5 Days in Panama - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Culture, History & Nature in Panama City & the Caribbean Coast

Perfect for first-time visitors to Panama, this well-rounded tour introduces you to the country's warm culture, captivating history, flavorful food, and lush nature in a quick but immersive five days. Tick off must-dos like checking out the Panama Canal, admiring sloths in Chagres National Park, and boating between untouched islands of the Caribbean coast. In between, delve into the country's culture during walking tours in Panama City and Portobelo and a visit to the storied San Lorenzo Fortress. 

Welcome to Panama! Your adventure begins in the historic yet modern capital of Panama City. After refreshing at your hotel, the option is yours to explore the city's historic district on a walking tour or venture to the impressive Panama Canal. Leave the city behind the following morning for a day in Chagres National Park, where you'll make your way up the Río Chagres on a piragua (traditional canoe) to spot monkeys, sloths, and toucans. While in the park, you'll also enjoy an authentic lunch with Embera villagers and learn about their nature-inspired customs. 

Next, an easy transfer brings you to Portobelo, a fishing village on the Caribbean coast. Upon arrival, the afternoon is yours to hop between lush islands, swim in crystal-clear waters, and indulge in a traditional lunch in José Pobre. Delve deeper into Portobelo's culture on Day 3, first during a historic walk to The Plaza and the Black Christ Church, followed by an enriching food tour in the nearby city of Colón. Then, before catching your onward flight from Panama City, dedicate your final morning to hiking in the San Lorenzo Protected Area or exploring the 16th-century San Lorenzo Fortress. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Culture, History & Gastronomy in Taboga Island & Panama City

Experience Panama's serene beauty and vibrant culture on this Taboga Island and Panama City itinerary filled with historic sites, delightful dishes, and memorable views. Ideal for travelers seeking a well-rounded adventure while minimizing travel time, the journey begins with two laid-back days on Taboga Island, hopping between beaches and discovering historical sites alongside a guide. Then, just a short ferry ride away is Panama City, where you'll delve into the city's culinary scene and visit its famous landmarks on a guided tour.

Straight off the plane in Panama City, your trip begins with a transfer to Taboga, an island famous for its beautiful beaches and colorful vegetation. After refreshing at your hotel, head out to enjoy an afternoon exploring independently, perhaps kayaking along the gentle coastline or relaxing on the soft sands of Playa Restinga. Take a step back in time the following morning during a guided tour around the island, featuring a stop at the 16th-century San Pedro Church, before heading up Cerro de la Cruz for panoramic views of the Panama Canal and Panama City.

Your next destination is a two-night stay in Panama City, starting with a ferry ride back across Panama Bay, followed by a transfer to your hotel. Depending on your preference, savor the city's traditional food, regional plates, or Panamanian-Chinese dishes on a food tour. Then, delve into the city's highlights on a guided outing, visiting places like the Miraflores Visitors' Center, Biomuseo, San José Church, and Plaza de Francia. If time allows, rent a bike the following morning for a leisurely ride along the Amador Causeway before heading to the airport to catch your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Sailing Escape to Panama's San Blas Islands

Immerse yourself in the unique culture of the Indigenous Guna people and island landscapes on this sailing trip featuring a multiday catamaran cruise around the San Blas Islands. Perfect for those who love nature, water-based activities, and cultural engagement, you'll spend your nights watching bucket-list-worthy sunsets and days snorkeling, swimming, and interacting with locals. Plus, with time in Panama City at the beginning and end of the cruise, delight in the opportunity to check out the Panama Canal and attend a traditional folklore show.

Before heading to the idyllic Caribbean coast, your trip begins with a day in Panama City. The choice is yours to check out the famous Panama Canal, savor the city's flavors on a food tour, or seek out wildlife in Soberania National Park. In the evening, enjoy a dinner and cultural show featuring traditional recipes and folklore. Then, transfer by car and ferry to the San Blas Islands, where a luxury catamaran awaits. This archipelago is renowned for its pristine nature, enduring Guna culture, and favorable weather, all of which you'll immerse yourself in over the next three days.

The first stop on your cruise is Isla Diablo, a tiny island renowned for its tropical serenity. Wake to the gentle sound of waves and continue your sailing adventure to Isla Perro Chico, where you'll snorkel around the Barco Hundido wreck and swim among starfish in the island's Natural Pool. Next up is another postcard-worthy island, Isla Wailidup, and during your day here, you'll snorkel among colorful coral reefs and alongside dolphins and reef sharks. Then, savor a final Caribbean sunset at sea before disembarking the following day and returning to Panama City to catch your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Panama City & Pearl Islands Getaway

Split your time between Panama's vibrant city life and blissful islands with this five-day getaway, perfectly crafted for those seeking uninterrupted beach time sandwiched between city tours. Starting and finishing in Panama City, you'll have time to explore its historic district and visit the nearby Panama Canal. In between, spend two nights on Isla Contadora, a largely untouched island of the Pearl Islands archipelago, ideal for beach hopping, snorkeling, hiking, and fishing.

Kick off your adventure with a day of discovery in Panama City. Here, the choice is yours to roam the city's mix of skyscrapers and colonial streets independently, canoe up the nearby Río Chagres to spot jungle wildlife, or delve into Panama history on a guided tour of Casco Antiguo, Panama's historic district. Refreshed and ready for the beach, you'll transfer to Marina Flamenco for a two-hour ferry to Pearl Islands the following morning. Your destination is Isla Contadora, one of the archipelago's 200 islands, which promises uncrowded beaches, clear waters, and an array of land and sea-based activities.

Spend your first afternoon on the island relaxing on white sand beaches, swimming, biking, hiking, or snorkeling. Then, tailor the next day to the time of year. Options include a whale watching excursion and an island-hopping adventure, complete with time to fish, snorkel, and discover the uninhabited islands of Mogo Mogo, Chapera, and Bartolomé. After another night on the island, you'll return to Panama City for a memorable cultural and food tour through Casco Antiguo before catching your onward flight on Day 5. Learn more

Itinerary #5: History & Nature in Panama City & Bocas del Toro

Perfect for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, this itinerary features activities in Panama City and a two-night stay on the rainforest-covered Isla Bastimentos. Delve into the local side of the capital city while touring markets and sampling traditional cuisine, and step back in time during a visit to the ruins of Panama Viejo. Then, head to the Bocas del Toro Archipelago on the northern shores of Panama, where you'll be treated to pristine waters brimming with sea life and jungles home to cheeky monkeys and exotic birds.

Your quick but immersive adventure starts with two captivating days in Panama City. Shrug off travel woes while meandering along Avenida Central (Central Avenue) independently, then delve into the city's culinary scene during a guided food tour that includes stops by the Cafe Coca Cola, Chinatown, and the colorful San Felipe Neri Food Market. Leave the city behind the following morning for a day trip, which features stops by the Panama Canal, the intriguing ruins of Panama Viejo (Old Panama), and the Biodiversity Museum. You'll also have time to roam the Plaza de Francia before returning to your hotel.

Midway through your adventure, it's time to transfer by car, plane, and boat to Isla Bastimentos. Part of the Bocas del Toro Archipelago and teeming with rainforest and exotic animals, this island is the perfect spot for a rejuvenating two-night stay. Spend your first afternoon exploring independently, then delve deeper into your surroundings on a full-day tour, complete with time to snorkel at Cayo Coral and discover nearby uninhabited islands. Wake early on your last day to squeeze in a boat tour across Lago Gatún in the Panama Canal area before transferring to the airport for your departing flight. Learn more

More Great 5-Day Panama Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Panama? Check out these other five-day Panama itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.