements to enter the country.

She calls it one of the most affordable countries in the world to visit right now, where visitors "get double the pesos for their dollars." She recommends coastal Patagonia around Puerto Madryn to see whales, elephant seals, sea lions, and dolphins.

Also, Buenos Aires is a culinary lover's best bet, "with $12 steak and Malbec dinners, never-ending cultural events...weekly street fairs such as the huge San Telmo Flea Market, all night milongas and dancing in the street, especially on Argentina's Independence Day, July 9."

Andy Turlington, owner and travel advisor at Wildest Dreams Bookings in North Carolina, recommends Cuba, which is a short flight from Florida -- only about 100 miles from Key West.

"Cuba [has] interesting architecture, and the cars are a step back in time. Hotels in Havana start at about 50 U.S. dollars per night, but they have an Airbnb equivalent called 'Casa Particulars,' and many of them can be had for roughly 30 U.S. dollars per night."

<p>"Cuenca, Ecuador is a great, affordable, and interesting place to live, especially if you want to practice Spanish," said <a href="http://intentionaltravelers.com" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michelle Chang</a>, an entrepreneur and travel blogger. "It's also not so exciting as to be distracting from getting work done."</p> <p>Living on a shoestring budget is easy in Cuenca. </p> <p>"Ecuador uses the US dollar, but the cost of living is less than half and so far, their inflation rate has remained below ours," Chang said.</p>

This South American country is also extremely affordable. Turlington says, "You can easily get by in this country on about 30 to 50 U.S. dollars a day."

He especially recommends the capital city of Quito, where meals can usually be had for less than five U.S. dollars. Additionally, a taxi will cost about two dollars "to pretty much anywhere," and the bus costs about 35 cents. "Hotels can easily be had for less than 35 U.S. dollars a night, and for the ultra-cheap, they have plenty of hostels as well for about 10 U.S. dollars."

<p>A country that's super affordable for an American tourist is Panama, according to Becca Siegel and Dan Gold, owners of the travel blog <a href="https://www.halfhalftravel.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener">HalfHalfTravel.com</a>. "The reason is that flights are often cheap from major hubs, especially if you can fly to Miami first, or through Miami with a short layover."</p> <p>Once you land in Panama, they say that food, tours and accommodation are extremely affordable. "In Panama City alone, you can go walking in Casco Viejo, see the Panama Canal, excellent museums and experience great nightlife and culture."</p> <p>An extra bonus is that Panama uses the U.S. Dollar, so you won't have to do any currency exchanges, which they say is "super convenient for lots of American visitors."</p>

A country that's super affordable for an American tourist is Panama, according to Becca Siegel and Dan Gold, owners of the travel blog HalfHalfTravel.com . "The reason is that flights are often cheap from major hubs, especially if you can fly to Miami first, or through Miami with a short layover."

Once you land in Panama, they say that food, tours and accommodation are extremely affordable. "In Panama City alone, you can go walking in Casco Viejo, see the Panama Canal, excellent museums and experience great nightlife and culture."

An extra bonus is that Panama uses the U.S. Dollar, so you won't have to do any currency exchanges, which they say is "super convenient for lots of American visitors."

South Africa

Todd Sarouhan, owner of Go Visit San Diego and Go Visit Costa Rica, recommends Cape Town, South Africa for an affordable travel experience.

He says, "The most affordable countries are the ones where the exchange rate is in favor of the US Dollar. Cape Town is no stranger to being voted the best city in the world, the last time and for the seventh time running in 2019. Cape Town is a coastal gem, lying in the shadow of a cloud-hugged mountain where wine flows, penguins waddle and there's always something to do."

<p>While everyone has fantasies about retiring at age 40 or 50, the reality is that few people can afford this luxury, thanks in part to longer life expectancies. No matter how large your nest egg might be — or how frugal your lifestyle — retiring too early can ruin your well-laid financial plans and affect your quality of life down the line.</p>

Turkey is a great option for tourists wanting to go to Europe, Turlington says. "The lira has been greatly depreciated over the last 2 years or so, making Turkey a bargain hunter's paradise."

Istanbul offers some incredible cuisine, and plenty of historical locations and different architecture and religious sites. Istanbul has copious amounts of good hotels in the 50 US Dollar range as well. Armenia and Georgia are also lower cost options in this area of Europe.

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The Maya Train Will Get You to All of Yucatán’s Best Spots. But Not Yet.

In December, the train began running on its first route through Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. On a five-day journey a few months later, the author encountered enthusiasm, and scheduling hiccups.

A singular train track, with one short train, cuts through a lush deep forest.

By Elisabeth Malkin

Elisabeth Malkin has been visiting the Yucatán Peninsula for three decades.

I stepped off the platform at the gleaming new Maxcanú train station, eager to see the magnificent Maya archaeological site of Uxmal. All I needed was a taxi to take me there, a trip of about 30 miles away.

There are no taxis, said the stationmaster, as we stood on the polished limestone floors of the high-ceilinged station, which was cool and breezy despite the brilliant late-morning sun outside. And I was the third person in two weeks to get off at Maxcanú expecting to reach Uxmal, he said.

I was midway through a five-day trip to explore the brand-new Maya Train and several of its destinations in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico . Designed to run 965 miles (1,554 kilometers) around a loop of 34 stations when completed, the train will whisk passengers in cool comfort through colonial cities, archaeological sites, splashy resorts and tropical forests.

Now I was stunned. Wrangling a taxi has never been a problem in Mexico. But the drivers gathered in the main square of Maxcanú offered only beat-up vans that hopscotch through small towns, where I might or might not find a taxi to Uxmal. The next van was leaving in 45 minutes.

Yucatán’s layers of history have long held me spellbound. During earlier car trips, I have clambered up deserted Maya temples and palaces, stepped into the cool naves of massive 16th-century churches and visited restored haciendas, testaments of the ostentation — and hardship — of the peninsula’s 19th-century plantation economy. Traveling by train, I thought, would allow me to steep myself in more of that history.

But as I found in Maxcanú, a train won’t necessarily get you to where you want to go.

During my February trip, I traveled on the only route then available, an east-west leg that opened in December and runs from Cancún to Mérida, and then south through the port city of Campeche to the Maya site of Palenque (a short route between Cancún and Playa del Carmen opened last month, with three trains a day). I encountered scheduling confusion, unfinished stations and a dearth of trains — just two operating daily each way between Cancún and Campeche, and only one to Palenque. Overnight sleepers and special dining trains seem years away.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador considers the Maya Train his showcase development project, and wants to inaugurate the rest of the train before he leaves office on October 1. Based on my experience, that goal seems elusive.

A $29-billion route through the jungle

I started my journey in Cancún, where in the pre-dawn gloom the station hovered like a glowing spaceship. An attendant scanned the ticket I had bought online and a half-dozen more pointed me toward my tourist-class car, which was about a quarter full. I planned to go to Campeche, about 300 miles away, stopping once each day. At 120 kilometers (about 75 miles) an hour, the train covers the route in about six hours, the same as a car. (When construction is complete, the train’s speed should increase to 160 kilometers an hour.)

The car’s wide windows looked out at a wall of low jungle. The blue-green seats were comfortable and there was ample space between the rows. I bought a very good cappuccino at the snack bar, but declined the plastic-wrapped sandwiches. The rest of the merchandise was fruit cups, milk boxes and junk food.

The train will ultimately cost much more than the $29 billion budgeted so far, and it’s not the first time ambitious planners have alighted on the region. Cancún was once a tiny fishing village, selected half a century ago as a tourist hub. Last year 10 million international tourists flew into its airport, more than the airports of Mexico City, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta combined.

But uncontrolled growth has stressed the Caribbean coast’s fragile environment. The Maya Train, scientists warn , will push those problems south, threatening the area’s water supply, its unique system of underground limestone caves and its vast nature reserves.

Mr. López Obrador has charged ahead, handing the train over to the military , and arguing that it will spread Cancún’s wealth and attract new visitors. Mexico received more than 42 million overseas tourists last year and they spent almost $31 billion .

Local governments see an opportunity. “The train will allow people to disperse throughout the peninsula,” said Michelle Fridman, the tourism secretary for Yucatán state, which promotes dozens of attractions far beyond highlights like Mérida and Chichén Itzá .

Now that the train is operating, transport companies will begin to connect stations with lesser-known sites nearby, she said.

It’s fair to ask whether the train is the most effective way to develop the peninsula’s tourism. Tour companies already run trips to many sites from major cities, which are well served by buses. Driving a rental car through most of the area is considered safe , according to U.S. State Department travel guidance .

Route of Mexico’s Maya Train

Canceled trip.

It took two hours (and one time-zone change) to reach Valladolid, a colonial city of handsome streets and ancient churches, where I bought the rest of my tickets at the station. A tourist-class ticket from Cancún to Valladolid costs 472 pesos (around $28) for foreigners and 355 pesos (around $21) for Mexicans. First class, with wider seats, costs 755.50 pesos and 566.50 pesos, and discounts are available for older travelers and residents of the five states along the train’s route. (A first-class bus from downtown Cancún to Valladolid costs between 222 and 344 pesos, depending on the time of day, and takes half an hour longer.)

It was impossible to run the new Maya Train tracks into dense city centers and the Valladolid station, like the rest, was outside the urban core. A waiting bus took disembarking passengers downtown, a 15-minute ride for 35 pesos.

That day I toured Ek Balam , the site of a ninth-century Maya kingdom that is dominated by a 100-foot palace distinguished by a facade of carvings depicting winged warriors, stylized animal features and geometric patterns bordered by giant fangs. Admission to the site includes entry to the X-Canché cenote, one of thousands of limestone sinkholes that were sacred to the Maya.

Later that afternoon, I was wandering through the Museum of Ethnic Clothing, a private collection of traditional dress, embroidery and hats, when a WhatsApp message from the ticket office blinked on my phone. My train scheduled for the following day was canceled.

I decided to deal with the problem in the morning and enjoy the city. As I wandered past the antique shops and boutique hotels of the elegant Calzada de los Frailes, it was clear that Valladolid’s tourism, and the infrastructure to handle it, was well established. The Maya Train is simply an alternative way to reach a city that tourists discovered years ago.

‘We’re on the Tren Maya!’

In the morning, I found that my train had not been canceled, but the station for which I had a ticket, Tixkokob, was closed. I got off instead one stop earlier at Izamal, known for its ocher streets and the giant Franciscan convent of San Antonio de Padua, built atop the ruins of a pyramid.

During the 90-minute ride, I heard widespread enthusiasm among fellow travelers who expressed a willingness to give the train time to work out the kinks. “We’re an experiment,” said Oliva Escobedo Ochoa, 64, who was vacationing from her home in central Mexico.

Leticia Iliassich, 57, who is Mexican, was traveling with her Croatian husband along with relatives from Mexico and Croatia. They had initially been scheduled on an earlier train to Mérida that had been canceled. “We knew that it was a new project,” she said. “We don’t mind.”

The group had already sent a video to friends declaring, “We’re on the Tren Maya!”

At the Izamal station I hitched a 15-minute ride into the town center with a man who had asked me to take his photo alongside the train and his father. From there I negotiated a taxi to Hacienda San Lorenzo Aké, a working hacienda that still turns the fiber from an agave plant called henequén into coarse rope. Global demand for henequén, known as Yucatán’s “green gold,” brought fantastic wealth to the region in the mid-19th century, speckling the peninsula with more than 1,000 haciendas. ( Many are now sumptuous hotels.)

Where geometry, nature and the divine merge

It was during my third day that I found myself stuck in Maxcanú, after a 90-minute train ride from Izamal. The stationmaster, an army captain, offered me a ride to Uxmal, just as he had to the stranded tourists before me.

Eying Uxmal’s 4 p.m. final ticket sale, I accepted.

My situation made it clear just how distant the Maya Train’s promises are for tourists seeking to explore more of Yucatán. In time, that will change, said Ms. Fridman, the tourism secretary. “The idea is to have more hotels along the train line,” she said. “That will happen little by little.”

But Uxmal , among the most stunning of the Maya sites, made up for the inconvenience. Uxmal’s grand buildings are faced with intricate decorative masks as well as friezes in which geometry, nature and the divine merge. New plaques at each structure offer detailed information in English and Spanish, part of the government’s investment in improving displays at Maya sites for the train project.

Most tourists either take day trips by car or bus to Uxmal from Mérida or stay at one of three nearby hotels. As I finished dinner at my hotel, the dining room began to fill up: 47 Polish tourists had arrived.

Panama hats and a cramped van

My plan for the day was to go by taxi to Bécal, a town where Panama hats are woven in limestone caves to keep the fibers soft, and then pick up the afternoon train in nearby Calkiní for the port city of Campeche.

But I spent so much time watching the hat-making demonstration and then fitting my new hat and buying gifts that we set off with little time to reach the station. To my chagrin, I missed the train, the last one of the day.

On Calkiní’s central square, I found a van that was leaving for Campeche. Cost: 65 pesos. Time: about 1 hour and 20 minutes, similar to what I would have spent on the train. Of course, I was trapped in a cramped seat and had to listen to the driver’s choice of sentimental ballads, but I was dropped off in downtown Campeche, close to my hotel.

The next day, I toured the Museum of Maya Archaeology , an expertly curated collection that included haunting jade funeral masks, glyphs and delicate ceramic figures.

José Madrigal, 45, an engineer from Fremont, Calif., was trying to make Maya pottery interesting for his twin sons. The boys had just turned 5 and their birthday present had been a ride on the Maya Train. “They love trains,” Mr. Madrigal said. Then the family moved on, keeping up a brisk clip through the museum. They had another train to catch.

Should you take the train?

Yes, if you are traveling between larger stations. The train also offers a way to get to Palenque, which is harder to reach and has roads with security concerns. Travelers can stow bicycles on board.

To see train times, check the destinations on the website . You cannot buy tickets online more than a week in advance. But when you finally board, the ride is smooth — and the coffee is excellent.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places: Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai: Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto: The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland: The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas: Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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