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Introducing Panama

Panama  fosters a traveler’s sense of exploration. From trekking the rainforest, sailing from island to island, exploring the ruins of Spanish forts, and getting to know its unique culture, this country has the makings of a great adventure.

When is the best time to visit?
Panama is a year-round destination, but many prefer to travel there during the driest season from mid-December to mid-April.

 Where to go in Panama?
Discover the classic destinations of Panama City and the Panama Canal, swim with colorful fish and lounge on the white sand beaches of the Archipielago de Bocas del Toro, visit the forested hills of the highlands, and fall in love with the colorful culture of the Peninsula de Azuero.

How many days do I need?
Spend at least a week exploring Panama’s natural wonders and scenic highlights.

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 7 days · 8 days · 10 days

Panama Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Casco Viejo, Panama City
Map of The Wonders of Panama - 7 Days
The Wonders of Panama - 7 Days

Panama is a beautiful country brimming with history and diversity, and this 7-day itinerary offers an exciting sampling of its many charms. You'll explore the capital, from its quaint colonial streets to its famous canal to its more modern attractions. Then venture out into the countryside, where you'll learn about the customs of indigenous locals, meet rainforest wildlife, and tour the Caribbean beach town of Portobelo.

Valle de Anton
Map of Ultimate Panama Road Trip: Panama City, Gamboa, Pacific Coast & More - 15 Days
Ultimate Panama Road Trip: Panama City, Gamboa, Pacific Coast & More - 15 Days

Panama is a great place for a scenic and adventurous road trip. In 15 days, this self-drive itinerary will take you around the most notable regions of the country. Begin in Panama City, then hit the road to discover the jungle, beautiful mountains, charming villages, and pristine islands. Some stops along the way include Gamboa, El Valle de Anton, Boquete, and the Pacific Coast.

Bocas del Toro
Map of Family Adventure in Panama - 7 Days
Family Adventure in Panama - 7 Days

Discover the colorful streets and magnificent beaches of Panama on this week-long, family-friendly trip. Spend a few days in Panama City, where you'll sail down the Panama Canal and explore the city's vibrant, historic neighborhoods. Then head to the Caribbean paradise of Bocas del Toro for beach time and wildlife encounters before ending your journey back in the capital.

Panama City Skyline
Map of Best of Panama City - 7 Days
Best of Panama City - 7 Days

Melding colonial history and bold modernity, the cosmopolitan capital of Panama is a thriving hub in Central America. With this active weeklong itinerary, you'll explore the city's best neighborhoods, boat through the Panama Canal, and take day-trips to nearby national parks and indigenous villages. Finish with a ferry to the Pearl Islands in the Gulf of Panama for a dose of beachy relaxation.

A waterfall near the village of Boquete
Map of Panama Multi-Sport Adventure - 11 Days
Panama Multi-Sport Adventure - 11 Days

Get ready for an active trip to an undiscovered region of Panama that combines beautiful landscapes, exuberant nature, and pleasant weather. On this 11-day multi-sport itinerary, you'll fly through a cloud forest, raft along a river, and trek up a volcano where you can witness two oceans from above before camping under the stars—an unforgettable experience!

The Pearl Islands
Panama Island Tour: Panama City, Pearl Islands & Bocas del Toro - 10 Days

This 10-day tour of Panama takes you from the city to the islands. Visit the world-famous Panama Canal and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Casco Viejo in Panama City. Then, venture to the Pearl Islands for some whale watching, hiking, and beach relaxation. Return to the city for more exploration, and head to Bocas del Toro for a few more relaxing free days by the beach enjoying nature walks and the surrounding waters. Spend a bit more time in Panama City to close out your visit.

Make the Most of Your Time in Panama

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Miraflores Locks, Panama Canal
How Many Days to Spend in Panama

You can have a great getaway in Panama in as short as a long weekend if you stick to Panama City and its immediate environs. However, spending at least a week to discover a more...

In five days you can experience island living in Bocas del Toro
Map of 5 Days in Panama - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Panama - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Five days in Panama is a great amount of time to discover the highlights of Panama City and visit one of the country's many idyllic islands. First-time travelers seeking a...

With a week in Panama, you'll have time to go beyond the skyscrapers and Casco Antiguo of Panama City
Map of 1 Week in Panama - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Panama - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

One week in Panama is an excellent amount of time to explore the country's vibrant capital, hike in its highlands, and cruise between idyllic Caribbean islands. Panama City is a...

Panama Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Our Latest Panama Content

With a week in Panama, you'll have time to go beyond the skyscrapers and Casco Antiguo of Panama City
Map of 1 Week in Panama - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Panama - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

One week in Panama is an excellent amount of time to explore the country's vibrant capital, hike in its highlands, and cruise between idyllic Caribbean islands. Panama City is a natural gateway, and a day or two here gives you ample time to explore its cultural highlights and the nearby Panama Canal. Then, include Valle de Antón, Boquete, or Santa Fe for time in the country's mountainous interior, while the San Blas Islands and Bocas del Toro are ideal spots for snorkeling and cruising among tropical islands.

Explore the culture and beaches of the San Blas Islands on this seven-day tour
Map of Panama City & San Blas Islands Sailing Escape- 7 Days
Panama City & San Blas Islands Sailing Escape- 7 Days

Blend city sightseeing with a remote island getaway on this blissful weeklong trip to Panama. Start by checking off the highlights of Panama City with a tour of historic Casco Antiguo, a spin around the mighty Panama Canal, and a day trip into the Afro-Panamanian culture and pirate history of Portobelo. Chart your course for the San Blas Islands next, boarding a luxury catamaran for four nights of sailing around a Caribbean paradise of shallow waters and uninhabited islands.

 Discover some of Panama's wildlife on this weeklong tour
Map of Rainforests, Cloud Forests & Beaches of Panama - 7 Days
Rainforests, Cloud Forests & Beaches of Panama - 7 Days

With a week to spare, you can check off Panama's jungles, cloud forests, and islands—and still have time to explore the vibrant capital. This nature-focused itinerary starts with a gastronomic walking tour of Panama City's historic center and then sends you into the highlands of Boquete to visit local honey and coffee farms. After an adventurous hike through the region's misty cloud forests, it's off to the Bocas del Toro archipelago for a cruise around its famed marine park and three days of sun, sand, and sea turtles.

Panama Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 1 Week in Panama - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Panama - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 5 Days in Panama - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Panama - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 10 Days in Panama - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Panama - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Panama
Travel specialist Jesse Barrera
active 11 hours ago

Jesse Barrera

Hi! I specialize in creating unique trip itineraries for all those keen on visiting the narrowest and longest country in the world: Chile. I believe travelling should be for everyone and can help...

read more...
Travel specialist Reyna Ulloa
active 6 days ago

Reyna Ulloa

My name is Reyna, a young professional from Masaya, Nicaragua. I am a university graduate of Tourism Management and Development, and I declare myself completely in love with Central America. I...

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Travel specialist Isabel Acevedo
active 2 days ago

Isabel Acevedo

My role as a travel experience specialist is to make your dream journey a reality. I leverage my extensive destination knowledge to offer personalized recommendations that perfectly match your...

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Trip Reviews for Panama

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Wonderful Eight Days in Panama!
Panama | Mar 14 - Mar 22, 2026

Matt
Matt D.
Austin, TX | Reviewed on Mar 23, 2026

Wonderful Eight Days in Panama! Emily handled all the logistics superbly, we never felt out of touch. Isla Palenque was a lovely contrast to Boquete and Panama City.

Local specialist: Emily Solís
Emily
Emily Solís
Local specialist in Panama | Replied on Mar 23, 2026

Hi Matt

Thank you so much for your kind words! It means a lot to hear that you had such a wonderful time in Panama

I’m delighted that you enjoyed the contrast between Boquete, Panama City, and Isla Palenque, each destination really does offer something unique and special. It was an absolute pleasure assisting you with the logistics, and I’m so glad you felt well supported throughout your journey.

It was a pleasure being part of your trip, and I hope we can assist you again in the future

Warm regards,
Emily

Kimkim lowered our stress and elevated our trip!
Panama | Feb 27 - Mar 6, 2026

Sharon
Sharon G.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Mar 10, 2026
Kimkim helped to organize an amazing trip for us to Panama. Every guide and driver was punctual, warm, knowledgeable and made our trip both easier and more fulfilling. Special shout-outs to Julio, Juan Carlos, Roberto, and Mike! Our local specialist, Reyna, arranged unique and private tours for us of great venues and reserved lovely accommodations for us. She also went above and beyond to set up dinner reservations that I requested. Communication with the team was awesome throughout the... Read more

Kimkim helped to organize an amazing trip for us to Panama. Every guide and driver was punctual, warm, knowledgeable and made our trip both easier and more fulfilling. Special shout-outs to Julio, Juan Carlos, Roberto, and Mike! Our local specialist, Reyna, arranged unique and private tours for us of great venues and reserved lovely accommodations for us. She also went above and beyond to set up dinner reservations that I requested. Communication with the team was awesome throughout the process and every detail was attended to including homemade banana bread on our hike to The Lost Waterfalls. It will be hard to imagine travelling again in a country that is new to us and in which we don't speak the language without kimkim! The tour company lowered our stress considerably and enhanced our experience immeasureably.

Hotel Reviews
Bocas Del Mar Hotel
Boca Chica

The resort is pretty, clean, and provides a lovely oasis. It is a small, boutique establishment that is divinely serene. Even though it's on the water (a bay), there is not a sandy or swimmable beach. The 2 pools are pretty and refreshing and were quiet the days we were there. The dining area and meals are lovely. Our boating excursions were super fun and allowed for time on a white sand beach on a nearby uninhabited island, a tour of the mangroves, and views of monkeys and dolphins. Be prepared to wake up to the sound of howler monkeys at 6 am.

Authenticity & Character
It's not so much authentic Panamanian character as it is character designed to appeal to well-to-do American and European tourists.
Location
It is a very pretty location but remote if you don't have a car. There is another more casual hotel next door in walking distance (down a steep hill, then back up the other side) that has a good restaurant
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The rooms are large, private and luxurious. The water in the shower is warm, not hot--but everything else felt super comfy and beautiful.
Coffee Estate Inn
Jaramillo

What a stunningly beautiful setting! The casitas are clean, spacious and private. The staff went out of their way to be helpful. Yummy breakfast. It is about a 25 minute walk to downtown on steep hills. The walk there is downhill. We usually took a taxi back up the hill despite being in good shape.

Authenticity & Character
Location
The remoteness that makes the view amazing, also makes it a little harder to get to town. If you are good with walking steep hills or arranging a 5 minute taxi ride, it is well worth the serenity and exceptional care!
Staff
Niurka and Alexandra were friendly and awesome!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Central Hotel Panama
Panama

This hotel is conveniently located in the old city of Panama. The lobby is beautiful and inviting. The room was very comfortable (although has no drawers, closet or hooks). The staff were welcoming and helpful.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Cloud Forest Hike: The Waterfalls Trail
Cloud Forest Hike: The Waterfalls Trail
Boquete

This is a somewhat challenging steadily steep hike--a much enjoyed workout with beautiful views. I'm 64 and in good shape. I decided not to go to the 3rd waterfall as we were told it can be more slippery and you need to hold ropes to come down.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Julio was a great sport and companion on our hike. Someone from the tour company provided homemade banana bread for us!
Transport
Our guide was punctual, safe, friendly, informative. He went out of his way to help us find supplies we needed to make our stay in Boquete more comfortable.
Boquete/ free day
Boquete/ free day
Boquete

Quaint town to explore. Easy to get around by foot. Nice restaurants and people.

Miraflores Locks
Miraflores Locks
Panama City

Kimkim arranged for a private tour for us of the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal. This allowed us to move to the front of the line, to have a private guide who gave us history and explanations of the technology, and gave us access to stand right alongside the edge of the canal (vs. further back behind a gate).

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Punctual pick-ups, clean and comfortable car, knowledgeable guide and driver.
Canal Rainforest Boat experience
Canal Rainforest Boat experience
Panama City

This was a super fun and relaxing tour. There was a delightful breeze as the boat whizzed past tankers and cruise ships to explore the little islands in the middle of the canal. We saw monkeys and sloths up close.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
It was so delightful in a foreign country where we didn't know our way around or speak the language to be picked up by friendly, courteous drivers and guides. We learned so much from our conversations that enhanced our trip!
Local specialist: Reyna Ulloa

Our first trip to Panama
Panama | Jan 19 - Jan 27, 2026

W
William L.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Feb 03, 2026
We had a fabulous experience with The Panama Trip. Isabel was our trip planner and she took care of all the details of our trip end-to-end. From the airport pickup all the way to our return. This was a customized private tour and her team more than met all our expectations. They provided excellent communication and support throughout the trip. We explored the Panama Canal, visited the Embera Quera community. Jean was our guide for this segment of the tour and he was very knowledgeable. He... Read more

We had a fabulous experience with The Panama Trip. Isabel was our trip planner and she took care of all the details of our trip end-to-end. From the airport pickup all the way to our return. This was a customized private tour and her team more than met all our expectations. They provided excellent communication and support throughout the trip. We explored the Panama Canal, visited the Embera Quera community. Jean was our guide for this segment of the tour and he was very knowledgeable. He got us on time to all our activities making sure we were ahead of the crowds. We sailed across the San Blas Islands. German was our captain and Iru the first mate. They were a great team and treated us like royalty. Iru"s cooking was amazing. This was our first trip to Panama and left the country with the desire to come back.

Local specialist: Isabel Acevedo
Isabel
Isabel Acevedo
Local specialist in Panama City | Replied on Feb 03, 2026

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was a pleasure planning your first visit to Panama. I’m thrilled that Jean, German, and Iru exceeded your expectations with their knowledge, hospitality, and amazing cooking. Knowing you enjoyed the customized experience and left wanting to return is the best reward for our team. We can't wait to welcome you back soon!

Why travelers love kimkim

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