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Panama Travel Tips

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

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.

Table of Contents

• 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.

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

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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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Panama Tours & Vacations

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.

Our Panama trips

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Panama tour reviews

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Costa Rica & Panama Discovery

Articles of Panama

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.

Further reading

Panama travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

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

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Fully Guided Tours & Trips in Panama

Find the right fully guided tour for you in Panama. There are 15 trips to choose from, that range from 6 days in length, up to 13 days. The month with the most departures is July, making it the most popular time to visit Panama.

15 Fully Guided tour packages in Panama with 22 reviews

• Sightseeing
• Christmas & New Year

Classic Panama

• In-depth Cultural

Independent Panama with the Pacific Coast

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

• Local Living

Panama & San Blas Local Encounters 8D/7N

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

Cultural Panama

Customized Trip of Panama History & Island with Daily Departure

Panama Highlights

Viva Panama

• Educational

Panama Language Immersion

The Best of Panama

• Wildlife & Nature Photography

Harpy and Quetzal in Focus

Panama Highlights Tour (8 days)

• Ocean Cruise

Iconic Panama Canal with Top Chef Bryan Voltaggio

Costa Rica & Panama Discovery (7 destinations)

The trip was amazing. I would highly recommend it!

Regions in Panama

• Central Panama (5)

Travel Styles

• Fully Guided
• Best 10 Panama Vacation Deals 2024/2025

Top Tours in Panama, Central America

Panama tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Day Tour in San Blas Islands All Included Visiting 4 Islands

2. Ocean to Ocean Panama Canal and Jungle Tour

3. Half Day City and Panama Canal Tour

4. All Inclusive Full-Day Taboga Island Catamaran Tour from Panamá City

5. Tour at the Chagres Rainforest and Embera Indigenous Village

6. Legends of Casco Viejo Tour: Uncover Hidden Gems

7. Panama Canal Partial Tour - Southbound Direction

8. Lake Gatun Wildlife Tour from Panama City

9. The City Safari - A Classic Car Tour of Panama City

10. Private Surf Lesson in Santa Catalina, Panama -

11. Monkey and Sloth Jungle Habitat Panama Tour

12. Panama City Bike Tour

13. Panama City and Canal Private Tour

14. 5hr Combo-Panama Canal Boat Safari & Jungle Walk w/ Local Brunch

15. The 'Real' Panamanian Private Food Tour

16. Gamboa Wildlife and Sloth Sanctuary Tour with Pickup

17. Full-Day Catamaran Sailing Caribbean Beaches with Snorkelling and Lunch

18. Private or Small Group Tour of the City and Panama Canal

19. Walking Tour in Panama City with Licensed Guide

20. Panama Canal Full Transit Tour

21. Panama Canal Tour and Gatun Lake Ecotour

22. Panama Canal Partial Tour - Northbound direction

23. Panama Canal Partial Transit

24. Top Monkey Island Tour Privado

25. The Panama Barcrawl

26. All-inclusive 8-hour catamaran tour to Isla Taboga from Panama City

27. City Outings: Panama Jungle Adventure

28. Private Tour of the Historic Center of Panama and Canal

29. 4-Hour Guided Panamanian Cooking Class and Markets Experience

30. Half day of Panama city and canal Tour

What travellers are saying.

Welcome to BookPanamaTours.com

Your getaway to adventure in panama.

Discover the wonders of Panama and immerse yourself in the rich culture and breathtaking landscapes of this vibrant country. At BookPanamaTours.com, we curate unforgettable tours and activities in and around Panama City, offering you a chance to create memories that last a lifetime.

Explore Panama City and Beyond

Whale Watching in Panama

Panama Coffee: A Journey Through Rich Flavors and Unique Terroir

Exploring Old Panama and the Legends of Captain Henry Morgan

THE 10 BEST Panama Bus Tours

Bus tours in panama.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Half Day City and Panama Canal Tour

2. Tour at the Chagres Rainforest and Embera Indigenous Village

3. Lake Gatun Wildlife Tour from Panama City

4. The City Safari - A Classic Car Tour of Panama City

5. Monkey and Sloth Jungle Habitat Panama Tour

6. Panama City and Canal Private Tour

7. 5hr Combo-Panama Canal Boat Safari & Jungle Walk w/ Local Brunch

8. The 'Real' Panamanian Private Food Tour

9. Private Panama Night Out Experience

10. Gamboa Wildlife and Sloth Sanctuary Tour with Pickup

11. Full-Day Catamaran Sailing Caribbean Beaches with Snorkelling and Lunch

12. Private or Small Group Tour of the City and Panama Canal

13. Panama Canal Tour and Gatun Lake Ecotour

14. Top Monkey Island Tour Privado

15. City Outings: Panama Jungle Adventure

16. Private Tour of the Historic Center of Panama and Canal

17. Half day of Panama city and canal Tour

18. Full-Day SAN BLAS ISLAND Tour + Transport from Panama City

19. Ocean to Ocean Panama Canal Miraflores, Agua Clara & Pedro Miguel

20. Combo: Gatun Lake & Canal Wildlife Boat Tour and Sloth Sanctuary

21. Casco Viejo and Panama Canal

22. Half-day Private City Tour and Panama Canal

23. Day Trip to El Valle Anton from Panama City

24. 2-Day Trip to Paradise San Blas Island + Meals + Boat Tour

25. Full-Day Gatun Lake and Indian Village Tour from Panama City

26. Private and Personalized Half Day Panama Canal and City Tour

27. Aerial Tram & Sloth Sanctuary in the Rainforest

28. Cruiseline Excursion Colon: Panama City tour and Miraflores Locks

29. Cruiseline Excursion Colon: Rainforest, San Lorenzo Fort and Canal Expansion

30. Embera Indian Village

What travelers are saying.

• Exploring the Panama Canal: How to Book a Tour

Are you looking for an unforgettable experience? Look no further than the Panama Canal! This engineering marvel has been transforming world trade for over 100 years and is one of the most impressive sights in the world. If you're planning a trip to Panama City, you won't want to miss out on this incredible opportunity. Here's everything you need to know about booking a tour of the Panama Canal. The best way to experience the Panama Canal is to book a tour. There are several options available, from comfortable passenger ships to small boats.

You'll be able to sail under the Bridge of the Americas, cross the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel locks, and pass through the Culebra Cut, the narrowest section of the canal. Plus, you'll learn all about how the canal works and its fascinating history. If you're looking for a more convenient experience, you can book a tour that includes pick-up from your hotel in Panama City. Alternatively, you can visit the Miraflores Locks independently. This is the closest place to observe the canal from Panama City and is one of the most popular attractions in the city. If you're looking for an even more exceptional experience, there's also the option of booking a boat cruise that includes sailing through the Panama Canal.

This is a great way to get up close and personal with this incredible engineering feat. No matter which option you choose, it's important to book your tour in advance. This will ensure that you get the best possible experience and avoid any disappointment. Plus, many tour operators offer free payment and cancellation options - so there's no need to worry if your plans change. When it comes to accommodation, there are plenty of options in Panama City. The most popular choice is to stay in either the historic center of Panamá Viejo or one of the modern chain hotels that offer ocean views.

If you're planning on visiting Gatún Locks (which are located 80 kilometers from Panama City), it's important to bear in mind that Colón has a questionable reputation when it comes to safety. However, if you're just visiting for a day trip and returning to Panama City afterwards, there's no need to worry. So if you're planning a trip to Panama City, don't miss out on this incredible opportunity! Book your tour today and experience one of the world's greatest engineering wonders.

• panama city
• panamá viejo

Combining Multiple Tours into One Trip Along the Canal Route

• Tips and Tricks for an Efficient Tour of the Panama Canal
• 15 Best Panama Canal Tours to Explore the Engineering Wonder
• The Panama Canal: A Historical Overview
• Making Your Tour of the Panama Canal Eco-Friendly: Some Tips
• The Best Time to Take a Panama Canal Cruise
• Exploring the Panama Canal: A Step-by-Step Guide
• Discover the Wonders of the Panama Canal on an Eco-Tour
• 40 Fascinating Facts About the Panama Canal
• Exploring the Panama Canal: A Comprehensive Guide to Walk Tours
• Experience the Magic of Panama with a Helicopter Tour
• The Panama Canal: A Brief History of US Involvement
• Exploring the Wonders of the Panama Canal
• Exploring the Panama Canal: A Tourist's Guide
• When is the Best Time to Tour the Panama Canal?
• Exploring the Wonders of the Panama Canal with Snorkeling Tours
• Exploring the Panama Canal: Discounts and Tours

Experience the Magic of a Panama Canal Sunset Tour

• Bird Watching Tours for the Panama Canal
• Explore the Panama Canal with Private Tours
• Exploring the Panama Canal: Day and Night Tours Available
• Explore the Panama Canal on a Bike Tour
• Exploring the Panama Canal: Visiting Miraflores Visitor Center
• Fishing Tours in the Panama Canal: An Expert's Guide
• Exploring the Panama Canal: A Guide to the Best Ways to Tour
• Explore the Panama Canal with Sunrise Tours
• Exploring the Panama Canal: Group Tours and Accommodation Options
• Exploring the Panama Canal: How to Extend Your Tour
• How Long Does a Tour of the Panama Canal Last?
• Everything You Need to Know About Panama Canal Cruises

Affordable Ways to Visit the Panama Canal

• Tips and Tricks for an Educational Tour of the Panama Canal
• Navigating the Panama Canal: Safety Tips for Tourists
• Exploring Panama City and Canal: Educational Tours for Students
• Exploring the Panama Canal: Is it Safe to Travel Alone?

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15 Best Panama Canal Day Tours from Panama City

Looking for the best panama canal day tours from panama city you’ve come to the right place.

An engineering marvel built as a shortcut across two oceans , the Panama Canal is a bucket list activity in Panama.

Visiting the Panama Canal and seeing the ships sail along was a highlight of my trip .

From exploring historic sites to riding the canal to tropical landscapes, each tour offers a unique way to experience this iconic waterway.

Let’s get right into the 15 best Panama Canal day tours for your trip to Panama City Panama!

This post may contain affiliate links. We may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) on qualifying purchases so we can continue to create helpful content. Thank you, and we appreciate it. See our disclosure policy for more information.

Table of Contents

My Top 3 Picks: Best Panama Canal Tours

Ocean to Ocean Panama Canal & Jungle Tour

✅ 90 min Canal Ride

✅ Plus more stops

Panama Canal Full Transit Tour

✅ 12+ hours

✅ Ride all 3 Locks

✅ Meals & hotel pickup

Panama Canal Partial Tour – Southbound

✅ Travel towards Pacific Ocean

✅ Pass 2 sets of Locks

The Panama Canal is one of the most fun activities in Panama City . Several different Panama Canal day tours from Panama City Panama include:

• Train Tours
• Helicopter tours

Each of these top Panama Canal tours from Panama City offers a unique perspective and experience.

And while getting around in Panama can be easy when you know what you are doing, all these tours organize roundtrip transportation, entrance, and other details for you. So, all you need to do is show up and enjoy.

Panama Canal Day Tours from Panama City – By Boat

1. ocean to ocean panama canal and jungle tour.

⭐ 5/5 ( 1000+ Reviews )

The Ocean to Ocean Panama Canal and Jungle Tour is an 8-hour adventure from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean on and alongside the Panama Canal.

The first stop is the Panama Canal, where you will ride along on a boat next to ships passing through the canal for 90 minutes.

From there, you will stop at Lake Gatun (the second-largest artificial lake on the continent), Agua Clara Locks Visit Center , and enjoy lunch at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fort San Lorenzo .

While you don’t get to ride a boat through the locks, this is one of the most popular tours of Panama Canal and offers a great balance of history and nature.

You can see monkeys, sloths, birds, crocodiles, and lots of other wildlife.

It is an early start, so get a good night’s sleep the night before.

“ We only had 48 hours in Panama and this was a perfect way to spend one of our days. Pick up was communicated perfectly and we were picked up promptly at the time John told us. John was very knowledgeable and full of information. The tour included a little bit of everything, including things you didn’t know you needed to see. ” – Kathleen A. ( see more reviews )

Check Prices & Availability

2. Panama Canal Full Transit Tour

⭐ 4.5/5 ( 180+ Reviews )

This Full Transit Panama Canal Tour is one of the best Panama Canal one day tours. It’s got a packed itinerary, so prepare for at least 12 hours .

You will pass through and learn about all three sets of locks and view Lake Gatun and Chagres River while learning about the history and construction of the Panama Canal.

While a full-day tour may be exhausting for some, it’s well worth it if you’re interested in the history behind the Canal . You get to ride the Panama Canal all the way, and how cool is that!

The tour provides breakfast, lunch, snacks, drinks, and roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Panama City. All you have to do is wake up early and enjoy a day of hearing about a fascinating piece of history from a knowledgeable guide.

“ This is a long day, but, for me, I thought a brilliant and unique trip. The staff were all extremely helpful and polite and the guide gives a great deal of interesting information. I am happy to recommend this trip to anyone who has a voyage through the Panama Canal on their bucket list. ” – Russel W. ( see more reviews )

Check Prices & Availability  

3. Panama Canal Partial Tour – Southbound Direction

⭐ 4.5/5 ( 200+ Reviews )

If you don’t want to commit to a full day on the Panama Canal, consider a partial transit tour . This Panama Canal Partial Tour – Southbound Direction toward the Pacific Ocean is a great starting point.

This 6-hour, small group tour takes you southbound along the Panama Canal , where you will see the Miraflores Locks and Pedro Miguel Locks up close.

The tour provides transportation and lunch on board. While you won’t see the entire canal, you will catch the most essential parts .

“ It was a delightful experience going through the locks and participating with another boat journeying through the Canal locks. Our guide, Jose, was extraordinary! He was fun, engaging and shared lots of history. It was also impressive that the tour was conducted in Spanish and English, and he did not miss a beat. ” – Crystal B. ( see more reviews )

4. Panama Canal Partial Tour – Northbound Direction

⭐ 4.5/5 ( 85+ Reviews )

The Panama Canal Partial Tour – Northbound Direction is a similar 6-hour tour , but this time heading north along the canal toward the Atlantic Ocean.

You will still stop at all the major points of interest along the Panama Canal, including Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks. Your guide will explain the engineering marvels, the canal’s construction, and constant maintenance .

The tour also provides continental breakfast and lunch, roundtrip transfers from selected hotels, and soft beverages. If you’re looking for fun six-hour tours of the Panama Canal with everything provided , this is a great, affordable option.

“ I’m glad we did this tour and actually travelled through the locks as opposed to just watching from the visitor’s center. If you’re going to see the canal, this is the way to go. ” – Ouillma D. ( see more reviews )

5. 5hr Combo-Panama Canal Boat Safari & Jungle Walk w/ Local Brunch

⭐ 5/5 ( 445+ Reviews )

This 5-hour Combo-Panama Canal Boat Safari & Jungle Walk tour is one of the most popular tours through Panama Canal. It includes a partial tour of the Panama Canal, with a heavy emphasis on the wildlife and jungle in the region.

First, the tour drives you halfway up the Panama Canal to Gamboa. From here, you hop on a covered boat to begin the eco-cruise to Gatun Lake, Monkey Island, Soberania National Park with a Panamanian breakfast, and Centennial Bridge.

At Soberania National Park, go on a nature walk , where you will learn more about the animals and plants in the region.

Although this tour isn’t as focused on the Panama Canal as the engineering behind it, it’s a unique experience filled with memorable moments .

“ The transportation was on time and very comfortable. The tour guide was superb, with extensive knowledge, and spoke fluent English and Spanish. The boat driver was good at placement for the best experience, and the monkeys actually came on board. Being in the Canal with the ships was a great experience. ” – Paul C. ( see more reviews )

6. Boat Tour and Wildlife in the Panama Canal

⭐ 4.5/5 ( 105+ Reviews )

This Boat Tour and Wildlife in the Panama Canal is a 3-hour tour along the Panama Canal and to Lake Gatun.

You will enter the Panama Canal at Chagres River and ride along the canal to Gatun Lake . You’ll spend about 45 minutes on the channel, passing by ships and learning a little about the history from your guide.

Because this is a short tour, it’s great for those that don’t have much time . You can pair this with a visit to the Panama Canal Visitor Center to learn more about the region.

It’s important to note that you won’t learn much about the Panama Canal here , aside from the brief boat ride through.

“ Fernando was a great guide. We saw a few different types of monkeys, various birds, gators, lizards. Some monkeys got close and personal, and to actually have them eat out of your palm was surreal. The Panama Canal is something to marvel at – a historic engineering of progressive transportation! ” – Ivanna K. ( see more reviews )

7. Panama Canal Partial Transit Tour

⭐ 4/5 ( 380+ Reviews )

The Panama Canal Partial Transit Tour is a 7-hour tour that takes you halfway across the Panama Canal . It’s much shorter than the Panama Canal full transit day tour, but still informative.

The tour includes the Miraflores Visitor’s Center and the Pedro Miguel Locks, where you will cross a total of three levels of locks . You’ll also see the beginning of Gatun Lake.

“Going through the locks was a fascinating experience. The guide was knowledgeable and interesting. The crew were friendly and attentive. We really enjoyed the catering, but the biggest impact was the scale of the engineering and the achievement that is the canal. We had a thoroughly enjoyable trip.” – David G. ( see more reviews )

8. The Panama Canal: Kingfisher Experience Tour

⭐ 5/5 ( 6+ Reviews )

The Panama Canal: Kingfisher Experience Tour is perfect for fishing enthusiasts or those who want something different .

Get a partial-day rundown of the Panama Canal and its history, followed by an 8-hour fishing experience right on the Panama Canal . 

On the way to your designated spots, you will pass massive ships going through the Canal and learn more about the canal.

You will be catching Oscar Bass, Snook, Tilapia, Peacock Bass, and Tarpon, all while observing wildlife. You can choose to catch-and-release or take your catch home for dinner.

This may not be for everyone, but for those who love fishing or want to say, “I’ve caught a fish in the Panama Canal,” this tour is for you.

“ John was an amazing guide. Best snacks and took us around so many places for fishing. He has a ton of wildlife knowledge!! Would recommend!!! ” – Tara S. ( see more reviews )

Panama Canal Day Tours from Panama City – By Train

9. Historic Portobelo and Panama Canal Sightseeing Tour with Train Ride

⭐ 5/5 ( 10+ Reviews )

The Panama Canal Railway stretches 76.6 km (47.6 mi) between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, from Colón to Balboa.

This Historic Portobelo and Panama Canal Sightseeing Tour with Train Ride is a 10-hour tour that takes you to some of the most important sites along the canal and a few museums.

The tour includes a drive through Portobelo National Park , a visit to the Museo de La Real Aduana de Portobelo , a one-hour ride on the Panama Canal Railway, and the Aguas Clara Locks Visitor Center , and a few other brief stops.

If you want an all-out train experience , this is one of the best Panama Canal tours that includes a train ride.

“ Great tour. A large amount of Historical information shared by our tour guide. He was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Did not rush. Explained things thoroughly. Tour was lengthy, so come prepared for a long day but was well worth the effort. ” – Lawrence O. ( see more reviews )

10. Panama Canal Train, Agua Clara Canal Lock Center & Colon Fort

⭐ 4/5 ( 7+ Reviews )

This Panama Cana Train, Agua Clara Canal Lock Center & Colon Fort is another exciting way to visit and learn from one of the best Panama City canal tours.

The 8-hour tour begins with a trip on the Panama Canal Railway, where you can admire the beautiful fauna and wildlife from the comforts of a high-end train with air-conditioning .

After the hour-long train ride, you’ll visit Agua Clara Locks, Fort San Lorenzo, and Port Colon 2000 for lunch.

The tour guides are incredible and take care to make sure things go smoothly, and you leave with much more information than you arrived with.

“ Aqua Clara Canal system is absolutely amazing. We observed 2 ships pass through the locks. Truly breathtaking. ” – Prakash P. ( see more reviews )

Panama Canal Day Tours from Panama City – By Car

11. Half Day City and Panama Canal Tour

⭐ 5/5 ( 910+ Reviews )

This Half Day City and Panama Canal Tour blends the best nearby activities in Panama City .

The 5-hour tour begins with a stop at the Miraflores Visitor Center, which is a great place to learn about the history and construction of the Panama Channel.

You can head up to the observation deck to watch boats come through . I loved watching the ships pass by.

After the Panama Canal portion, you will make brief stops at Amador Causeway , Casco Viejo, Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria the Ancient, Arco Chato, and Plaza Carlos V. You will also pass by several other points of interest. I really enjoyed seeing all these places in Panama City.

The tour only lasts about one hour in Casco Viejo , so you can also look into another Casco Viejo tour to learn more about this historic neighbourhood.

This is one of the best Panama Canal day tours from Panama City for those who want a more general experience .

“ This was a small group of 4, and our tour guide was Juan Carlos who was extremely knowledgeable of all the topics about the city, and the Panama Canal. We had a great time learning and having fun on the way. He also speaks perfect English and had the answers for all our questions. I would recommend for everybody visiting Panama City to take this tour. ” – Dusha P. ( see more reviews )

12. Layover (Stopover) City Tour and Panama Canal Visit

⭐ 5/5 ( 38+ Reviews )

The Layover (Stopover) City Tour and Panama Canal Visit is a great tour for anyone with a 6+ hour layover in Panama City looking for some day trips.

Dedicated tours to Panama Canal are a must-do for all travellers and adventurers, but if you only have a few hours in the city, make the most of it with a layover tour.

The tour is 4.5 hours, so you need at least a six-hour layover . But if you have the time, it’s a great Panama Canal day trip from the airport.

You’ll be picked up from Tocumen International Airport (PTY) and taken to the Panama Canal, Casco Viejo (Old Town), Amador Causeway, Panama Canal Administration Building, and Panama City sign.

“ I had a six hour layover in Panama City and decided to book this tour, especially since the reviews were great. I arrived in Panama at about 6:00 a.m., and Miguel picked me up at the airport. To keep it short. This tour is well worth its price, and Miguel is an excellent tour guide. The tour significantly added to my journey and allowed me to explore some of what Panama offers. It makes me want to come back. ” – Awab H. ( see more reviews )

13. Tour of Panama City and the Panama Canal

⭐ 5/5 ( 50+ Reviews )

This Tour of Panama City and the Panama Canal is a Panama Canal half-day tour around the city that includes all the important highlights. It’s one of the best tours Panama has to offer.

The 4.5-hour Panama Canal tours from Panama City take you to the Panama Canal, Miraflores Locks, Amador Causeway, Casco Viejo, and Plaza de la Catedral.

One of the best things about this tour is the incredible guides , who go out of their way to accommodate all guests and Panama Canal tourism. Transportation is organized, and you will get a complete history run-down on Panama while exploring.

“ Roberto gave us a very interesting and informative tour of Panama City and the Panama Canal Miraflores Locks and Visitors Center. ” – Clifford D. ( see more reviews )

Panama Canal Helicopter Tours

14. Private 30 Minute Panama Canal and Panama City Helicopter Tour

⭐ 5/5 ( 43+ Reviews )

If you want the most unique and thrilling experience of the Panama Canal, consider this Private 30-minute Panama Canal and Panama City Helicopter Tour .

Before the ride, you will get a brief history of the Panama Canal from the captain and everything you can expect to see. The captain is excellent at maneuvering the helicopter and knowledgeable about the Panama Canal.

You can upgrade to a 60-minute helicopter ride with a 30-minute tour of the Panama Canal and a 30-minute “jungle” cruise that takes you on a flight above the rainforest.

Keep your eyes open for Cerro Ancon which is the highest point in Panama City and is a great spot to go hiking.

“ I’ve done quite a few helicopter tours all over the USA, and this was by far the greatest tour of them all. Fernando starts with a history lesson of Panama and the Canal; you can tell he is genuinely passionate about his country. Great facts and background. The ride itself is smooth, and he is very knowledgeable of the various kinds of ships that go through the canal… ” – Marco M. ( see more reviews )

15. Canal of Panama by Helicopter

This Canal of Panama by Helicopter is another excellent choice for thrill-seekers who want a birds-eye view of the Panama Canal.

The tour includes 30 minutes of air time , where you will get some of the most beautiful views of the canal and Lake Gatun . The pilots and guides are all professional and go out of their way to ensure you leave happy and satisfied with the trip.

“ Great trip and overall experience seeing the canal and Lake Gatun! The pilot was experienced, and I had a relaxed and competent feel about him. His English was very good. ” – George R. ( see more reviews )

FAQs about Panama Canal Tours

Can you do a day trip through the panama canal.

Yes, you can do a day trip through the Panama Canal . Several tour operators offer the chance to transit through the canal’s locks, either in partial or full transit, providing a unique perspective on this engineering marvel. A day tour is a great way to experience the Panama Canal if you have limited time in Panama.

What is the Best Way to Tour the Panama Canal?

The best way to tour the Panama Canal depends on your interests and time availability . If you’re seeking a unique and exciting perspective, a helicopter tour gives an impressive bird’s-eye view of the canal or for those who prefer to experience the canal more directly, day tours that transit through the canal’s locks are highly recommended.

Can Tourists Take a Boat Ride Through the Panama Canal?

Yes, tourists can take a boat ride through the Panama Canal. Boat tours are among the best Panama Canal day tours from Panama City, offering a first-hand experience of the canal’s impressive lock system and a chance to sail along the same route that has been frequented by countless commercial and passenger vessels over the years.

Can You Tour the Panama Canal On Your Own?

Yes, you can tour the Panama Canal on your own. However, a self-tour involves visiting the canal’s visitor centers: Miraflores Visitor Center and Agua Clara Visitor Center. They offer observation decks from where you can watch ships transit through the canal’s locks. While this is more economical, you won’t get the same hands-on experience as you would with a boat ride. 

A tour also makes sure you end up in the right place. On my second trip to Panama, I met some people at my hotel who tried to take an Uber to the Locks and ended up going to the shipyard (which was far away) and not seeing the canal. 

How Long is a Boat Ride Through Panama Canal?

A boat ride through the Panama Canal lasts between 4 to 8 hours for a partial transit and up to 12 hours for a full transit. It depends on the type of tour you opt for. The partial transit takes you through some of the locks, whereas a full transit, often considered among the best Panama Canal one day tours, navigates the entire length of the canal.

What is the Best Month to Go Through the Panama Canal?

The best time to go through the Panama Canal is the dry season, from mid-December to mid-April . During these months, you’ll experience less rainfall, making your boat tour more pleasant. Keep in mind that this is also the peak tourist season, so it’s advisable to book your tour ahead of time to secure a spot on one of the best Panama Canal tours.

Enjoy the Panama Canal, a Boat Safari, and a Jungle Walk on this tour !

Final Thoughts: Best Panama Canal One Day Tours

Touring the Panama Canal is a once-in-a-lifetime experience .

The Ocean To Ocean Panama Canal and Jungle Tour is one of the best boat tours of the Panama Canal.

The Half Day City and Panama Canal Tour is great for those who are short on time and who want to see the canal but not ride a boat.

Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline-filled helicopter ride , an in-depth historical overview, or a serene cruise through the lush rainforest, there’s a tour for you.

Seeing the Panama Canal is just one of many must-do activities when planning your Panama itinerary !

Travelling to Panama? Read more:

• 7 Day Panama Itinerary
• Adventurous Things to Do in Panama
• Fun Things to Do in Panama City Panama
• Best Panama Canal Day Tours from Panama City
• Getting Around Panama
• Best Places to Visit in Panama
• Best Casco Viejo Walking Tours
• Hiking Ancon Hill in Panama City
• Hiking Cerro Cara Iguana
• Volcan Baru Jeep Tour
• Boquete Coffee Tour Review
• Scuba Diving in Bocas del Toro
• Casa Acuario Hotel Review
• La Selva Nomad Treehouse Review
• Best Bocas del Toro Hotels Over Water
• Fun Things to Do in Bocas del Toro
• How to Get to Bocas Del Toro
• How to Visit Nivida Bat Cave, Bocas del Toro
• Costa Rica vs Panama

Melissa is the founder of My Beautiful Passport. A Canadian who has explored 15+ countries on 4 continents, she enjoys combining adventure and affordable luxury. Through sharing her own experiences, travel tips, and destination itineraries, she helps others plan their unique adventures whether it be at the beach, in the city, or in the mountains.

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8 Ways to See the Panama Canal (2024)

by Julie | Feb 5, 2024 | Panama , Travel

Are you in the middle of planning a trip to Panama?

Wondering how to visit the Panama Canal?

In this Panama travel guide, I’m going to share with you the best tours of the Panama Canal. This guide is ideal for those who are history nerds like me and want the BEST canal experience . However, for those who aren’t nerds, I’ve also included a list of easy and cheap ways to see the canal.

So let’s get started!

By the way, for more information on traveling to Panama, check out my complete list of Panama Travel Guides .

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate and a Bookshop.org Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  Please see this website’s  Disclosure  for more info.

In this post, you’ll find…

• Where EXACTLY is the Panama Canal

History of the Panama Canal

• How the Panama Canal works – ESSENTIAL info for trip planning – Don’t skip this part!
• Panama Canal Cruise – Half-way (6 hours)
• Panama Canal Cruise from Pacific to Atlantic Oceans
• Miraflores Locks
• Pedro Miguel Locks
• Gatun Locks in Colon
• Lake Gatun – Includes Monkey Island
• Panama Canal Museum
• Museum of the Afro-Antilleans of Panama

Where EXACTLY is the Panama Canal?

The Panama Canal stretches from the city of Colon on the Atlantic Ocean to Panama City on the Pacific Ocean.

Container ships, cruise ships, and even sailboats ply the canal daily as they make their way from one ocean to another.

You can either visit the canal from the Pacific Side in Panama City, the Atlantic side in Colon, or from Lake Gatun in Gamboa . I recommend visiting the canal from Panama City, but in this guide, I’ll tell you all the different ways to visit it.

The original Panama Canal was completed in 1914. However, in the twenty-first century, some container ships had become too wide to fit through the original canal, so in 2016 Panama built another set of locks running parallel to the old locks. This new set of locks is called Cocoli Locks .

TOP 3 Panama Canal Tours

1. panama canal cruise.

RATING: 4.6/5 (70 Reviews) | TIME: 6 Hours | COST: US$145

• Take a boat ride from the Pacific Ocean through Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks to Lake Gatun (vice versa)
• Includes FREE snack and FREE lunch
• FREE hotel pickup and dropoff

BOOK TOUR HERE!

2. Panama Canal from Pacific to Atlantic + Jungle Tour

RATING: 5/5 (1,100 Reviews) | DURATION: All Day | PRICE: US$135

• Drive along the Panama Canal from Panama City to Lake Gatun in a bus
• Take a boat ride around the islands of Lake Gatun to spot the wildlife of Panama
• Visit the Agua Clara Locks to see the ships pass through the canal
• Visit San Lorenzo National Park where you’ll visit a rainforest to spot more wildlife and tour Fort San Lorenzo to learn about the pirates that terrorized Panama

3. Miraflores Locks + Panama City Tour

RATING: 4.8/5 (220 Reviews) | DURATION: 5 hours | PRICE: $67

• Includes FREE hotel pickup and dropoff
• Miraflores Visitor Center
• Casco Viejo
• Bridge of the Americas
• Amador Causeway

The Panama Canal has one of the most interesting histories in the world. On the one hand, it was an engineering and scientific miracle . But on the other hand, its construction was filled with hubris, corruption, lies, disease, war, revolution, racism, and death .

Before the Panama Canal was Built

Before the Panama Canal was built, ships had to travel around the tip of South America to get from Europe or the East Coast of the United States to Asia or the West Coast of the U.S. This would take many months of travel.

The Panama Canal clipped off months or over 10,000 km from the original route .

During the California Gold Rush , the quickest way for Americans to travel from the East Coast to the West Coast was to take a boat to the Caribbean side of Panama and get off in Colon, where they would then take a boat down the Chagres River to Panama City.

Eventually, a train was built parallel to the river that would take passengers across the isthmus to Panama City. Finally, fortune seekers would catch another boat to California.

The French and the Building of the Panama Canal

The first country to try building the Canal was France. The story of France’s attempt to build the canal is one that is hard to believe–a story of hubris, incompetence, corruption, and scandal.

Over 22,000 people died from disease during the 9 years of construction (1880-1889). Millions of dollars were siphoned off into people’s pockets. And a well-respected French family was left penniless and the eldest son was imprisoned for the arrogance and ignorance of his father.

Ferdinand de Lesseps

The one name that you should remember from this period is Ferdinand de Lesseps . He was the head of France’s attempt to build the canal. De Lesseps had more charm and confidence than integrity and humility . It’s hard to know what he was thinking. Did he knowingly lie and cheat people? Or did he believe his lies and was just living in a fantasy world? Reading his story, one is reminded of Elizabeth Holmes or Sam Bankman-Fried.

What did the French do wrong?

The French started building their canal without doing proper research on what would be the most suitable canal for Panama. Lesseps just insisted on building a sea canal and wouldn’t accept facts even after years and years of failure. A sea canal was not possible given the terrain, the soil, and the raging Chagres River. As a result, the French ran into one engineering problem after another. 

Why did so many workers die?

The French had another big problem: so many workers—both French and West Indies— died on the canal from malaria and yellow fever . Back in the 1800s it was believed that these two diseases were caused by dirt, filth, bad air, or immoral living. No one knows for sure how many died—as the French didn’t keep track of the deaths of the Jamaican workers. But estimates say that it was at least 22,000.

The collapse of the Panama Canal Company

However, Lesseps kept telling people that construction was going well and progress was being made. The guy was so charming that everyone believed him. Sound familiar? Finally, in 1889, Lessep’s lies caught up to him and the company ran out of funds .

Construction stopped and France was rocked by the scandal of the Panama Canal. There were several trials. In the end, de Lessep’s son went to prison for the lies or incompetence of his father.

The Americans and the Building of the Panama Canal

Then the Americans came along. Many Americans especially Theodore Roosevelt, saw the canal as essential for the future imperial ambitions of the United States.

However, the Americans debated between building a canal in Nicaragua or Panama. Unlike the French, they had done a substantial amount of research. In the end, Panama won with the help of another fascinating French guy (I’ll tell you about him below) and a corrupt American lobbyist.

Colombians refused to give in to the Americans

But the Colombians, who owned Panama, had different ideas. They didn’t trust the Americans as the U.S. was already giving off hints of imperialist ambitions in South America. Thus, the Colombians refused to allow the Americans to build the canal. However, the Panamanian elite wanted it.

So the Panamanians with American backing and the support of a French engineer named Philippe Bunau-Varilla revolted and declared independence from Colombia .

The notorious Philippe Bunau-Varilla

Philippe Bunau-Varilla is probably the most hated French person in Panamanian history. His role in the Panama Canal and the revolution was to have repercussions for the next 85 years of Panama-U.S. relations.

The Panamanian revolutionaries needed money for their revolution to succeed. Bunau-Varilla agreed to give them $100,000 in exchange for being made Panama’s ambassador to the United States .

After the Panamanians got their independence, Bunau-Varilla stabbed them in the back. As Panama’s ambassador to the U.S., he rewrote the original Panama Canal Treaty . The conditions in the new treaty were so favorable to the U.S. and so disadvantageous to Panama that they were to anger Panamanians for the rest of the twentieth century, leading to hatred and resentment toward America and many deaths.

The Panama Canal Treaty

In the new treaty, the United States was given complete sovereignty over the land in the canal zone , which included 10 miles of land on each side of the canal. The second change was that this control over the Panama Canal was to be in perpetuity and not for the 99 years that had originally been agreed upon in the previous treaty. The treaty also in essence gave the U.S. final say over any decision made by the Panamanian government, including who would govern the country.

American successes

The U.S. began construction on the Panama Canal in 1904 and they stumbled just like the French did during the first year.

However, in 1905 the right people were put in charge: the railroad engineer, John Steven,s and the infectious disease doctor, William Gorgas.

The U.S. spent time before construction eliminating yellow fever and malaria by reducing the number of mosquitos. Discovering the cause of these two diseases probably saved tens of thousands of lives, and without this achievement, the canal probably wouldn’t have been completed.

The Americans also scrapped plans for a sea canal and i nstead went with the lock canal .  If they hadn’t, they probably wouldn’t have finished the canal for another twenty years.

The U.S. finished the canal in 1914.

The end of U.S. control over the Panama Canal

In the end, Panama became a vassal of the United States until President Jimmy Carter and Omar Torrijos of Panama signed a treaty whereby the U.S. would give up the canal in 1999 .

Before this happened, though, the U.S. invaded Panama in 1989 to arrest its one-time ally, the psychopath, General Manuel Noriega. Several thousand Panamanians lost their lives and most Americans lost all historical memory of the invasion. 

Ever since 1999, Panama has run the canal and has done as good of a job as the Americans had done.

For the BEST book on Manuel Noriega and the U.S. invasion of Panama , I highly recommend God’s Favorite by Lawrence Wright.

Best Books on the History of the Panama Canal?

These are my 2 favorite books on the Panama Canal. You can also check out my complete list of books on Panama .

• The Path Between the Seas – By David McCullough (1977) – The most popular book on the history of the Panama Canal but it was written over 45 years ago, sooooo not the most up-to-date book on the market.
• Panama Fever – By Matthew Parker (2007) – An excellent but more up-to-date published book on the canal. You’ll find Parker has a different perspective on the characters and events from McCullough’s.

How the Panama Canal Works

Before visiting the Panama Canal, it’s helpful to how it works. If you don’t, you might end up visiting at the wrong time and see NOTHING! Trust me! I’ve met several other travelers who went to the canal and saw NOTHING because they went at the wrong time.

Visiting the Panama Canal in the Morning

In the morning , ships ONLY travel down the canal from the Pacific end to the Atlantic end .

The best place to see ships passing through the canal on the Pacific Side is at the Miraflores Locks. Visit the Miraflores Visitor Center website to find out when the ships pass through the locks . Times change daily. And now with the Panama Canal suffering from a shortage of water, times are very different from in previous years. In January 2024 , the website says ships pass through until 6:30 am and then start going through the canal again at 12:35 pm .

It’s BEST not to visit the Miraflores Locks in the morning. Visit in the afternoon.

Visiting the Panama Canal in the Afternoon

In the afternoon starting at noon , the canal is ONLY open to ships traveling from the Atlantic end to the Pacific end .

According to the Miraflores Website, the first ship in January 2024 passes through the Miraflores Locks at 12:35 pm . However, when I visited in 2023 the first ships passed through at 2:40 pm .

Ships continue going through the locks at least until Miraflores Visitor Center closes. So, if you go between 2:00 and 5:00, you should see something .

Essential Info on the Locks

When the Americans were constructing the canal, they were having a hard time cutting the canal through the Continental Divide. They could not dig deep enough to make a canal level with the sea . In addition, they were having difficulty controlling the flooding from the Chagres River.

The only solution was to build a canal with locks and create a huge human-made lake.

What you see today is a canal that is at a higher elevation than both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans .  When ships enter the Panama Canal from either the Pacific or Atlantic Oceans, the locks raise the ships so that they are equal to the level of the canal and lower them to sea level when the ships exit the canal and enter the two oceans. Maybe I’m a nerd, but I think it’s really cool seeing the ships being raised and lowered.

How many locks are there?

There are 3 locks on the Pacific side (2 locks at Miraflores and 1 lock at Pedro Miguel) and 3 locks on the Atlantic side (all 3 are at Gatun Locks) that raise and lower ships. You can visit the locks on both sides.

The original canal has 2 lanes of traffic, so you can see 2 ships passing through the locks at the same time.

However, in the 2000s, at the height of globalization, shipping containers became too wide to pass through the original locks.

In 2016, Panama built a new set of locks running parallel to Miraflores and Pedro Miguel. This new set of locks is called Cocoli Locks. When you’re at Miraflores Observation Deck, you can see ships passing through the new locks in the distance.

How do the locks work?

As a ship travels the canal from the Pacific side, it enters the first lock at Miraflores. The lock raises the ship 9 meters (29.5 feet) above sea level. Doors to the second lock open and the ship enters a new lock. When it enters the second lock at Miraflores, the lock raises the ship another 9 meters (29.5 feet). Finally, when the ship enters the Pedro Miguel lock, the lock raises the ship a final 9 meters (29.5 feet).

In total, the ship is raised 27 meters (88.5 feet) above the level of the Pacific Ocean.

The ship then travels through the Culebra Cut , which is where engineers carved the canal through the Continental Divide.

The canal then makes its way to Gatun Lake . This is where the powerful Chagres River was damned. The Chagres was another challenge for the builders of the canal. During the rainy season, it often floods.

After Gatun Lake, the ship enters the first lock on the Atlantic Side, the ship is lowered 9 meters (29.5 feet). At the second lock, the ship is lowered another 9 meters (29.5 feet). Finally, the last lock lowers the ship 9 meters (29.5 feet) until the ship is at the same level as the Atlantic Ocean .

8 Best Tours of the Panama Canal

There are several ways to visit the Panama Canal during your trip to Panama. I will talk about all of the ways and which ones I did.

1. Taking a Cruise Down the Panama Canal

PRICE: US$145 | TIMES: Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon | BOOK YOUR CRUISE: Northbound Cruise ; Southbound Cruise | LOCATION OF PORT: Google Maps

The BEST way to see the Panama Canal is by taking a boat tour down the Panama Canal . This way is for those who REALLY want to be immersed in one of science’s greatest inventions.

It was one of the best things I did in Panama. But I’m a nerd and I love history and science. So this is not for those who are too cool.

These Panama cruises only do half of the Panama Canal . But you still get to go through 2 locks at Miraflores and 1 lock at Pedro Miguel , pass under the Bridge of the Americas , sail through the Culebra Cut , and see Lake Gatun .

There are 2 half-day boat tours :

• Northbound Tour (Saturdays) – Pacific Ocean toward Lake Gatun
• Southbound Tour (Sundays) – Lake Gatun toward the Pacific Ocean

Both tours only do half the canal.

Northbound Panama Canal Tour:

The Northbound Panama Canal cruise departs every Saturday morning . The boat travels from the Pacific Ocean toward the Atlantic Ocean.

The tour leaves from Isla Flamenco in Panama City and ends around the town of Gamboa on Lake Gatun.

The Northbound Cruise costs US$145 for children and US$95 for children. Check-in time is between 6:30 and 7:30 am. The tour company will pick passengers up at certain hotels around Panama City. Expect to finish the tour around 2:00 pm.  

The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, a small snack, free drinks, free lunch, and English and Spanish guides. I was told that my tour did not include drop-off at the end, but I was dropped off at my hotel.

One big negative about the cruise was that the boat was pretty crowded. Maximum number of people is 250! Get to the boat early so that you can stand at the front of the boat as it goes through the locks. This means you probably won’t be able to do the free hotel pickup and instead get to the port on your own.

Why do the Northbound Panama Canal Tour?

You get to feel what it’s like for the ship to be raised through the three locks , which just seems like a cooler thing to experience than a ship being lowered (according to an engineer I met on the cruise.)

Southbound Panama Canal Tour

The Southbound Panama Canal Cruise goes from Gatun Lake to the Pacific Ocean . This cruise runs only on Sunday afternoons.

You take a bus from Panama City to Lake Gatun , where you catch the boat through the canal. First, you go along the Culebra Cut before passing through the Pedro Miguel lock and then through the two locks of Miraflores . The boat eventually sails under the Bridge of the Americas to the Pacific Ocean. The tour ends at Flamenco Island .

Why do the southern tour?

The cool thing about doing the southbound cruise is that you get to travel toward the Pacific Ocean at the end of the tour and you get to see the skyline of Panama City .

Your boat, however, will be lowered through the locks, whereas the southbound boat is raised as it goes through the locks.

The other reason to do the southbound Panama Canal cruise is that you don’t have to start the tour so early as you do with the northbound tour (6:30 – 7:30 am). The check-in time for the southbound one is between 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m .

How to book your Panama Canal Boat Tour

I did the Northbound Tour in March 2023 and booked directly with the boat company called Panama Marine Adventures .  I recommend this company because their boats looked better than the other two going through the canal at the same time my boat went through.

However, I do NOT recommend booking directly with the company . I’ll tell you later my reasons.

Instead, book through Get Your Guide or Viator . It’s the same tour I took with Panama Marine Adventures .

• Northbound Tour (Pacific Ocean to Lake Gatun – Saturday morning – US$145): Get Your Guide or Viator
• Southbound Tour (Lake Gatun to Pacific Ocean – Sunday afternoon – US$145): Get Your Guide or Viator

Why book through Get Your Guide?

The price is the same as booking directly with Panama Marine Adventures .

And Get Your Guide is AMAZINGLY helpful if you have trouble with your tour. Finding a representative to talk to from Get Your Guide is easy and quick and they will contact the tour company if you have problems.

I tried to book a hotel pick-up time with Panama Marine Adventures and they did not answer my message for several days . They finally contacted me AFTER the deadline for booking a pickup. Thankfully, they did allow me to book a pickup.

However, whenever I’ve used Get Your Guide and had problems with a tour, like I did in Ecuador, I’ve gotten an immediate response from them even late at night.

You can easily get refunds if you need to cancel with Get Your Guide and if the tour doesn’t show up, you can get your money back through Get Your Guide .

You might be interested in these posts:

• The BEST Boquete, Panama Travel Guide
• The Ultimate Panama Food Guide
• Top 20 Places to Visit in Central America

2. Take a Panama Canal Cruise from the Pacific to the Atlantic

PRICE: US$195 | TIME: once a month (see below for exact dates) | BOOK YOUR TOUR: Get Your Guide | LOCATION: Google Maps

For the ultimate history and/or science nerd there is a cruise that takes you through the whole Panama Canal from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean .

I sooooo wanted to do this cruise.

But unfortunately, it’s only done once a month and I was not in Panama City when the cruise was running. Here are the dates for 2024:

• January 20, 2024
• February 17, 2024
• March 16, 2024
• April 20, 2024
• May 18, 2024
• June 15, 2024
• July 20, 2024
• August 17, 2024
• September 21, 2024
• October 19, 2024
• November 16, 2024
• December 21, 2024

The cruise begins at Flamenco Island before crossing under the Bridge of the Americas. It then passes through the Miraflores Locks and the Pedro Miguel Lock . Then it snakes its way through the Culebra Cut , where the canal was carved through the Continental Divide. After that, the boat cruises through Lake Gatun before it is lowered 26 meters through the three chambers of the Gatun Locks . Finally, your boat ends on the Atlantic side in the city of Colon. A bus brings you back to Panama City.

The tour lasts 12 hours and in 2024 costs US$195 for adults and US$105 for children .

What’s included in the tour?

• Continental breakfast
• Buffet lunch
• Afternoon snacks
• Unlimited water and soft drinks
• Bilingual narrator onboard guide
• Pickup from your hotel

How to book your tour?

You can book your tour through Get Your Guide .

3. Miraflores Locks

ENTRANCE FEE: US$17.22 (adults); US$7.22 (ages 6-12); FREE (under 6) | TICKET OFFICE OPEN: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (M-Su)  | WEBSITE: Miraflores Visitor Center  | LOCATION: Google Maps

The easiest and most popular way to see the Panama Canal is by visiting the Miraflores Locks. The locks have a visitor center that includes the following three attractions:

• IMAX Theater to watch a 40-minute 3-D film on the Panama Canal
• Exhibition Hall – temporarily closed
• Observation Deck to watch the boats pass through the locks

IMAX Theater

You can watch a 40-minute 3D film (you get 3D glasses) on the construction of the Panama Canal. It’s narrated by Morgan Freeman.

Personally, I think the movie was boring and did a horrible job of telling the history of the canal. It felt more like a tourism video as it spent way too much time bragging about how beautiful Panama was.

Here were the times for the 3D documentary on the canal when I visited:

Exhibition Halls

There are 4 exhibition halls that introduce visitors to the Panama Canal’s history, function, biodiversity, and international importance. When I visited in April 2023, it was closed .

Observation Deck

The highlight of visiting Miraflores is watching the ships go through the locks from the Observation Deck.  

The problem with the observation deck, though, is that it’s too small and there are too many people . When I got to the deck in the afternoon, the bleachers were full so I had to stand on the left edge of the deck and only got a view of the ships leaving the locks .  

If you stand to the right of the bleachers in the afternoon, you’ll get to see the ships entering the locks .

Even though I had taken a cruise through the locks several weeks earlier, I still LOVED watching the ships go through them AGAIN.

Check the Miraflores website to find out when the boats pass through the Miraflores Locks. The times in January 2024 are different from the times in 2023. In January 2024 , the website says ships go through the locks until 6:30 in the morning and start going through the locks again at 12:35 pm.

Coffee Shop, Wine bar, and Snack Bar

There’s a coffee shop, wine bar, and snack bar at the Visitor Center. They sell snacks as well as coffee and other drinks.

Are there long lines at Miraflores?

Yes, there are indeed long lines. However, my line moved relatively fast. I think I was in line for only around 10 minutes.

How to get to the Miraflores Locks

Getting to the Miraflores Locks by public transportation is SUPER EASY and FAST .

I highly recommend doing it by bus because taxis and Ubers tend NOT to like taking people all the way to the locks . AND they really hate picking people up from the locks .

At Allbrook Bus Station ( Google Maps ), take bus C810 from Bahia (Bus Stop) D right outside the station entrance. Allbrook is also called Gran Terminal Nacional de Transporte

Google Maps will show you the EXACT location where your bus is picking up passengers. Every time I used Google Maps at Allbrook it was 100% accurate in identifying the location of the bus stop.

Bus fare costs 25 cents . However, you will need a Metro Card, which costs US$2 . You can buy a Metro Card from machines at subway stations around the city or from inside the Allbrook Bus Station.

Google Maps also works really well in Panama City for bus routes and schedules.

Bus C810 will drop you off right in front of the entrance to the Miraflores Visitor Center .

My bus left Allbrook Station at 1:00 pm and arrived at Miraflores at 1:20 pm . This gave me enough time to buy tickets for the movie starting at 1:30 pm and get to the Observation Deck at 2:20 pm for the first boat passing by at 2:40 pm . I finished watching the ships pass through the locks at 3:30 pm and made it to the bus stop at 3:45 pm . I caught my bus back to Panama City a few minutes before 4:00 pm .

You can also drive if you have a private vehicle. There is a parking lot in front of the Miraflores Visitor Center.

How to get from Miraflores back to Panama City

Pick up Bus #C810 from the same spot that you were dropped off at. Google Maps will give you the bus schedule.

I met this American guy who was trying to get an Uber back to Panama City. No Uber would pick him up. This was at 3:45 pm . Taxis were offering to take him back for US$12.

Is Allbrook Station Safe?

Allbrook Station is safe, clean, and convenient .

It’s where you catch buses to other parts of Panama like Bocas del Toro and David. Allbrook is also where a lot of metro buses begin their routes to other parts of Panama City. There’s a subway line that ends at Allbrook as well.

Here are the 3 most HIGHLY-RATED Tours of the Miraflores Locks:

For the most convenient way to visit Miraflores, take a guided tour. All tours include hotel pickup and drop-off as well as a guide to explain the history and background of the Panama Canal. I recommend booking tours through Get Your Guide . In case something goes wrong with your tour, you can easily and quickly contact Get Your Guide .

1. Conozca Primero Tours Panama

RATING: 4.9/5 (35 REVIEWS) | TIME: 5 hours | PRICE: US$67 – $79

• Jampacked, informative, and reasonably priced
• Miraflores Visitor Center (entrance fee included in the tour price!)
• Accepts solo travelers (few tours do) but for US$79
• Do the afternoon tour to see the ships pass through the canal

BOOK YOUR TOUR HERE!

2. Panama Trails

RATING: 4.6/5 (72 Reviews) | TIME: 4 hours | PRICE: US$130

• Jampacked and informative
• Miraflores Visitor Center (included in the tour price!)
• Includes hotel pickup and dropoff

BOOK YOUR TOUR HERE

3. Safe Transportation Panama

RATING: 4.7/5 (200+ Reviews) | TIME: 5 hours | PRICE: US$129

• Jampacked and fun tour with knowledgeable guides
• A boat ride on Gatun Lake
• A stop at Monkey Islands to see monkeys and other wildlife.

4. Pedro Miguel Locks

COST: FREE  | OPEN: 24/7  | LOCATION: Google Maps

If you want to see ships passing through the Panama Canal for FREE , head to the Pedro Miguel Locks. Here you can stand on the side of the road and look through the holes in a fence to see ships get raised or lowered in the one lock at Pedro Miguel.

In the morning, you’ll want to get here BEFORE 9:00 am and in the afternoon AFTER 1:00 pm .

I did not visit the Pedro Miguel Lock, but I did pass by them on a bus going from Gamboa back to Panama City and I went through the lock on my Panama Canal cruise.

How to get to the Pedro Miguel Lock:

If you don’t have a car, you can take either bus #C800 or C970 from Allbrook Station and get off at this bus stop near Pedro Miguel Lock.

5. Agua Clara Visitor Center to See the Gatun Locks

ENTRANCE FEE: US$10 (adults); US$5 (ages 6-12): FREE (under 6)  | OPEN: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (M-Su); Tickets are sold until 3:30 pm | WEBSITE: Agua Clara Visitor Center | LOCATION: Google Maps

If you’re in Colon , the best way to see the Panama Canal is by visiting the Agua Clara Visitors Center. You can get a panoramic view of ships passing through the Gatun Locks . In the morning, the ships will be coming from Lake Gatun and entering the Atlantic Ocean, and in the afternoon, they will be coming from the Atlantic Ocean and entering Lake Gatun.  

There is also a projection room where you can learn about the history of the canal .

According to the Panama Canal website, ships pass through the Gatun Locks between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm .

How to Visit Agua Clara from Panama City:

1. panama canal pacific to atlantic + jungle tour, 2. agua clara locks + jungle tour.

RATING: 4.5/5 (99 Reviews) | TIME: 6 hours | PRICE: US$100

• Informative and jampacked tour
• Includes hotel pickup and dropoff and transport from Panama City to Colon and back
• Agua Clara visitor center to see the Gatun Locks,
• Visit a rainforest to see wildlife
• The historic San Lorenzo Fort , where the Spaniards defended Panama from pirates like Captain Henry Morgan.

6. Lake Gatun

A fun way to see the Panama Canal is by taking a boat ride on Lake Gatun .

This lake was created during the building of the canal and it is considered part of the canal as ships need to pass through the lake. Lake Gatun is used to provide water for the raising and lowering of the locks.

While you’re on the lake, you can see the ships passing along the canal . However, you do not get to see the ships go through the locks.

To visit Gatun Lake, most people join a tour. All tours take you to Monkey Island on Lake Gatun, which is home to 3 types of monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, turtles, and a variety of bird species.

Top-Rated Tours of Lake Gatun and Monkey Island:

1. panama canal: pacific to atlantic + jungle tour, 2. miraflores locks + lake gatun + monkey island.

RATING: 4.7/5 (220 Reviews) | TIME: 5 hours | PRICE: US$129

• Miraflores Locks Visitor Center
• A boat ride across Lake Gatun
• Monkey Island to see monkeys and other wildlife

3. Lake Gatun + Monkey Island + Sloth Sanctuary

RATING: 4.8/5 (72 Reviews) | TIME: 5 hours | PRICE: US$155

• A boat ride across Lake Gatun to experience the ships crossing the Panama Canal
• Monkey Islands to see the monkeys and other wildlife
• Sloth sanctuary and a butterfly garden in Gamboa

4. Lake Gatun + Monkey Island + Indigenous Village

RATING: 4.7/5 (150 Reviews) | TIME: 7 hours | PRICE: US$130

• An enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide
• Monkey Island where you can see 3 kinds of monkeys
• An indigenous village where you can learn about the Embera people

BOO K YOUR TOUR HERE

7. Panama Canal Museum

ENTRANCE FEE: US$15 (adults); US$7.50 (students & retired); US$5.00 (ages 6-12) |  OPEN: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (Tu-Su)   | WEBSITE: Panama Canal Museum | LOCATION: Google Maps

The  BEST way to get the most complete Panama Canal experience is to first visit the Panama Canal Museum BEFORE visiting Miraflores Locks or doing a Panama Canal cruise.

This very informative museum will tell you the history of the Canal and the history of Panama from the building of the Panama Railroad to the handover of the canal to Panama in 1999.

The museum also covers the U.S. invasion of Panama in 1989.

Give yourself enough time to visit the museum. I ran out of time and had to rush to tour the last few rooms of the museum. There’s so much information that it might take you 2 to 3 hours . For history nerds, give yourself 3 hours.

8. Museo Afroantillano de Panamá

ENTRANCE FEE: FREE | OPEN: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm (Tu – Sa)  | LOCATION: Google Maps

Another Panama Canal attraction you might want to consider exploring is the Museum of Panama’s Afro Antilleans (a.k.a West Indies or Afro-Caribbean people).

The museum traces the history of the Africans who came from the Caribbean islands to work on the Panama Canal during both the French and American construction.

Over 31,000 people from Barbados, Martinique, Trinidad, and other countries in the West Indies worked on the American Canal . It’s unclear how many from the West Indies came during the French construction of the canal. I’ve read everything from 10,000 to 50,000.

The West Indians did the backbreaking work of building the railroad and canal and also suffered the most from malaria, yellow fever, and pneumonia . Under the French, the majority of the 22,000 who died from disease were from the Caribbean Islands. However, the French didn’t keep good records so we don’t know exactly how many died.

The history of the West Indians is important and should be highlighted more. Unfortunately, the museum is rather small—basically one room. There are just a few artifacts, photos, and models . That is probably due partly to the fact that at the time the canal was being built, few paid attention to these people. This neglect was mainly due to racism and partly due to the people from the West Indies being too poor, overworked, and/or illiterate to find the means and time to record their thoughts, experiences, and daily lives.

How to get to the Museo Afroantillano de Panamá:

Take the subway to 5 de Mayo station . Inside the station, there are signs pointing the way to the correct exit to take you to the museum. Once you exit the subway station, the museum should be right across a narrow street .

It’s also possible to walk from Casco Viejo to the museum.

Top Places to Stay for Every Budget

Here are my recommendations on where you to stay in Panama City while you visit the Panama Canal. I stayed at Panama House Bed and Breakfast and would stay there again in a heartbeat.

However, I also highly recommend trying to find a place in Casco Viejo so you can experience the city’s beautiful historic neighborhood.

Best Budget Place to Stay in Panama City

Panama house bed and breakfast.

LOWEST PRICE: US$20-$40 (private room);US$20 (dorm) | BREAKFAST: Included | RATING: 8.9/10 (252+ Reviews)

• Located near a subway station and lots of good restaurants
• Good WiFi – Great place for digital nomads
• Reasonably priced private rooms and dorm rooms
• Very inclusive: Other guests are diverse in terms of age, nationality, and race

CHECK PRICE & BOOK YOUR STAY

Best Mid-Range Place to Stay in Panama City

Magnolia inn.

LOWEST PRICE: US$80-$100 (private room) US$24 (dorm) | BREAKFAST: Not Included | RATING: 8.5/10 (1,477 Reviews)

• A beautiful French-style mansion in Casco Viejo
• Has both mid-range at around US$80-$100 and dorm rooms for US$24

Best Luxury Place to Stay in Panama City

Amarla boutique hotel casco viejo.

LOWEST PRICE: US$242 | BREAKFAST: Included | RATING: 9.3/10 (97+ Reviews) |

• Located in the heart of Casco Viejo
• An impeccably beautiful boutique hotel
• Amazing rooftop terrace with views of the city

Final Thoughts on the 8 Ways to See the Panama Canal

Don’t skip the Panama Canal when you’re visiting Panama . It is one of the greatest engineering feats ever conducted and it’s got a fascinating and tragic history that you should learn about.

But what, in my opinion, are the BEST ways to see the Panama Canal?

• A Panama Canal boat cruise
• A visit to the Miraflores Locks

Now where else should you go in Panama?

• San Blas Islands – BEST beach and island destination in Central America
• Boquete has tons of things to do if you like hiking, birdwatching, and drinking coffee.

Best Resources for Your Trip to Panama

Book your flight:.

I use Skyscanner and Google Flights to book my flight.

Book Your Accommodations:

I book all my accommodations through Booking.com and Agoda . Another site for backpackers and budget travelers is Hostel World – they’re a great site for finding hostels.

Book Your Tours:

I book my tours through Get Your Guide and Viator . They’re reliable and trustworthy, and if you run into problems, you can easily and quickly contact them.

Book Car Rentals:

I book car rentals through Discover Cars . They have good prices and good customer service.

Get Internet & SIM Cards:

I now buy an eSIM through Airalo . It avoids those nasty roaming charges and always having to buy a physical SIM card when arriving in a new country.

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Welcome to The Bamboo Traveler, a travel blog dedicated to helping those travelers who want to dig deeply into the history, heritage, and culture of a place. Whether it’s through the pages of your passport or the pages of a book, I’ll help you travel the world and uncover the history, culture, food, architecture, and natural beauty of some of the world’s most fascinating places.

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The Perfect Panama Itinerary – 1 Week to 10 Days

Providing the bridge between Central and South America, Panama is an important yet overlooked country. Only slightly larger than Ireland, the ‘Crossroads of the World’ is a great destination for high-end travellers and backpackers alike. 

As Panama is relatively under-visited, it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to planning a trip there. Luckily for you, the below Panama itinerary can help!

My two months in the country have put me in good stead to help you plan your trip. Below you will find routes for one week and ten days of travel in Panama. So kick back and relax, all you need to do now is book your flights! 

Read more: (opens in new tab)

• A Guide to Backpacking in Panama
• Getting from Panama to Colombia
• Iconic Hikes in Panama 

Epic Panama Itineraries

This post contains affiliate links. If you use them, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

1-Week Panama Itinerary 

The following Panama itinerary is a whistle-stop tour of the country’s main highlights. It has been created to optimise your time in the country which means it is jam-packed, allowing little time for relaxation! 

If you’re looking for a more slow travel experience, check out this suggested one-month backpacking route around Panama . There is so much more to see and do than the below Panama itinerary allows for! 

Panama City – 2 nights

The capital Panama City is one of the most easily accessible cities in Latin America. Serving a range of domestic and international flights from both Europe and North America, it is generally easy to reach. Your trip to Panama will likely begin here. 

Day 1 – Spend your first day in the capital exploring the beautiful Casco Viejo district. The city’s Old Town has plenty of character, with luxury hotels set in colonial buildings to crumbling graffiti-filled streets along the outskirts. A walking tour is a great way to explore this part of the city and get a feel for Panamanian culture. 

Head to the city’s fish market for a cheap and delicious lunch. This is a fabulous way to sample ceviche, one of the country’s most famous dishes. From the fish market, you can walk the Cinta Costera and head to Ancon Hill in the afternoon. 

Get an Uber here to avoid walking through any sketchy neighbourhoods. When you’ve reached Mi Pueblito, head up the path towards the flag that waves from the hill above. During your walk, keep an eye out for Panamanian wildlife – this is a great place to spot sloths and other exotic animals. 

Make the most of your evening by enjoying dinner and drinks in one of the many rooftop restaurants in Casco Viejo. These offer a fantastic view of the city skyline lit up and provide the perfect backdrop for a toast to your trip. Stay in Casco Viejo overnight. 

Day 2 – Rise early in the morning and grab a traditional Panamanian breakfast at Cafe Coca Cola in Casco Viejo. This is the oldest cafe in the city and offers great value for money. From there, head out on a trip to the famous Panama Canal, one of the city’s best day trips . 

While it is possible to visit the Miraflores locks independently using public transport, I’d advise hopping on a tour. Not only will you save a lot of time but having a guide to explain how everything works is a worthwhile experience. Check out some recommended Panama Canal tours here . 

Once you have finished your visit or tour of the canal, head to the Amador Causeway. Here you can grab lunch in one of the swanky restaurants or cool off with a raspado from one of the street vendors. Walk the Amador Causeway right up to where the boats depart for Taboga Island and the Pearl Islands and enjoy a bit of duty-free shopping.

Head back to your accommodation in Casco Viejo and enjoy some food at Mahalo Cocina y Jardin before turning in. You’ll need to get an early night because you’ll be heading out early tomorrow on your San Blas trip! 

Recommended accommodation in Panama City: 

• Selina Casco Viejo 
• Las Clementinas
• American Trade Hotel

Also read: 

• Where to Stay in Panama City
• Cheap Things to Do in Panama City 

San Blas/Guna Yala – 1 night

Day 3 – Prepare to be picked up early by your tour provider. You will then be whisked away to the San Blas islands (a.k.a. Guna Yala). The journey by car will take several hours so if you’re feeling tired, you can catch some shut-eye while you travel.

Once you arrive at the dock, hop on board your boat and prepare to be whisked off to one of the archipelago’s many islands. Enjoy the day snorkelling, playing volleyball and relaxing on some of the finest beaches that the Caribbean has to offer. Stay on one of the San Blas islands overnight. 

– How to Get to San Blas, Panama

Panama City – 1 night

Day 4 – Enjoy a couple more hours in San Blas paradise that morning before you embark on your journey back to Panama City. You will likely arrive back in the city early evening. Grab some food close to your accommodation when you arrive and pack up your stuff ready for a new destination tomorrow. 

Bocas del Toro – 2 nights 

Day 5 – Take a morning flight to the Bocas del Toro archipelago. Once you arrive on Isla Colón, head out to Starfish Beach . If you have arrived early, consider getting a colectivo to the beach and doing the hike. Alternatively, you can pay for a water taxi to take you there. (This is the quicker option.)

Spend the remainder of the day enjoying the beautiful beach and spotting starfish. If you are lucky enough to see these wonderful animals, do not touch them – it can be harmful . 

Return to Bocas Town and head off to the famous floating bar for a few drinks. Enjoy food, drinks and an epic sunset here. After this, grab a water taxi back to your accommodation in Isla Colón. 

Recommended accommodation on Isla Colón: 

• Koko Acqua Lodge
• Azul Bocas Town
• Hotel Bocas Town

Also read: Things to Do in Bocas del Toro, Panama

Day 6 – Head out on a day trip to Cayos Zapatilla. Depending on the tour that you choose, you will likely stop at a few notable places in the archipelago on your way to this beach paradise. Once you get there, enjoy sunning yourself on the sand and taking in the magnificent views. 

Depending on your flight on the final day of your trip, you can either return to your accommodation in Bocas Town, ready to fly out of the archipelago early tomorrow morning or catch a water taxi to Isla Bastimentos. 

If you are leaving Panama late the following day, I’d advise heading to Bastimentos Island overnight so you can see a little more of what the archipelago has to offer. Visit the Firefly Restaurant for a delicious seafood dinner before turning in. 

Recommended accommodation on Isla Bastimentos:

• La Loma Jungle Lodge
• Selina Red Frog
• Palmar Beach Lodge

Day 7 – Those with an early morning flight will need to make their way to the airport in Bocas Town to fly back to Panama City before catching their connecting flight home. 

If your flight leaves Bocas later that day and you are on Isla Bastimentos, head to the beautiful Red Frog Beach and spend the morning sunning yourself or doing yoga on the hidden deck. 

Catch a water taxi back to Bocas Town for lunch. Cafe del Mar is a great eatery with a range of dishes to suit various dietary requirements. After lunch, grab a taxi to the airport and hop on board your return flight to Panama City. 

10-Day Panama Itinerary

If you have ten days, follow the above week-long Panama itinerary but add Boquete into the mix. Instead of flying from Panama City to Bocas del Toro , head from the capital to the mountain town of Boquete. 

You can either get a bus from Panama City, transferring in David or fly to the city of David and catch a bus from there to save time. 

Spend two nights in Boquete, enjoying the cooler climate and incredible hiking opportunities. There are countless amazing treks in Boquete but I would wholeheartedly recommend you do at least one of the following:

• Volcan Baru (overnight trek)
• Pipeline Trail
• El Pianista
• The Lost Waterfalls

Spend your second day at Boquete Tree Trek where you can take on Panama’s Hanging Bridges , go zip lining over the cloud forest or embark on a coffee tour. 

When your time in Boquete comes to an end, arrange a transfer from Boquete to Bocas del Toro – these can be booked with various tour agencies across town. From here, pick up the above Panama itinerary again. Those spending 10 days in Panama should spend an extra night on Bastimentos Island on Bocas del Toro, and use the extra time during the day to explore the incredible Nivida Bat Cave . 

Recommended accommodation in Boquete:

• Selina Boquete 
• Boquete Garden Inn
• Bambuda Castle

Also read:  

• Best Places to Stay in Boquete, Panama
• Getting From Panama City to Boquete
• Things to Do in Boquete, Panama

Panama Itinerary FAQ

How many days are enough in panama.

In my opinion, the longer the better! While a week or 10 days will provide a good introduction to this country, I’d recommend staying at least a month if you want to get off the beaten track a little too. 

Is Panama cheap or expensive? 

Panama is not the cheapest country in Latin America nor is it the most expensive. The United States Dollar is commonly used in Panama which keeps prices comparatively high. For a reference point, Panama is cheaper than Belize and Costa Rica but more expensive than Colombia. 

Are two weeks enough for Panama? 

Two weeks is an ideal length of time for vacationers visiting Panama. If you are staying for two weeks, follow the one-week Panama itinerary and double the amount of time spent in each place. You will certainly find plenty of interesting attractions and activities to fill your time! 

Which of these Panama itineraries are you choosing? Share the highlights from your trip in the comments! 

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• Private Tours

Our 6-day Panama Relocation Tours are a great way to get a thorough overview of the most popular places to live in Panama and learn all the things you need to know to have a smooth relocation. But if you’ve already done a lot of research and have a “shortlist” of places you are considering relocating to, a Private Tour may be better for you. A Private Tour is a 1-2 day tour in a specific town/area. A Private Tour is fully customized to do and see the things you are most interested in. And a Private Tour will only have you or your family and the Private Tour Guide.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 based on 324 reviews

A Private Tour is also ideal for

• Those who do not want to take a group tour
• Our group tours are sold out on the days you want
• Fully customized tour based on your needs
• Prefers to focus on specific areas versus all of Panama

Our Private Tour Guides are relocation experts who will share their knowledge and passion in the town where they live.  They understand the local customs, neighborhoods, shopping places, pros and cons, and more.  They have the local experience, relationships, and knowledge, allowing them to provide a worry-free, life-enriching experience.  Most of the Private Tour Guides are bi-lingual.  The Private Tour Guides were selected because of their knowledge about life in Panama and the specific area you are interested in.  Your Private Tour Guide will give you the “inside scoop” about the town you are most interested in relocating to.  Because of their expertise, you’ll leave the Private Tour with a deeper understanding of what life is like in the town you explore.  Yes, you’ll see the REAL Panama without sugar-coating.

PRIVATE TOUR COSTS :   $250-$300 per day (price depends on itinerary). The price is for 1- 2 people on the tour. INCLUDES : Expert Private Tour Guide, ground transportation during your tour, lunch. See more details below. DATES:  You decide!  It’s completely customized to your schedule!

EXTRA PEOPLE – There is a $100 per person fee if there is a 3rd or 4th person on your tour.  Children under 12 are $50/each extra if they are the 3rd or 4th person.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN A PRIVATE TOUR?

A Private Tour includes an expert private tour guide, ground transportation during your tour, making arrangements to see and do what you want to accomplish, seeing rentals that fit your budget (when available), and lunch. During your “boots on the ground” tour, the Private Tour Guide will share their wealth of information about living in the area. The Private Tour does not include hotels, but your Private Tour Guide can make recommendations to fit your budget and needs. They will meet you at your hotel to start your Private Tour. 

You may want to do a two-day Private Tour in one area and then a two-day Private Tour in another to see how they compare. What’s Not Included?

Alcoholic beverages and dinner are not included. Additional Fees: Your Private Tour may be able to pick you up at the nearest airport or arrange for your hotel for an additional fee. You will need to ask them if they are available to do that.

Suggested Itinerary – What’s Included

*Guided Tour by Expert Tour Guide *All ground transportation while you’re in the tour area *Lunch each day for the basic tour *See rentals in your budget (when available) *Learning the different neighborhoods and pros & cons *Visiting the best grocery stores and farmer’s markets *Visit a hospital or medical centers *Meet with a Panamian doctor to discuss your medical history *Popular restaurants and hidden gems too *Visit an immigration attorney *Talk with a health insurance agent to determine what insurance is available for you *Get plugged into social activities (hiking, crafts, card games, live music, volunteering) *Where to get a haircut, mani-pedi, massage, doctors, dentists, etc *Boots on the ground information like how to get around with public transportation *Where to pick up Amazon orders *The places you should avoid, if any *Cultural differences in Panama *and much more!

Here are a few suggestions for a Private Tour: In Chiriqui Province, in far western Panama, you may want to tour Boquete, Volcan, David, Dolega, and, if you want, tour the beach area of Las Olas or Boca Chica. Our tour guide can make arrangements for you to see rentals and meet with an immigration lawyer, too. Private Tours are customized to see and do what you are interested in. Or, you may want to do a Private Tour of Panama City and then add a day or two at the beach area near Coronado or San Carlos. Or, in the Azuero, you may want to tour Chitre, Las Tablas, Pedasi, and a beach community like Guarare or El Rompio. YOU DECIDE! Your Private Tours are fully customized to see what you want to see and go where you want to go.

Let The Experts Show You The Way!

The best part of this tour is that although there is a suggested itinerary, you can fully customize it to YOUR needs. Your expert Private Tour Guide can help you make doctor’s appointments, take you to a recommended dentist, drive you to meet with your immigration attorney or meet with any other contacts you’d like. If it’s not on the suggested itinerary, don’t worry- your tour guide will communicate with you before the tour to ensure you accomplish the things you’d like to do during your Private Tour!

See this review for a Private Tour Guide in Boquete Hi Jackie, my husband and I want to commend Maury on her fabulous job as a guide. We try to stick to your recommendations and it has turned out well for us. We finally made our permanent move on Tuesday. We’ve used Maury on our last 3 visits and she has gone above and beyond what we expected in a guide. She has “held our hand” w banking, rental car, driver’s license, rental house (for 4 dogs), finding a tailor, last night we were out of propane and no car yet and there was Maury arriving w a new propane tank. Yesterday, we were in David buying a new Toyota, however, my US credit cards were giving me fraud alerts and she stayed calm and cool and is a great problem solver. We eventually made the purchase, but not without the help and communication of our private tour guide. She does everything to protect the PRT reputation and we greatly appreciated it. We will gladly recommend her to anyone in the future.

See this review of a Private Tour in Coronado: We booked a private tour around the first week in September, and so glad we used the PRT recommended private guide. From helping us set things up before our tour, offering excellent advice to make the process easier for us, listening to our wants and needs, and then setting up the all day tour based upon those items, she was invaluable in showing us what we needed to see. She picked us up at our hotel, talked to us about what the day would entail, and then navigated us through the sometimes rough streets of Panama, Nueva Gorgona area specifically, without a hitch. Her Spanish was excellent in talking to the locals, and getting us what we wanted. Jackie should be proud to have her as part of her team, she was invaluable in making our experience as educational and enjoyable as it could have been. She bought us a delicious lunch, showed us how to gas up a car, which is different than in the states, and took us to a pharmacy to help us purchase something over the counter that would have required a prescription back in the states. We pummeled her with questions while driving, and she was able to answer every one of them. We visited several condo units, a house, two grocery stores, an urgent care facility, showed us a hospital, and much more. Our private tour guide is a beautiful young woman, full of energy and inside information as to the Panamanian culture. We highly recommend her services if visiting the Coronado area. You will not be disappointed.

TO GET SIGNED UP FOR A PRIVATE TOUR:

The Private Tour Guides are experts in the town where they live.  Some of them are expats who also relocated to Panama. Some of our Private Tour guides are Panamanians who have helped many people relocate to Panama. See the Online Complete Panama Relocation Guide to help you determine where you want to take a Private Tour.  It contains detailed information about relocating to Panama and different towns and has a list of Private Tour Guides in each area. The Online Complete Panama Relocation Guide is updated monthly, plus you’ll have access to our private Facebook group, where we offer ongoing support before, during, and after your move to Panama. The Online Guide has the same information that you’d get from a 6-day Panama Relocation Tour, including important contacts for which immigration lawyer to use, honest real estate agents, how to bring pets into Panama, where to buy health insurance and so many other things you’ll need to know to have a smooth move to Panama.  The Online Complete Panama Relocation Guide is updated often so you always have the latest information at your fingertips. You’ll also get access to our exclusive private Facebook community, where you will get ongoing support before, during, and after your move to Panama. You’ll be able to interact and ask questions of people who have already moved to the area you are interested in. To Sign Up For a Private Tour:

FIRST , you must purchase the Online Complete Panama Relocation Guide HERE.  The cost is $595.  When you purchase the Online Panama Relocation Guide, you’ll get INSTANT ACCESS to all Private Tour Guides’ names and contact information .    We also included a photo of your Private Tour Guide and a brief Bio so you can get to know your Guide.

SECOND , you must contact the Private Tour Guide for the area you want to see. Send an email, phone, or Whatsapp to confirm the dates you want to take a tour.  Ideally set up a free consultation via Whatsapp to discuss what you want to accomplish during your Private Tour. Tell your Private Tour Guide where you want to go and what is most important for you to accomplish, then your Private Tour Guide will help formulate a custom tour to fit your exact needs.  Of course, they’ll be glad to make suggestions too!  Private tours are usually from 9 am to 4 pm, but can be adjusted to fit your schedule. The Private Tour Guides will make sure you have an amazing experience. Your Private Tour Guide will customize the tour to exactly what you want to see, do, and learn! THIRD , ideally book your Private Tour at least 30 days in advance. We cannot arrange a Private Tour for you at the last minute or after you are already in Panama.

Here’s what Sean had to say about his Private Tour in the Azuero:

My Private Tour Guides spent two full days showing me around the entire Las Tablas and Chitre areas. We visited at least 10 rentals on several beaches, including Playa Uverito, Playa Estero, and Pedasi. Having lived in the area for many years, they are both very knowledgeable about day to day needs of ex-pats looking to move to the area. We went to supermarkets, barbers, pharmacies, food stands, and our Private Tour Guide took the time to find my car rental place and talk with them about a problem with my rental. My Tour Guide took me to buy some pants when it got too hot in my long jeans, and they were very inexpensive. My Private Tour Guides answered all my questions about the area, rentals, internet service upgrades, and even met a few ex-pats along the way. Lunch was delightful at a small but very clean Panamanian restaurant in Pedasi. Contacting them was very easy and friendly on WhatsApp; they even booked my bed and breakfast for three nights before I arrived. After touring with them, I feel confident that I will move there when my time in Boquete is completed and start a new adventure on the beach! I would highly recommend them to any Panama Relocation Tours members if they are in the Las Tablas / Chitre areas.

We have Private Tour Guides for:

• Panama City
• Coronado area, including Gorgona, Chame, San Carlos, Santa Clara, and Rio Hato
• Azuero, including Chitre, Las Tablas, Pedasi, and all beach areas near these towns
• David (and the beach areas to the east or west of David)
• Beach areas near David/Boquete/Volcan
• Bocas del Toro

To help you decide which area is best for you, read the article, The Best Places to Retire in Panama (good for non-retirees too!)

BUILD YOUR OWN CUSTOMIZED PRIVATE TOUR

During your Private Tour, your Guide can arrange for:

• see rentals within your budget (when available)
• meet honest real estate agents/property managers
• see a variety of different neighborhoods
• discuss the town’s pros and cons
• shopping and restaurant options
• meet a doctor and check med availability at a pharmacy
• have lunch or dinner with expats
• entertainment or tourists excursions
• a private meeting with an immigration lawyer
• plus whatever else you would like to do or see

Between the Private Tour and the information in the Online Complete Panama Relocation Guide , you will come away with the knowledge you need to relocate confidentially and seamlessly to Panama.

You get Ongoing Support before, during, and after moving to Panama!  With the Online Panama Relocation Guide, you’ll get exclusive access to our private community , where we are readily available to answer your questions and help you have a smooth move to Panama.

HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR PRIVATE TOUR:

To get the most out of your Private Tour, it’s important to clearly communicate with your Private Tour Guide what you want to see and do. If you want to see rentals, define the maximum price and what features the house/condo needs to have. Understand that what you are looking for may not be available in certain areas. For example, if you want a $1000 a-month 3-bedroom 2-bath house with a pool facing the ocean, that will not happen in Panama City or Coronado. But there are other areas where that property is available.

If you want to meet with your immigration attorney during your Private Tour, let your Private Tour Guide know so they can add that to your customized itinerary.

In addition, tell your private tour guide what you are NOT interested in seeing. By clearly communicating what you do and do not want to see or learn about, your Private Tour Guide can create the ideal itinerary. Of course, your Private Tour Guide can make suggestions too.

This is what Blake said about his private tour in Panama City:   Hi Jackie, I wanted to let you know that we toured with your recommended private tour guide last Friday and it was wonderful! He picked us up on time and had rentals nearby already planned out to show us. Coordinating showings in Panama isn’t easy, and he had people ready with keys to let us in. I think we saw 9 properties that day. We had a great lunch and he was able to answer so many of our questions about Panamanian culture and our plans for the rest of our trip. He has the connections too for seemingly all things medical-related (including COVID testing). He was also informative when it came to attorneys/Visa matters. I really wanted to get a new phone in Panama, and he stayed late with us and took us to the mall and got me all set up with a new smartphone so we can use Whatsapp, Waze, and Uber and avoid the expensive US phone bills. On top of all that, he’s a really nice guy and we enjoyed spending the day with him. The only thing I would change is that we should have done 2 days with him if our schedule had allowed for it. Thank you for connecting us to him. Your online guide is proving to be very valuable during our trip!

To get the best experience during your Private Tour , only pick a Private Tour Guide from our list in the area you are interested in. For example, if you want to learn about living in Panama City and see rentals in Panama City, you should only pick a Private Tour Guide from our Panama City list. If you want to learn about living in Volcan and see rentals in Volcan, you should only pick a Private Tour Guide from the Volcan list.

These Private Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis . In some towns, we have multiple Private Tour Guides. But in some areas, we only have one expert Private Tour Guide.

BOOK EARLY to make sure you get the dates you need for a Private Tour. These Private Tours will fill up fast!  Sign up early to secure your dates.

Buy the Online Panama Relocation Guide to get INSTANT ACCESS to the Private Tour Guide information.

This is what Ken and Linda Miller had to say about their Private Tour:

Our private tour guide was perfect for us because of her vast knowledge of Panama and other Latin American countries and culture. Her ability to adapt to our schedule, introduction to other ex-pats, neighborhoods, maintaining a cheerful disposition, and insight really helped us make an informed choice. The only drawback was that I think our two-day tour was too short to meet with doctors, open a bank account due to rule changes, and find a rental. But, that can happen on a limited budget. However, we saw enough to come right back!

Thank you so much for offering this more affordable option.

See what Queen has to say about the Online Panama Relocation Guide and her Private Tour

Panama Expat Services!   When you decide to move to Panama, the Complete Panama Relocation Guide and our Private Community be your “go-to” to help you with everything you need to be done, like getting a driver’s license, getting a cell phone, setting up utilities, transportation needs, and more.  You’ll have an instant resource in Panama plus access to our private community.

DISCLOSURES:

Not Employees :  The Private Tour Guides are NOT Panama Relocation Tour employees. They are independent contractors. You will pay them directly. Panama Relocation Tours does not get a commission on any of the Private Tours. Panama Relocation Tours will not be involved in coordinating your Private Tour.

Self-Guided Tour: The Online Panama Relocation Guide also contains information about how to do a self-guided tour too.

Refund Policy:   You will pay cash to your Private Tour Guide when your tour begins.  If you need to cancel, notify your guide as soon as possible, ideally 30 days in advance.  There are no refunds for the Complete Panama Relocation Guide. Ask your private tour guide what their cancellation policy is, if any. Keep in mind that they turned someone else away for a private tour because you told them you were coming on a certain date. Rentals: Rentals are not always available in the price you are looking for in the area you are interested in. The price you want to pay for a rentals may not be possible in the area you are interested in. Especially during high season (December – April) there are fewer rentals available in the beach areas in Panama. To avoid disappointment, confirm with your tour guide that it is realistic to find a rental in your budget in the area you are interested in.

Watch this video of Carolyn talking about her experience with the Online Panama Relocation Guide and her Private Tour

Can you add a 3rd or 4th person? You’ll need to ask your Private Tour Guide if they can accommodate additional family members on your Private Tour and what the fee would be, if any.

Can you book hotels for us? Yes, your Private Tour Guide can book hotels or bed and breakfast rooms for you.  The cost of the hotel rooms is not included in your Private Tour.

Panama Relocation Tours does not help with hotel reservations for Private Tours, but you can see recommendations for hotels in the self-guided tour section in the Online Panama Relocation Guide.

Do you offer airport pick up? In some areas, yes, your Private Tour Guide can offer airport pick up for an additional fee. 

Can we add extra days to see more at the end of our Private Tour? Your Private Tour Guide will likely have another tour scheduled immediately after your tour.  If that is the case, they cannot add days to your tour.  When you call or email to book your Private Tour, discuss with your Private Tour guide what you’d like to accomplish during your tour so they can make a recommendation of how many days you will need for your Private Tour.

How do I pay for my Private Tour Guide? You will pay cash to your Private Tour Guide on the first day of your tour.

MORE TESTIMONIALS AND TOUR REVIEWS:

Boquete Private Tour:

I wish to express my gratitude and appreciation for the 2 days of touring with Maury . Her positive attitude and passion for her country clearing comes through. She made sure we did every single thing on my wish list and more. The flexibility and professionalism was truly outstanding. Her knowledge of the areas regarding history was very interesting. She pointed out the good and the bad honestly, which I truly appreciated. My plan is to call on her again for more touring and learning. Thank you for having such a wonderful guide available to help make a smooth transition to live in Panama. Muchas Gracias!  Linda R

Boquete Private Tour My private tour guide from December 4-6,2020. Little did I realize that not only was she a tour guide par excellence but that she assisted me with many details I could not have done for myself due to arriving in Panama with severe back pain. She showed me around David, assisted my with getting a Panama phone number, took me in and around various areas and neighborhoods in Boquete, in restaurants and grocery stores. She took me to a golf course near and far from Boquete. She helped me the very first night when I was unable to get into my Air BNB and made arrangements for me to stay at her house. She made an appointment for me with a chiropractor who resolved the cause of the back problem and then took me to the clinic to get a prescription for medication for the back pain and then to the pharmacy. Due to her knowing so many people she helped me find an apt through word of mouth on the 2nd day of the tour. I would not have been able to go around with a realtor following the tour. I am very grateful for my tour guide and would highly recommend her. She is not only very knowledgeable about all things Panama and Boquete but she is a very kind and caring person who went above and beyond what was expected. Dee

Coronado Private Tour My private tour guide helped us a lot and even booked our hotel in San Carlos on the beach. He picked us up at Tocumen Airport (17 November 2020) and brought us to the Hotel in San Carlos. The price for this ride was $ 90 which is very reasonable for a 2 hour ride. The next day our private tour guide picked us up at the hotel at 9:00 am. They were always wearing their masks just like us and that made us feel very safe. They showed us the beach area from Rio Hato to Nueva Gorgona and visited beautiful apartments. We have visited the fish market, shops, restaurants, etc. We had lunch in a very nice restaurant in Coronado. We drove past the hospital. They told us how to go by bus. They knew we were also going to Panama City. Our tour guide made a video on how to load a card to use on the bus and metro. We found this very thoughtful and easy. They still had a card that they no longer used and we got it from them. It was a very exciting day and we saw and learned a lot. The day after they took us to our hotel in Panama City. $ 90 and we thought it was worth it. They also provided a lot of information along the way. We really enjoyed this day. Thank you very much . Abraham and Cornelia (from the Neatherlands)

I just finished the most incredible week in Panama which I owe to my fantastic guide.  It isn’t possible to express all that my private tour guide offered in this short review, but I will do my best! He is not only one of the kindest people I have met, but he also went above and beyond for me on this trip. His prices are super reasonable for the service he provides. He picked me up from the city and took me to my hotel in San Carlos showing me all around the Coronado area. The tour guide arranged everything! From different house showings, touring me around all the local areas and shops, taking me to the different international schools, anything I would need to know while living there, even helping me go to a local doctor to find out if I can have my insulin shipped to Coronado. They always included a delicious lunch at a local restaurant and even took me to El Valle for a beautiful morning hike down to a waterfall. They are truly special people providing a wonderful service tailored specifically to you and your individual needs! I set up my entire move and am now ready to move a few months from now thanks to them. I feel blessed I was guided their way. My tour guide helped me make this transition happen in a stress-free way. I highly recommend using a Private Tour Guide if you are interested in moving to the Coronado area . You will be very happy you did 🙌  Jenine

Volcan Private Tour We have arrived safely in Volcan, Panama. We are currently touring the area with Jorge. He is a gem! We have accomplished so much in the last two days. We have opened a bank account, gone grocery shopping, have gone to a pharmacy and checked medications availability and cost, got a Panama phone number, and have secured a short term rental. He has been extremely helpful in every process and we have truly enjoyed the pleasure of his company.

Our private guided tour with Jorge has been invaluable. We decided to spend a 3rd day with him. He is taking us to the Friday market where we will meet other expats and view all the products. He is taking us to open a mail service, and an internet/satellite provider. He has even contacted a doctor for us to meet later in the day. He has listened to all our interests and hobbies and suggested we take a drive to Rio Sereno where we can view the area for bicycle riding in the hills. Diane F.

Another Review of Volcan Private Tour

I recently completed a private tour of the Volcan and Boquete areas with tour guild Jorge. The tour began on a Sunday morning when Jorge met me at the airport in David. After leaving we stopped at a coffee shop and got to know each other and discussed our plans for the next three days. It was decided we would spend two days in Volcan and one day in Boquete. I had been to these towns on the Panama Relocation Tour but wanted to spend more time there and see some of the surrounding areas. On the first day Jorge spent time showing me the areas of Volcan, including housing areas and stores. He took me to several homes that were for rent to get an idea what is available along with rental costs. We also went to the farming and ranching communities of Cerro Punta, Bambito and Paso Ancho. I was interested in seeing these areas and how they compare to more developed areas such as Coronado and other more modern areas along the coast. These areas are predominately farming and ranching communities and provide a more traditional look at rural life in Panama. On the second day we went to the Costa Rica border area where we were able to see several other communities and small commercial areas. Jorge showed me areas in Volcan where communities are being developed and new homes built. I was able to meet the owner of the development and discuss purchase options and the various floor plans available. On day three we traveled to Boquete and passed through a number of small communities along the way. While there I was able to see several areas where future development is planned. There is no shortage of markets, banks or restaurants in Boquete. The town is obviously growing. We were able to tour several housing areas outside of Boquete. The tour was a good experience and I would highly recommend Jorge as a guild if you are planning a private tour with Panama Relocation Tours. 

I recently completed a private tour of the Volcan and Boquete areas with tour guild Jorge. The tour began on a Sunday morning when Jorge met me at the airport in David. After leaving we stopped at a coffee shop and got to know each other and discussed our plans for the next three days. It was decided we would spend two days in Volcan and one day in Boquete. I had been to these towns on the Panama Relocation Tour but wanted to spend more time there and see some of the surrounding areas.

On the first day Jorge spent time showing me the areas of Volcan, including housing areas and stores. He took me to several homes that were for rent to get an idea what is available along with rental costs. We also went to the farming and ranching communities of Cerro Punta, Bambito and Paso Ancho. I was interested in seeing these areas and how they compare to more developed areas such as Coronado and other more modern areas along the coast. These areas are predominately farming and ranching communities and provide a more traditional look at rural life in Panama. On the second day we went to the Costa Rica border area where we were able to see several other communities and small commercial areas. Jorge showed me areas in Volcan where communities are being developed and new homes built. I was able to meet the owner of the development and discuss purchase options and the various floor plans available. On day three we traveled to Boquete and passed through a number of small communities along the way. While there I was able to see several areas where future development is planned. There is no shortage of markets, banks or restaurants in Boquete. The town is obviously growing. We were able to tour several housing areas outside of Boquete. The tour was a good experience and I would highly recommend Jorge as a guild if you are planning a private tour with Panama Relocation tours.   Jack Young

Panama City Private Tour

Our tour guide was for 2 days in Panama city and surroundings. We had upfront already very intensive contact with our guide via WhatsApp, phone and email. We were very specific in what we wanted to do and see. Our tour guide has fulfilled all our wishes. On the first day he picked us up at our hotel right on time. We first went to see apartments in the area that we wanted to see. He had made an appointment with a real estate agent. She had listened very carefully to our tour guide about our wishes and we visited beautiful apartments exactly on the spot we prefer. We went to a golf course where we also viewed an apartment. We drove to a nice restaurant in Veracruz to have lunch with a view of the ocean and all the ships that were there. Our tour guide helped us very well with opening a bank account. We met an attorney to initiate our Pensionada visas. He also wrote a letter for Banistmo bank with which we could open a bank account very easily. At Banistmo Bank, it was quite easy to open a bank account with the letter from the attorney. We could never have done this without our tour guide’s help. We don’t speak Spanish yet 🙂🙂. We also visited the multiplaza shopping center. We went to Casco Viego and had lunch there. After lunch back to the hotel via the Amador Causeway. Our tour guide was very helpful and we could ask him anything. He looked for a solution for everything. A week later, after doing the tours with him, we called for help. We wanted to pick up our bank cards so we could use them immediately. (No Spanish so help was very welcome here) We also contacted our attorney a second time with the help of our tour guide. He was great all the time. We are still in touch with our tour guide and look forward to meet him again on our next visit in March 2021. We can wholeheartedly recommend a Private Tour. Bram and Corrie (from the Netherlands)

Come see how you can LIVE BETTER for LESS in Panama. Join us for a Private Panama Relocation tour.

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The 6 best day trips from Panama City, Panama

Aug 18, 2022 • 7 min read

Panama is compact enough that you can sample the rainforests, ocean and mountains in a single day © Joel Carillet / Getty Images

Panama City is a fast-paced urban dynamo that’s quickly becoming a Central American powerhouse. 

The city’s spruced-up historic quarter of Casco Antiguo invites endless strolling while soaring skyscrapers overlook the Pacific and the so-called banking district is a hive of buzzing restaurants, luxury shopping malls and nightclubs. But with pristine nature and sunny beaches on your doorstep, why confine yourself to a busy city?

The isthmus is compact enough that you can sample the rainforests, ocean and mountains in a single day. The national parks in the Panama Canal watershed are alive with biodiversity – a marked contrast to the concrete jungles of the capital. 

Breezy beaches pepper the coastline west of the city, offering respite from its relentless heat and grind. The Caribbean Coast, rich in tropical vegetation and buccaneering history, is just an hour away.

Here’s our guide to the best day trips from Panama City . 

Encounter neotropical fauna at Soberanía National Park

Dense tracts of luxuriant rainforest consume the Panama Canal Watershed, draining the vast quantities of water needed for the canal’s day-to-day functioning. Parque Nacional Soberanía is one of several national parks within reach of the capital. Soberanía, in particular, is 27km (17 miles) from Panama City. 

The central component of a biological corridor spans the entire isthmus from Panama City to Colón on the Caribbean coast. The 223-sq-km (86-sq-mile) tropical wonderland brims with nature. The park’s 17km-long Pipeline Trail (11 miles) is legendary among birdwatchers – 385 avian species were spotted here in a single day in 1985. 

Around 1.6 km (1 mile) from the pipeline trailhead is the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center – an ecological education facility with buzzing hummingbird feeders and a 32m-high observation tower (172 steps) with superb views over the jungle canopy.

How to get there: Public transport to Soberanía National Park is infrequent and unreliable. It’s best to drive, go with a tour group or take a taxi. It takes less than 40 minutes to reach the park. Access the Pipeline Trail from the port of Gamboa on the banks of the Chagres River. To get there, follow Avenida Omar Torrijos, which runs parallel to the canal, to its conclusion.  

Enjoy refreshing Pacific breezes on Taboga Island

Festooned with pink and purple bougainvillea, the Pacific retreat of Taboga—“the Island of Flowers”—was a favorite of the French artist Paul Gaugin, who nearly settled here in 1887. The best way to get here is to take a ferry.  

Taboga has a hot, soporific, Mediterranean atmosphere where rambling streets and white-washed houses punctuate the tiny village. 

The Iglesia de San Pedro on the main plaza is the second-oldest church in the western hemisphere. There are pleasant, though unspectacular, beaches on Taboga, like Playa Restinga, located about 150m (492ft) north of the main pier. 

At low tide, a small spit of sand connects the beach to the Isla of El Morro . You can snorkel here or at caves on the other side of the island. A fisherman can take you for US$20 to $30. 

Around a third of the island is a refuge for brown pelicans, and thousands nest in the hills from January to June. If you have the energy to hike, trails lead to the summits of Cerro Vigia and Cerro de la Cruz.  

How to get there: Isla Taboga is located 20km (12 miles) offshore. Ferries depart several times a day from the Amador Causeway in Panama City.

  Panama’s best islands: our guide to finding a piece of paradise  

Learn Afro-Panamanian history in Portobelo  

Nearly two hours from Panama City, Costa Arriba, located on the northeast side of the country, is a verdant stretch of Caribbean shoreline alive with African history and culture.

Its geographic and spiritual heart is the village of Portobelo . Sleepy most of the year, the tiny fishing town swells with activity during the Festival of the Black Christ (Festival del Cristo Negro). The event takes place on October 21 and draws around 50,000 pilgrims from all over the country and beyond. The festival honors a 1.5m-high Black Christ statue (5ft) found in the Iglesia de San Felipe.  

Portobelo is also the site of the biannual Festival Diablos y Congos. The raucous and colorful celebration, held in late February or early March, mocks slavery while celebrating the emancipation of the enslaved. It’s a tradition that dates back hundreds of years.  

To get there: Buses to Colón depart every 15 to 30 minutes from Panama City and cross the isthmus in about an hour. Colón experiences high crime rates and is usually unsafe for tourists. If you’re visiting Portobelo, you can skip the city entirely as eastbound buses connect with Portobelo via Sabanitas – ask the driver to let you out at the turning. The entire journey from Panama City to Portobelo takes around 2 to 3 hours by bus. 

Peek into the past with a visit to Fuerte San Lorenzo 

About an hour-and-a-half drive north of Panama City is Fuerte San Lorenzo – one of the oldest and best-preserved Spanish fortifications in the Americas. 

Perched on a clifftop promontory overlooking the Caribbean Sea, San Lorenzo was built to protect the Camino de Cruces. This transisthmian trade route connected Caribbean shipping lanes with Panama City via the Chagres River.  

After exploring the fort, it’s about a 40-minute drive to the Gatún and Agua Clara locks on the Panama Canal. Head to the viewing stand at the Agua Clara Visitors Center to see the super big boys (think Titanic ) pass through the locks. 

Getting there: Driving is the only way to get to San Lorenzo, and the Panama Canal locks of Gatún and Agua Clara. Take Rte 9 to get to San Lorenzo, and Puente Atlantico to reach the Agua Clara Visitor Center. There’s no public transport to San Lorenzo or the locks. 

Enjoy the wildlife at Monumento Isla Barro Colorado

Shrouded in jungle, Gatún Lake is a 442-sq-km (171-sq-mile) fresh-water reservoir and an integral section of the Panama Canal . To create it, engineers constructed enormous dams that diverted the course of the Chagres River and reshaped the biogeography of central Panama.  

The flood waters slowly submerged the forests, forcing animals to flee. Some reached higher ground, some drowned and others were stranded on an archipelago of newly formed islands.  

The largest and most-visited island is Barro Colorado and home to a world-leading biological research station – the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) – since 1946.  

The island’s tropical forests are one of the most intensively studied on the planet. A cavalcade of visiting researchers and students live on the island to gather data on local biodiversity. Day visits to Barro Colorado include a strenuous hike with a multi-lingual naturalist who explains the ecology of the forest and the history of the research center.

Getting there: Visits to Barro Colorado are strictly controlled. If possible, try to book several weeks in advance through the STRI website . Early morning boats to the island depart from the docks at Gamboa (about a 40-minute drive from Panama City) and return in the afternoon. The boat won’t wait if you’re late, and don’t turn up at the docks without a reservation. An entire trip takes from seven to nine hours. 

The 10 best beaches in Panama for big swells and secluded escapes  

Frolick on the beaches of the Pacific Coast 

The Pacific Coast is the preferred getaway for Panama City weekenders. West of the capital, the string of low-key beach communities overlooking the ocean is ideal for recuperating. 

Traveling west on the Pan-American Highway , the first place you should go is Punta Chame (not to be confused with the town of Chame) – a windswept peninsula with a desolate beach and a budding kite-surfing scene. From December to May, wind speeds average 15 to 25 knots, perfect for lift. 

About 45 minutes from Punta Chame is Playa Coronado. A popular destination for ex-pats from Canada and the US, Playa Coronado has a golf course, resort and shopping mall. 

A 20-minute drive on the Pan-American takes you to the surfing hubs of El Palmar and Río Mar.

Getting there: It’s about a two-hour drive from Panama City to Punta Chame on the Pan-American. You’ll pass the townships of Arraiján and La Chorrera before reaching the Pacific Coast. The turn to Punta Chame is just before Bejuco. If bussing, westbound services depart every few minutes from Albrook bus station – just holler when you pass your stop on the Pan-American. Note that some beaches are connected to the highway by a long access road, requiring a taxi.

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Panama , See · August 19, 2023

How To Take a Coffee Tour in Boquete, Panama (Complete Guide)

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our Disclosure Policy for details.

One of the biggest reasons we took a family vacation to Panama in 2023 was to take a coffee tour in Boquete, Panama.

That may seem like a crazy reason to visit a country, but my brother-in-law and sister invested in a coffee farm in Boquete. Understandably, they wanted to see their investment in the field.

You certainly don’t have to invest in a coffee farm, to be interested in taking a coffee tour in Boquete, Panama though, as it is one of the top activities to do in the region.

As coffee enthusiasts, we loved getting to learn the history and process of growing coffee something we had very little idea about before this experience. And I certainly gained a new appreciation for all that goes into a delicious cup of coffee each morning after taking a tour.

If you’re interested in taking a coffee tour in Boquete, Panama here’s everything you need to know about the experience. From where to book a tour, what to bring, and what to expect.

The best place for a coffee tour in Panama

Latin America has long been revered for its coffee-growing abilities. As of 2023, Latin America grows around 50% of all coffee globally each year.

It’s not a huge surprise considering coffee grows in almost any area that has a warm tropical climate. But quality coffee needs elevation and nutrient-rich soil to really thrive. Two things the mountains of Chiriqui have in large quantities.

Most people are familiar with Costa Rican coffee (which makes up around 1% of globally produced coffee). But few people realize Chiriqui, where the majority of Panamanian coffee hails from, is just an hour and a half from the Costa Rican border.

The similar growing climate makes it a perfect place to grow coffee. This is due to the rich volcanic soil in this region and Chiriqui’s position between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.

The areas surrounding Boquete and Volcan (about a 2 hours drive from Boquete) have the largest concentration of coffee fincas in the country. The abundance of coffee plantations makes it a clear winner for taking to take a coffee tour in Panama.

The history of coffee in Panama

Up until recently, Panama was often outshined by its neighbors Colombia, Costa Rica, and Peru who produce the bulk of Latin American coffee. But today, Panama is world-renowned for growing far superior, tastier coffee than most of its Latin American counterparts. ☕️

To understand how Panama became a world-famous coffee-growing region, we have to look at its history.

Coffee was first introduced to this region in the 19th century by European immigrants. The beans are mostly Arabica beans and have done incredibly well since their first introduction to Chiriqui.

Arabica coffee is known for being dark, bold roasts (my favorite), with diverse tasting notes depending on the varietal. Since Boquete has a unique microclimate that includes lots of rain, high elevation, and cooler temperatures, it’s perfect for growing specialty varietals including like:

While all of these varietals are amazing (and worth trying on a trip to Boquete), the Geisha bean is what made Panama world-famous. This varietal hails from Gesha, Ethiopia, and was introduced to Panama in the 1960s.

The Geisha bean tastes a lot more like tea than an Arabica coffee. It’s subtle in color, soft on the palate, and has floral notes with hints of citrus fruit. It’s absolutely delicious and something you have to try when visiting here.

Panama created the Speciality Coffee Association of Panama (SCAP) in the 1990s, entering its Geisha varietal into competitions. After winning several awards for the Geisha beans’ uniqueness and quality, Panamanian Geisha is now one of the most expensive coffees in the world.

For reference, a bag of Gesha coffee grown in Panama can cost a consumer around $30 to $40 or more for an 11-ounce bag. Expect a single glass of Geisha coffee to cost around $10 to $12 USD. When it comes to green unroasted beans, some coffee buyers have paid upwards of $4,000 for a single pound of beans. 😳

While Gesha helped Panama get on the map as a world-class coffee producer it’s not the only reason it stayed there. Year after year, Panama continues to win awards for its different varietals.

The best coffee tour in Boquete

There really isn’t a single best coffee tour in Boquete. There are many different fincas, or plantations, you can visit within a 10 to 20-minute drive of Boquete town center that will give you a great understanding of the coffee growing process.

However, some of the more popular coffee tours in Boquete are below:

• Finca Lerida  – $35 USD per person (as of 2023). This is also a gorgeous hotel.
• Cafes de La Luna ( Finca Dos Jefes ) – $30 – $35 USD per person depending on the tour selected.
• Finca Casanga  – $35 USD per person (as of 2023).
• Finca Dos Pepes – $30 USD per person (as of 2023).
• Damarli Estate – Price not listed. Contact them on their site to learn more.

Looking for more fun tours in Panama? Check out some of the most popular tours here.

When is the best time to go on a coffee tour in Boquete

It’s always a good time to go on a coffee tour in Boquete. But if you’re looking for lush green trees filled with red ripe berries it’s best to go between late November to February (Panama’s dry season).

If you’re coming to Boquete in October or early November be ready for the most glorious smell lofting across the region thanks to the coffee blooms. These flowers are reminiscent of jasmine and have the most incredible scent.

We went during the rainy season (April – October) and still really enjoyed the experience. Although should definitely pack a rain jacket and wear mud-safe shoes. There’s a good chance if you visit in the rainy season you’ll get rained on during the tour!

What to expect on a coffee plantation tour in Panama

We took our coffee tour with AgroNosotros , a private coffee and chocolate company that has ownership of over 800 acres of coffee and chocolate plantations across Panama and parts of Belize. Since my sister and brother-in-law are invested in the company, we were able to take a private tour at one of their sixteen fincas.

The farm we visited was about a 15-minute drive from Boquete downtown. We had to take a series of windy roads to a remote farm high up in the mountains of Chiriqui.

We were shocked that it took only took about 5 minutes outside of town before we started to see coffee trees in every direction. And we’re even more shocked to see how quickly this area gains elevation.

The tour began by walking the coffee farm.

Our guide, Andres, offered us a walking stick to traverse the very steep terrain here. I wasn’t sure if I would need it since I’m a very experienced and able hiker. But I was certainly glad I had it as we got into muddy and steep sections of the trail.

Andres explained the coffee growing process from sapling to production. We saw some of the workers, who reside on the farm in company-provided housing, preparing the soil for planting new saplings. We couldn’t believe how rich and dark the soil looked.

He continued to explain that this was from the volcanic activity in the area. This mineral-rich soil often needs little to no amendments and is abundant in nutrients vital to growing food and other crops, like coffee.

The saplings are planted in succession which allows them to harvest plants consistently over longer periods of time. Then they are monitored for pests and sometimes trimmed or treated with supplemental nutrients or pest control to ensure they reach maturity.

It can take anywhere from a year to five years for a plant to start producing coffee.

Andres shared how quickly a plant produces depends on the amount of rainfall, the average temperature, sun exposure, and other microclimate impacts in the years after the saplings are planted.

For example, when we visited in 2023 Panama was experiencing a Super El Niño . A year marked by an extremely dry climate and cooler weather. So, Andres adjusted his planting schedule to factor in this dryer season on the farm.

Every plant looks a bit different. Certain varietals will have larger leaves with different shapes to them than others. While other varietals will produce larger beans compared to smaller ones on other plants. Our guide continued to point them out to us and we were surprised by how quickly we were able to identify each plant as we were walking.

The red coffee fruits are harvested from mature trees between December and March. The fruits are picked daily based on ripeness and are then sent to be processed at an offsite facility.

AgroNosotros has in-house machines to help sort the beans by size, and washing the beans (removing the husks) can be done mechanically or naturally. Once washed, the beans are dried and then re-tested for consistent quality.

That’s when the beans are bagged and set to age anywhere from several weeks to several months depending on the varietal in a humidity and temperature-controlled area. Some coffee farms will roast the beans in-house selling it directly to consumers. But most sell green beans (unroasted) to global buyers.

Selling green unroasted beans was the primary goal of AgroNosotros, but it now has its own coffee shop, The Perfect Pair in Boquete. Which roasts select varietals making them available for purchase under its coffee brand, Cuatro Caminos.

Is Panamanian coffee good?

After we toured the farm we went back to The Perfect Pair for a coffee tasting. Unsurprisingly, this was our favorite part! We loved getting to taste different varietals from our skilled Barista, Ruben. We were blown away by the flavor of Panamian coffee and can in fact vogue that Panamian coffee is not just good, but incredible!

With specialty coffees, how the coffee is brewed, is equally as important as how the bean was grown and roasted.

A skilled barista like Ruben can extract flavors in the cup by using tools like the coarseness and consistency of the grind, the temperature and ratio of water to the ground beans, how the water is poured on the grounds, and the amount of time applied for the brewing process.

Through the varying skills and techniques used by the barista, a whole spectrum of flavors can appear. From floral to chemical and anywhere between.

Ruben made us several different coffees to try using a copper pour-over and ceramic V60 with three different beans. We couldn’t believe the different flavor profiles between each. You definitely need to do a side-by-side comparison between the beans and the brewing process to really appreciate this.

We had an absolute blast on our coffee tour in Boquete, Panama, and highly encourage anyone who is visiting this area to experience it themselves.

Hopefully, this guide helped you have a better idea of what to expect on a coffee tour, learn who and where to book a tour, and more about Panama’s unique coffee history.

CHECK OUT MY OTHER BOQUETE PANAMA GUIDES

• Caldera Hot Springs: A Must-Do Activity Near Boquete Panama – One of our favorite activities from our entire trip.
• Your Guide to Hiking El Pianista Trail in Boquete, Panama  – A great hiking guide if you want to venture into a cloud forest.
• A Complete Guide to Hiking The Lost Waterfalls Trail – A great hiking guide for one of the top hikes in Boquete.
• 10 Must-Do Activities in Boquete, Panama – The perfect travel bucket list to help you plan your vacation in Boquete.

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About Liz Brumer-Smith

One-half of the Eat See RV team. I'm the face you'll find in most videos and the main author of our blog. If I'm not vlogging or writing you can probably find me reading a good book, hanging with friends and family, relaxing near water, eating something tasty, or savoring kitty cuddles.

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