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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 Lorena Huidobro
active 1 day ago

Lorena Huidobro

I believe that those of us who love to travel tend to have a more open mind and free spirit. Being open to experience new adventures, explore the unknown, see the beauty in the simple things,...

read more...
Travel specialist Catherina Tittaferrante
active 21 hours ago

Catherina Tittaferrante

I create personalized tours based on our travelers' passions to show them the real Guatemala. I take care of logistics, organizing and confirming every single detail needed to make your experience...

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Travel specialist Reyna Ulloa

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 Emily Solís
active 2 days ago

Emily Solís

Hello, I am Emily. I have a bachelor's degree in sustainable tourism. I am interested in knowing all about the culture, gastronmy, lige style of living, the beauties and the own particularities...

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Trip Reviews for Panama

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Our trip was amazing from start to finish.
Panama | Mar 20 - Mar 29, 2025

Jeanette
Jeanette T.
Arlington, VA | Reviewed on Mar 31, 2025
Our trip was amazing from start to finish. Eric was a fabulous driver, and navigated the congested Panama City traffic like a pro. Victor, our tour guide in the Panama City area, was friendly and informative. He provided lots of information on the areas we visited, and even worked in some time for me to do some shopping (which is a must). Carlos, our tour guide in El Valle de Anton was friendly and very informative. I liked listening to his history of the area and the evolution of... Read more

Our trip was amazing from start to finish. Eric was a fabulous driver, and navigated the congested Panama City traffic like a pro. Victor, our tour guide in the Panama City area, was friendly and informative. He provided lots of information on the areas we visited, and even worked in some time for me to do some shopping (which is a must). Carlos, our tour guide in El Valle de Anton was friendly and very informative. I liked listening to his history of the area and the evolution of natural landmarks over time, and the preservation ideas being considered for the future. We saw monkeys and sloths in the trees, and lots of beautiful birds. The Golden Frog Inn was my favorite of our accommodations. I tried ceviche for the first time, and I liked it. I tried an electric bike for the first time and after the first mile I wanted to buy one for myself. Whether we were hiking in a forest, on a boat ride, swimming in the blue waters, or walking around town, everything was enjoyable. The catamaran cruise to end the week was perfect - great music, great food, beautiful views, friendly people, and time at the beach. Thank you to KimKim Travel and your partner in Panama, Gapa Travel, for all of your efforts.

Hotel Reviews
Best Western Plus Panama Zen Hotel
Panama City

This hotel was very nice. The decor beautifully reflected the name. It was pretty in all of the common areas, and had all the amenities you would need. The room was spacious and clean. The rooftop bar was convenient for evening cocktails. The rooftop infinity pool was nice, and inviting. The breakfast buffet was plentiful with a lot of variety. We could walk to nearby stores, restaurants, and the Metro easily.

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful decor that reflected the "Zen" theme perfectly.
Location
We could walk to nearby stores, restaurants, and the Metro easily.
Staff
The staff were helpful with answering our questions about the location of restaurants, stores, the Metro, etc.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Every was clean, and the atmosphere was comfortable.
The Golden Frog Inn
El Valle de Antón

The Golden Frog Inn was tucked away in the woods, and the views from our room, and from the dining area, were like looking at a small piece of paradise. Very green, lush, and plentiful with flowers and birds. The staff was accommodating and nice. The food was delicious, and the drinks were refreshing. We liked the swimming pool, and we also enjoyed walking around the grounds to look at the many flower varieties. There was a craft brewery within walking distance, which was an added perk.

Authenticity & Character
Delicious food and drinks. Nice swimming pool. Golden Frog theme is cute.
Location
The Golden Frog Inn was tucked away in the woods, and the views were like looking at a small piece of paradise
Staff
Staff were attentive and friendly. They called cabs for us when we need them, since we didn't speak Spanish.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room was comfortable and clean, with a beautiful view.
The Westin Playa Bonita Panama Hotel
Playa Bonita, Panama Pacifico, Ciudad de Panama

The Westin was a nice hotel. We stayed on the 16th floor with an Ocean View. The room was clean and spacious. There were lots of restaurants to choose from and several swimming pools.

Authenticity & Character
The common area was open and nicely decorated.
Location
The hotel was right on the beach.
Staff
There were communication difficulties occasionally because we don't speak Spanish, but the staff seemed nice.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The hotel seemed nice, but there was a lot of debris in the swimming pool, and an elevator that was broken.
Activity Reviews
City Tour - Casco Viejo & Panama Canal
City Tour - Casco Viejo & Panama Canal
Panama City

We enjoyed seeing the city and visiting the Panama Canal. The viewing platform allowed you to see the ships and the locks. The iMax video was informative.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Trip to the Pozo Azul Waterfall
Trip to the Pozo Azul Waterfall
Valle de Antón

The waterfall was very pretty. A nice place to take photos and enjoy the natural beauty.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cultural Experience Dinner
Cultural Experience Dinner
Panama City

The ceviche was delicious, as was the dinner food. A very enjoyable experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Wildlife Sanctuaries and Panama Canal Boat Tour
Wildlife Sanctuaries and Panama Canal Boat Tour
Panama City

The boat tour was very nice. We saw a variety of wildlife and beautiful scenery.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Panama Canal Ferry Adventure: Partial Panama Canal Tour
Panama Canal Ferry Adventure: Partial Panama Canal Tour
Panama City

Very enjoyable experience. Took lots of photos and watched a lot of ships.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided E-Bike Tour in  El Valle de Antón
Guided E-Bike Tour in El Valle de Antón
Valle de Antón

Had a lot of fun and enjoyed every minute. My first time on an electric bike. We walked through a little jungle, saw animals and birds in the trees. Visited the town, the market, and a waterfall. Had lunch. The staff at the bike shop were nice. The experience was very enjoyable.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Carlos, our guide, was great. I enjoyed his dialogue immensely.
Transport
Catamaran Cruise to Taboga Island
Catamaran Cruise to Taboga Island
Taboga Island

Great fun! Perfect way to end the week. The catamaran crew were all very nice and attentive that everyone have a good time. The music was lively and fun. The drinks were delicious. The food was plentiful and very tasty. While I didn't go swimming off the boat, the others with me did and they had a wonderful time in the water. I went swimming at the beach on Taboga Island. A totally enjoyable experience.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Portobelo Day Tour: Ruins, Beaches and Snorkel in Carribean waters
Portobelo Day Tour: Ruins, Beaches and Snorkel in Carribean waters
Panama

I enjoyed walking around the ruins, learning about some of the history, and playing in the crystal clear water at the beach. Had lunch at a waterfront restaurant, and the food was delicious.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Discovering Panama City: Free Day
Discovering Panama City: Free Day
Panama City

We enjoyed exploring the city, and did some shopping.

Quality of Experience
Local specialist: Magalie Damour

Panama and Panama Canal Vacation
Panama | Mar 20 - Mar 29, 2025

K
Ken R.
Arlington, VA | Reviewed on Mar 31, 2025
Magalie,
I would echo John’s comments to a very large degree.
Our driver Eric was great. Punctual, personable, and able to navigate the chaos they call traffic with ease. Victor was personable, knowledgable, informative, and willing to tailor our outings to our wishes. Carlos knew the area well and obviously had a real connection to it as he provided information about El Valle de Anton. I enjoyed the trip through the locks a great deal. It was fascinating to watch the... Read more

Magalie,
I would echo John’s comments to a very large degree.

Our driver Eric was great. Punctual, personable, and able to navigate the chaos they call traffic with ease.

Victor was personable, knowledgable, informative, and willing to tailor our outings to our wishes.

Carlos knew the area well and obviously had a real connection to it as he provided information about El Valle de Anton.

I enjoyed the trip through the locks a great deal. It was fascinating to watch the operation.

The accommodations were all nice. Though John and Sharon were stuck on the second floor of the Playa Bonita with a very obstructed view. It would have been much better had they been up on the 16th floor near us with a clear view of the canal entrance.

The trip excursions were all enjoyable and provided a wide range of experiences and different areas of Panama.

The only thing that might have assisted us and provided a better journey was more clear descriptions of what we would be doing. There were times where we were uncertain if we would need to bring our swim wear or not.

Overall, a very nice trip that was efficient in connections, informative as to the area, and very enjoyable.

Regards
Ken

Local specialist: Magalie Damour

Our trip to Panama was wonderful and exceeded our expectations!
Panama | Mar 20 - Mar 29, 2025

Sharon
Sharon N.
Derby, KS | Reviewed on Mar 31, 2025
Our trip to Panama was wonderful and exceeded my expectations! We had a phenomenal driver, Eric, who skillfully navigated the busy Panama City traffic. Our main guide, Victor was very personable, knowledgeable and informative. He went out of his was to ensure that our trip was memorable and meaningful. I especially enjoyed his candor and sense of humor. The Zen Panama hotel was very modern and the location was in a lively neighborhood with great restaurants and easy access to the Metro. ... Read more

Our trip to Panama was wonderful and exceeded my expectations! We had a phenomenal driver, Eric, who skillfully navigated the busy Panama City traffic. Our main guide, Victor was very personable, knowledgeable and informative. He went out of his was to ensure that our trip was memorable and meaningful. I especially enjoyed his candor and sense of humor. The Zen Panama hotel was very modern and the location was in a lively neighborhood with great restaurants and easy access to the Metro. Carlos, our guide in El Valle de Anton was very friendly, knew the area well and gave us excellent recommendations for restaurants. He lead us on a very enjoyable e-bike tour. The Golden Frog Inn and the grounds were stunning! It truly felt like a slice of paradise. Our final hotel, the Playa Bonita was a beautiful gated resort. The accommodations, restaurants and pools were all very nice and we enjoyed our stay. The highlight of our trip was the Red Cat catamaran tour. Jumping into and swimming in the calm, clear Pacific Ocean was unbelievable! Of course the Panama Canal boat trip was a once in a lifetime experience and mingling with and observing the Panamanian people was very rewarding. This trip opened my eyes to the beautiful country and peoples of Panama. I highly recommend it to others.

Hotel Reviews
The Golden Frog Inn
El Valle de Antón

The Golden Frog Inn and grounds felt like a slice of paradise. The views from our balcony and the dining patios were stunning! I really enjoyed listening to the birdsong as we dined each day. I highly recommend the Golden Frog to anyone looking to get away from the city and enjoy nature.

Authenticity & Character
The beautiful foliage and views made the Golden Frog feel like a slice of paradise!
Location
Staff
The staff were very efficient and friendly. They were very patient with my very limited Spanish language skills.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The grounds, common areas and individual rooms were well cared for, clean and comfortable.
The Westin Playa Bonita Panama Hotel
Playa Bonita, Panama Pacifico, Ciudad de Panama
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Best Western Plus Panama Zen Hotel
Panama City

This was a very modern hotel in a lively neighborhood. The accommodations were very nice and the restaurant, bar and swimming pool very enjoyable. Easily walked to neighborhood restaurants, shopping and the Metro.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Cultural Experience Dinner
Cultural Experience Dinner
Panama City

The Ceviche was amazing!

Quality of Experience
The Ceviche was amazing!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Everyone was very helpful, friendly and welcoming.
Transport
We had an amazing driver , Eric , who made us feel safe!
Portobelo Day Tour: Ruins, Beaches and Snorkel in Carribean waters
Portobelo Day Tour: Ruins, Beaches and Snorkel in Carribean waters
Panama

Enjoyable walk through the old town.

Quality of Experience
Food
Excellent lunch!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
City Tour - Casco Viejo & Panama Canal
City Tour - Casco Viejo & Panama Canal
Panama City
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Panama Canal Ferry Adventure: Partial Panama Canal Tour
Panama Canal Ferry Adventure: Partial Panama Canal Tour
Panama City

Once in a lifetime experience! Pictures don’t do it justice…you have to see it for yourself.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Everyone was very helpful and patient, especially with my very limited Spanish language skills. Everyone was very professional.
Transport
Wildlife Sanctuaries and Panama Canal Boat Tour
Wildlife Sanctuaries and Panama Canal Boat Tour
Panama City

We really enjoyed the informative walk through the nature preserve and the boat ride. It was especially nice to eat a leisurely lunch on the boat, taking in the gorgeous surroundings. The monkey, birds and sloth sightings were fun!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Catamaran Cruise to Taboga Island
Catamaran Cruise to Taboga Island
Taboga Island

Great experience! It was such a happy, relaxing time. Great music, drinks and dancing. The highlight was jumping into and swimming in the clear, calm Pacific Ocean! Unbelievable!

Quality of Experience
Such a happy, relaxing time! Great music, drinks and dancing.
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our personal guide on board the catamaran was very helpful and friendly. The entire staff/crew were very upbeat and helpful.
Transport
The catamaran itself was amazing. Surprisingly comfortable!
Guided E-Bike Tour in  El Valle de Antón
Guided E-Bike Tour in El Valle de Antón
Valle de Antón

The e-bike tour was a much welcomed chance to commune with the natural surroundings and get some exercise!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Carlos, our guide was terrific. He shared his love of the area and made the experience very positive.
Transport
First time on an e-bike and it made biking on steep roads a breeze! Highly recommend it!
Trip to the Pozo Azul Waterfall
Trip to the Pozo Azul Waterfall
Valle de Antón

Enjoyed being surrounded by the serenity of the forest. The birdsong and fragrant plants and waterfall were very pleasurable.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Carlos was a wealth of information and he truly loves this area. He made the experience impactful.
Transport
Local specialist: Magalie Damour

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