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Things To Do In Panama: A Complete 10 Day Panama Vacation Itinerary

last Updated: December 17, 2023 bocas del toro boquete panama panama city san blas islands

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→ Planning a trip to Central America and looking for the ultimate Panama vacation itinerary? Look no further; I’m sharing our favorite things to do in Panama (we just got back!), including our exact 10 day itinerary, when to go, where to stay, how to maximize your time on your Panama trip, and oh so much more!

Panama is a tropical destination that has a little bit of everything – stunning turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, lush rainforests, laid-back surf towns, misty mountains, and vibrant cafes. There’s cultural diversity, cloud forests, and colonial charm. Wondering what to do in Panama? I’ve got you covered, don’tchu worry, my friend! <3

I was determined to somehow get all of this onto my recent Panama vacation itinerary, and was thankfully able to figure it all out! And now I’m sharing my list of things to do in Panama with all of you, including my exact Panama itinerary that we pretty much followed to a T.

I have to admit that figuring out this itinerary was kinda tricky. Yes, we followed the typical tourist route – Panama City (with a side trip to San Blas ) → Boquete → Bocas del Toro , but with only 10 days in the country, squeezing everything in proved rather difficult.

At first I wished we had a few more days, but after seeing the trip come to life (aka doing it all), I’m not so sure extra time was in fact necessary. I think we would have liked an extra half day or so in Boquete, but I just couldn’t make it work.

Do note that this Panama vacation itinerary is pretty jam packed; if you’re looking for a more relaxed trip, it’d be wise to tack on at least another 2 days or so. That being said, I carefully researched the most efficient transport options in order to fully maximize our time in the country, and it all worked out pretty swiftly.

MAIN REGIONS VISITED ON THIS ITINERARY:

• Panama City
• San Blas Islands
• Bocas del Toro

Pre-Travel Guide to 10 Days in Panama

Where is panama you ask.

The country is located in Central America sharing borders with Costa Rica to the north and Columbia to the south. It’s actually the connection of land that links Central and South America (hence, the Panama Canal)!

This itinerary starts in Panama City (which is where most international travelers arrive in the country), heads up northeast to the San Blas Islands , due west to Boquete, and then finally up north to Bocas del Toro .

We chose to fly from region to region when we could, as this saved us lots of time considering our Panama vacation was only 10 short days. The country is large but not too large, making it possible to visit three (if not four) areas when planning out your Panama itinerary.

There are a whole myriad of things to do in Panama, so carefully planning out your trip is so very important if you don’t have tons of extra time for mistakes and possible transportation mishaps (more on this below).

WHEN TO VISIT PANAMA:

Before planning a trip to Panama, it’s important to understand its weather patterns. BUT first things first – humidity is always high (hey, it’s a tropical country!), so be prepared for frizzy hair and sticky skin throughout your trip.

Panama experiences two distinct seasons, the dry season (mid-December to mid-April) and the rainy season (May to November). If you’re looking for comfortable temperatures and little to no rain, I highly suggest you visit during the dry season, which is actually Panama’s summer.

However, thankfully, temperatures remain pretty consistent throughout the year, at an average of 86 F/30 C.

But of course it’s not that easy, as different regions around the country experience different climates, temperatures, and specific rainfall patterns.

Caribbean destinations, like Bocas del Toro, have a shorter dry season, occuring in September/October and February/March, although rainfall can happen any day. Unusually heavy rains are common in Bocas in December, so it’s best to avoid that month.

Boquete experiences high winds and some misting (called bajareque) from mid-December to mid-February, while January see’s the occasional thunderstorm. Looking for some sun? Head to Boquete between March and May.

San Blas is a whole different story, which we’ll get into down below.

Don’t fret if your Panama vacation plans don’t fall within the country’s dry season – the early months of rainy season (April to July) only receive short bursts of sudden thunderstorms in the afternoon, with plenty of sunny mornings or afternoons. I’d try to avoid August through November if you don’t want rain to possibly take over your trip.

HEALTH AND SAFETY:

A few notes on health-related things:

• I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the tap water in many parts of Panama is potable, as many visitors don’t expect this! However, do note that you cannot drink the water in Bocas del Toro or on San Blas → stick to bottled.
• I was also thrilled to learn that there are no required vaccinations to enter the country. With so much lush jungle, I was shocked by this! However, always consult your doctor, as yellow fever, typhoid, rabies, and hep A and B vaccinations are recommended.
• You’ll want to take along a decent amount of sunscreen with you, as the sun is extra brutal over in these parts.
• On the last day of our trip I felt a little dizzy and wasn’t feeling my best – pretty sure I was wildly dehydrated and the intense heat and humidity wasn’t helping. Make sure to stay hydrated and drink plenty and plenty of water!

And now some safety info:

• For the most part, Panama is a relatively safe country. We felt safe during our entire Panama vacation, and didn’t worry about pickpocketing or other petty crime. That being said, there are a few areas in Panama City that are a bit seedier than the rest.
• This Panama itinerary doesn’t visit the city of Colon, but if you diverge from my recommended plans and end up there, know that the city has a high rate of street crime. Stay alert.
• There have been cases of drug trafficking on boats traveling from Colombia to Panama → just FYI and something to keep in mind if you’ll be on the water near the border.

Psst: it’s a good idea to get travel insurance no matter where you go. I recommend and personally use SafetyWing (the best insurance out there because they include pandemic coverage). They’re reliable, cost-efficient, and cover a wide array of potential travel problems, not only health-related. Check them out and get a free quote over here.

No visa is required for U.S. citizens traveling to Panama as long as a valid tourist passport and proof of onward travel is in possession, and you’re traveling to the country for 180 days or less.

HOW TO GET TO PANAMA:

Most international flights arrive at Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama City, with many direct nonstop flights leaving from a wide array of large cities in the states.  

Our flight was originally scheduled as a direct flight from San Francisco to Panama City, but we got rerouted to Las Vegas at the last minute due to the groundings of the 737 MAX’s (better safe than sorry, though!)

I like using Skyscanner and Google Flights to check for prices, and most commonly find the cheapest flights on one of these. We flew economy class from SFO to Panama City for approximately $650 round trip per person, which we thought was a pretty good deal considering our dates were not particularly flexible.

→ It’s important to be very careful when booking your flights to Panama City, as there is also an airport in Florida with the same name! For this Panama vacation, you’ll want to head to the Tocumen International Airport, code PTY. And if you end up in Florida, don’t blame me! :p

Where to Stay in Panama :

• Panama City : American Trade Hotel (we LOVED) -or- Hotel Casa Panama (also great!)
• San Blas : we opted for a private thatched hut on Isla Diablo (lots more info here )
• Boquete : The Haven and Spa (Adult’s Only)
• Bocas del Toro : Azul Paradise Bocas Town

(more info on each one throughout itinerary below)

HOW TO GET AROUND:

You’ll be taking a myriad of public and private transportation during your Panama vacation! There was definitely a lot of moving around throughout the 10 days, and as noted was kinda difficult to figure out the logistics of this trip, but we made it work! And lucky you, I did all the hard work for you!

We found Uber to work in Panama City, and rates were typically much cheaper than taxis.

→ Don’t have Uber yet? It’s super easy to use! Sign up here and use code jessicak148 for $$ off your first few rides!

Here’s a quick synopsis of our travels throughout Panama:

• flight from SFO to Panama City (Uber around Panama City )
• shuttle bus and speedboat to San Blas Islands
• return to Panama City via speedboat and shuttle bus
• flight from Panama City to David → taxi to Boquete → taxi around Boquete
• shared van and shuttle boat to Bocas del Toro → taxi and boat around Bocas del Toro → walk to airport (for real)
• flight back to Panama City → flight back HOME.

Phew, told you we were moving!

You’ll want to book your inter-country flights as soon as possible, as there aren’t tons of flights per day and I’ve heard the prices jump exponentially the closer the dates get. We paid approximately $100 each per person per flight within Panama (all one-ways).

If you follow this Panama trip, you’ll need a flight from Panama City to David (for Boquete) and then Bocas del Toro to Panama City.

Do note that the airport in Bocas is prettyyy much the smallest one I’ve seen to date, with one waiting room, one “gate”, and 1-2 bag scanners. That’s pretty much it. Don’t expect to be able to grab food here, that’s for sure.

WHAT TO PACK FOR PANAMA

Panama is a country of all climates: dense, misty jungles, stunning sunny islands, and humid cosmopolitan cities.  Within this itinerary, we’ll be doing tons and tons of exploring, so you’ll want to make sure you’re completely prepared for those 10 days. Don’t worry, I gotchu.

• Because of its hot, sticky climate, you’ll want light, airy clothing.
• Comfy footwear- you’ll be walking ALOT!
• Sandals/bathing suits for the islands
• MORE DETAILED LIST COMING SOON!

Currency in Panama

Those coming from the USA will be pleased to know that Panama uses the same currency as the States, so there’s no need to worry about an exchange rate or getting foreign bills! It’s important to note that you’ll undoubtedly come across some Panamanian coins, called Balboa, used around town and on the islands in the form of coins.

With that being said, the US dollar is accepted everywhere and you don’t need to worry about exchanging dollars for balboa. Just be sure to use up any balboa you receive (when receiving change) as you obviously can’t use them in the States!

Communicating in Panama

The official language of Panama is Spanish, although quite a few Panamanians know basic English as well. We had no trouble communicating with hotel staff, taxi drivers, and/or restaurant staff, either using our limited Spanish or since they knew English. There’s also quite a few expats as well.

We had the most difficulty in the San Blas Islands, and wish we had brushed up on our Spanish a bit more before visiting (many of the locals speak their native language and Spanish, but very minimal English).

And now, what you’ve been waiting for, my complete 10 day Panama vacation itinerary!

Things to do in Panama: My Ultimate Panama Vacation Itinerary

Day 1: arrive in panama city and explore.

Fly into Panama City! You’ll find most international flights to Panama will fly into Panama City, which is perfect as it’s the first stop on our Panama itinerary!

The flight isn’t as long as I had originally thought – just over 7 hours from San Francisco (which is just over my usual flight time between SFO from JFK where I frequent for long weekends).

We chose to take a red-eye flight (so, the night before) in order to arrive in Panama City mid-morning (we landed around 10:30am, FYI), allowing us ample time to explore the city our first day.

If you’re tight on time like we were, I highly recommend you take advantage of flying the night beforehand and arriving into Panama City in the early morning.

Check into your hotel, drop your bags if ya room ain’t ready yet, then we’re directly off to lunch in Casco Viejo! There’s a whole slew of restaurant options, but we loved both the ambiance and food at Tantalo Hotel and Kitchen. The rooftop terrace was divine, and that watermelon juice was the perfect way to start our oh so lovely Panama vacation.

Panama Canal | Miraflores Locks

We’re getting right to it on the first day (don’t wanna waste any time), so the Panama Canal it is!

Ahh, the connection between the Atlantic and the Pacific – how could you miss this super popular attraction in Panama City? Ya can’t! We took an Uber from Casco Viejo to Miraflores Locks for about $15 (something like that?), which took roughly 35 minutes or so.

Out of all the things to do in Panama, the Panama Canal is at the top of everyone’s list, and for good reason. It’s utterly fascinating.

Upon arrival, you can opt to pay for a $20 ticket to all the attractions at Miraflores Locks (the museum, exhibition halls, short films, highest viewing platforms, etc), but if you’re fine with reading about the canal yourself, head up to the restaurant and watch the ships pass through for the price of a beer.

We enjoyed a few drinks while basically getting the same view as everyone who bought a ticket (woop woop). And since we didn’t have much prior knowledge on the whole Panama Canal system, we googled some fun facts and read them over a few beers.

Things to know before visiting:

• Miraflores is just one of three sets of locks in the Panama Canal, and it’s the most popular one to visit (due to its close proximity to Panama City).
• The ships don’t pass through every minute of every hour. You’ll be able to watch the ships between 9am-11am, and then again from 3pm-5pm(ish). If you’re here at a different timeframe, you’ll have to wait! We arrived at the canal around 2:45pm after getting lunch, and only waited a few minutes for the first boat to start making its way through the Miraflores section of the canal.

• Oh and trust me, you won’t want to stay the entire 2 hours or so, as the ships pass by super slowly and it takes quiiteeee a long time to set everything up. We watched 2-3 ships pass then had enough. Do keep your eyes peeled on the locks and water levels prior to a ship passing through – it’s wild!

Afternoon Stroll on the Cinta Costera

Once you’ve had enough of the Panama Canal, make your way to the Cinta Costera. We had planned to visit around sunset, but arrived early due to how quickly we got over the canal – it’s intriguing the first 2 times a ship passes through, but then kinda monotonous going forward (you’ll see). And it literally takes foreverrrr (10 hours for a ship to fully pass through the canal).

The Cinta Costera is essentially a pedestrians walkway and complex park next to the water. We enjoyed strolling around for about an hour or so, picking up some raspados from a street vendor (kinda like the Panamanian version of a shave ice) to cool off.

Walk far enough and you’ll find the iconic Panama sign – a giant colorful piece of artwork (which we unfortunately missed). If you finish early like we did, don’t fret – just watch the sunset from the next spot!

Sunset drinks at Finca del Mar

Cocktails and ceviche with a view of the sun setting on the water with a gentle ocean breeze? Sounds like the perfect way to finish off the day, am I right? The atmosphere here is very fun, with outdoor seating, string lights, and colorful seating (including a few swinging chairs at the bar). Tuna ceviche was very tasty, as were the mojitos we ordered.

If you’re still hungry → consider Cafe Coca Cola for a fast and simple dinner

This unassuming restaurant is actually the oldest cafe in Panama City! I heard that the Coca-Cola brand let the restaurant keep its name due to how long they’ve been in business! While the ambiance was nothing to write home about and the food was decent at best, it’s a quick and easy spot if you’re exhausted (like we were).

Where we stayed: Hotel Casa Panama → we loved the trendy and open-air leafy vibe of the hotel. The room was basic with funky decor touches, and the shower was heaven on earth! Located right in Casco Viejo, which is a great location to base yourself in while in Panama City!

There’s also a rooftop plunge pool if you find yourself with some time to enjoy it! It’s known to get kinda noisy on weekend nights since there’s a bar on the roof, so just keep that in mind! We slept like babies though!

Day 2: Off to the San Blas Islands!

Hopefully you went to bed early last night, because you’re getting picked up bright and early this morning! 5:30am to be exact. 🙂 Alllll your tropical island dreams, coming right up (you can sleep on the bus, I promise, although the last hour is kinda bumpy)!

Note : You’ll want to have your hotel in Panama City hold your luggage – you only need to pack a small bag for your few nights in San Blas. Suitcases are unheard of on the islands, and you’ll be getting to your final destination via tiny speed boat, so leave that large luggage behind.

We packed a few bathing suits, shorts, and tank tops, and that’s all we really needed besides basic toiletries. Ladies – leave your makeup and beauty bag behind (I couldn’t even find a mirror on the island and there’s no place to plug in items for doing your hair)! DO take lots of SPF though!

Yes, the San Blas Islands are kinda a pain to reach → you’ll need to take a 3 hour shuttle ride to the Kuna Yala port, then hop on a speed boat for 45 minutes or so to reach your island of accommodation. Worth the hassle? Easily. My advice- book a tour and everything will be taken care of for you.

P.S. → We booked with San Blas Dreams and had a lovely experience. We opted for the 2 night, 3 day experience, as you can choose to spend only 1 night on the island, or even do a day trip to San Blas (although I recommend staying over at LEAST 1 night). Alternatively, if you don’t wanna stay on the islands for 2 nights like we did ( read my FULL recap over here ), you can spend the extra time in the rainforest in Boquete.

→ Read next: everything you need to know about visiting the san blas islands

We reached our island of accommodation around 10ish or so, and had the option of lazying around or going straight out on a tour. We opted to stay put and soak up the sun, swing in the hammocks, read our books in the sand, and just enjoy each other’s company with zero distractions that first day. Oh, and get a few coconuts – the freshest water you can get!

A few things to note about the San Blas islands:

There’s really no best time of year to visit the San Blas Islands , but the Kuna’s (the indigenous people on the island) informed me that the least rainfall occurs in January, February, and March. Rainy season begins in April, comes out in full force in May, and basically lasts until the end of the year.

However , if you’re planning on heading to San Blas in the rainy season, don’t fret – you’ll still find beachdays with hours of sun even when the clouds aren’t cooperating. The weather can be tricky and unpredictable, so just hope for the best!

Accommodations are basic at best , with super simple thatched huts with literally only a bed in a single room. You won’t find any pools, sun loungers, or anything remotely luxurious on the islands (not even hot water or the amount of electricity you’re used to).

It’s very possible you’ll be sharing bathrooms with other guests (our island had one set of shower stalls and toilets for everyone), will have to charge your devices at the few outlets at the restaurant, and will eat the same meal time and time again.

You will, however, find untouched beauty, starfish in their natural habitat, tons of healthy fresh fish and coconuts, and luminous turquoise waters.

The islands are not a culinary experience ; you’ll have minimal meal variations and given a choice of fish fillet (my meal of choice), fried/grilled fish, mixed seafood, prawns (when available), and chicken (on occasion). The food wasn’t half bad, we just ate mostly the same thing for 3 days.

The Kuna’s and San Blas in general are a cash society . Plan to take some small bills with you to buy coconuts and beers, and purchase any handicrafts you may wish, as well as to supply a ~$23 Kuna tax and port fee.

Read my very thorough post about our experience in the San Blas islands to help decide if you want to add a few days on the islands to your Panama vacation.

In my opinion though, no trip is complete without visiting these glistening palm tree ridden islands (just suck it up and rough it for a few days, you got this!. Make some room in your itinerary and you’ll come home with glistening golden skin and feel relaxed as ever.

Where we slept : Beach bungalow in San Blas! Be sure to go for a night walk and look up – the stars are so bright over here!

Day 3: Get some Sun on San Blas

After a hectic first few days on this Panama vacation, it’s finally time to just relax and soak up some sun. Hopefully you slept ok, as I woke up hot and sticky each morning (allll the more reason to jump in the sea, right?)

Here’s a typical day-in-the-life on San Blas, and what you can expect during your time here:

• 7:30ish: Wake up to the birds happily chirping (your ears off)
• 8:15ish: Hot Breakfast
• 9-10: Lounge on beach, read, free time
• 10:15ish: Island hop (tour of the day)
• 1:00: Lunch back on your “home” island
• 2-7: Free time/showers (snorkel, nap in hammocks, read, swim, laze around)
• Night: beers and card games, stargazing and short beach walks

Those San Blas tours we took each day for a few hours took us to nearby islands, natural swimming pools (previously sunken islands), and sand bars, where we wandered around the islands taking photos, going for swims, snorkeling, and hanging with other people from our boat.

The Kuna’s provided rum and cokes for us to enjoy, and we even saw a bunch of exceptionally large orange starfish in the shallow waters!

I talked about this in my big San Blas blog post , but I think it’s important to mention again. Starfish are living creatures, you guys. They need to be kept in water – do not lift them out! They are extremely sensitive and should be handled with care, for the least amount of time possible.

Our Kuna guides said we could lift them up for a quick photo (still halfway submerged in water), then place them right back. Don’t go moving them all around for your perfect IG shot, just don’t do it. They’re so delicate – we want to keep these little sea beauties alive!

Where we slept : Beach bungalow in San Blas!

Day 4: San Blas in Morning/Afternoon, then back to Panama City

Last Morning in Paradise

Another day in paradise it is! Well, most of the day at least! Depending on what tour company you book with, and which package you choose, you’ll either leave San Blas at 9am or 3pm. We chose the latter, and enjoyed exploring other islands before leaving our new favorite place.

If you think you’ll want to explore a bit more of Panama City (we’ll have another ¾ of a day before leaving the country later on in this itinerary), you may want to choose the earlier San Blas departure. The beach is sooo our thing, so we opted to stay as long as possible without staying another night.

Make sure to drink alll the coconuts, revel in the warm, luminous waters one last time, and take your last nap under the palm trees!

It was a breath of fresh air to have limited amenities and zero wifi availability. After 3 days in San Blas we were oh so relaxed, although any longer and I think I’d have been longing for a hot shower more so than actually enjoying the picturesque beaches.

Back to Panama City and Dinner at Ocho y Medio

Say goodbye to San Blas, because it’s back to Panama City we go! And yes, you’ll have to head back the same way you came → a 45 minute speed boat ride back to the port, then ~2hr, 30 min van ride back. If I remember correctly, we got back to Panama City around 6:30pm or so, then headed out to dinner at Ocho y Medio before picking up our suitcases at our first hotel, Hotel Casa Panama.

→ We booked a super early morning flight to David in order to have as much time as humanly possible in Boquete, so we chose to stay close to the airport at the Crowne Plaza Airport Hotel , which is roughly a 5 minute drive to the airport.

We’re definitely not morning people, and when there’s a sliiiiight chance we may oversleep, we like to stay as close to the airport as humanly possible, while still having a comfy bed.

Where we slept: Crowne Plaza Airport Hotel (highly recommended)

Day 5: Coffee Tasting in Boquete

First things first, get yourself to Boquete

Okay, so in order to get to Boquete at a normal hour, you’ll need to take an early morning flight to David. Our flight left Panama City at 7:30am, arrived in David around 8:50am, then we took a 45 minute taxi straight to Boquete for $35 (standard price). There are no ubers in David or Boquete, so you’ll need to find other ways to get around (hence the taxi).

Note that you can also take a bus to Boquete from the David airport, but you’ll need to get yourself to the bus station first (for only a few bucks or so). If we weren’t so exhausted I think we would have attempted to take the bus as it would have been the much more cost-effective option, but oh well, we were tired!

And not to stress you out, but be sure to book early as there’s only a few fights to David per day. We booked on COPA airlines and noticed there were only two flights a day from Panama City to David, at 7:30am and 4:30pm. I’m pretty sure Air Panama has flights as well, but no more than 2-3 either (7ish, 11ish, and later on in the day).

If you want to follow this Panama vacation itinerary exactly as I have laid out, you’ll NEED to get yourself on an early morning flight. If you have an extra day or two, getting into Boquete later on in the day will be fine, but we didn’t have this luxury.

Morning Stroll through Boquete Town

As soon as we checked into our hotel (yay for early check-ins), we dropped our bags then set out for town. Honestly, we were kinda surprised at how dirty and downright sad the town looked from an outsiders point of view (I didn’t even take one photo – there wasn’t anything really to photograph). I wondered out of all the things to do in Panama if I had made a bad choice by coming here, but nope, I’ll explain below!

It’s a pretty small town and I have to admit, the walk from The Haven (our hotel) to town was much, much nicer than the actual town itself. There was tons of construction going on, a mildly run-down main street, and a few unattractive shops.

BUT, let’s not dwell on the negatives, because there are SO many positives to this luscious green area that makes Boquete so appealing. (Plus – we learned that there’s even a large expat community here, so Boquete must be more than it’s tiny unassuming little town).

So, what is Boquete known for? First of all, after one look around, it’s evident all the lushness surrounding the town more than makes up for the complete lack of charm within the town itself. With its towering mountain views, blankets of flowers, and oh so much greenery, you’d be hard pressed to find a more stunning natural scenery in the mountains.

Venture outta town and you’ll find pristine waterfalls, an ancient volcano, and treetops full of birds! If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to spot the stunning Volcan Baru through the misty clouds.

Boquete is located on the Caldera River, within the Chiriqui Highlands, which is home to coffee plantation after coffee plantation, and is known as more of an adventurous mountain village for those wanting to take part.  

If you have an extra day or so, you can climb Volcan Baru, go ziplining, go on epic waterfall hikes in the jungle, go rafting, and partake in a chocolate making class (among other things).

It’s high elevation in the mountains provides a cool, enjoyable climate, so you’ll want to dress a tad warmer during your day in Boquete. We thankfully were blessed with an absolutely beautiful day in the mountains, only needing a light jacket at times.

In town we had some brunch at Sugar and Spice (the most popular breakfast spot in Boquete which we LOVED) and tried the famous gesha coffee at La Viuda del Cafe (The Coffee Widow)!

The coffee, originating from a village in Ethiopia, is said to be the most expensive cup on Earth. It commonly sells for about $9 a cup, but would found it (albeit a very small cup) at The Coffee Widow for about $5. A bargain if you ask me!

We actually saw it selling for $9 a cup in Panama City later on in the week. It’s said to be smooth, fruity, silky, and aromatic, tasting a bit more like tea than coffee, and we enjoyed our few sips.

We attempted to go to Fresas Mary for some famous Boquete strawberries and whipped cream, but they were unexpectedly closed (what a bummer – we even took a taxi there!) Hopefully they’re open when you go!

The walk back to our hotel was exceptionally scenic, as we found ourselves high above the town taking in all the lush greens and fuscia-colored flowers.

Afternoon Coffee Plantation Tour

Boquete is widely known for their mass coffee production, and boasts some of the best and most expensive coffee in the world. Yup, the world!

There are plenty of coffee plantation tours to choose from, but after doing a bit of research, Finca dos Jefes sounded like the best one! And I have to admit, I think we chose correctly. The story of the farm is just so moving and inspiring!

We walked through the fields, learned about coffee cherries and traditional organic farming, were given a brief education of the coffee industry (oh, it’s so fascinating you’ll see), and learned how to properly roast coffee beans. And of course we tasted a whole bunch of freshly brewed coffee (both a medium and dark roast blend)!

Unlike other coffee tours, there were only about 8 of us in total, so we felt like we were given a more personalized experience and had allll our crazy coffee questions answered.

I especially appreciated how the tour spoke a lot about economics; the realities of the global coffee economy and the impacts made on the farmers and workers were especially eye opening and really makes you think.

And plus, the dogs on site were the absolute cutest (we’re a suuuuucker for pups!) The farm was covered in plants, flowers, and hummingbirds, and I just couldn’t get enough. Towards the end of our tour a rainbow appeared above the fields, which made for such a beautiful end to the day. A well-spent $30 (each).

Note that there are two options for tours each day, at 9am and 2pm. We obviously chose the 2pm tour since we weren’t even in Boquete by 9am! The tour lasts for roughly 3 hours, so we got back to our hotel around 5ish or so.

Private pool time and some dinner

If you’re staying at The Haven and Spa , take advantage of the pool before dinner! You’ll have to make a reservation, but this just ensures you have the pool to yourself! We were bummed it wasn’t heated, so just enjoyed putting our tired feet in.

If you’re looking for a good dinner option, we thoroughly enjoyed our meal at Boquete Fish House – you can never go wrong with some fish and chips, yucca fries, and fresh fish sauteed in white wine lemon garlic butter. Oh, and their house margs were a-okay and only a few bucks.

Where we Stayed: The Haven , and it was just like I imagine heaven to be. As soon as we arrived, I was overly wowed – the grounds are so incredibly luscious and green, and the outdoor space was so inviting. I desperately wish we had another night here.

Note that the hotel is an adults-only resort, so if you’re traveling with kiddos, you’ll have to find another place to stay. We loved the indoor pool, and we even took advantage of the fully equipped gym and sauna/steam room. The included room-service breakfast was lovely, and we ate on our outdoor patio in the garden every chance we got!

Day 6: Arrive in Bocas del Toro

Today we’re making our way to Bocas del Toro , another one of Panama’s hot spots with a chill, surfer vibe and gorgeous islands off the coast, oh, and a jungle too! Bocas is kinda the best of both worlds, allllll rolled into one archipelago of beautiful islands.

Before we dive into the Panama vacation itinerary of the day, lemme explain the geographical makeup of Bocas del Toro for a hot second (as I was semi-confused when initially researching).

Bocas del Toro is made up of a few different islands, with Isla Colon being the most popular and consisting of Bocas Town, where the bulk of visitors decide to stay, and Starfish Beach (very popular spot as well). Next you’ve got Isla Solardo, which is only a few minutes off the coast of Isla Colon, and an island not many choose to visit.

Finally, there’s Bastimentos, which is the largest of the archipelago and where you’ll find Old Bank, Up in the Hill, Red Frog Beach (very popular), and other secluded resorts/hotels. We chose to base ourselves out of Bocas Town on Isla Colon, which I’ll explain in more detail below.

→  Read Next: A Comprehensive Guide to Bocas del Toro

Transfer to Bocas del Toro

It’s semi-complicated (yes, again) to get from Boquete to Bocas del Toro, as you’ll need to take a 3.5 hour shuttle to Almirante (a port town), then a 30 minute marine taxi (which was essentially a speed boat) from there to Bocas Town. Thankfully, there are organized transportation services that will take care of everything for you.

We booked with Hello Travel Panama through Mamallena Hostel, left Boquete around 9am, and arrived in Bocas del Toro around 1:30pm or so. Make sure to schedule this transfer in advance as the shuttles get booked up beforehand.

With that being said, there’s absolutely no reason to attempt this transfer yourself, as prices weren’t half bad: $30 per person, including the boat transfer from Almirante. Our shuttle was comfortable, air-conditioned, spacious, and safe, with enough room for all luggages (on top of the shuttle actually).

Wander Bocas Town -or- head to Starfish Beach

Since we arrived in Bocas around 1:30pm, we had quite a bit of time to explore on the first day! And with so much going on this area, you’ll want to make sure to use your time wisely!

You’ve got a few different options for your first afternoon in Bocas del Toro:

• Wander around town; get some ceviche and cocktails (the lazy man’s choice)
• Head to Starfish Beach (the need-to-see-and-do-it-all choice)

Since we were feeling a bit sluggish (and hungry) after our transfer to Bocas, we kept things pretty casual by wandering around Bocas Town. We opted to miss out on Starfish Beach since I had read tons of negative reviews, with many even saying they hardly saw any starfish, or none at all.

And since we had suuuuch a wonderful experience seeing the starfish in San Blas, I felt okay missing out on Starfish Beach in Bocas del Toro. Do your own research though, as the reviews are mixed at best.

However, if you think you’ll have FOMO (fear of missing out), getting to Starfish Beach on the outskirts of Isla Colon isn’t all that difficult from Bocas Town. You’ll need to take a 45 minute bus ride from the park in the middle of town to Drago, and then you can either take a quick water taxi to Starfish Beach or walk 20 minutes.

Where we Stayed : Azul Paradise Bocas Town (not to be confused with the location on Bastimentos). After doing tons of research (it’s what I do best!), we ultimately decided on Azul Paradise Bocas Town, as other hotels looked a bit run down and not in the best shape.

Bocas is kinda like a party town so be prepared for late night shenanigans and loud music, although we didn’t experience any of these things.

The hotel was modern, fresh, and in a wonderful location. We splurged and booked the King Luxury Suite, and it was roomy to say the least. With floor to ceiling windows with views of the sea, a soaking tub, and a superrr comfy bed, we couldn’t have picked a better spot.

→ There are two main options for accommodation in Bocas del Toro. You have the option of staying in Bocas Town (close to lots of bars and restaurants), or spending a few nights on Bastimentos, the island next door and much more secluded. Up to you, but we highly prefered being in the middle of everything and having dinner options (after basically eating the same thing for 3 days on San Blas).

After visited Bastimentos (later on in the itinerary), we quickly learned the sheer seclusion of the island just wasn’t for us. Up to you!

Day 7: The Ridiculously Gorgeous Zapatilla Islands

Intoxifying. Serene. Wild. Enchanting. There’s no words significant enough to describe the Zapatillas. It’s say to safe that I’m low-key obsessed with this place I had never previously heard of.

If there’s one stop you can’t miss while in Bocas, it’s the Zapatilla Islands, also known as Cayos Zapatilla. These two uninhabited islands are located east of Isla Bastimentos and are quite honestly, one of the most amazing places I’ve ever been (same level as Bora Bora I might add).

While many say that San Blas is way more beautiful than Bocas, I’d have to disagree, as long as you make your way to the Zapatillas. We booked a tour the day before with Hello Travel Panama on a whim, and I’m obviously more than glad we did.

All was (more than) fine in the end, as we not only got to visit Zapatilla Island, but also visited Sloth Island, went snorkeling and anfibia boarding, and had a fresh seafood lunch overlooking the sea.

1st Stop: Searching for Sloths at Sloth Island

We first visited the protected mangroves of Sloth Island to, well, you guessed it, look for some sloths! Despite how difficult they are to spot, we found a whole bunch! Our guides were experts at spotting them, and thankfully made sure everyone on the boat got a few glimpses! They’re kinda hard to see in the photos, but look for the hornet’s-nests-looking things! Makes me wanna go to Costa Rica (they’re known for them, right?)

2nd Stop: Snorkel and Anfibia Boarding

Next up, it was finalllyyy time to jump in the refreshing waters with some snorkel gear! We had about 45 minutes or so to snorkel, where I saw tons of colorful coral (many that I had never seen before!), schools of glistening silver fish, sea fans, parrotfish, and so much more. It’s hard to keep your eye on one thing when you’re underwater – they’re just so much to see and I get distracted quite easily.

The water was calm, clear, and sheltered from debris from land – we were out in the middle of the Caribbean Sea! I so wish I had brought my go-pro with me to photograph all the lovely underwater life.

Since we were already in the water, anfibia boarding it was! It’s kinda hard to explain what anfibia boarding actually is, so I’ll just leave you with this: it’s oh SO much fun. You’ll feel like you’re flying underwater. Move the board up and down and you’ll see what I mean.

3rd Stop: Seafood Lunch

A fresh seafood lunch over the water? Yes please! Plates start at $15 per plate, so thankfully we had brought exactly $31 with us…enough to cover two lunches and nothing else. Take a bit more cash if you want more lunch choices. Kinda expensive for what it is, but hey, they’ve got little to no competition out in the sea so they can charge as much as they want.

You can plan to pack your own lunch, but the food was surprisingly really tasty and a hot lunch after being in the water for a while was appreciated.

We had some time to explore the restaurant on stilts, and some people chose to snorkel around as there’s known to be starfish nearby.

4th and Final Stop: Zapatilla!

In my opinion, Zapatilla is by far the best beach in Bocas del Toro, and all of Panama I might add. Yes, we LOVED San Blas more than anything, but if you get a perfect day weather-wise on Zapatilla, you’ll see exactly what I mean. This serene island paradise is absolute heaven and then some. It’s actually where Survivor Panama was filmed!

Out of all the things to do in Panama on this itinerary, spending the day on Zapatilla was by far my favorite. <3

It was soooo nice to just relax on a (nearly) deserted island and soak up the sun for a few hours. Oh, and that crystal clear water didn’t hurt either – I spent a decent chunk of our time wading in the shallow waters offshore, just admiring that gorgeous turquoise Caribbean water.

Note that there are zero facilities on this stunning and untouched uninhabited island, but our tour company set up a gorgeous spread of tropical fruits for us to enjoy. The Zapatillas are actually part of the undeveloped national marine park, so you can expect to find lots of little fishies under the water, as well pay a $10 National Park entrance fee if you aren’t part of a tour.

Thankfully it was quite isolated when we were there so didn’t have to share the palm-tree lined beach/waters with too many others. There was tons of space to lay out our towels, and we chose a shady spot underneath a few palms.

With sooo many shades of turquoise and oh so many palm trees inland made for an absolutely wonderful day. It was almost unreal how perfect the day was. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!

Where we Stayed: Azul Paradise Bocas Town (not to be confused with the location on Bastimentos)

Where we ate dinner: Restaurante Azul (6 course tasting menu for $20 and very tasty!)

Day 8: Explore the Jungle and Beaches of Bastimentos

Ahh, back to the jungle it is! If you’re kinda sad you only had one day in Boquete, now’s the time to make up for it! We found Bastimentos SO incredibly different from Isla Colon and Bocas Town, so make sure you hit up this spot when you’re in the area as well! And despite their close proximity, they’re like different worlds!

Quick Note → Bastimentos is another island in the Bocas del Toro archipelago, and is roughly a 10 minute boat ride from Isla Colon. If you’re staying in Bocas Town like we were and want to follow the days activities I planned out, you’ll have to first get yourself to Bastimentos Town.

You can do so by basically asking anyone on the street in Bocas for a water taxi ride (they’ll probably come right up to you and offer their services). We paid $5 each to get from Bocas Town to Old Bank, which was our first stop of the day.

Wander throughout the sleepy town of Old Bank

When we first stepped off the water taxi, we instantly knew that Bastimentos was much more rugged and real that Bocas Town. We explored Old Bank, an Afro-Caribbean community which is right off the dock from where our boat let us off. There’s not as much tourism in this area, and you’ll get to see first-hand how the people live.

We saw roosters, baby chicks, lots of laundry hanging to dry, and tons of colorful old wooden buildings amongst lush vegetation. Just follow along the main dirt path directly from the port, and you’ll come across all this and more. With flavors of the West Indies, and being the second largest town in the Bocas archipelago, don’t miss it!

(P.S. pop into any market and you’ll find cans of rum and coke – my husband loved that!)

Up in the Hill Organic Chocolate and Coffee Farm

And now the main reason we popped on over to Bastimentos for the day – to learn all about how chocolate is grown/processed! When I first heard about Up in the Hill, I knew we just had to include this on our longgg list of things to do in Panama. An organic chocolate and coffee farm with jungle tours – sign me up!

Up in the Hill is a fully sustainable farm, producing zero waste and using every last bit to better their efforts. There’s a tour through the family farm everyday at 11am, which we signed up for the night before.

But beware — Getting there is an activity in and of itself! Start making the short trek from Old Bank around 10:15ish, and keep going up, up, and up into the jungle and through the woods. They’ll be signs, don’tchu worry. The hike/walk wasn’t difficult per say, we were just super hot and sweaty from the intense humidity and heat.

Be sure to take ample amount of water, and forget about having a good hair day (I had just washed and blow dried my hair the night before – biiiiig mistake).

On the tour we saw poisonous red frogs (harmless to look at, but no touching allowed), huge spiders with insanely strong webs (you can touch these to see what I mean), parades of ants carrying leaves (just wow !), yellow tailed birds, and chocolate cocoa trees!

We learned the reasons why they’ve chosen to live off the land, how the plants work together to help the others grow, and how they go about creating and sustaining a permaculture organic farm. It’s all very fascinating stuff, and quite inspiring to say the least.

Our guide carried a machete with us throughout the jungle (don’t be alarmed), which he used to chop down plants and show us some of the fruits of his labor. At the end of the tour, we were served a delicious spread of jackfruit, plantains, banana with fresh cocoa, chocolate drinks with coconut milk, pumpkin soup, coconut brownies, and more, all made with fresh ingredients from the farm.

→ Practicalities : $25 per person; tour starts at 11am; we emailed the lady the night before to register for the tour; put on LOTS of bug spray beforehand if you don’t want to get eaten alive (I warned you)

Red Frog Beach

Beach time, finally! After making your way back down to Old Bank (it’s sooo much easier going down, trust me), take a water taxi straight to Red Frog Beach ($5 per person). We chose to get dropped off at Palmar Dock, and took a 15 minute walk to the beach through the “shortcut” for another $5 each.

It didn’t quite seem like a shortcut, but it is what it is!  On the nature walk to the beach we saw lots of monkeys playing in the jungle (ahhhh I was exceptionally excited about this) and passed a pond with caiman (in the alligator family) which royally freaked me the F out (we didn’t see any thankfully).

We unfortunately didn’t find Red Frog Beach to be anything that spectacular; considering we had already spent time at both San Blas and the Zapatillas, Red Frog was just so-so comparatively. Nevertheless, our veggie bowls and fresh fruit smoothies made for a fantastic lunch at Palmar Resort.

And after our tiring morning hiking in the jungle to Up in the Hill, laying out on the beach was an afternoon well spent. Oh, and seeing those monkeys out in the wild totally made the short trek to Red Frog Beach worth it.

You’ll have to cough up around $8 to get back to Bocas Town from Red Frog Beach.

Where we Stayed : Azul Paradise Bocas Town (not to be confused with the location on Bastimentos)

Where we ate dinner: El Ultimo Refugio

Day 9: Cocktails at Blue Coconut (or the “Floating Bar”)

Chill out for a while, then it’s off to the airport to head back to Panama City!

Cocktails and Tacos Over the Sea

On our last day in Bocas, we chose to take it easy and had a relaxing brunch at Francine’s, where we had the most delicious breakfast crepes and coffees. We wandered around town a bit more before we set off for the Floating Bar, which is essentially just that – a bar floating in the middle of the Caribbean sea!

We took a $5 water taxi here, and it only took a few minutes or so to reach the freestanding bar surrounded by water.

It was kinda dead when we went (probably because of the unfortunate foul weather), but I heard that there’s usually live music playing and people snorkeling around in the surrounding waters (to see the nearby starfish). Although we didn’t make use of all the amenities (hellooo pool floats), we still had a relaxing time. The fish and chicken tacos were bomb, don’t miss them!

Psst : you can also head to the famed Blue Coconut (closed on Fridays), which is a bit farther away but still the same vibe, so we ultimately decided on the Floating Bar because of the mix of clouds and rain.

Fly Back to Panama City in Late Afternoon

Our flight was at 6:10pm, so we had the better portion of the day to see the last of Bocas. If the weather had been more cooperative, I’m sure we would have appreciated this extra time in the area, but we were itching to get back to Panama City.

Up to you if you want to book an earlier flight or not. We flew into PAC (Albrook International) on Air Panama, but there are flights to PTY (Tocumen) as well.

Note that the airport in Bocas is supperrrr tiny and located directly in town! We even chose to walk from our hotel in town to the airport, it was that close! As noted earlier, there’s only one waiting room, one “gate”, and 1-2 bag scanners. Make sure you eat beforehand (or take along a few snacks) because there’s no restaurants over here!

Night in Panama City

We had our last official dinner in Panama at CasaCasco, which was quite delicious, although a bit pricey I might add! There’s also a night club at top, in case you’re feeling a bit frisky and wanna dance your heart out on your last night.

Where we stayed: The American Trade Hotel

The American Trade Hotel was quite possibly our favorite accommodation of our entire Panama vacation, and we wish we could have at least stayed another night. Located smack dab in the historic center of Panama City right in the heart of Casco Viejo, ATH   boasts lovely marbled tiled floors, tall ceilings with large windows (oh that natural light <3), and such charming architecture.

The old world charm of this place just makes it that much more appealing. And plus, it’s part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection, so you know this place will not only have beautiful decor, but wonderful service as well. We were lucky to be given a room with a cute flower-filled balcony overlooking the square, which we enjoyed using both night and morning.

Day 10: Wander Casco Viejo and head home!

After a short sleep in, we hung by the pool for a bit then made our way downstairs to brunch at The American Trade Hotel. The decor is just lovely and the husband had to literally put my camera down for me. Even if you’re not spending the night at The American Trade Hotel , I highly encourage you to check out the restaurant for brunch/lunch, and grab some liquid fuel at the adjoining coffee shop (Unido Panama Coffee Roaster).

Stroll Around Casco Viejo

Out of all the things to do in Panama City, going for an aimless wander around Casco Viejo was by far my favorite! This historic district and UNESCO World Heritage Site wasn’t always what it is today, but has now revitalized into Panama City’s center of art and nightlife, with tons of hip cafes and restaurants.

Oh, and the colonial buildings are to die for. To. Die. For. The absolute cutest. It’s beyond instagrammable → trust me. You’ll find boutique hotels, rooftop bars, crumbling facades, and cobblestoned streets. Swoon.

Psst: you may hear this area being called Casco Antiguo or San Felipe – they’re all the same beautiful spot. 🙂

A few things not to miss out on your wander in Casco Viejo:

• Grab a quintessential Panamanian ice cone, known as a raspado to keep cool
• Check out La Michoacana and try out their condensed milk popsicles
• Enjoy fresh ceviche at the Fish Market
• Head to Weil Art for a traditional Panama Hat
• Lunch at Mahalo (loved this trendy spot)
• Admire the hand sewn molas (by the Kuna’s!) at Plaza de la Independencia

It’s important to note that Casco Viejo lies on the border with El Chorrillo, known to be a bit seedy and not highly recommended to walk around. I’m pretty sure we unknowingly ended up here, and it was quite obvious the distinction between the two areas. Note: after doing some research, I learned that El Chorrillo is one of the city’s most famous ghettos – whoops.

We were butt tired by this point, so just carelessly strolled around the city looking for buildings to admire and had some lunch.

If you want to eat all the things, I highly recommend booking a Panama City food walking tour , which will take you to the best restaurants in town to sample local coffee, chocolates, beer, cocktails and ceviche. You’ll also wander around Casco Viejo with a local guide who can explain the history of the area better than I ever could.

If you have additional time in Panama City (we would have loved another night at the American Trade Hotel and quite possibly another day or so to see the monkeys on Monkey Island ), be sure to check out these highly-rated activities:

Say Goodbye to Panama and Head Home

Be sure to book a flight later in the day or evening (our flight was at 6:30pm) so you can properly explore on your last day in Panama! It’d be an absolute shame to miss out on Casco Viejo – we loved it oh so much!

Phew! Hopefully that answers all your questions about things to do in Panama and how to carefully plan an itinerary for roughly 10 days! We were absolutely blown away by the country and can’t wait to return!

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February 24, 2023 at 5:45 pm

This is amazing!! Would you be willing to share the approximate amount your trip cost total without the flights from USA included? We are considering a trip to Panama!! So excited! But I would like to do the reservations myself as I also am a serial planner 🙂 Thank you!!

February 25, 2023 at 3:33 pm

Hi Tracy! Unfortunately I don’t have current prices, as I took this trip a few years ago! It really varies depending on your choice of hotels, where you eat, etc. I will say we found Panama to be a bit more expensive than other Central American countries, minus Costa Rica. Enjoy — it’s a fantastic country!

August 20, 2023 at 2:39 am

This is such a helpful guide! Can’t wait for my trip to Panama 🙂

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Panama Travel Blogs

These are all of my travel blogs about panama. .

From the exciting capital Panama City, to tropical island life in Bocas del Toro and the San Blas Islands, and rainforest treks in Boquete, find out the best places to travel to in my Panama travel blogs and travel guides.

Happy exploring!

Travelling To The San Blas Islands, Panama

It’s time to travel to the San Blas Islands in Panama – a highlight of my time in Central America.

“The most content people on the planet”.

That’s what the article in Wanderlust magazine said. It was talking about the Guna Yala – the indigenous people living on the San Blas Islands just off the east coast of Panama. My plan? To capture some of that happiness to take home!

The draw of this archipelago is more than just spending a day lazing on a deserted beach; it’s to witness the Guna Yala culture first hand. These indigenous people live in a handful of places in Panama and Columbia, with the islands of San Blas being the most densely populated. It’s fair to say, this Guna Yala region is particularly special.

Panama’s government has tried to control and change these communities against their will. After a few revolutions, there is now a treaty in place, which permits them to have a certain degree of autonomy. Some islands are tiny, with little more than a dusting of sand and a few palm trees, others have small shacks or basic hotels, while a few are more developed and home to large communities with their own schools and churches.

How To Get To The San Blas Islands

First things first, this San Blas Islands map will help you get your head around where the islands are…

If you want to stay overnight, that can be arranged, otherwise you return in the evening. These San Blas islands tours are pricey and you’re restricted to a rigid itinerary, not to mention travelling with a bus-load of tourists.

We looked at other ways to get there, but felt nervous about the options. Many forums said that you could be stopped from going along the road to the port, and that some of the roads were in such bad condition they might be difficult to navigate even in a 4×4. Add to that, the main road wasn’t even listed on Google Maps!

Panama: Top Places To Visit

There’s plenty more to Panama than the canal! Find out the best places to visit including Bocas Del Toro, Boquete and the stunning San Blas Islands.

How much do you know about the Central American country of Panama? Before I went, I knew there was a famous canal and they had their own type of hat. However, what I found was a country with breathtakingly diverse landscape, friendly people, buzzing cities and relaxed desert islands. The climate was tropical with high temperatures all year round on the coast, and some welcome cooler temperatures in the mountains.

With two weeks, you can cover a lot of ground. A few months ago I fell in love with Guatemala, and didn’t expect another country to come close, but Panama really won me over. If you’re not convinced yet, perhaps this will help…

Bocas Del Toro

Bocas Del Toro is an archipelago of nine main islands and over 50 smaller islets in the Caribbean. They are beautiful and it’s very easy to settle into the relaxed pace of ‘island life’. On the main island Colon you’ll find several hotels, restaurants, bars and shops, but venture away from here and you’ll have a more authentic Panamanian experience.

I stayed on Isla Bastimentos (the second largest island) at the family-run Hotel Caribbean View . It was all hands on deck – parents in the kitchen cooking, the son driving the water taxi, small kids running around helping rent out kayaks. It was a really local experience! Other great places to stay in Bocas del Toro include overwater bungalows on Isla Colon where you can snorkel right from your own deck.

Visiting Panama City In Panama

Find out all there is to do in Panama’s buzzing capital Panama City including visiting the Panama Canal, the malls and the old town.

Visiting Santa Catalina, Panama – The Hidden Gem Of The Pacific Coast

Find out more about visiting Santa Catalina, Panama, including how to get there, where to stay and what there is to do in the small beach town.

Read this before visiting Boquete in Panama

With lush rainforest and cooler temperatures, Boquete in Panama is a huge contrast to Bocas Del Toro and Panama City. Find out more and plan your visit.

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! 

Epic Panama Travel Guide (Everything You Need to Know Before Your Trip!)

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After 16 days in the small country of Panama , I am so excited to share with you everything I learned while there and help you be as prepared as possible for a trip of your own. Panama is an exciting destination that offers so much from sea to jungle, culture to nightlife and very varied experiences. This is a very comprehensive Panama travel guide broken into standard things to know before your trip like getting a SIM and budget tips as well as what to do while you’re there. I have added a map of the top towns to visit, tour options, the top experiences to have in Panama, and much more.

While 16 days isn’t a lifetime, it’s quite a while for such a small country and I have covered a lot of ground in that time which this blog post in mind so I kept notes throughout and want to make sure you’re prepared budget-wise and also have all the best experiences Panama can offer on your first visit.

Panama Travel Guide

Panama travel guide: things to know before you visit panama, when to visit panama.

The peak travel time in Panama is December to April with the rest of the time being the rainy season, but there is never really a time that it is guaranteed not to rain. The country is mostly rainforests and gets rain all year round. If you travel in the off-season like I did, it will rain but it’s quick showers that pass by and you still get tons of sunny days.

Festivals in Panama

If you want to plan your stay around some popular festivals, you can check out this calendar which lists them out.

How long to stay in Panama

I stayed for 16 days. This was more than enough to see the top “tourist” places and beyond. I think two weeks is the ideal time but even with one week, you can see quite a bit.

Here is my two-week travel itinerary for Panama .

International flights in and out of Panama vs. entering overland

Panama City is connected between Colombia and Costa Rica. You can enter Panama from Costa Rica, which many backpackers do. You can also come on a sailing trip from Colombia through the shared San Blas Islands but you cannot enter overland from Colombia unless you want to take a huge risk. You can read here about this area of the world ‘The Darien Gap’, which is barely traveled, and a bit dangerous. The main way to enter Panama is through the Tocumen International airport in Panama City. I came from Mexico with Aeromexico but most major airlines fly here and Panama City is a good place to start and finish your trip.

Transportation around Panama: taxis, Uber, budget shuttles, domestic flights, cheap local buses

There are taxis everywhere and they use the meter or will tell you the price ahead of time. Ours always said $3 or $5 and didn’t hassle us at all. Uber was about the same price and we found Uber reliable and safe when we used it in Panama City, however, I don’t think it’s available outside of there.

Between cities, many travelers choose to use the tourist shuttle buses which are around $30 for most routes and are economically a good option. Budget travelers tend to go for local buses which are just a few bucks but take much much longer as they stop often. You can hire drivers/taxis between cities for usually around $100-$200 depending on the distance and if you are splitting with friends this can be a great way to get around.

You could rent a car yourself which is a very easy way to get around and most likely the cheapest. The roads are very safe, paved, and wide and you won’t have a problem driving yourself.

Lastly, you can fly between the bigger destinations into hubs like David and Bocas Del Toro from the small Albrook Airport in Panama City with Air Panama. I did this a few times and it was wonderful. Flights anywhere are only an hour and they are around $100. More detailed information is in the itinerary later.

Visas For Panama

Most nationalities like all of the EU, USA, Aus, Canada, and a huge list do not require visas to enter Panama. You can see the list here . When you enter Panama, you can stay for 180 days as a tourist. I was put through the fast-tracked line at the airport and got a piece of paper NOT a stamp in my passport but Silvia, who flew separate, went through the normal line and got a stamp. I’m not sure how they choose this, but they pulled me out of line. Either way is fine but if you are like me, then you need to keep that piece of paper for when you leave or when you fly domestically.

How to get a SIM card in Panama

It’s very easy and cheap to get a SIM card in Panama. When you get to Panama City, go to Avenida Central and go into any phone shop. Buy a Digicel SIM which is $1. Then get two weeks of credit which is unlimited for $10. This is super easy and for us worked like a charm. Digicel has the most coverage and I even got signal out in the San Blas Islands.

Health, Safety, Solo Travel, Culture, and Language in Panama

Panama is a very clean, safe country overall. While there are some regions that are less safe, like Colon (which apparently has pirates), our only real concern here would be a small scam or pickpocketing like anywhere in the world.

The people speak Spanish here and many will know English. But, in more rural areas it is helpful to know some basic Spanish. You can dress how you’d like – it’s not conservative or anything like that. Traveling solo here might be a bit boring in my opinion as it’s not a big backpackers country overall, but it’s safe to do.

Packing for Panama

I have written a post dedicated to packing in Panama and tips on what to wear in Panama which you can read here .

Currency and budget tips for Panama

In Panama when you go to the ATM, you will get US Dollars. While the “Balboa” is the Panamanian currency, the USD is equal to it and used more often than the Balboa. When you get change at a shop, it might be coins from Panama. It’s okay to intermix it.

Panama is fairly expensive and comparable to the rest of Central America, widely recognized as the most expensive country. But, keep in mind it’s still much cheaper than the USA or UK for example and you can easily travel on a budget here staying at $15 hostels, $100 nice hotels, and $200-300 luxury hotels. Transportation is also tiered very cheap ($5 for a long local bus ride or $200 for a taxi for 5 hours). You can make your own budget here and definitely stay under $30/day if you wanted or even less if you didn’t do tours and ate street food.

Lodging styles in Panama: where to book, where I stayed, unique stays

There are 5-star and chain hotels in Panama City but the rest of Panama is mostly B&Bs, boutique hotels, lodges, and other independent style hotels. I loved this and it added to the charm. There are also hostels in all the places tourists would go in Panama, so there are going to be budget options.

Airbnb is a great option in Panama as there are cute apartments in Casco Viejo (the trendy part of Panama City), tree houses in Bocas Del Toro , and sailboats in San Blas . If you book through them, this link will give you $40 off. Browse Airbnb’s in Panama here .

We stayed in some amazing hotels in Panama. Here are a few of my favorites which I’ll link to through booking.com since that is the main booking site in Panama (so more places will be listed there than other sites). These are the most popular and beautiful hotels in Panama. There are more which I mention in posts about each destination, but these are my favorite ones.

• Panamonte Hotel , Boquete
• Casa Azul , Boquete
• Casa Cayuco , Bocas Del Toro
• La Loma Jungle Lodge and Choco Farm , Bocas Del Toro
• Finca Vela Lodge , Bocas Del Toro
• American Trade Hotel , Panama City
• Clementinas , Panama City
• Isla Palenque , Boca Chica (island)

Local Panamanian food

Panama has delicious food! Panamanian food is great (and has a Caribbean twist with a focus on seafood) but you’ll also find Italian, Mexican, and more here. A simple dish here would be beans, rice, some chicken with spice on it, and some plantain chips or the famous Panama chicken stew (which is yummy!). Everything is very fresh and locally made – that was the vibe we got in all the areas we traveled. If you don’t like seafood you might struggle in the San Blas islands where they don’t have meat. There is no electricity to keep it cold). You will need to pack snacks if you don’t eat meat or seafood.

Top towns to visit in Panama with a   map

The top towns in Panama to visit are Panama City (and the surrounding Gamboa Rainforest), San Blas Islands (now called Guna Yala), Boquete (in the mountains where the Baru Volcano is), the Gulf of Chiriqui (to see the whales and forest), and Bocas Del Toro . If you’re into surfing and yoga, then you will want to check out Santa Catalina.

David a hub to get from Panama City to Chiriqui by flight. David will get you just an hour from both Boca Chica (to get down to the whales) or Boquete (to go to the mountains. As you can see the small country has very cool landscapes from the Caribbean to the Pacific and the city to the jungle. There is a lot to see which is why I say you’ll want at least a week.

Two-week itinerary for Panama

I spent 16 days in Panama, however, 14 would have sufficed. I have written up a detailed itinerary of my time there for 14 days (taking out what I felt I would change if I did it again) and also added in a one-week itinerary. You can read this here and have a good idea of how your trip will go and how to get from point A to point B.

Tour companies to consider in Panama

Once you reach Panama, you’ll see travel agencies on every street where you can book day tours. If you want a tour planned for the whole country, I recommend booking with G Adventures who do a “Best of Panama” tour for $799 for 8 days. That includes internal transport (which is two flights), your Panama canal tickets, your hotels, day-tours, and activities. You can check out all the details here . The tour ends in Panama City and covers the top places except for San Blas, so you could extend and go to San Blas on your own if you wanted.

Top experiences and things to do in Panama

You will see sloths, eat good food, see starfish, meet tribal Indians, shop til you drop, stay at amazing B&B, have jungle adventures, and more. I made a list of the top 37 experiences to have in Panama so that you don’t leave with FOMO (fear of missing out). You can read it here .

Yoga retreats in Panama

Most yoga retreats in Panama are in Santa Catalina. This is kind of on its own in comparison of the rest of Panama and not something I could fit on my itinerary. Most people who go here for retreats fly into Panama City and have transportation arranged. It’s kind of dead center in the South of the country.

The most trusted site for yoga retreats is bookyoagretreats.com which has reviews set up like TripAdvisor. The top-ranked retreat is this one  which is $1200 for 7 days. It includes all your meals, lodging, airport transfer, 5 surf lessons, 5 yoga lessons, and some local tours. it looks beautiful!

What to buy in Panama and tips on negotiating

I’m a shopper but let me tell you – there was not an awful lot I wanted to buy in Panama. I got two famous Panama hats (which range from $15-300); one was plain for $15 and one had stripes for $30. I bought some traditional Panamanian shoes for $10. I bought all this from one woman and originally it was $15 for the shoes but she gave me $5/off since I got three things. So, negotiating here is necessary but it’s not going to make a huge difference.

In Boquete, I got some net bags. One shop told me $15 and I thought that can’t be right but couldn’t be bothered to negotiate. Later, someone told me $6. I told her I’ll take 4 of them if they are $5 and she agreed. I didn’t buy anything other than this. The rest of the items were colorful backpacker things. I didn’t see any homewares that weren’t tacky. You can get some small souvenirs and chocolate or coffee to take home to friends. A bottle of rum is also a nice idea.

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What a guide Rachel. Well done. You stayed in some amazing places too. Low season is the way to go in almost all countries. More rain and more green, less tourists and lower prices. I prefer to have some rain; cools things off.

Panama looks really cool! Your guide is definitely quite comprehensive and helpful. I think I’m intrigued to visit this small country now. :)

Thank you so much. This is the first resource I have come across that I feel will really help me plan our family’s upcoming trip to Panama.

Some good info here, but not all. Rental cars here are extremely expensive due to unpublished, but mandatory insurance fees. “Panama hats” are not Panamanian nor made in Panama. They’re from Equador. Please don’t touch the starfish. The police patrol the beach and will ticket you if they see you picking them up. The starfish population has declined dramatically here because of boats and tourists handling them. I know of very few people who like Panamanian food overall. It’s very bland and starchy. That being said, there are some very good restaurants in Panama City. Not many really good ones anywhere else, except the fresh fish. But Panama is beautiful, diverse and relatively safe. Please come and visit, but don’t believe all the hype.

I am doing my research on going to Panama, one of the reasons I wanted to go was I heard that it wasn’t so expensive, but now I am thinking I may want to try somewhere else first. You gave some very detailed information and seemed you had a good time though. Thanks for the info.

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Home » Central America » Panama » Backpacking Guide

Backpacking Panama Budget Travel Guide 2024

Backpacking in Panama was one of the highlights of my Central American adventure last year. I just fell in love with the people and their way of life.

There’s such a unique mix of people here that creates the perfect recipe for a backpacking heaven. And that’s exactly what Panama is.

For some reason, Panama is kind of like the middle child of Central America, it’s often overlooked. Maybe it is because people gravitate towards its more famous and over-developed neighbours, Costa Rica and Colombia.

You may be asking yourself at this moment: “Is Panama worth visiting?” The answer is absolutely YES! I preferred it to both its neighbours.

The canal is arguably the most famous part of this country, but visiting it was my least favourite day. Panama has so much more to offer, guys. It is just magical.

Over the course of this Panamanian travel guide, I’ll cover a wide range of topics, from how to go backpacking Panama on a budget to where you’ll find the best hostels in the country. Just follow the travel advice for Panama as laid out by me and you’ll be sitting pretty, mis amigos.

Why Go Backpacking in Panama?

Panama is one of the quintessential Central American countries ; complete with jungles, beaches, marine parks, plantations, and lots of parties! There are all sorts of things to do and places to see when backpacking in Panama.

We’re going to break down where to stay in Panama and which of the awesome places you need to visit, but before I get to that let’s talk about specific routes for backpacking Panama.

Below are a couple of itineraries meant give you some ideas. Each one is specially drafted to give you the best possible experience. Though if you wish, please feel free modify them in any way you like.

Afterward, we’re going jump into the meat of the article – the destinations – and then follow up with more specific information e.g. Costs, Food, Diving , etc.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with all of the necessary tools to go backpacking around Panama on a budget!

Best Itineraries and Routes for Backpacking Panama

Below is a list of four travel itineraries for backpacking Panama. They cover Panama City and the Azuero Peninsula, the End to End (of the country), and The Best of Panama . These vary from 1 week to 2 weeks in length and cover the majority of the best places to travel to in Panama.

Backpacking Panama 4 Day Itinerary #1: The San Blas Islands

If there was ever a reason to visit Panama, even just for a moment, then it would be to visit the San Blas Islands . These are among the most beautiful islands in all of Central America.

You’ll need 3 to 5 days to experience the San Blas Islands properly. This way, you’ll have plenty of time for swimming, fishing, and exploring. Remember that it takes time to sail to the San Blas Islands from Portobelo or Colombia in the first place.

Since this itinerary only visits one part of Panama, feel free to add it to the others below for a well-rounded trip.

For more information on organizing a trip to the San Blas Islands, refer to its specific summary in the Places to Visit in Panama section.

Backpacking Panama 1 Week Itinerary #2: Panama City and the Azuero Peninsula

With only 7 days in Panama, any itinerary is going to feel a little rushed so we’re going to have to make the most of your time! This backpacking route will give you a taste of the mountains and beaches in Panama.

Start in Panama City and enjoy the pleasures of the big city. Once you’ve had your fill, move to El Valle de Anton for a little decompression and lots of nature. Finally, head south to either Playa Venao or Santa Catalina for some quality beach time.

At the end of this itinerary, you may be wishing you had more time in Panama! No worries though, amigos! You’ll be back soon and there are plenty more options when you return.

Backpacking Panama 10 Day Itinerary #3: From End to End

During this 10 day itinerary in Panama, you’ll get to see many of the country’s top destinations! Start at one of the end of the country and work your way across, catching glimpses of the best of Panama.

Check out Panama City and experience the new and old. Go island hopping in the Bay of Chiquiri and then visit the highlands of Boquete .

Go crazy in Bocas del Toro or, if you’re feeling a little burnt out, relax on Bastimentos , which is one of the quietest and most relaxing islands in Panama.

Backpacking Panama 2 Week Itinerary #4: The Best of Panama

This is the most complete itinerary for Panama that one can have on a standard 2-week vacation. You’ll see many of Panama’s greatest attractions, more so than any other itinerary on this list.

Bathe in the mineral waters at El Valle de Anton ; dive in Santa Catalina ; island hop in Chiriqui ; drink coffee in Boquete ; party in Bocas del Toro ; all of this and more is possible on this ultimate backpacking route for Panama!

Places to Visit in Panama

Backpacking panama city.

Panama City is the capital and economic center of the nation. On a larger scale, it is one of the most promising and rapidly-growing cities in all of Central America and the Caribbean. It has been likened to many of the world’s most glittering metropolises including but not limited to Dubai and Miami.

The most arresting feature of Panama City is its skyscrapers who rise quite prominently to the skies much like a jungle canopy. These are the result of huge amounts of foreign investment and business brought by the Panama Canal. The best views of the skyline are along Avenida Balboa, Accon Park , or from a rooftop bar, like Panaviera or Rooftop 62 .

You need a bit of information before you can decide where you want to stay in Panama City . There are two important historical quarters: Casco Viejo and Panama Viejo . Panama Viejo was one of the first settled parts of the city but now a series of ruined colonial buildings, most of which are being retaken by the jungle. Be careful when visiting this area as there are several rough neighborhoods nearby.

Casco Viejo, which was founded right after Panama Viejo, has a lot more colonial architecture and is much more integrated into the actual city.

Of course, the famous Panama Canal is located very close to the city as well. It’s an extremely important landmark, not only in Panama but the entire world, and has an interesting story.

The experience of visiting it is boring as fuck though as it’s just a giant concrete channel. Unless you’re interested in the history of the Canal, you can probably skip it.

Though the city is beautiful to look at times, it gets dull quite quickly. There are a couple of cool places in Panama City to visit (e.g. Amador Causeway, Bridge of the Americas ) but once the charm wears off, you’ll want to get out ASAP. However, you can make your short stay even better by choosing one of the epic hostels you’ll find in Panama City – rest your head before you head on to the next adventure!

Backpacking San Blas Islands

The San Blas Islands are one of the best places to visit in Panama and all of South America for that matter,. They are simply gorgeous, ridiculously so.

Most people visit the San Blas Islands on their way from Colombia to Panama and vice versa. This means that they are, aside from being a destination in themselves, an excellent way of connecting the two countries.

Of course, you can organize a tour to the San Blas sans Columbia if you like. You can also fly to the islands but then you’ll miss half the fun.

If you want to sail to the San Blas Islands, you’ll have to reach out to a local tour company. There are several operators based in Panama City that can help you. If you want to go to the source, head to Portobelo where the docks are. You’ll probably get a better deal if you haggle here and will have a chance to inspect the boats.

Be very mindful when booking a boat and be sure to note the condition of the life jackets, kitchen, toilets, bunks, and fire extinguishers. You’re about to live on this boat for 4-5 days and safety/comfort are not always guaranteed.

Be sure to inquire if you’ll be sleeping on the boats or camping on the San Blas Islands. While staying on the boat can be ideal, sleeping on the islands can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Once you set sail for the San Blas Islands, it’s just a matter of letting go. You’ll be in paradise without a care in the world. Go for a swim, have a snorkel, chill on an abandoned beach, visit a local Kuna village, whatever. Just let the world pass you by in the San Blas.

Backpacking El Valle de Anton

Thanks to its relatively close proximity to Panama City and its stunning natural setting, El Valle de Anton is one of the best eco-retreats in Panama and a favorite getaway for locals. Situated in the heart of a caldera and surrounded by leftover volcanic monoliths on all sides, Anton is a great place to go hiking or just escape to somewhere more bucolic.

Several buses connect Anton with Panama City and the surrounding province. Once you arrive in the village, your own two feet will be enough to get around, although renting a bike will be the best form of transport.

El Valle de Anton is primarily an eco-retreat. People from all over Panama come here to reap the health benefits that the volcanoes provide.

Mud baths are popular here as is the local produce, which is thought to be superior thanks to the mineral-rich soil. There is an orchid nursery in the village as well that is particularly beautiful and one of a kind.

Some of the best outdoor activities in El Valle de Anton include visiting one of the many waterfalls and/or mountains around the village. El Macho is the most popular cascade near Anton. Some awesome mountains irresistible to trail runners and hikers would be Cerro La Silla, Cerro Cariguana , and Cerro Picacho .

Backpacking Playa Venao

Not to be confused with the Venao, the beach very near to Panama City, this Playa Venao is located down south on the Azuero Peninsula , and is much better.

Here, like most of the Pacific Coast, there is little in the way of infrastructure, tourism, and, best of all, crowds! There is no better place to start backpacking the Panamanian coast than Playa Venao de Azuero.

To get to Playa Venao, travelers must first get to Pedasi and then grab a local minibus. Upon arriving in Venao, you will be dropped off in the town, which may or may not look empty. If it’s empty, great! Welcome to the real Panama, the one that is devoid of geriatrics and shitty tourists.

The town of Playa Venao, like most Panamanian towns on the Pacific Coast, is pretty sleepy. There are a couple of (overpriced) markets around the village and several restaurants. Also, like the rest of the west coast, there is not a whole lot to do here besides lay on the beach and maybe surf a bit.

The actual beach of Playa Venao is quite long and shaped like a large crescent moon. It’s a good beach and there should be no problem finding a quiet spot.

The bay picks up pretty good surf and the breaks have gained quite a reputation among the community. Rent a board at a local hotel or shop around and give it a shot. If you’re feeling a bit timid, there are stand-up paddle boards available as well.

Don’t forget to check out the small waterfall located very close to Venao. A little freshwater bathing will do you good.

Backpacking Santa Catalina

Santa Catalina is ground-zero for the best surfing in Panama! Here are lots of sweet breaks that are appropriate for all skills levels. Aside from the surf, Santa Catalina is also in close proximity to the spectacular Coiba National Marine Park , which is considered one of the best places to go diving in Central America.

To get to Santa Catalina, you must arrive at the town of Sona and then take a local bus to Santa Catalina. The bus ride is 1-2 hours long and a bit bumpy.

Santa Catalina itself is very small and somewhat undeveloped. If it wasn’t for the dive centers, the odd mom-and-pop store, and the sizeable expat community, this would be a dead-end town.

Surfing is Santa Catalina’s claim to fame and it has several beaches that offering varying levels of waves. La Punta is the most famous surfing beach, renowned for its consistent breaks from April-October. Nearby, Playa Estero is a bit tamer. Beyond Estero is Punta Brava and the waves pick up in intensity here.

Note that there is a lot of sharp, volcanic rock in the shallows around Santa Catalina and so water socks are highly recommended. Try not to hit your head either.

There are several more beaches around Santa Catalina that are good for lounging. Some notable beaches include La Coquita, Punta Roca , and Playa Santa Catalina . For some really remote beaches, try renting a kayak and then making the journey out to Isla Santa Catalina .

Divers will rejoice at the prospect of exploring Coiba National Marine Park. This underwater menagerie is an absolute paradise for diving and perhaps considered the single best place to go diving on the Pacific Coast of Central America.

Local marine life includes migrating humpbacks, whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, and maybe even orcas.

Backpacking Chiriqui

Chriqui is one of the most prosperous regions in Panama. Located on the Pacific Ocean, it is an extremely fertile place, not to mention, drop dead gorgeous.

David is the capital of Chiriqui. It is a modern city, located right off the Pan American Highway, and makes for a good base for exploring the nearby countryside. The club scene is reportedly very good but that’s about the only thing exciting going on.

Nearby to David is the real draw: the Gulf of Chiquiri . This area is home to some of the best places in Panama. Here is some world-class diving and awesome coastal communities.

Some places in the Gulf of Chiriqui, like Las Olas and Boca Chica , are bit more developed due to their position on the mainland and these can be visited by vehicles. Other, more remote locations like Boca Brava , the Islas Secas , and Isla Parida , are less developed, harder to access, and far more Arcadian.

To reach one of the islands in the Gulf of Chiriqui head to the docks at either Boca Chica or the smaller Pedregal . From these, you can take a boat to many of the Gulf islands including all of thee aforementioned ones.

The islands themselves are very raw and have little in the way of lodging. You can stay at one of the local hotels or try to find a camping spot in a safe place.

The best things to do in Gulf of Chiriqui are go diving or laze away on the beaches. Here are some of the most untouched landscapes in Central America – the jungles are virgin, the beaches are pristine, and the reefs are like palaces.

Backpacking Boquete

Boquete is a small hamlet located in the high cloud forest of the Chiriqui mountains. It is a very refreshing place to visit, with brisk mountain air, whitewater rivers, and dozens of little plantations dotting the edge of the village. Those who want to relax in the jungle with a cup of organic, local coffee or enjoy adventure sport will like Boquete very much

Boquete isn’t what I’d call a hidden gem though; at least not these days. Boquete has been the subject of a lot of tourism in recent years and, as such, has become more developed.

It’s still a very charming place to visit, for sure, but there’s no lost temple in the middle of the jungle that Indiana Jones might stumble upon.

Wander around the village in Boquete and visit the many farmers markets, cafes, and coffee plantations, for which Boquete is famous for. Boquete is also well-loved for its abundance of flowers and a grand festival to these is held in January.

Boquete is a great jumping point to many outdoors activities. The Quetzal Trail is significant because it passes through one of the few remaining habitats of the very rare Resplendent Quetzal.

Volcan Baru , which is the highest mountain in Panama at 3500m, is very close to Boquete and famous for its summit. From the top of Volcan Baru, you can see both the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans on a clear day.

Other outdoor activities in Boquete include whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and ziplining. Be sure to drop by the Caldera Hot Springs after a long day of adventuring to give your body some R&R.

Backpacking the Lost and Found Hostel

Those traveling from Boquete to Bocas del Toro have to make a pit stop at the legendary Lost and Found hostel. Located about halfway to Bocas on a cliff overlooking the Valle de Hornito , this hostel has practically become a destination unto itself! The parties are rowdy, the bunk rooms are towering, and the views are superlative.

Aside from the lodging itself, the Lost and Found hostel is famous for organizing both treks and treasure hunts into the surrounding cloud forest. Some of the more popular trips from Lost and Found include the Los Cangilones cliffs and Celestine Falls .

At Los Cangilones, you can jump into the river canyons and then try rock climbing your way back out; this was one of the most fun things to do in Panama! Horseback riding, coffee tastings, and night safaris are also available via the hostel.

Drop by Lost and Found hostel for a couple of days of seclusion or stay here for the rest of your trip. You wouldn’t be the first backpacker to fall victim to the hostel’s siren calls and be “lost” in the jungle here…

Backpacking Bocas del Toro

Bocas del Toro is, to put it bluntly, a complete shitshow at times. We’re talking, drunk and falling off a pier, bottle of rum in the bicycle basket, bad sex on the top bunk, shitshow. It was, at least for me, one of the best and worst places I saw in Panama, and certainly one of the most fun.

That is not to say Bocas is a complete zoo, as there are definitely some redeeming qualities to it – the beaches here are fantastic, like something out of Robinson Crusoe, and the diving is among the best in Panama. Since it’s actually a part of a larger archipelago, there are lots of opportunities to get away from the madness too.

To get to Bocas del Toro, you’ll arrive at Almirante and then catch a water taxi to Isla Colon , which is where the town of Bocas del Toro is located. You’ll notice that Bocas is not a very big village at all and navigating it should be quite easy. You should definitely rent a bike to explore the rest of the island though!

When riding around Bocas, be sure to visit Playa Bluff, Playa Boca del Drago , and Playa Estrella . That last one, named for the plenitude of starfish residing in the shallows, is one of the most popular on the island.

Definitely look into island hopping in Bocas del Toro. Very nearby to Colon is Carenero , famous for the rowdy Aqua Lounge . Further abroad is Isla Bastimentos , which is much quieter than Bocas. Here is some amazing diving, abandoned beaches, and barely a soul in sight.

Red Frog and Wizard are the two most well-known beaches on Bastimentos. Aside from the occasional local party, they’re pretty quiet. Palmar Beach Lodge , which is one of the best hostels in Panama, is right on Red Frog. If this hostel doesn’t expect your expectations, don’t worry. There are plenty other awesome hostels in Bocas del Toro that offer comfy beds, a safe place and a chance to meet like-minded travellers.

Off The Beaten Path Travel in Panama

For all the attention it receives from foreign investors and expats, there is still a lot of Panama that is hidden away. Some of these off the grid locations are paradises while others are just that: off the grid away from any sort of civilization or safety for that matter.

For those who want to go on a real adventure and get away from the usual touristy spots, here are a couple of ideas for you…

Backpacking the Darien Gap

The Darien Gap is literally off the beaten path; in fact, there are hardly an paths at all. This portion of Panama is pure jungle – twisted and overgrown and sheltering all kind of malcontents – and, consequently has zero development. There are no roads, no hotels, and no help if you get into trouble.

The Darien Gap is also a well-known hiding place for drug traffickers and paramilitary groups. It goes without saying that these groups have no problem using civilians for their own means. Kidnappings and even executions happen here quite frequently. For these reasons, the Darien Gap is considered one of the most dangerous places in the world.

The Darien Gap can be visited, but only with an experienced guide and we mean this very seriously. In a place where just about anything can kill you, regardless of whether or not it’s a human, you need to know where to go and where to step. But for those who are willing to brave the jungles of the Darien Gap, it is certainly a doable task.

You can organize a trip to the Darien either online or in Panama. Panama City will probably be your best bet for organizing a tour. If anyone has any leads on a good operator and where they are based out of, please leave a comment at the end of the article.

Once inside the Darien, you’ll be greeting by a wall of jungle, the likes of which hides all kinds of cursed treasures. Exotic animals, lost tribes, and rebel legends are all present in this place. Know that, if you make it this far, you’re one of the only travelers to do so.

Backpacking Las Lajas

If a murderous jungle crossing sounds too intense for you, how about a nice beach instead? Las Lajas is located in the remote coastal section of the Chiriqui province and will soon be one of the most desirable places to visit in Panama. With only a few bungalows and a huge stretch of sand, Las Lajas is one of the quietest and most relaxed beaches in Panama.

Getting to Las Lajas is thankfully not very difficult as it’s just off the Pan-American Highway. Grab a bus to the intersection of Route 461 or even farther down this road if you can. You might have to hitchhike a bit.

When we said that there is nothing in Las Lajas, we really meant it! There are only a few restaurants and hotels, and certainly no supermarkets or ATMs for that matter. Be sure to bring cash and your favorite snacks with you because you won’t be able to find them.

When in Las Lajas, the only things to do really is lay on the beach. You may find a couple of locals offering horse rides or surf boards if you really look around.

You can also visit two islands called  Islas Silvas  off the coast of Las Lajas, but you’ll need to organize a boat. These really are the definition of “desert islands” and neither has hardly any sort of human development present aside from the occasional backpacker.

Backpacking the Pearl Islands

Many of you may have already seen the Pearl Islands without knowing it. They have been the setting for one of the most popular series in modern television that has, ironically, become synonymous with the very concept of “getting lost” or “remoteness.”

The premise of this TV show is simple: strand a group of strangers on an island and watch them compete to survive. What program could this be?

Survivor has been filmed on the Pearl Islands for over 3 seasons due in part to its combination of virgin rainforest, pristine beaches, and relative solitude. If you have ever been a fan of this show, then you will know the producers try very hard to choose a setting that is both difficult and gorgeous at the same time.

Those backpacking around Panama can visit the Pearl Islands via a ferry departing from Panama City. In a mere 2 hours, you can be on some of the best beaches in Panama.The Pearl Islands consist of several islands ranging in size. Contadora Island is the most developed and home to the majority of the archipelago’s services including the docks. There are several beaches around Contadora that can be visited on foot.

Visiting the other Pearl Islands requires either a chartered, private boat or the limited ferry service. The latter visits Saboga, Viveros , and San Miguel Islands in addition to Contadora.

Prices are expensive on these islands, and there are little to no budget options. You can stay at an expensive hostel on Contadora; otherwise, there is a good campsite on nearby Saboga Island.

When visiting the Pearl Islands, expect everything you would from a deserted island paradise: little infrastructure (outside of Contadora), abandoned beaches, and intimidating jungles.

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Top Things to Do in Panama

1. tour coffee plantations in boquete.

Panama produces some of the finest coffee beans in the world. Caffeine junkies should go absolutely crazy for the local plantations here and thoroughly enjoy touring them.

2. Get “lost” and then “found” in the Valle de Hornito

The Lost and Found Hostel is infamous among the Central American backpacking community and has become a bit of a right of passage by now. Visit this amazing lodge for some great food as well as thrills.

3. Go diving

Panama has some amazing dives sites that could easily compete with the likes of Honduras or Costa Rica. Isla Bastimentos is pretty sick, but I do recommend diving at Coiba National Marine Park .

4. Relax in the Valle de Anton

El Valle de Anton is one of the premier eco-retreats in Panama. Bathe in the mineral-rich waters of this valley or go for an invigorating hike in the highlands.

5. Sail in the San Blas Islands

Sailing and camping in the San Blas Islands is one of the most fun things to do in Panama! While sailing around the islands, you’ll visit abandoned beaches, local villages, and eat straight from the sea. These islands are just stunning.

6. Party in Bocas del Toro

For those who like beach parties, no place does them better than Bocas del Toro! Grab a beer and head for the piers where most of the other backpackers gather. Careful not to fall off, unless that’s what you want.

7. Surf on the Pacific

The best surf in Panama is found on the Pacific side of the isthmus. The waves here are larger and more consistent than what the lazy Caribbean Sea could offer.

8. Visit the Panama Canal

If you’re a lover of history, the Panama Canal is one of the best places to visit in Panama City. This endeavor is a triumph of modern engineering and there are many interesting facts to learn about it.

9. Celebrate a religious holiday

The biggest celebrations in Panama are usually religious by nature and the entire population turns out for them. If you really want a glimpse into Panamanian life and culture, attend one of the country’s many holy holidays.

10. Try something adventurous

Like its more famous northern neighbor, Panama is full of adventurous outdoor activities! Even more, just about everything in Panama is cheaper than Costa Rica!

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Backpacker Accommodation in Panama

Move over Costa Rica! There’s some new hot shit in Central America. No longer the helpless country dragged into the dirt by the drug trade and foreign intervention, Panama is quickly becoming one of the top destinations in Central America. More and more people are traveling to Panama and falling in love with it.

Everyday, new lodges and retreats are opening up in Panama that cater to all sorts of visitors. Whether you are the shoestring sort of backpacker or the luxury traveler, you’ll be sitting pretty thanks to the plethora of accommodation options in Panama.

There are lots of hostels in Panama and most of them are of an exceptional quality. Legendary lodges, like the Lost and Found and Bambuda, are often ranked among the best in all of Central America. Often, these hallmarks are worth visiting by themselves.

Few exceptions aside, just about every location in Panama worth-seeing has a hostel nearby. Even some of the really remote areas have at least one hostel in town.

If you wanted to skip on the bed and save money, you could, of course, try Couchsurfing. Staying with a local is a great way of seeing the more authentic side of a country.

Camping is also an option and there are lots of opportunities to do so in Panama. Look into bringing a good tent as well as a sleeping mattress.  If you’re feeling extra crazy, maybe consider a hammock instead – just make sure it’s sealed because, remember, you’re in the jungle.

Best Places to Stay in Panama

Panama backpacking costs.

By Central American standards, Panama is slightly more expensive than the average country, though not nearly as much as Costa Rica or Belize. This is still Central America though, which means that you can definitely go backpacking in Panama on a budget!

With the right habits, you may even get by for as low as $10/day!

The average daily budget for backpacking Panama will be around $30-$45 . This will get you a bunk bed, grocery money, and some extra cash for entertainment.

Hostels in Panama will cost an average of $10-$15. Backpacker lodges in some of the more remote areas, like Santa Catalina or Playa Venao, will be more expensive. Panama City has a nice diverse selection of hostels that range from basic and cheap to pretty luxurious.

If you need to cut costs on lodging, try Couchsurfing or camping. Both can you save you quite a bit of cash. If you plan on camping and want to save even more cash, consider investing in a wilderness stove so you can cook your own food as well!

A good meal in Panama should cost no more than $4-5 if you’re eating at a local joint. Careful how much you do this though – the costs of eating out, even at a cantina , can add up quick.

Transport in Panama can be dirt cheap if you stick to public transport. Minibusses usually cost less than a dollar and the long haul buses cost on average about $1/hour traveled.

Avoid taxis and private cars as best you can as these can be expensive and frustrating for travelers.

Drinking in Panama is relatively affordable. Beers can cost as low as $0.50 during happy hour and mixed drink maybe around $2-3. Pick your poison and try to be mindful of how much you’re spending, especially in honeypots like Bocas del Toro.

A Daily Budget in Panama

Money in panama.

The balboa is the official currency of Panama. Interestingly, it behaves in the exact same way as the USD does and is completely equal to the USD in terms of value e.g. 1 USD=1 Panamanian balboa.

Balboa coins are made to be identical to US coins in weight, composition, and dimensions, albeit with different engravings. If you were to have any balboas leftover after backpacking Panama, you could totally use them at American vending machines or parking meters!

US currency is accepted at all businesses in Panama. When paying with US dollars, you may receive balboas back as change. Some vendors may hesitate to take large bills because they are afraid of counterfeits.

Those who travel to Panama with Euros or Pounds can sell them at one of the many currency exchange businesses, but may not get a good deal. If at all possible, try to bring US dollars with you to avoid changing currencies.

If you need more cash, ATMs are widely available throughout the country. American cards should almost always work. Withdrawing cash may be troublesome for other international bank cards depending on which ATM you are using.

Be sure to alert your bank that you’re traveling to Panama, just in case.

Top Tips for Broke Backpackers

• Camp: With plenty of gorgeous places, Panama can be a great place to camp. Make sure you bring your backpacking tent ! Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous and want to save some cash, consider picking up a backpacking hammock.
• Cook your own food: If you are on a tight budget, you can save money by cooking your own food. I recommend bringing a portable backpacking stove.
• Book your transportation early: Both plane and bus tickets are much cheaper if you purchase them in advance.
• Couchsurf:  Panamanians are awesome, and I am so grateful I was able to explore its cities with local friends. Check out Couchsurfing to make some real friendships and see this country from the perspective of locals.
• Pack a travel water bottle and save money every day!

Why Should You Travel to Panama with a Water Bottle?

Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. And I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller .

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

When to Travel to Panama

Panama is subject to a typical tropical climate and only observes 2 distinct seasons: a hot, rainy summer season and a cool, dry winter season. Thanks to its warmer weather and lack of extreme meteorological events, Panama can be visited at any time of the year.

Temperatures are fairly consistent in Panama year-round and show little variation or extremeness. Daily lows rarely go below 75 Fahrenheit in the winter and rarely climb above 90 in the summer.

Summer (December-April) is when the majority of rain falls in Panama. These rains come in the form of afternoon storms, which is great for people that like to be active in the mornings. Temperatures may feel warmer during this time because of the increased humidity.

Winters (May-November) in Panama is generally the time when people travel to Panama. During this season, rain is sporadic and the skies are generally clear. This is also the busy season, which means prices will be higher.

There is some climatic variation within Panama. The highlands around Boquete are definitely cooler than the rest of the nation, due in part to their increased elevation. Also, the Caribbean generally receives more rainfall for more months of the year. Thankfully, this rain almost never comes in the form of a hurricane as Panama lies outside of the hurricane zone.

Festivals in Panama

Panamanians love to party! It seems like every weekend there is some sort of festival going on, be it religious, cultural, or just a good ol’ fashioned shitshow. Those backpacking in Panama should have a lot of opportunities to get up and get down!

Many of Panama’s celebrations are religious in nature. Being a part of a pretty devout Catholic nation, Panamanians tend to take these festivals somewhat seriously as well. Expect massive closures or empty cities as on the big Catholic holidays as Panamanians travel for the celebrations.

Biggest festivals and parties in Panama:

• Panama Jazz Festival (January) – One of the largest and most important jazz celebrations in the world. Lots of international acts. Held in Panama City.
• Flower and Coffee Festival (January) – As the name suggests. Offers some truly gorgeous flower displays and the best coffee that you’ll ever have. Held in Boquete.
• Carnaval de Las Tablas (February/March) – The biggest party in Panama! Celebrated during the 4 days leading up to Ash Wednesday. Lots of eating and drinking. Celebrated nationwide but the grandest parties are around the Azuero Peninsula.
• Festival de la Mejorana en Guararé (September) – In honor of the Virgin of Mercy. Huge celebration of Panamanian folklore. Held in Guararé.
• Festival del Cristo Negro (October) – Pilgrimage to the Church of San Felipe and the statue of the Black Christ. Held in Portobello.
• Independence Days (November) – Commemoration of Panama’s succession from the Spanish Empire as well as being separated from Colombia. Celebrated all month long.

What to Pack for Panama

On every adventure, there are six things I never go traveling without:

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

For plenty more inspiration on what to pack, check out my full  backpacking packing list.

Safety in Panama

Safety in Panama is a bit deceptive. While it can be one of the safest places in Central America – a region notorious for crime – danger can definitely sneak up and surprise the shit out of you. Don’t be fooled by Panama’s glittering towers or pristine resorts – there are still lots of hazards to be aware of when backpacking in Panama.

Be sure to exercise all of the usual safety practices when you travel to Panama. For a refresher course, check our Backpacker Safety guide .

When in Panama City, be sure to check in with your lodge manager about what areas to avoid since crime is constantly moving from district to district. Some neighborhoods that have been historically rough are El Chorrillo, San Miguelito, Caledonia, Pedregal , and San Miguelito .

Those backpacking Panama should avoid the town of Colon , period. There’s nothing going on here and crime is rampant.

When sailing around Panama, you may run into a small freighter or “banana boat” coming to and from Colombia. These are often used for trafficking coke. Avoid situations where you come into contact with the local cartels. Trust me, you don’t wanna get caught up in the drug trade here.

The Darien Gap should receive special attention. Historically, the Darien Gap has been a refuge for drug cartels and rebel groups. Abductions, executions, and other acts of violence towards foreigners are not uncommon here.

The Darien Gap is the Wild West, amigos – venturing in the Darien Gap is doable (and possibly amazing) with the proper aid, but you must be aware that is one of the most dangerous places in the world . Only travel to the Darien Gap if you have proper guidance.

Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll in Panama

There are a lot of opportunities to get fucked up in Panama; a lot. Between the decadent parties in the capital city, the many annual festivals, and the beach raves, party people will have no trouble getting their kicks in while backpacking around Panama.

For the more refined backpacker, the most elegant parties are in Panama City. Aside from the many rooftop hotel bars spread throughout the urban core, the majority of the best clubs in Panama City are found on Calle Uruguay . Here you’ll stumble upon the staples of the Panama City nightlife, including Alejandro’s, The Palace, The Londoner , and Praga .

The Casco Viejo district has an awesome nightlife scene as well, though it is more laidback and artsy. There are a lot of cool little haunts like Stranger’s, Gatto Blanco and Habana Panama that make for a great night out. There’s even a brewery, the Rana Dorada , complete with a taproom and pseudo-industrial design that will make hipsters feel right at home.

Outside of the city, the best parties are usually found at the main beaches. Bocas del Toro, of much infamy, is one the best parties in Panama and can get pretty wild.

Barco Hundido and the Aqua Lounge are two of the most notorious bars in Bocas del Toro. Other local legends include the Bookstore, Bibi’s , and the Blue Coconut .

I’ll wrap this section up by reminding everyone about proper drug use. Since Panama is along the established drug trade route, you’re probably going to see a lot of coke here.

Indulge if you like but remember to be smart and especially conscious of who you’re buying from. Rumors circulate that dealers will often set up tourists on stings so that they can split the bribe money with the cop that solicited it from said tourists.

Travel Insurance for Panama

Traveling without insurance would be risky so do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure.

I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. They’re easy to use, professional and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once you’ve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

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How to Get into Panama

If you aren’t arriving into Panama by road from Costa Rica or by boat from Colombia – both of which are covered in greater detail in the Onwards Travel section – then you’ll most likely arrive via Tocumen International Airport , located just outside of Panama City.

There is an international airport in David but – aside from one flight to/from Costa Rica – all flights stop at Tocumen to clear customs anyway, so I wouldn’t really consider it applicable.

Tocumen International Airport is well serviced by flights from the rest of the Americas. Flights to and from the USA in addition to Panama’s neighbors – Costa Rica and Colombia – are usually the cheapest and most frequent.

The popular airlines offering flights to/from Panama City are Copa, America, United , and Spirit . There are a few flights coming from major European cities like Paris, Istanbul, Madrid, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam.

There are several private and local buses leaving Tocumen for Panama City; both cost $1.25. Note that you’ll need a fare card to use the public bus and cash is not accepted. On the other hand, private buses only accept cash. For directions to the bus stops, look for signs at the airport or inquire with the information desk.

Taxis that travel to Panama City have set rates of around $25-$30. Uber is available in Panama City but also charges a flat rate of $25 for a city transfer.

Entry Requirements for Panama

Panama offers visa-free travel to several foreign countries. Those who qualify may enter the country on a free tourist visa for up to 180 days. These visas can be extended on a case-by-case basis. For a list of countries that qualify for a free visa, refer to the map below.

Those who have a passport that does not qualify for a free Panamanian visa, but have a residence permit with any EU nation, Canada, USA, Japan, Australia, Singapore, or South Korea can still enter Panama visa-free. Applicants will need to provide proof of a multi-entry visa and/or the proper residency documents.

Visa runs to Costa Rica are a popular way to extend a Panamanian visa, but acquiring these has become more difficult in recent years. In an effort to crack down on immigration, Panamanian customs is now stricter and requires additional criteria for re-entry into Panama.

Before returning to Panama after a run, you will need to 1) stay outside of Panama for more than 72 hours, 2) have a return ticket to your home country, and 3) provide evidence that you have at $500 to your name.

Even with these items, you may still be denied re-entry into Panama if your customs agent is a dick. Be prepared if you’re going to do a visa run to Costa Rica from Panama both with the proper paperwork and for the reality that this may not be enough.

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How to Get Around Panama

Panama has a great public transportation system! Public buses can take you just about anywhere, from inside the cities to deep into the countryside. Using buses as a means of traveling is a great way to go backpacking in Panama because they’re convenient but, most importantly, they’re cheap!

Those who plan to ride the bus should check this website for a list of routes and timetables.

The Pan-American Highway is the main artery in Panama. It is a comfortable paved highway that links the Americas, well, aside from the Darian Gap.

Outside of the Pan-American, the roads can be pretty rough and generally degrade in quality as you travel further away from the main highway. But if a mainliner bus can’t get you to where you want to go because of road conditions, then you can always grab a local bus.

The local minibusses that crawl through the cities and towns are called diablos rojos or “ Red Devils .” Like most chicken buses found in Latin America, these devils are brightly decorated and packed like a tuna can. Fares cost a matter of cents. Be careful of your surroundings and pickpockets when riding one of these.

Hitchhiking in Panama is a reasonable and acceptable way of getting around that is practiced by both the locals and many broke backpackers. Hitchhiking in Panama is pretty standard and follows the usual rules like any other country.

Onwards Travel from Panama

Since Panama only shares borders with two other countries, that makes the decision of where to go next pretty easy! Either head back to Colombia via the San Blas Islands or travel onto Costa Rica .

There are three land crossings between Panama and Costa Rica: Paso Canoas, Rio Serrano , and Sixaola-Guabito .

All of the borders open at 7 am but close at different times – Paso Canoas and Rio Serrano both close at 11 pm, though the former closes at 9 pm on the weekends. Sixaola-Guabito closes at 6 pm every day.

It’s very important to remember that Costa Rica lies in a different time zone. Upon crossing into Costa Rica, the clocks will go back an hour so keep this in mind.

The most popular border crossing is at Paso Canoas. This is a very, very busy crossing and receives a shit ton of traffic. Everyone here – police, bus drivers, commuters, everyone – is in a bit of a mood and may be difficult to work with. There are the usual “border helpers” looking to score a quick buck for aiding you and you can use these people if you think they’re necessary (I usually don’t).

Since there are no overland routes across the Darien Gap between Panama and Colombia, the only way to travel between the two countries is by sailing through the San Blas Islands.

This trip is among the best things that you can do in Panama and is a great reason for connecting the two countries! For more on what to do and how to get around the islands, see the Backpacking San Blas Islands section of this guide.

Working in Panama

Panama is quickly becoming a top digital nomad hotspot in Central America. Few other countries in the region can compare with Panama’s low cost of living, manageable cost of living, and reliable WiFi. For those beach bums who like to spend their days between the laptop screen and beach, Panama is a great place to base oneself.

Lots of hostels in Panama are starting to double as co-working spaces. This, coming from Lonely Planet, means that travelers will almost immediately have access to a productive ecosystem.

Internet is easily found in all of Panama’s urban areas as well as in the larger tourist ones. Many restaurants and lodges may offer free WiFi to paying customers. In the more remote parts of the country, internet becomes dodgy.

Teaching English is also a possibility in Panama. Panama City is the most common place to find English teaching jobs in Panama although there are more adventurous opportunities in the small villages around the country.

You will, of course, need a TEFL certificate to start teaching legitimately in Panama. We suggest you obtain yours here at MyTEFL . Broke Backpacker readers get a 50% discount on TEFL courses as well! Simply enter the code PACK50 when checking out.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Volunteer in Panama

Volunteering abroad is an amazing way to experience a culture whilst giving something back. There are loads of different volunteer projects in Panama ranging from teaching, to animal care, to agriculture to pretty much everything!

Panama may be a highly developed country, but there are still many opportunities for backpacker volunteers. You’ll find opportunities in any number of sectors, from teaching and social work to decorating and video making. Panama offers 180-day tourist visas as standard, and you’ll be able to volunteer on this throughout your trip.

If you want to find volunteering opportunities in Panama, then we recommend that you Signup for Worldpackers –  a volunteer platform that connects local hosts directly with traveling volunteers. As a Broke Backpacker reader, you’ll also get a special discount of $10 when you sign up. Just use the discount code BROKEBACKPACKER and your membership is discounted from $49 a year to only $39.

Volunteer programs run through reputable work exchange programs like Worldpackers are usually very well-managed and reputable. However, whenever you are volunteering, do stay vigilant especially when working with animals or children.

What to Eat in Panama

Like the rest of Central America, the food of Panama can be a pretty hearty affair. Unlike its neighboring countries, where beans and/or chicken paired with rice become monotonous, Panamanian food is, thankfully, a little more varied.

Due to a strong Caribbean influence and the proximity of South America, Panama has much more spice, flavor, and general diversity of cuisine.

Of Native American heritage, corn is used to great extent in Panamanian cooking, mostly as a filler. Rice is obviously present to great extent. More exotic ingredients like yuca and plantains also make an appearance in Panamanian food.

Being a maritime nation, seafood is plentiful in Panama. Beef is also common due to the country’s many cattle farms. As always, chicken is ubiquitous.

Like Costa Rica, fresh produce is almost always available and tastes delicious. Be sure to stop by one of the local markets to try fresh mango, passionfruit, and other tropical varieties.

Best Panamanian Foods

• Sancocho  – chicken and beef soup
• Ropa vieja  – beef stew w/ lots of spice
• Sao  – Panamanian ceviche
• Carimanolas  – stuffed yuca fritter
• Tortilla  – fried corn cakes (not flat bread!)
• Yuca frita  – fried yuca (like french fries)
• Tamal de olla  – olives, meats, and spices cooked in banana leaf
• Caldo de bolas de verde  – sour and spicy plantain stew w/ veggies
• Concados  – fried coconut cakes
• Arroz con pollo  – rice and chicken

Panamanian Culture

Panamanian people are an extremely diverse bunch; perhaps the most diverse in all of Central America. Since their roots come from all over the world, Panamanian lineage is an enormous melting pot.

African slaves, mestizo broods, European settlers, American expats; all of these cultures have contributed to the Panamanian identity and have made it what is today.

Panamanians are also an extremely welcoming crowd and love to have a good time. While I was backpacking in Panama, they reminded me of Brazilians in that they were very enthusiastic and somewhat pious at the same time. Other values, like the importance of family, hygiene, and a nice wardrobe, seemed to be shared by both cultures.

On the other hand, Panamanians do differ from their more southerly neighbors in a lot of ways. Panamanians can be pretty reserved at times and somewhat overly concerned with their social standing.

Panamanians care deeply about saving face and will for that matter be polite to the bitter end in order to appear civil. You will not see many Panamanians sacrificing their reputation for anything.

Panamanians, like most cultures out there, are very proud of their food as well and don’t take kindly to criticisms or alterations of it. Meat and starches are used in excess in this country and refusing or looking down upon either can appear insulting.

Vegans and vegetarians who scorn animal products may be the recipients of some mockery. This, I feel like, is a common response in all of Central America.

Useful Travel Phrases for Panama

Spanish is the official language of Panama and spoken by nearly every citizen of the country. The local dialect is very similar to the Spanish spoken in the rest of Central America. Those who learned any sort of North American style of Spanish will have no problem speaking with Panamanians.

There are several local indigenous languages, like Yuna Gala, that are still spoken in Panama, but these are only found in remote locations. You might hear or see a word or two when backpacking in Panama’s more off the beaten track places (e.g. San Blas), but rarely will you hear full conversations in any of these languages.

English should be somewhat common around all of the major tourist attractions in Panama. Non-native speakers will vary in proficiency but they should be good enough at English.

To really tap into the local scene and impress the Panamanians, you should try and speak a little Spanish. Most Panamanians will be more receptive to you; otherwise, they already speak English and would prefer to communicate that way.

Here are a few helpful Spanish travel phrases with English translations for your trip to Panama.

• Hello –  Hola
• How are you? –  Como estas?
• Good Morning –  Buenos dias
• I don’t understand –  No entiendo
• How Much –  Cuánto cuesta?
• Stop here –  Te detienes aquí
• Where Is The Toilet? –  Donde esta el bano?
• No plastic bag –  Sin bolsa de plastico
• No straw please –  No paja por favor
• No plastic cutlery please –  No hay cubiertos de plástico por favor
• Sorry –  Lo siento
• Help! –  Ayudame!
• Cheers! –  Salud!
• Dick head! –  Cabron!

Books to Read while Traveling Panama

These are some of my favorite travel reads and books set in Panama, which you should consider picking up before you begin your backpacking adventure…

• A People Who Would Not Kneel – The story of how the people of the San Blas islands resisted colonization and assimilation into Western Civilization.
• Jungle of Stone – A retelling of the discovery of the Mayan civilization by Western explorers. Told in the roaring style of an old-school adventure novel.
• The Path Between the Seas – Novel that dramatizes the creation of the Panama Canal. Written by the prestigious historian, David McCullough.
• Emperors in the Jungle – An investigative piece about the U.S. Military’s involvement with Panamanian geopolitics.

Brief History of Early Panama

Panama’s early history is much like that of the rest of the Americas – white people showed up, white people killed everyone, and then white people started telling everyone what to do. (Forgive me for the abridged version but I don’t feel like mincing words.)

Let’s be more specific though…

European explorers first arrived in Panama in the 16th century, whereupon they discovered a land filled with treasure, agriculture, and less-than-enthusiastic natives.

Following the arrival of European explorers like Christopher Columbus and Rodrigo de Bastidas and the subsequent “handling” of the local Indigenous population in the 16th century, Panama became a vassal of the Spanish Empire.

From the get-go, Spain recognized the economic potential of Panama and was, to put it somewhat gently, enamored with the country. They quickly developed the region, which included the importation of African slaves and established trade routes.

Panama remained a part of the Empire until New Granada, which was the royal title given to Spain’s holdings in Northern South America, started causing a ruckus. New Granada eventually gained independence from Spain, an act which technically freed Panama from Spanish rule as well.

Panama quickly removed several Spanish customs including the harmful encomienda policy. It was soon reabsorbed into South American politics by the Gran Colombia, which had become the dominant power after New Granada.

Modern Panama

Panama never lost its place as an economic stronghold in the eyes of the world. For much of the 19th and 20th centuries, it would act as the bridge for globalization and international business.

The idea of a Panama Canal was tossed around by several nations and was eventually brought to fruition. The Panama Canal was completed in 1914 by American means, resulting in the transplant of American politics and to, a somewhat indirect degree, the separation of Panama from Colombia.

At this point, Panama became an oligarchy, dominated by businessmen and foreign dignitaries. The people were not too happy about this political system and there were several riots in the years to come.

Populists leaders, like Omar Torrijos, rose up and promised Panamanian hegemony, only to replaced by proxy politicians, most notorious of which was Manuel Noriega.

Manuel was a quintessential figure in contemporary politics. Accused of lying in bed with the American government and committing huge atrocities for reasons that are both selfish and cryptic, he was a polarizing figure.

His time in Panama was marked by chaos and, ultimately, invasion as the American military entered Panama and removed him forcibly.

Since Noriega, things have calmed down a bit in Panama. The drug trade, once rampant because of Noriega, is somewhat repressed these days. The economy is stable again and foreign interest is as strong as ever.

Panama actually owns its own Canal for the first time in history, which, if you ask me, is a step in the right direction.

Final Advice Before Visiting Panama

There are a ton of good times to be had while backpacking in Panama but everyone, myself included, can get carried away sometimes. It is important to keep in mind that you are an ambassador for your country, which is awesome.

We can make a positive impact on people when we travel and get rid of any ugly stereotypes that may be associated with your country.

If you visit villages or small communities outside of the Panamanian cities always ask before taking photos, especially when it comes to taking photos of women (you should ask in the cities as well). The people who live in these villages are not exhibits in a museum. They are normal folks just living their lives. Always show them the complete respect that they deserve.

When buying local crafts or knick-knacks, do not haggle so low that the price is unfair to the person who spent countless hours crafting it. Pay people what they are worth and contribute to the local economies as much as possible.

Backpacking through Panama, or any region for that matter, often illuminates some of the great socio-economic inequalities of the world. Never take it for granted that you are healthy and financially able to go traveling.

Show the world around you some gratitude and help to make a positive impact on it. Most of all have the time of your life and spread the love in Panama!

• Backpacking Nicaragua
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And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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Hello, I was wondering whether you could shed some light/wisdom on a decent situation we experienced. We have been traveling through south america for 6 months so far and will hopefully have enough money saved up to keep up traveling across the globe for the next three years (the significance of this will become clear 🙂 We have so far been to Colombia, Peru and Ecuador. We had a flight booked from Guayaquil to Panama City and when we arrived at the airport we provided all the required documentation (vaccination, immigration QR codes for Panama etc.) including the traditional continuation ticket, in this case a ticket from Panama City to Costa Rica 3 weeks after our arrival. To cut a long, boring, and raucous story short: the supervisor at the Avianca check in desk refused to let us board the flight without a ticket back to our home country (France). Our many explanations of traveling through central America served no purpose, nor did the proof of our leaving Panama 3 weeks later or the fact thatbwe werent retirning home for three years. She would only accept a ticket home. We consequently missed our flight (that had cost €450) and had to buy tickets for the next day and two refundable tickets back to France (€2000) from Panama. Normally we should recup the €2000 by canceling the France tickets but we are trying to get the tickets that she made us lose reimbursed by Avianca….ah the joys of dealing with airlinebcustomer service! I know that should we be refused at immigration the airline has to send us home and this is probably why she demanded the return tickets. My problem is that Latham, Copa and in fact Avianca’s own sales desk only requires a continuation ticket. As does the official Panamanian government website and the Panama City airport website…..so why was she able to refuse us boarding at immense cost to us? Have you ever had this experience? Thanks for any light you can shed on the issue, all the best and safe travel, Thea P.s. love the blog x

I actually had a very similar experience myself in 2014 when flying from Madrid to Bogota. It is an Avianca policy and has very little, if anything, to do with Colombian immigration who did not EVER ask me for a return ticket. I had to buy the expensive, refundable ticket at the desk and then claim a refund once I arrived – in the end I lost about 50euro.

If I was you I would get a case together and complain to Avianca, and whoever regulates them. Set out the contradictions in their stated policy and also point out that Colombian immigration don’t require an onward ticket – finally, be sure to itemise and evidence how much their stupidity has cost you.

Best of luck

You Rock. Thank You.

Answering to CEZ, is the same yes, you must provide the information.

The Broke Backpacker: Thank you for this extensive article on all things Panama! I am a former resident of Costa Rica, and can relate to much of the information you have disclosed. About the boarder crossings: is it the same when first entering Panama that one must provide the information? Or only on returning? Thanks again!

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Panama City Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 1, 2023

Today, you can find divine food, plenty of shopping, and a vibrant nightlife scene in Panama’s capital. Casco Viejo, the oldest neighborhood of the city, is where you still find the early origins of the city when it served as an important trading hub between the New World and the Old World. Since the crumbling Spanish-colonial buildings of Casco Viejo were renovated in the 2000s, the area has evolved from a crime-ridden no-go neighborhood to Panama’s tourist hot spot.

Admittedly, Panama City doesn’t have a lot to offer in terms of landmarks and tourist sights, but it is a good place to spend a few days enjoying the amenities of a big city. It’s also a good base for visiting the Panama Canal, the rainforest, and nearby Taboga Island.

This guide to Panama City can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this massive capital city!

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 City

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Panama City

1. Wander Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo, the original Spanish-colonial settlement built in 1671, is a must-do and also a great place to stay if you’d rather not stay in the bustling metropolis part of the city. Everything is walkable in this gorgeous neighborhood that is home to some of the trendiest bars, restaurants, and boutique hotels. Visit the Panama Canal Museum for a bit of history as well as the Museo de la Moda to learn about the unique, vibrant tapestries made by the Guna indigenous people. You can also wander the cobblestone streets and watch the sunset at one of the many rooftop bars. If you’re a coffee fanatic and want to indulge, head to Café Unido.

2. Hang out in Metropolitan Park

The Metropolitan Park is a 575-acre rainforest within the city limits. This beautiful nature sanctuary is home to 227 bird species, 45 mammals, 14 kinds of amphibians, 36 different kinds of snakes, and 284 types of trees. There are 8 kilometers (5 miles) of trails here to enjoy and you can hike up to the top of Cedar Hill for beautiful panoramic views of the city and the Panama Canal. Admission is $4 USD. You can also see 30 different species of butterflies housed on the butterfly farm for an additional $5 USD.

3. See the Panama Canal

One of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, the Panama Canal is definitely worth checking out if you’re in Panama City. The Miraflores Locks are one of twelve locks along the Panama Canal and the closest to Panama City. The canal took 10 years and over 40,000 laborers to build (over 5,000 of whom died during construction). There is a visitor center with an observation deck and, every time a ship passes through the canal, you’ll hear a detailed explanation of what is happening. Also, Miraflores has an interesting IMAX documentary on the history of the Canal with Morgan Freeman narrating. Admission is $20 USD.

4. Explore Panama Viejo

Panama Viejo (Old Panama) is a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site and forms the original part of the city. It was founded in 1519 by Pedrarías Dávila and was the first Spanish settlement on the Pacific Coast of the Americas — and the first planned town in the Western Hemisphere. In 1691, the city was attacked and destroyed by pirate captain Sir Henry Morgan. Despite several attacks, a huge fire, and an earthquake, you can still see some of the ruins of many of the original buildings including the Old Panama Cathedral. The remaining ruins are spread out over 57 acres, including the original cathedral. Admission is $15 USD.

5. Bike along Amador Causeway

Amador Causeway is made up of rocks excavated for the construction of the Panama Canal and connects Panama City with three small islands: Naos, Perico, and Flamenco. The 6-kilometer (4-mile) ultra scenic, colorful boardwalk is popular with cyclists and filled with all kinds of restaurants where you can stop for fresh seafood and take in the views (especially at sunset). You can rent bikes for about $15 USD per day if you want to explore by bike.

Other Things to See and Do in Panama City

1. check out mi pueblito.

This open-air museum is designed to give visitors a glimpse of village life in Panama. You’ll find replicas of colonial and indigenous buildings here and on Fridays and Saturdays they have folklore dance performances. The village is divided into three parts: an indigenous village, a rural village, and an Afro-Antillean village, showing aspects of these three different population groups in Panama. Admission is $3 USD.

2. Admire some colonial art

The Museo de Arte Religioso Colonial in Casco Viejo houses colonial religious art that dates back to the 16th century. Some of the art and artifacts even made it through the attack and sacking of the city by Henry Morgan and his crew in 1671. One of the most interesting pieces is the Arco Chato, a long arch that stood unsupported for hundreds of years (the arch was used to prove that Panama was not earthquake-prone, making it an ideal place for the canal rather than Nicaragua). This is a small museum and admission is only $1 USD, so it’s worth a quick visit.

3. Take a ferry to Taboga Island

Taboga Island is a little island 19 kilometers (12 miles) off the Pacific coast of Panama City. It’s easy to do as a day tour, with return ferries costing $24 USD. The ferries leave from Amador Causeway and the ride takes about 30 minutes. Explore the island’s village, chat with the locals, go on a hike, or just chill on the sandy beach. The beach is not the nicest as the water tends to be polluted but the ocean views towards Panama City and the Panama Canal make up for that.

4. Hike Cerro Ancon

The highest hill in Panama City makes for a great hike. It’s a steep 30-minute incline, but you’ll be rewarded with fantastic views. There are two viewing platforms: one facing historic Casco Viejo, and one facing the newer skyline that’s lined with skyscrapers. Look out for wildlife along the way – you’re likely to see toucans, iguanas, and pacas. A cab ride to the trailhead, which is right by Mi Pueblito, takes about 10 minutes.

5. Marvel at contemporary art

The Museum of Contemporary Art in Panama City features various permanent and temporary exhibits from Panamanian and Latin American artists. With over 700 items in the collection, it offers a comprehensive introduction to Latin American contemporary art. There are often free exhibits that provide an opportunity to hang out with the city’s artsy crowd too. It’s the only contemporary art museum in the entire country. Admission is $5 USD.

6. Take a Spanish course

If you’ve got some time to spend in the city, consider taking a week-long Spanish course. There are a number of schools here that offer programs with one-on-one or small group classes for $230-$250 USD per week. Try the Spanish Panama Language School or Casco Antiguo Spanish School for in-depth lessons that can help you master the language.

7. Learn about Marine Life

Punta Culebra Nature Center is a science and nature center run by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute that focuses on marine life. There is also a short nature trail with three-toed sloths, iguanas, and frogs. Explanatory signs are in Spanish and English, making it an educational exhibition that’s interesting for grown-ups and kids alike. Admission is $8 USD.

8. Visit the Biomuseo

The Biodiversity Museum was designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry and it was his first design in Latin America (Gehryd designed the Dancing House in Prague, the AGO in Toronto, and the Disney Concert House in LA) . It’s worth seeing simply for the stunning design, though spending a couple of hours inside the museum is a great way to learn about Panama’s biodiversity. The museum also highlights the natural and cultural history of the country. The Biomuseo has eight galleries for its permanent exhibits, each one covering a different topic. Tickets are $18 USD.

9. Check out the seafood market

Panama’s lively Mercado de Mariscos, the seafood market, is located on the western end of the Cinta Costera, the coastal road that connects Casco Viejo with the newer part of town. The market is divided into two parts: one section is where fresh fish and seafood are sold, and the other section is where you’ll find dozens of no-frills seafood restaurants where you can try some of the fresh catch. Try the local specialty, ceviche, made from raw fish and lemon.

10. Stroll Avenida Central

Avenida Central is the pedestrian walkway where you can soak up the city’s vibe. It’s noisy and fun, with lots of street food vendors and performers, making for some excellent people-watching. Cinta Costera is the city’s waterfront park area where you can enjoy views of the ocean while grabbing an ice cream or some street food as you soak up the pace of the city.

Panama City Travel Costs

Note: Panama uses both PAB and USD. There’s no real need to carry the local currency, the Panamanian Balboa, unless you’re paying for really small things on the street. For the most part, use USD (which has the same value as PAB).

Hostel prices – Hostels in Panama City are inexpensive, with a night in a hostel dorm costing between $12-30 USD per night for a 6-8-bed dorm. Private rooms start around $22 USD per night for a double room. All hostels offer free Wi-Fi and some offer free breakfast.

Budget hotel prices – For a three-star hotel, prices start at $50 USD per night and go up from there. International hotel chains range from $75-135 USD.

Airbnb is available in the city, with private rooms ranging from $40-60 USD per night and entire apartments starting around $75-100 USD. Bigger apartments accommodating four to six people start at $150 USD per night. Book early otherwise prices can double.

Food – Like its neighbors, 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 stalls meals will cost around $4-6 USD. For that price, you will get a plate of chicken, rice, and beans — a staple dish in Panama. Western food such as pizza or hamburgers costs around $10-15 USD.

Panama City has the best international food in all of Central America, so take advantage of that while you’re in town. Many of the trendiest restaurants can be found in the Casco Viejo neighborhood, such as the Dining Room, Tantalo (a superb rooftop restaurant and bar atop the Tantalo Hotel), Donde Jose (fine dining Panamanian cuisine) and Casa Casco, which has three great restaurants, a rooftop bar and a nightclub. You’ll also find a number of great restaurants along Amador Causeway.

For a nice meal with wine, expect to pay around $50 USD. There are a lot of stylish, more expensive restaurants in Casco Viejo if you’re looking for something more upscale.

Domestic beer at a bar is around $2.50 USD. Cocktails at one of the popular rooftop bars are around $8-9 USD. A latte/cappuccino costs around $3.50 USD while bottled water is $1 USD.

If you plan on cooking your own food, expect to pay about $35-45 USD per week for groceries like rice, beans, seasonal produce, and some meat or fish.

Backpacking Panama City 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 City Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Panama City is a pretty affordable place to visit. Unless you are dining on the higher end of things or staying in a chain hotel, you’re hard pressed to spend a lot of money here. However, there are always extra ways to keep your costs down. Here are the best ways to save money in Panama City:

• Stick to free activities – Most of Panama City’s sights can be visited for free: Casco Viejo, Amador Causeway, a stroll through the fish market and along Cinta Costera, the coastal road that offers stunning views of the bay and the freighters entering the Panama Canal.
• Eat at local food stands – Meals at local food stalls cost less than $5 USD. You’ll get rice, chicken, beans, and maybe another side plus a drink. Don’t expect a super tasty meal, but it is enough to fill you up.
• Avoid taxis – Buses are cheap and go everywhere in the city. Take the bus and save your money!
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is generally safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle. LifeStraw is my go-to choice as it has a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
• Stick to beer – Beer is cheaper than other kinds of alcohol so if you want to drink, stick to beer.
• Save money on rideshares – Uber is cheaper than taxis and is the best way to get around if you don’t want to wait for a bus or pay for a taxi.
• Carry small change – Most taxis and small shops won’t accept larger bills for small purchases so make sure you carry change.
• Avoid hot water – Get rooms with cold-water showers. Hot water always costs a lot more. It’s so hot here anyway, you’ll hardly ever want hot water. Even I got used to cold-water showers, and usually, I get cranky without hot water!
• Stay with a local – There are tons of Couchsurfing hosts (and lots of community events) here, making this a great city to Couchsurf in. Pick up some tips and save some money by staying with a local!

Where to Stay in Panama City

Panama City has plenty of fun, affordable hostels. Here are my favorite places to stay:

• Hostel Mamallena
• Magnolia Inn
• Hostal Casa Areka

How to Get Around Panama City

Public transportation – It is easy to travel by city bus between Amador Causeway and Casco Viejo – buses have their destination written on the front. The main bus terminal is inside the Albrook Shopping Mall. If you think you’ll be taking the bus a lot, pick up a metro card at Albrook Terminal. The metro card is $2 USD, and then you can add however much money you think you’ll need. Since a bus ride is only $0.35 USD, adding only one dollar will get you four rides.

To recharge the card, you have to find a supermarket that offers this service (look for a sign that says Venta de Tarjeta y Recarga ) or head to Albrook Terminal. You’ll be able to navigate the bus system with the help of Google Maps.

Panama City’s first metro line opened in 2014 (the first metro system in all of Central America), but it is pretty irrelevant for tourists since it’s far away from the beaches and interesting sights. A ride is only $0.35 USD. The metro runs from 6am-10pm daily (even on holidays), with 14 different stations, running north and south and passing through the city center.

Bicycle – Cycling in Panama City is possible, but not very safe since Panama is known for its notorious drivers who often speed. The only places you can safely cycle at are Amador Causeway (where you’ll find several bike rental places) and Cinta Costera, the coastal beltway that links modern Panama City with the historic Casco Viejo neighborhood. You can rent bikes for about $15 USD per day.

Taxi – Taxis are cheap in Panama City. Be careful though: Panamanian cab drivers are known to try to rip off foreigners. Make sure to always negotiate your fare before the start of the trip, since the taxis don’t use meters. Note that taxis are cash only.

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Panama City and is cheaper than taxis, so stick to using it if you need a ride.

Car rental – You won’t need a car to get around the city, however, they can be helpful for exploring the region if you plan on leaving the city. Rentals can be found for as little as $25 USD per day for a multi-day rental. Most rental agencies require drivers to be at least 25, though some will accept drivers at 21 if they have a credit card.

When to Go to Panama City

Panama City has a short dry season between January and May, which is when there is little rain and you’ll get to enjoy clear blue skies. But since Panama is located only nine degrees north of the equator, temperatures are pretty consistent year-round.

The lowland regions, including Panama City, are always hot and humid. Daytime temperatures average 30-33°C (86-91°F), nighttime temperatures are around 21-23°C (69-73°F).

Rainy season in Panama lasts from mid-April to mid-December, but it usually only rains from late afternoon into the night, which means mornings and early afternoons can still be enjoyed. The rainiest month is November, and July and August are the months that see the least rain during the wet season. If you visit during the rainy season, pack a rain jacket and an umbrella.

You never have to deal with peak season crowds in Panama City – it never feels crowded, unless you run into a cruise ship tour group on one of the days a cruise ship docks in the port. The good news is that the cruise ships docking here are relatively small and that they usually depart at 5pm.

The only times of year that accommodation can book up (especially affordable hotels/Airbnbs) are during holidays and in February during Carnaval. If you’re planning to visit Panama City in February, look up the dates of Carnaval to avoid crazy crowds and inflated prices.

How to Stay Safe in Panama City

Panama City is generally safe but pickpocketing can occur, especially on city buses. Always be vigilant and don’t carry more cash on you than you’re planning to spend. Leave your passport and credit cards (other than the one you may be using) back at the hostel/hotel, don’t carry valuables in your purse.

Bag snatching also happens in Panama City – both on the street and in restaurants — so don’t leave your bag sitting on the chair next to you.

If you go out in Casco Viejo at night, but your hotel is in the newer part of Panama City, take a taxi or Uber back to your hotel. The El Chorillo neighborhood, adjacent to Casco Viejo, can be a bit sketchy after dark.

When taking taxis, negotiate the fare before the trip, or you might get ripped off. There have been frequent reports by foreigners about being overcharged for cab rides. If you don’t want to communicate with the driver or you don’t have cash on you, call an Uber via the app.

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

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.).

If you experience an emergency, dial 911.

Always trust your gut instinct. Avoid isolated areas at night, and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID, before you leave on your trip.

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 City 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 City 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 Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth Panama travel guide ?

Then you’re in the right place!

Located in Central America, the country of Panama has grown into an exciting travel destination in recent years.

Offering both big-city glitz and rugged adventures, Panama is one of the most exciting Central American countries for travelers. There’s so much to explore in this jewel of Latin America.

To get a feel for both the history of Panama and its modern culture, head to Panama City.

This city has been dubbed the “Dubai of Latin America” for a reason:

The skyscrapers and beachside luxury hotels are reminiscent of the infamous Middle Eastern destination.

There’s also the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Panama Viejo, where you can explore the ruins of the first European settlement on the Pacific Ocean.

And don’t forget to check out the Panama Canal, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

Panama is also a great destination for ecotourism with its many beautiful beaches, rainforests, and volcanoes. Here you can find unspoiled beaches like Santa Catalina and incredible hiking destinations like Boquete .

You’ll also definitely want to check out Bocas Town , a colorful beachside town that’s a whole world away.

Keep reading to dive into resources that will help you with planning a trip to Panama. If you’re traveling to Central America , you won’t want to miss this incredible destination!

Note: This ultimate guide to Panama travel contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Use this Panama travel map to begin planning your trip to this incredible country!

Click here for an interactive Google Map version of the above graphic.

Things To Do In Panama

Discover the best places to visit in Panama & the top experiences to have!

Hiking In Panama: The Best Trails In Boquete

How To Plan An Unforgettable Panama Itinerary (Experiences Included!)

Here Is What It’s Like To Live With An Indigenous Tribe In Panama

Panama Travel Advice

Use these Panama travel tips to plan the perfect trip!

Best Places To Stay In Bocas del Toro For Sustainable Travelers

Top Panama Tours

Explore Panama tourism & culture with a local through these recommended excursions:

• Taste of Panama City: Walking Tour with Food and Drinks in Casco Viejo
• Panama Canal Full Transit Tour from Panama City
• Embera Village Day Trip from Panama City
• Authentic Day Tour in Indigenous Guna Village in San Blas Islands from Panama City
• Hiking, Waterfall & Zipline Adventure in El Valle de Anton from Panama City (El Chorro Macho waterfall included!)

Renting A Car In Panama

Need a rental car for your Panama trip?

Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.

Panama Hotels

Click here to browse hotels in Panama!

Prefer self-contained stays? 

Click here to check out unique local rentals!

You can also use this map to search for local stays:

Panama Travel Insurance

It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a group on a Panama tour. When visiting Panama — or any other country in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your Panama itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Panama Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling Panama .

Q: What are some good tourist sites in Panama?

Panama’s top attraction is, of course, the famous Panama Canal. Located between Panama City and Colon, this modern engineering marvel connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.

It’s definitely worth taking some time to watch the ships pass through the canal if you’re visiting either city. Even if you’re not into engineering, you won’t want to miss this incredible sight.

If you’re a hiker or nature lover, you’ll definitely want to check out Boquete , a small village on Panama’s Pacific side. Boquete is truly home to some of the best hiking trails in the world !

Here, you can experience “The Land of Eternal Springtime,” where flowers are constantly in bloom and the temperatures stay around 70 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.

There are tons of trails in the area that will take you through rainforests and up close with volcanoes. You can also explore the area via zipline or raft!

And you’ll definitely want to get some beach time in while visiting Panama!

One place to do this is Bocas del Toro , a collection of islands off Panama’s northeastern coast. If just chilling on the beach sounds a little too boring, the islands are also perfect for diving, surfing, and so much more.

Q: Is Panama dangerous for tourists?

While there are risks involved in any trip to Panama, it’s very possible to safely travel through the country.

Crime rates are very high in Panama, particularly in cities like Panama City and Colon. Both violent crime and theft are common, so always be aware of your surroundings and avoid going out alone at night in these areas. Keep any valuables close and hidden away, particularly in markets.

Also, be sure to only use licensed taxis throughout the country.

Drug trafficking is common in Panama and local authorities take this issue very seriously. You can get arrested for having even a small amount of drugs on you or for traveling with someone in possession of drugs. Keep this in mind as you travel throughout the country.

Also, avoid the Darien Gap area near the Panamanian-Colombian border, the epicenter of the drug trafficking business in Panama. The amount of criminal activity in the area makes it incredibly dangerous, particularly for travelers.

Q: What do I need to know before traveling to Panama?

While not required, travelers visiting Colon and areas east of the Panama Canal may want to get a Yellow Fever vaccine, as the disease is prevalent in these areas.

If you’re traveling from, or recently traveled to, a country with a high prevalence of Yellow Fever, you may need to provide proof of vaccination before entering the country.

Typhoid vaccines are also recommended if you are visiting smaller cities and more rural areas. Check with your country’s health department for full vaccine recommendations.

While Panama is fairly inexpensive for travelers compared to other parts of the world, it is one of the more expensive countries in Central and South America. You’ll be able to get some great deals while you’re in the country, but you may need to budget a bit more than you would for, say, Honduras , Guatemala , or Nicaragua .

English is also not widely spoken in Panama, so it’s a good idea to learn a few Spanish words and phrases before you go in order to communicate with the locals. Luckily, Spanish is typically one of the easiest languages to learn for English speakers .

Q: Is it safe to travel in Panama City?

Panama City has grown into a bustling metropolis and is generally pretty safe for travelers. That said, crime rates are still high in the city, so it’s important to keep your guard up and any valuables out of sight to avoid pickpockets .

The parts of the city that are most popular with tourists are also popular with pickpockets, so use common sense and stay vigilant when out sightseeing.

Finaly, try to avoid neighborhoods that are known to be dangerous, like El Chorillo, Santa Ana, and San Miguel.

Q: Do I need a Panama travel visa?

Citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and several other countries do not need a visa to visit Panama for less than six months. Citizens of other countries may require a visa to enter the country, but visa waivers are available in some cases.

It’s recommended to view your country’s Panama International Travel Information page for the most up-to-date information on entry and exit requirements. You can also contact the Embassy of Panama.

Q: How many days should I spend in Panama City?

There are so many things to do in Panama , especially in Panama City. At the very least, you’ll want to allow three days to visit the Panama Canal (including the Miraflores Visitor Center), wander Casco Viejo, explore the ruins of Panamá Viejo (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), enjoy nature through Metropolitan Natural Park and Ancon Hill, and wander the various neighborhoods.

Remember, too, that there are numerous day trips and weekend trips to enjoy from Panama City, like the San Blas Islands, Monkey Island, Chagres National Park, the Pearl Islands, and Taboga Island.

You’ll really want to allot extra time for these local getaways.

Q: Are credit cards accepted in Panama?

Major credit cards are accepted around Panama — particularly Visa and MasterCard — though it’s recommended to carry cash for smaller establishments.

Additionally, you’ll want cash when visiting remote parts of the country.

Q: What is the best time to visit Panama?

While Panama is a year-round destination, most tourists like to avoid the rainy season and instead visit during the dry season between January and mid-April.

Q: What months are summer in Panama?

Summer in Panama runs from about December to April.

Q: Can you drink tap water in Panama?

You can drink tap water in many places in Panama, though not Bocas del Toro or the Comarca de Guna Yala.

On my trip, I drank the tap water in Boquete, El Valle de Anton , and Panama City and thought it was very tasty.

Q: What is the hottest month in Panama?

The warmest month in Panama is typically April.

Q: What is the local currency in Panama?

The local currency in Panama is the Panamanian balboa.

What would you add to this Panama travel guide?

Pin for later: Panama Travel Guide

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Complete Panama itinerary - 14 - 21 days, 5 - 8 stops

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Most Panama itineraries that you find online will only include the Panama highlights like Bocas del Toro, San Blas, Panama City, or Boquete. In our Panama itinerary, we feature some off-the-beaten path destinations like Boca Chica, Santa Catalina or Valle de Anton to include in your Panama backpacking trip.

Interested in doing some backpacking in Panama? This Panama travel blog will provide you with unique things to do as well as the best places to visit in Panama!

You can use this Panama itinerary as a loop and fly in and out of Panama City. You can also use it to incorporate it in a longer Central and South America trip travelling to and from Costa Rica and Columbia without any flights.

Our itinerary takes at least 2 weeks in Panama to complete but of course, you can also stay longer and extend your stay in Bocas del Toro for some beach vibes, Santa Catalina for some surfing, Valle de Anton for some hiking or Panama City for some city vibes - there’s really no upper limit.

• Why visit Panama?

Why is Panama worth visiting? Easy! It’s one of the most diverse countries in Central America with a great tourist infrastructure. From families over couples to solo backpackers Panama offers something for everyone. You can stay in cheap dorms, glamping tents or all-inclusive resorts. You can take tourist shuttles or the save and convenient public transport. You can eat traditional dishes or western food. You can relax on the beach or hike. You’ll find waterfalls, volcanoes as well as paradise islands. The wildlife is incredible on land and in the water.

What to do in Panama?

• Hiking Panama

The best destinations to hike in Panama are Boquete, Hornito, and Valle de Anton.

• Best beaches in Panama

The best beach destinations are Panama’s amazing islands like Bocas del Toro and San Blas in the Caribbean as well as in the Gulf of Chiriqui in the Pacific.

• Budget Panama

Panama is not the most budget-friendly country in Central America. In fact, it was the country with our highest spending per day on our half-year trip. We roughly spent 70 USD per person per day (yes, the official currency used in Panama is the US Dollar), which also included expensive activities such as diving.

Things to do in Bocas del Toro

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Bocas del Toro is one of Panama’s two main Caribbean island paradises - the other being San Blas. If you’re an island and beach lover like we are, we definitely recommend visiting both. We also recommend to visit more than one island if your time schedule allows for it. Stay on the main island Colon for major party vibes and move to a quieter island-like Solarte or Bastimiento for some relaxation afterwards.

Of course, there are plenty of things you can do in Bocas del Toro, including chocolate tours and sloth spotting but the main two reasons why people come are the nightlife and the beaches. It’s super easy (and reasonably priced) to take taxi boats around the archipelago.

Bocas del Toro beaches

Locals told us that their favourite beach is Playa Bluff on Colon. Our personal favourite is Playa Polo on Bastimiento. It’s the quintessential Caribbean beach with palm trees, coconuts, and some nice snorkelling. The famous Red Frog Beach is nice but the waves and currents are quite strong so it’s tough to swim.

Bocas del Toro nightlife

The pinnacle of all Panamanian parties is Filthy Friday in Bocas del Toro. It’s an island-hopping party that goes on the whole day so it’s not strictly part of the nightlife. Great party spots in Bocas del Toro include the Floating Bar, the Selina on Colon and the Aqua Lounge on Carenero.

Pro Tip : The Aqua Lounge is a hostel and a party location - stay here if you’re looking to party hard (not necessarily if you’re looking for sleep). It’s also the last stop of the Filthy Friday party. If you stay in the hostel, you can just pregame here and save the 30$ entrance fee. Additionally, the afterparty is wild and only open for guests of the hostel*.*

Bocas del Toro scuba diving

Diving or snorkelling Bocas del Toro is a definite recommendation. We dove with Panama Dive School and could not recommend them more ( not sponsored ).

You can either go snorkelling from the beach like at Polo Beach on Bastimientos or join a guided tour for example to Zapatilla. Be careful that you cannot go snorkelling everywhere because some beaches face the open Caribbean and have too strong waves and currents.

There is a daily night bus from Panama City to Bocas del Toro. It leaves at 8 pm and the drive from the Albrook terminal to Almirante takes around 9 hours. Here, you can take a watertaxi. The providers are all on the same road in case you want to compare and leave regularly throughout the day.

We took a shuttle, it’s the easiest option. At a price of 25$ (including the boat) you just don’t save that much compared to public transport and they also help you with the border formalities.

Day 5-7: Hornito or Boquete

Explore the Panamanian jungle. On the way from the Caribbean Coast to the Pacific coast, travellers have basically two options: Hornito and Boquete. We chose Hornito because it’s easier to reach as it lies directly on the way between Almirante and David. The downside: There is not much to do in the area besides hiking. If we could choose again, we would probably stay in Boquete, where you have a lot more infrastructure and options.

People come here to hike and enjoy the cloud forest.

Celestine Waterfalls

Celestine Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the area. It’s a true hidden gem as it’s not marked on Google Maps. You’ll have to hop on a bus to reach it and bus drivers will know where to drop you off. Your hostel will give you detailed directions.

Lost and Found Hostel

The Lost and Found Hostel might be the most infamous hostel in this region. To be completely honest, it might not be the best place to stay during rainy season as you have to hike in and many areas lack roofs. But it’s definitely a great social place to keep you busy. They offer hiking trails, a treasure hunt and communal dinners which makes this an amazing base for solo travellers.

Absolutely no need for a shuttle here. Most people take a boat to Almirante, a 1$ taxi to the bus terminal and hop on the bus to David. Tell the driver where you want to be dropped off in Hornito and the bus will stop.

Another option is to take the boat to Chiriqui Grande. Buses either leave directly at the harbour or a shared taxi will bring you to the gas station for 1$ where you can hop on a bus to David

Like Hornito, people come here to hike. We have not been to Boquete ourselves but some of the things that have been recommended over and over to us are:

• The Lost Waterfalls hike
• Hike Baru Volcano
• Take a coffee or chocolate tour
• Our shuttle driver recommended to visit the Caldera Hot Springs

Best Coffee Tours Boquete Panama

Travel Guides

Best Coffee Tours Boquete Panama (2023)

Learning about and tasting Boquete coffee is one of the best Boquete tours you can do!

To get from Bocas del Tori to Boqete, the first step is the same as going to Hornito. You want to stay on the bus until David, where you can hop on a chicken bus to Boquete.

Disclaimer: We have not gone here ourselves as we did not visit Panama during the whale season from July to October but we heard that it’s worth a visit all year round.

The fishing village Boca Chica is one of the last hidden gems of Panama. It’s easy to reach from David by bus. It’s also the jumping off point for the islands Isla Boca Brava, Isla Palenque, Islas Ladrones, Islas Paridas and Islas Secas in the Gulf of Chiriqui. The Chiriqui National Marine Park is a paradise for scuba divers and fishing enthusiasts.

Day 8-9: Santa Catalina

People come to Santa Catalina for two reasons: to surf and to visit Coiba. The town itself is quite sleepy with a few restaurant options but nowhere near as lively as other Central American surf spots like Puerto Escondido (Mexico), El Tunco (El Salvador) or San Juan del Sur (Nicaragua).

Pro Tip : As of 2022, there is one ATM in Santa Catalina but it’s not 100% reliable.

Surfing Santa Catalina

If you want to surf, you should base yourself at Playa El Estero - it’s the nicest surf beach in town. Unless you’re heavily into surfing 1 or 2 full days should be enough here. You can find various surf camps of which Surfers Paradise and Oasis Surf Camp come highly recommended.

Scuba diving Coiba

Scuba diving or snorkelling Coiba is one of the highlights in the whole of Central America. You can see a plethora of sharks (bull sharks, reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, whale sharks - you name it), rays, whales (July to October), turtles, and much more in this national park. Be warned that diving has quite a steep price tag here as you have to go far out with the boat - we paid 190$ for our three-tank boat dive including a small lunch and the nationalpark fees. We wish we could recommend our dive centre but we cannot, we heard good things about Panama Dive Center though.

Take a shuttle for 40$! You can theoretically take local buses but it takes ages. You can take a first bus to David, a second bus to Santiago, a third bus to Sona and a fourth bus to Santa Catalina. The bottleneck on your journey is the last bus from Sona to Santa Catalina. The last bus of the day leaves at 4 pm. We have met plenty of travellers who have missed this bus and needed to take a taxi for around 30$ which made their journey longer, more stressful, and more expensive.

Disclaimer: We did not go here ourselves as we were already quite “hiked out” by our previous hiking heavy travels through Central America.

Valle de Anton is the largest inhabited volcano crater in the world which seems pretty amazing in itself. The main activities are hiking and visiting waterfalls. In that respect, it’s quite similar to Boquete and Hornito but it’s more of a hidden gem.

You can reach it from Panama City by a direct minibus which leaves every 20 - 30 minutes from the Albrook terminal. If you’re coming from the direction of David, you have to exit the bus at the Las Uvas crossing. Here, a colectivo leaves towards Anton Valley every 20 minutes.

Day 10-12: Panama City

Unlike other capitals in Central America, Panama City is definitely worth a visit. It’s rather safe and walkable with some nice bar and restaurant options. There’s a modern part of town, where you’ll find skyscrapers and hotels with rooftop pools and the historic part of town or Casco Viejo . If you have the time it’s nice to spend time in both areas.

There are a bazillion blogposts about things to do in Panama City so rather than giving a comprehensive list, we only name a couple of our favourite things.

Visit a rooftop bar

Or all of the rooftop bars. We have tried a different one every day and must say Tantalo is our favourite. Selina has a great view but mediocre service, Casa Casco offers no shade, and Lazotea is pretty pricy.

Take a free walking tour in Casco Viejo

Like all free walking tours, it’s completely worth it - especially if you’re too lazy to do a lot of research yourself.

Walk along la Cinta Costera

If you walk from Casco Viejo, you get great skyline views. Additionally, you can stop at Mercado de Mariscos for some cheap seafood.

Visit the Panama Canal

As people who are not engineering enthusiasts, we were a bit hesitant to make our way to the canal but we must say it was worth the visit. Plus it’s an easy trip as you can just take an Uber.

The easiest way is the 8 am bus to Sona. Here, you can hop on a direct bus to Panama City after a short wait which will bring you all the way to Albrook Terminal.

Day 13-14: San Blas

If you have time, don’t just take a day trip but stay at least for one night. You’ll be rewarded with an amazing sunset and sunrise as well as empty beaches.

Basically, you visit San Blas to do some combination of island-hopping and beach bumming. Of course, you can also learn more about the indigenous Guna Yala culture. Some of the highlights are:

Visit Pelicano Island

Which is famous from the Netflix series "Money Heist”. There is not much to do here besides taking pictures, relaxing in a hammock or on the beach and some light snorkelling.

Take a tour to a Guna indigenous community and Saiba waterfall

Expect a hike and bring some good shoes. You can also buy a mola, the traditional textile art.

Eat seafood

It’s not uncommon to get a lobster for dinner. Just enjoy.

It’s easiest to take a tour. The road is quite bumpy and the region is part of the indigenous province Guna Yala which comes with its own rules and controls. Most tours are “all-inclusive” deals including transport, accommodation, food, and activities which is super convenient.

You can decide whether you want to be dropped off in Panama City again or continue your Central America trip and make your way to Columbia!

16 San Blas Tours (2023) – 1 to 4 Days on the Best San Blas Islands

16 amazing Panama San Blas Islands Tours from one to four days!

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From clear turquoise seas to the coffee farms and cloud forests of Chiriquí, Panama can be as chilled out or as thrilling as you wish.

Best Time to Visit

Best places to visit, leave the planning to a local expert.

Experience the real Panama. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Panama City

Celebrating Panama as the land bridge that has permitted astonishing biodiversity in the region, this world-class museum is a visual feast. Exhibits tell…

Basílica Menor Santiago Apóstol

Coclé Province

Natá's principal draw is this 16th-century cathedral, thought to be the oldest church built in the Americas still in use today. Indigenous artisans did…

Parque Nacional Marino Isla Bastimentos

Isla Bastimentos

Established in 1988, this 132-sq-km marine park was Panama's first. Protecting 130 islands of the Bocas del Toro archipelago, including the coral-fringed…

Museo de Arte Contemporáneo

This wonderful privately owned museum features the best collection of Panamanian art anywhere, an excellent collection of works on paper by Latin American…

Taller Dario López

Península de Azuero

One of Panama's top artisans, Dario López has been making colorful masks for folkloric dancers since the 1960s. These days most of his masks and satin…

Miraflores Visitors Center

Panama Canal

The easiest way to visit the Panama Canal is to head to the Miraflores Visitors Center, just outside Panama City. This modern center features a four-floor…

Finca Los Monos Botanical Garden

Bocas del Toro Town

One of the joys of visiting Bocas is touring the 'Monkey Farm' botanical garden a couple of kilometers northwest of the center. Painstakingly carved out…

Parque Nacional Coiba

Veraguas Province

This national marine park contains Panama's largest island, the 503-sq-km Isla de Coiba, as well as astounding biodiversity; more than two dozen species…

Top picks from our travel experts

The 13 best things to do in panama.

Iglesia de San José

This Casco Viejo church protects the famous Altar de Oro (Golden Altar), the sole relic salvaged after privateer Henry Morgan sacked Panamá Viejo.

Mercado Artesanal

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Panama and beyond

Hotspots in Panama

Panama, the waistline of the Americas, has it all: a big metropolitan capital city, old streets, wildlife, waterfalls and palm tree lined beaches. Panama has a long rain season, the best time to visit is from December to March when there’s hardly any rain. Below are my Panama travel tips and my food hotspots.

Casco Viejo Casco Viejo (or Casco Antiguo) is by far my favorite neighborhood in Panama City. Casco Viejo was the city back in 1904 when the canal was built. But when the population grew and the city expanded eastwards, the elite abandoned the old city which became an urban slum. Nowadays however, Caso Viejo is getting a huge make-over. A big part of the neighborhood is renovated and it now houses many restaurants and bars. As long as you stay on the red bricked roads, you’re absolutely safe. You can have a drink at ‘La Rana Dorada’, a cerveceria where they brew their own beers, or have an icecream at Palettamerica. There are so many options, that it might be difficult to make a choice. I’ve listed my favorite food hotspots in Casco Viejo below.

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The Ultimate Guide to Bocas del Toro, Panama

Home » Blog » Panama » The Ultimate Guide to Bocas del Toro, Panama

A popular destination for eco-travelers, surfers , divers, and backpackers, known for it’s incredible biodiversity and party scene. This ultimate Bocas del Toro travel guide is packed with travel tips that will help you plan your trip; whether you’re looking for things to do, where to stay or, most importantly, where to eat!

The providence of Bocas del Toro in Panama is actually an island archipelago best known for it’s incredible biodiversity. It’s a popular destination for eco-travelers, but there is so much more to the discover here.

Surfer’s will rejoice in the waves, divers will enjoy the underwater paradise, nature lovers will have plenty of wildlife to view, and backpackers will rave about the party scene.

I spent just over a month living in Bocas del Toro in 2019 experiencing all these islands have to offer. This ultimate Bocas del Toro travel guide is packed with travel tips that will help you plan your trip; whether you’re looking for things to do, where to stay or, most importantly, where to eat!

Article contents

Things to do in bocas del toro, getting around bocas del toro.

• Where to Eat
• Where to Stay
• How to Get There

Bocas del Toro Travel Tips

There is so much of this island archipelago to explore, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy on a trip to Bocas del Toro Panama.

1. Explore Bocas Town

The first thing you’re going to want to do when you arrive in Bocas del Toro is to explore Bocas Town, the largest “city” on the most populated island, Isla Colón. The small little town is packed with island vibes. Rent a bike or explore on foot as you pop your head into shops, sip a smoothie on a dock and enjoy the laid back island lifestyle. 

2. Catch some waves

You don’t come to an island destination like this without the expectation of seeing surfers in their natural habitat. Whether you’re an old pro or just a beginner, there is plenty of good surfing to go around. You can rent a board at countless surf shops in Bocas Town for $10 – $20 per day (depending on the quality of board). And they will likely have weekly or monthly rates as well. 

Catch the morning surf by heading to the water taxi stand just down the street from Bocas Brewery. You’ll want to make sure you have your board and $6 for the water taxi, but leave all your other valuables and even your shoes behind as the taxi will drop you right in the middle of the waves. All you need to do is let your boat driver know what time you want to be picked up and you’re free to catch as many waves as you can! 

3. Go scuba diving

The Caribbean Sea is known for having some fantastic scuba Diving and Bocas del Toro is no exception. There are a few dive shops around Bocas Town that’ll take you to some of the best diving spots in the area. You can also opt to do a night dive with bioluminescent plankton if the visibility is right!

With warm waters and great visibility, Bocas makes a good place to get PADI certified as well. I did my PADI Open Water Divers Certification with  La Buga Dive & Surf  and was pleasantly surprised by how fast I fell in love with the underwater world.

The course took 3 days and included a full day of theory plus 4 open water dives. The instructors were knowledgeable and entertaining and made me feel very comfortable as we eased our way into the sport. 

4. Find your inner balance in a peaceful yoga class

What better way to really appreciate the laid back island lifestyle than to do a little yoga by the water? There is one yoga studio in Bocas Town called Bocas Yoga, which offers daily classes both morning and evenings. However, my favorite classes were offered by some of the hostels on their over-water decks. Ask for class schedules at Selina or Mamallena and enjoy the peaceful lapping of the waves as you find your inner balance. 

5. Have a quad biking adventure

By far one of the most thrilling (and my personal favorite) adventures to be had in Bocas del Toro was a quad biking excursion.  Flying Pirates  offers a guided tour through the jungles and along the coast of Isla Colón. Stop for a swim at completely deserted beaches and cool off in the cenotes as you make your way up and around the northeastern coast. 

6. Tour the Bat Cave on Bastimentos

If creepy crawlies are your thing, you’ll enjoy touring the famous bat cave on Bastiamentos Island. Take a water taxi down the Sloth’s Trail canal for about 15 minutes until you reach a local village (any water taxi drivers will know where to take you). A $5 entrance fee will get you a guided tour of the caves, complete with a headlamp. 

7. Take a Cocoa Plantation Eco-Tour

Did you know that chocolate is one of Panama’s biggest exports? Learn about the cocoa cultivation and how chocolate is produced on the  Oreba Chocolate Tour . During the tour, you’ll also get the chance to experience life in the indigenous Ngabe community. 

8. Zipline on Bastimentos Island

If you’re looking for a spike in adrenaline, try a  zipline canopy tour of Bastimentos . This 150 ft. high tour includes 7 ziplines, a swaying canopy bridge, and an optional treetop challenge course. The 2-hour tour will set you back about $55, but the views will make it totally worth it!

9. Join the Filthy Friday Bocas island party crawl

Perhaps what Bocas del Toro is most known for, the Filthy Friday Island Party Crawl happens every Friday in Bocas. The party starts around 11 a.m. at a bar in Bocas Town (the venue changes by the week). After an hour or so, participants are ushered into water taxis (with mandatory life jackets!) and taxied to the next stop, a “floating bar” on one of the islands. 

Spend the majority of the day here with a swimming area, DJ, and even floaty races. Water taxis will take everyone to the final location, Aqua Lounge Bar, across from Bocas Town on Isla Carenero, around 5 p.m. where you can watch the sunset and party the night away. 

The $40 ticket can be purchased at the Filthy Friday shop in Bocas Town and includes a tank top, wristband for admission, and transportation between the first, second and final bar. All your drinks, food and water taxi home will be on your own dollar. 

Wear your swimsuit, bring lots of sunscreen and try to leave valuables at home. I recommend eating a big meal before starting the party crawl to prepare your stomach as the food at the second bar is minimal. 

10. Become a beach bum 

You’re on an island after all! Get out and explore some of the beautiful beaches in Bocas del Toro. The most popular beach, which is easy to get to from Bocas Town is Red Frog Beach on Bastimentos. A $6 water taxi will get you there and there are a few restaurants so you can stay all day. 

Bluff Beach on Isla Colón is another good one, and in my experience is almost completely deserted by humans. Check out Paki Point and Skully’s beach bar near bluff for some food and entertainment.  

Visit Old Man Polo on Polo Beach and enjoy a cold one while he fries you up some of his catch of the day for just $5. While the beach wasn’t as impressive as some of the others in Bocas, meeting the man named Polo, who took us residence on this beach years ago and consequently had the beach named after him, was an experience in and of itself. And his food was fabulous…even when eaten with our hands because he had no utensils!

11. Baby turtle release on Bluff Beach

If you’re visiting Bocas del Toro during the months of May – November, you might just be lucky enough to witness the nesting or hatching of baby sea turtles. The local Spanish Language School, Habla Ya, offers  eco-friendly turtle watching tours . During nesting season, the tours take place at night, using red lights so as not to disturb the turtles. Turtle hatching can happen at any time during the day so you must remain on standby until the hatching starts and the tour begins. 

The $35 per person tour includes a guide and round trip transportation to Bluff Beach from Bocas Town. 

12. Swim with starfish at Starfish beach

Starfish beach is located on the northwestern part of Isla Colón and is named so because of the ample starfish that make their home just below the water’s surface in the shallows of the beach. 

Bring a mask and snorkel to get the best view of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Just remember not to touch the starfish as our human bacteria can be dangerous to these fragile sea dwellers. And under no circumstances should you ever take a starfish out of the water. 

13. Day trip to Cayos Zapatilla 

About an hour’s boat ride around the large island of Bastimentos and to the southeast, you’ll find an island that looks like it jumped right off a postcard. Cayos Zapatilla is a completely uninhabited slice of paradise and highly worth the long boat ride for a day’s visit. 

14. Peep Bird Island

Isla Pajaros, or Bird Island, is a bird-watchers paradise. This island is a refuge to some of the region’s most interesting tropical bird species. It is the only place in Panama where you can find the red-chough, famous for their long tail feathers. It is recommended to visit at dusk when the bird population spreads out across the sky, flying to nearby islands to spend the night. 

15. Go hiking through the jungle on Bastimentos 

Home to the National Marine Park, Bastimentos is the second-largest island within the archipelago of Bocas del Toro and a great place for some jungle hiking. Keep an eye out for sloths and the infamous red frogs!

16. Swim with bioluminescent plankton

Have you ever seen bioluminescent plankton in the wild? It’s an incredible sight on a dark night when the water lights up at the slightest touch. There is an area off Bocas Town where bioluminescence is common and you can actually dive in and swim amidst this fascinating phenomenon.

To book a tour, head over to Bocas Surf School where they will take you out on a private boat and provide snorkeling equipment for your nighttime adventure.

17. Experience the nightlife

As a big backpackers destination, you can imagine Bocas Town has quite the nightlife scene. Some popular places to grab a drink and enjoy the party are…

• Summer Beach Club (pictured above)
• The ‘Wreck Deck’ aka Barco Hundido
• Tequila Republic
• La Iguana Surf Bar
• Skully’s Beach Club
• Bookstore Bar

Rent a Bicycle

If you’re staying on the island of Colón, Bocas Town is very walkable. However, it can take a while to walk from one end of town to the other. Renting a bicycle will be a easy way to speed up your transportation since the island is mostly flat. You can rent a bike in town for just $5 for the day, or they have weekly & monthly rates for longer term stays.

There are pick up truck taxis that drive around Bocas Town that will take you anywhere you need to go on the island for as little as $1.

Water Taxis

You’ll need to take a water taxi to get to the other islands in Bocas del Toro. Water taxis can be booked from the stand across the street from the Selina Hostel in Bocas Town. The taxis themselves take off from the dock just behind the hostel. They can cost anywhere from $1 – $5 depending on where you need to go (or more for longer routes to the outter islands).

Where to Eat in Bocas del Toro

• Derek’s Caribbean Flavor  (Bocas): For the best grilled meats this side of the Caribbean. Ask Derek if he’ll have lobster for one of the days you are there. You will not regret it!
• Bocas Blended  (Bocas): A fun painted school-bus-turned food truck, this tiny eatery serves up wraps, salads and smoothies.
• Bocas Brewery  (Bocas): For an island brewery, their craft beer ain’t half-bad! (Read: It’s actually really good) The pub food goes well with the laid back atmosphere too.   
• Cafe del Mar  (Bocas): A cute little cafe dedicated to using fresh local ingredients with no preservatives.
• Amaranto  (Bocas): Right next door to Cafe del Mar, this cafe serves up fresh coffee, cold pressed juices, and breakfast favorites.
• Falafel Bocas  (Bocas): This vegan-friendly restaurant is serving up the best authentic middle eastern cuisine in town. 
• Sweet Love Tea House  (Bocas): This holistic tea house will give you all the hippie vibes, providing a cosy space to relax and enjoy a hot beverage. 

• Leaf Eaters Cafe  (Carenero): You’ll need to take a $1 water taxi from Bocas Town to reach this over-water restaurant, but the delicious and healthy menu is worth it. Save room for desert as the chocolate brownie is life changing! (Ok…maybe not life changing, but it’ll make your day!)
• Raw Fusion  (Bocas): One of the more fancy restaurant establishments in Bocas Town, this place deems itself a “Japanese fusion and sea lounge”. 
• La Bugita Cafe  (Bocas): This over-water cafe serves up some delicious favorites for a casual lunch. 
• Azul Restaurant  (Bocas): One of the few spots in Bocas Town for gormet dining. 
• Om Cafe  (Bocas): If you’re looking for Indian food, this over-water restaurant is the spot for you. 
• El Ultimo Refugio  (Bocas): Serving up Caribbean/American fusion with a focus on sea food. 
• Tequila Republic  (Bocas) – If you’re looking for a good cocktail, try the spicy margarita!
• Bibi’s on the Beach  (Carenero): Serving up surfside seafood with a beachy vibe and great views. You’ll need to take a water taxi from Bocas Town to reach this place. 

Where to Stay in Bocas del Toro

The two most popular islands for tourism in Bocas del Toro are Isla Colón and Isla Bastimentos. Bocas Town is the largest town in the providence, located on the southern part of Isla Colón. It’s is focused around a small town center with shops, restaurants, hotels and colorful Caribbean clapboard houses that can be seen from the water.

Budget Accommodation

Palmar Beach Hostel :  As the only beach front hostel in Bocas del Toro, Palmar is a great option for budget-minded travelers. It’s located directly on the famous Red Frog Beach on Isla Bastimentos and offers free daily activities for guests such as hikes, bonfires and BBQs.

Selina Hostel :  There is a Selina hostel in Bocas Town center and also on Isla Bastimentos (although not directly on the beach). Both have decent wifi, but are known for their parties. The Bocas Town location is a bit higher-end with better accommodation than the Red Frog location, which is pretty bare bones.

Mamallena Hostel :  For a more laid-back vibe than the party-heavy Selina in Bocas Town, head to Mamallena where you’ll find a gorgeous ocean terrace and plenty of community space to hang and meet fellow travelers.

Mid-range accommodation

Tranquilo Bay Eco Adventure Resort :  This peaceful and sustainably-run hotel is our top pick for where to stay in Bocas if you’re looking for an adventurous vacation. With beautiful private cabanas and plenty of amenities, you will find plenty to do here. Check out our  honest hotel review  to find out more.

Tropical Suites Hotel :  An oceanfront boutique property in the heart of Bocas Town makes for a comfortable stay during your Bocas del Toro travels. It’s walking distance to plenty of shops and restaurants, and we recommend shelling out the extra dough for a sea view room.

Popa Paradise Beach Resort :  For a more secluded adults-only stay, head to Isla Popa for a stay at their premiere island resort. Catering to the adventurous traveler, accommodation here ranges from typical lodge rooms to private casitas to luxury suites.

Luxury accommodation

La Loma Jungle Lodge & Chocolate Farm :  Situated in the heart of the rainforest on Isla Bastimentos, this luxurious accommodation has some of the most amazing views of the island. We love this hotel for their focus on sustainability and protecting the island’s precious environment and the lives of its inhabitants.

How to get to Bocas del Toro

By Air:  

The fastest way to get to Bocas del Toro is by plane. The Bocas del Toro (BOC) airport is located in Bocas Town on Isla Colón. Air Panama is the only airline that flies into the small airport and there are multiple flights a day to and from other cities in Panama. 

Your best bet, if you are coming from another country, is to fly into Panama City’s Tocumen International Airport (PTY). You’ll need to take a ground transfer to Albrook International Airport (PAC) which is where Air Panama operates out of, and you can fly to Bocas from there. The flight takes about 45 minutes from Panama City. 

A cab or an Uber between the 2 airports will set you back about $20 – $35 USD and can take anywhere from 30 min to an hour depending on traffic, so plan your flights accordingly. 

By Land/Sea:

If you have the time and want to save a bit of money, a more affordable option for getting to Bocas del Toro is taking a shuttle bus to Almirante and then a water taxi across to Bocas. There are shuttles to Almirante from most cities in Panama. If you are coming from Panama City, there is an overnight bus, which takes about 10-11 hours. But be sure you get off in Almirante because this bus will continue on to other cities.

You will board the bus at Albrook Bus Terminal (same complex as Albrook Airport). The overnight bus to Almirante departs at 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 7 p.m. Which means you’ll arrive in Almirante between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. The bus ticket will set you back only $30, but these tickets sell out, so be sure to get there early to make sure you get a seat. These buses are also notorious for cranking up their AC to the point of refrigeration, so be sure to bring an outer layer or blanket to keep warm. 

Once you disembark at the bus stop in Almirante, you can take a $1 USD taxi to the docks where the water taxis depart from. The water taxi will cost you $6. The first boat to Isla Colón is at 6 am and boats depart every half hour until 6 p.m. The bus that will take you back to Panama City from Almirante departs daily at 8 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Language:  Spanish is the official language spoken in Panama and in Bocas del Toro, however, most people in the tourism industry speak enough English to get by.

Currency:  The official currency of Panama is the U.S. dollar, so prices can be pretty steep here compared to other Central American destinations.

Banks/Credit cards:  There is only one bank in Bocas Town on Isla Colón with an ATM for retrieving cash. A lot of places on the island don’t take credit card, so it’s good to have a nice stash of cash on you.

Weather in Bocas del Toro:  Averaging more than 130 inches of rain a year, Bocas del Toro is one of the rainiest island destinations in the Carribean. And there is no predictable dry season. This is important to keep in mind when planning a trip. You’ll want to make sure you pack a rain jacket and have a dry bag with you in case of a sudden down pour.

“Island time”:  You may have heard the phrase with regards to a slower pace of life that is typical of the Caribbean islands… well Bocas del Toro is no exception. The locals here are not exactly known for their promptness. So keep this in mind anytime you are planning activities and account to extra delays and waiting time.

You might also like…

• Tranquilo Bay Eco Lodge: Bocas Del Toro, Panama
• San Blas Adventures: Best Boat Trip Panama to Colombia
• How We Afford to Travel & You Can Too!
• How to Find Cheap Flights: Expert Tips

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We want to hear from you!

Have you ever been to Bocas del Toro or is it on your list? Do you have any more questions about the destination to help you plan your trip? Comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!

Comments (2) on “ The Ultimate Guide to Bocas del Toro, Panama ”

Not really. The water taxis are usually for up to 15 people and don’t normally do a full day booking.

However for enough $$$ there may be more than one. That said there are so many boat tours available that is unlikely you’ll need one for the entire day.

Zip lining?? You’re going to the wrong place if that’s all you want. You’ll be on an island surrounded by nature.Monkeys and sloths hang in the trees, Toucans fly above your head, giant starfish await you just under the sea surface and you want to go zip lining?

There may be a place on Bastimento for those who cannot appreciate the thrill of nature without whistling through the trees on a wire, scaring the wildlife away.

Is it possible to hire a water taxi for a day. Also, is zip lining available on Colon?

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The Ultimate Guide to Boquete, Panama

By: Author Melody Pittman

Posted on Published: February 26, 2023  - Last updated: March 20, 2024

As a local that’s been in Boquete, Panama, for a decade, I can tell you that it has something for people of all ages and interests in this destination that International Living Magazine continues to list as a top ex-pat-friendly retirement community. Join me as I take you on a journey through my favorite places in this ultimate guide to Boquete so that you, too, can discover why it should be at the top of your travel list!

From breathtaking views on cloud forest hikes to educational coffee tours and an eternal spring climate – Boquete is an absolute dream destination!

Fun Fact: Boquete is about 45 miles from the Costa Rican border.

How to Get to Boquete 

The best way to travel to Boquete, Panama, is a quick 45-minute flight from Panama City to David, then a beautiful 40-minute drive into the mountains. The other option is a seven-hour picturesque drive from Panama City on the Pan-American Highway by car or bus.

The comfortable bus ride is less than $30 per person, and there are 27 per day.

Where to Eat in Boquete 

Get ready for unforgettable food experiences in Boquete – from the flame-grilled burgers and flavorful margaritas of Big Daddy’s Grill to Olga’s delectable Huevos Rancheros breakfast! An Avenue Central spot – filled with locals gathered around a cozy firepit at its rear patio makes Big Daddy´s Grill one not to miss.

For a complete restaurant listing of Boquete eateries , you’ll find it here.

Then, venture off on your next gastronomical adventure to Alto Boquete and discover Restaurante Olga: serving authentic Panamanian specialties like Hojaldras (fry bread) dusted with cinnamon sugar.

Are you looking for a unique culinary experience?  Sugar & Spice  is the perfect spot to start your day or break up an afternoon with delectable artisan breads, cakes, muffins, and pies. 

Or why not spice things up at Otto Gastronomia Italiana where you can savor some of Italy’s finest meats and cheeses while indulging in delicious pasta dishes accompanied by its world-renowned wines!

Lastly, end your night with fine dining under white table linens at Hotel Panamonte’s luxurious dining room before capping it all off with dessert around one of two large fireplaces in their cozy Fireside Lounge – truly magical!

You will not want to miss this 100+ year-old landmark destination.

Best Things to Do in Boquete, Panama

Boquete is a nature lover’s delight, with plentiful options from breathtaking scenery to exciting attractions and activities. Here are the recommendations for our ultimate guide to Boquete and how to find the best offerings.

Hiking and Birdwatching

Hikers and birdwatchers can explore the lush terrain of trails, ziplining through forests or rock climbing amidst waterfalls! I had my first birdwatching tour in Boquete on the “Pipeline Trail,” only one mile each way, where we saw eight resplendent quetzals. It was amazing!

Pipeline Trail is family-friendly and an easy hike. You’ll have awesome photo ops of an ancient tree at the end, plus a gorgeous waterfall.

Hiking the Los Quetzales Trail is almost a guarantee that you will see this majestic and thrilling bird that is a top birds to see in a lifetime for serious birders. It is a much longer hike than the Pipeline Trail.

Golf and Spas

Valle Escondido Resort provides full-service spa facilities, as well as an executive nine-hole golf course, while Lucero Golf & Country Club offers 18 holes surrounded by jaw-dropping views only 25 minutes away from the Boquete’s city center.

Finding some form of exercise, such as yoga, Zumba, or a pilates class around Boquete, is also relatively easy.

Coffee Tours

If coffee tours are your cup (of tea!), Finca Dos Jefes will not disappoint with their renowned tour & tastings. This delicious-tasting java may sway even non-coffee drinkers! I learned alot about coffee, too, on my informative tour.

Explore Volcan Baru

For the adventurous traveler, Volcano Baru is an incredible destination for witnessing a sunrise. The immense and stunning view from atop this volcano allows you to take in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans – creating an unforgettable experience!

If you are hiking Volcan Baru, expect about six hours on foot. Or, for around $150, you can take a bumpy ride in a 4X4 to reach the top. Expect to leave super early when it is still dark outside.

Cool Off With Strawberries & Cream

Satisfy your sweet desires with a delicious treat from Fresas Mary. Ice cream is the most popular thing on the menu, but I’m a strawberries & cream kind of gal.

Visit Jungla de Panama Wildlife Refuge

For those looking for an unforgettable experience, Jungla de Panama Wildlife Refuge offers guided tours through their expansive refuge filled with incredible wildlife, including sloths, birds, and more! Explore the jungle on foot – this is sure to be a wonderful memory from your time in Boquete.

The Tuesday Morning Market

Every Tuesday morning, from 9 AM to noon, there’s no better way to explore Boquete than at the vibrant market full of local produce, including organic oils, fresh herbs, prepared foods, books, and handmade jewelry.

You might be privileged to see the owners of  DogCamp Boquete  set up in front of the market with animals up for adoption. My personal friends, Javier and Magaly, have devoted their lives to saving animals and nurturing them back to health. 

If you are looking for an animal rescue site to follow and donate to, I highly recommend them.

Stroll Around Downtown Boquete

Take some time to roam around downtown Boquete and get a feel for the culture while browsing the local shops. From handmade jewelry crafted from local materials to unique souvenirs from around the world – downtown Boquete shopping has a wide variety of treasures!

Volunteer for the Spay & Neuter Clinic

For animal lovers out there,  Amigos de Animales Spay & Neuter Clinic  provides an opportunity to give back while exploring this beautiful country. This clinic offers spay/neuter services, vaccinations, and other medical care for animals in need. 

If you want to do some good while visiting Boquete, consider volunteering your time at this clinic. Both animals and humans will be grateful!

Where to Stay in Boquete

If you’re looking for the perfect place to stay during your trip to Boquete, here are six of my favorite lodging options: Coffee Estate Inn, Hotel Panamonte, Finca Lérida, El Oasis, Boquete Garden Inn, and Los Establos Boutique Inn.

Coffee Estate Inn

Enjoy stunning views of Volcan Baru from this luxurious inn nestled in a coffee plantation just outside Boquete. The Coffee Estate Inn offers comfortable rooms with private terraces and whirlpools where you can soak up panoramic views of the volcano and surrounding hillsides.

You can also enjoy farm-to-table cuisine at their gourmet restaurant or relax by their outdoor pool after a long day of exploring.

Hotel Panamonte

Located in the heart of Boquete, Hotel Panamonte offers large suites with private balconies and views of the surrounding mountains. This charming inn also features an on-site restaurant and bar, so you can enjoy a delicious meal or sip on a cold drink while taking in the beautiful scenery.

Plus, they offer free Wi-Fi throughout the property and a complimentary shuttle service to take you around town.

Finca Lérida

Finca Lérida  is an idyllic retreat located near some of Boquete’s best attractions for those who want to immerse themselves in nature while still enjoying modern amenities. 

With rustic cabins surrounded by lush gardens and mountainside trails, this secluded estate provides guests with access to hiking trails and horseback riding, as well as two outdoor pools for swimming and lounging.

El Oasis is affordable for those who want to visit Boquete without breaking their budget. This family-run hotel offers cozy rooms at an unbeatable price, along with a communal kitchen where you can prepare your own meals if desired. 

Guests also have free Wi-Fi throughout the property. It is in a perfect location in downtown Boquete with the most beautiful gardens in town, and the most Instagram-worthy.

Boquete Garden Inn

This beautifully landscaped property features spacious apartments perfect for families or groups traveling together. Each apartment includes a full kitchen so you can prepare your meals on-site if desired, as well as cable TV and free Wi-Fi access throughout.

Guests will also appreciate easy access to downtown Boquete via the complimentary shuttle service offered by the Garden Inn staff.

Los Establos Boutique Hotel

Los Establos Boutique Resort is one of the premier properties in Boquete, offering luxury accommodations, excellent dining options ,and world-class spa services. From the moment you check in at Los Establos Boutique Inn, you’ll feel like royalty.

The inn is in the heart of Boquete and is surrounded by lush gardens with stunning views of Volcán Barú National Park. You can explore the grounds or relax in the sun on one of their many terraces.

Boquete’s Climate

Boquete has two distinct seasons: the rainy season (mid-April to the end of December) and the dry season (January through mid-April). Rain boots and a rain jacket are recommended, and an umbrella is also a good idea.

Boquete gets quite a bit of Baja reiki rain, a light mist. It often brings about beautiful Boquete rainbows, so keep your eyes open.

Festivals For Locals and Visitors

Panamanians know how to make the most of their summer vacation! Join them at exciting festivals, such as Boquete Flower and Coffee Festival. You can enjoy over 30 garden designs, try samples from local coffee producers, and browse local artwork.

As night falls, live music lasts until the wee hours for an unforgettable time.

And don’t miss out on March’s star-studded three-day Boquete Jazz & Blues Festival , which features top acts like Mr. Sipp, JP Soars, and more – culminating with a jam session in an intimate venue.

Orchid enthusiasts will also want to visit during March when this vibrant flower signals springtime festivities that must be experienced firsthand!

Need a day trip idea? Volcan is only an hour away and a great choice!

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