Picture yourself standing atop a skyscraper, gazing at the glittering Panama City skyline, then fast forward to lounging on a hammock in a tropical paradise – all in just eight days! Welcome to Panama, a country where modern marvels and untouched nature collide in the most spectacular way. Did you know that Panama is the only place in the world where you can see the sun rise on the Pacific and set on the Atlantic? Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. In this ultimate 8-day Panama itinerary, you’ll get a whirlwind tour of this incredible country, from the bustling streets of Panama City to the serene islands of Bocas del Toro. Pack your bags, and let’s dive into the heart of Central America’s hidden gem!
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- DAY 1-2 EXPLORING VIBRANT PANAMA CITY
- WHERE TO STAY IN CIUDAD DE PANAMÁ
- DAY 2 MONKEY ISLAND & EMBERÁ VILLAGE TOUR
- DAY 3-6 TICKET TO PARADISE BOCAS DEL TORO
- WHERE TO STAY IN BOCAS DEL TORO
- DAY 4 ALL ABOUT THE OCEAN
- DAY 5 SNORKELING & ISLAND HOPPING
- DAY 6 BYE BYE BOCAS
- DAY 7 EL VALLE DE ANTÓN
- WHERE TO STAY IN EL VALLE DE ANTON
- DAY 8 BACK TO PTY
- TRAVEL DAY
DAY 1-2 EXPLORING VIBRANT PANAMA CITY
MORNING WALK
On your first full day in Panama City, head for the historic streets of Casco Viejo. This 400 year-old neighborhood is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its cobblestone streets, colorful architecture and cultural richness make Casco a living testament to the cities storied past.
In fact, it wasn’t until my final trip that I actually decided to take a walking tour of Casco Viejo with a local guide and it was certainly time well spent. I stumbled upon a company online called guruwalk.com. The company offers the tour for free and the guide earns tips. We started our tour at Plaza de la Independencia and meandered through the streets and oldest neighborhoods of the Spanish settlement. It’s such a great way to get acquainted with the area. Furthermore, there is nothing this tour lacked: we learned about food, architectural styles, historic sites, indigenous art, politics and more. 5 stars!
MOLA MUSEUM
I cannot get enough of indigenous art. When I am traveling, I am always looking to learn about local crafts, their origins and the meanings behind the tradition, so that when I take them home, I feel connected to the piece and my experience. Here, in Panama, the Guna sell their striking molas that come every color of rainbow in markets throughout Casco Viejo. The process of making a beautiful mola is explained in depth at Museo de la Mola. You will be amazed at the painstaking attention to detail required to create one of these works of art. Most visitors spend about 45 minutes in the museum which is free of charge. It is hands down my favorite museum here in PTY.
PANAMA CANAL
At around 2:00 pm or so, I recommend heading over to the Panama Canal. Undoubtedly, the canal is Panama’s claim to fame, but it’s so much more than that. It is truly a mind-blowing engineering marvel with a fascinating history. The French began the canal 1881, losing many lives and going bankrupt in the process. It was ultimately completed by the US 33 years later in 1914. Today, the canal sees 40% of US shipping traffic pass through this waterway.
The Miraflores Locks Visitor Center is about 20 minutes away from the city via Uber. It is recommended to go between 9am and 11:30am or 3pm and 5pm to see a ship passing through the locks. Every time I have gone, I’ve been lucky enough to see a ship. Do not miss the IMAX movie narrated by Morgan Freeman. The movie makes up for what the museum is lacking, giving a fascinating overview of the canal’s beginnings and current day workings.
PEDRO MANDINGA RUM BAR
If you have some time before dinner, I recommend a stop at Pedro Mandinga Rum Bar: Panama’s premier artisanal rum distillery. Serving delicious mojitos, martinis and more at just $5 per cocktail until 6pm, I think it’s a must do here in the city. They have managed to create a very cozy atmosphere that evokes Panama City of years gone by, with deep mahogany paneling and floral accents. I could spend a lot of time here, but there are more sights to see.
ROOFTOP DINNER
Finally, it’s time to head back to your accommodations to to freshen up for dinner. Nothing beats a rooftop restaurant here when the weather is lovely. A few of my picks in Casco Viejo are: LaZotea, Casa Casco and Tantalo. All of these restaurants offer outstanding food, gorgeous views and delicious cocktails. Stay later for music.
WHERE TO STAY IN CIUDAD DE PANAMÁ
BUDGET: SLEEK MODERN APARTMENT
Stunning, fully-equipped 1 bedroom apartment in the San Francisco neighborhood. Convenient to shopping and trendy restaurants in one of Panama’s most vibrant areas.
MID-RANGE: 1 BR IN CASCO
Beautifully decorated, modern 1 bedroom apartment in the heart of historic Casco Viejo. King size bed, jacuzzi and rooftop terrace with views.
LUXURY: W PANAMA
A high-rise luxury hotel located in the heart of Panama. The property boasts spacious rooms with spectacular city views. Extensive amenities including: onsite spa, pool with bar, hair salon, yoga and fitness classes.
LUXURY: SOFITEL LEGENDS
Panama’s premier historic hotel in the heart of the Casco Viejo historic district with expansive city and ocean views. Built in 1917, this newly-renovated high end hotel is the epitome of luxury: with a stunning pool, swim-up bar and spa.
DAY 2 MONKEY ISLAND & EMBERÁ VILLAGE TOUR
ECOTOUR
After a busy first day in the city, I recommend a 180 degree change of pace heading to Monkey Island and the Emberá Village in Lake Gatun in the canal zone. I have done 2 different versions of this tour and they are both phenomenal, informative and highly entertaining. Being on the waters of the Panama Canal is so fun: watching enormous freight ships pass by dwarfing your little boat, looking for monkeys and other wildlife. I have seen monkeys, crocodiles, coyotes, bats and even a capybara.
MONKEY ISLAND
Many of the monkeys, though native to Panama, are not native to these particular islands in the lake. Years ago an American scientist rescued and rehomed their monkey ancestors. It wasn’t unheard of for local families to keep the monkeys as pets. As the monkeys hit their teenage years, they often became too hard to handle resulting in them often being kept chained or in cages–hence their rescue. Now, they have formed their own family groups on these small islands that dot the lake. The guides are very well-trained and know where to find the white faced capuchins, Geoffroy’s tamarin and howler monkeys.
EMBERÁ-WOUNAAN VILLAGE
I was very pleasantly surprised with the visit to the indigenous village as I have a great interest and respect for native cultures. Similarly, the guides are very knowledgeable of the Emberá-Wounaan culture and history giving in-depth explanations of their way of life as well as answering numerous questions about family relationships, political systems, food and dress. Meeting and talking with indigenous people in Panama was certainly not something I ever thought I’d have an opportunity to do. It was really outstanding.
There are many local companies offering these tours on Get Your Guide. I highly recommend New Leaf Panama: Tereza is a phenomenal local guide who grew up in the Canal Zone and she is a wealth of information.
FONDA LO QUE HAY
For dinner, I recommend a visit to Fonda Lo Que Hay. Ask any local on the street where you should eat and they are bound to answer, “Fonda Lo Que Hay.” This restaurant consistently makes the list of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants serving elevated Panamanian cuisine. Here, the menu changes according to what’s available, or as its name says, “what there is.” Staples on the menu range from fried chicken to pasta, clams to octopus–all executed and presented perfectly. My daughter and I give four thumbs up for their fried chicken and mojitos.
DAY 3-6 TICKET TO PARADISE BOCAS DEL TORO
It’s time to get out of town today! This morning, grab your Uber and head to Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport, AKA Albrook Airport. Here, you’ll catch your Air Panamá Flight to the archipelago of Bocas del Toro. Most flights land around lunch time, so you’ll have the afternoon and evening to explore.
Depending upon where you choose to stay, you’ll have a wide variety of options for hitting the beach. I stayed in the area known as Saigon Bay on the “main island” or Isla Colon where Bocas Town is. I booked the purple house at a super-cool AirBnb over the water that had everything I needed for a few days: privacy, a beautiful outdoor area, SUPs and kayaks free of charge.
I grabbed one of the many “turismo” vans into town to El Barco Hundido restaurant where I took a water taxi to Isla Carenero, the closest island. There, I found a nice little beach and chilled under the palm trees. The water taxis cost between $1 and $3 each way depending on which part of Carenero you’re visiting. My captain asked me what time he should come pick me up. CAUTION: There are places in Bocas del Toro where it’s a good idea to leave valuables at home and just exercise common sense. I feel safe in Bocas, but unfortunately, from time to time, tourists fall victim to crimes. There are drug issues here on the islands, so stealing wallets, expensive cameras, and drones is a way to fund this habit.
An excellent dinner suggestion on Isla Carenero is Bibi’s on the Beach. It’s one of the top rated restaurants in Bocas with fabulous island vibes and delicious seafood and bar favorites. The happy hour specials are great as well with cocktails starting at just $3.
For those travelers who are looking for nightlife, Bocas has plenty to offer: from floating bars in the middle of the ocean that seem to pop up out of nowhere to Karaoke, and Aqua Lounge to Barco Hundido, Bocas has your nightlife covered. Many visitors flock to Bocas for Filthy Friday Filthy Friday, the infamous, Island Party Crawl that begins at 11:30am and rages on until 9pm.
WHERE TO STAY IN BOCAS DEL TORO
MID-RANGE: AKWABA LODGE
A stunning tropical retreat at an affordable price on Isla Bastimentos. Beautifully appointed rooms with exotic gardens and stellar sea views.
MID-RANGE: SELINA HOSTEL
Located in the heart of Bocas Town, this oceanfront hostel is very popular with young travelers. Choose a stay in shared accommodations with other adventurers or an individual room. Enjoy drinks and dinner over the water at La Neta Caribe.
MID-RANGE: OASIS BLUFF BEACH
Moderately-priced spacious spaces with beautiful minimalist touches. The property boasts gorgeous jungle and ocean views from the privacy of your outdoor terrace.
LUXURY: LA CORALINA ISLAND HOUSE
This luxury resort is stunning with its Balinese styling, expansive outdoor area and ocean views. Stay just steps away from Bluff Beach and the rainforest in the lap of luxury.
WOW: NAYARA BOCAS DEL TORO
This is the stuff that dreams are made of. Disconnect at this adults only property on Isla Frangipani. The property is made up of numerous over water bungalows and exotic treehouses that tower above the lush tropical flora. Snorkel, swim and dine to your heart’s content.
DAY 4 ALL ABOUT THE OCEAN
STARFISH BEACH
Grab a quick breakfast at one of many restaurants and cafes in town before heading to Starfish Beach for a day of total relaxation. The Boca del Drago buses run throughout the day leaving from the park in town on the even hours beginning at 6am. The last bus back to town leaves at 5. The trip is just shy of an hour. When you arrive at Boca del Drago, it’s a 10-15 minute walk to reach the seaside shacks of Playa Estrella. You can also grab a water taxi for $2 that will drop you off at the beach at one of many restaurants on the shore. Just pick the spot that fits your mood and make yourself at home for the day.
The calm waters of Starfish Beach make it a fantastic place to chill seaside watching the world go by. Before you get too comfortable, head down to the far end of the island near the mangroves. I had the best luck finding the most starfish here away away from the masses. Be careful not to take the starfish out of the water: it’s said that they doing so may end up killing them. I like to enjoy them without touching them. For someone who like me, who’s always on the go, a day on Starfish Beach is a much needed day of down time. It is truly one of the best days.
FOOD & DRINK
Finally, you won’t go hungry here. In addition to serving delicious drinks, the beachside huts offer typical “comida criolla:” fresh fish, chicken, lobster, rice and beans.
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When you make your way back into Bocas Town hungry for dinner, you’ll find numerous options. A couple of my favorites are:
La Buga GastroMarket is located along the water on Calle 3era in Bocas del Toro. It’s one of those eateries that has a book for a menu, filled with everything from arepas to seafood and delicious pasta dishes. All of the dishes I’ve had here are amazing. It’s a super-cool beachy spot over the water offering more than just delicious food: La Buga also offers diving and surfing lessons as well as bikes and SUPs for rent at daily rates.
Coco Fastronomy is a Caribbean eatery on Calle 2nda. It offers up an amazing view and flavorful bowls, bapes or sandwiches and bar food. They also have some great happy hour specials from 5-7pm.
BIOLUMINESCENCE TOUR
Bocas del Toro is one of those rare places on the planet where you can witness the magic of bioluminescence. There are a few local companies that offer the tour during the days before and after the new moon as viewing this phenomenon is easiest in total darkness. I was a little skeptical because I didn’t have a lot of luck with the bioluminescent beach in Isla Holbox, Mexico. However, this tour was one of the most mind blowing things I’ve ever seen.
We left the dock at La Buga with our captain tour and ventured out into the ocean about 10 minutes from Bocas Town. Under the night sky, our guide shined his light over the water for a minute or so. When he turned it off, it was like looking at a sky full of stars shimmering in the Caribbean Sea. I couldn’t believe how beautiful it was. I couldn’t get enough of watching these tiny microorganisms illuminating the water all around our boat. If you are in Bocas del Toro during the week of the new moon, I highly recommend one of these tours. At around $20-$25 per person, it’s a small price for such an incredible experience.
DAY 5 SNORKELING & ISLAND HOPPING
SNORKELING AND ISLAND HOPPING
You can’t visit Bocas del Toro without some serious island hopping and snorkeling. There are numerous vendors offering tours available from Bocas Town to do just that. Some of my most favorite spots in the archipelago are:
CAYO ZAPATILLA
Cayo Zapatilla is a top stop on most outings originating in Bocas Town, Isla Colon. Unlike Playa Estrella, there’s not necessarily much to do on Cayo Zapatilla and that’s the point. It’s a remote paradise where tourists land for a few hours to take photos under palm trees and sunbathe. My teenage children and their friends were beyond happy throwing coconuts at other coconuts in the trees and learning to crack them open for a fresh, tropical treat. Cayo Zapatilla is in a word: paradise.
ISLA PÁJAROS
Far flung Isla Pájaros is like something out of Jurassic Park. It is breathtaking with its arches carved out by the sea, draped in lush tropical vegetation. Rare marine birds like the red billed tropic bird and the brown booby alight here making it a real draw for birders. The crystalline waters are beautiful for a dip in the warm ocean, but there is no real beach here. If conditions are good, you can enjoy a swim off the shores of this uniquely dreamy locale.
BASTIMENTOS
Parque Nacional Isla Bastimentos is one of the most popular destinations in all the archipelago. People come looking for its strawberry poison-dart frog, an Afro-Antillean culture, pristine beaches and organic farming. It is definitely worth a visit to soak up some of the distinct island atmosphere.
When you arrive on the Island, listen closely and you might hear locals, or Guariguari, speaking their language that goes by the same name. It’s a blend of English, French and Spanish that’s also known as patua or patois. This Afro-Antillean culture manifests in calypso and reggae music, arroz con coco and in its characteristic architecture of the Old Bank community.
Biodiveristy on Bastimentos abounds. On my first visit to Bastimentos, I ticked off my entire wish list and then some. I came for the frogs and was lucky enough to see my first monkeys and sloth in the wild. After I had a delicious lunch at the dock, I headed up the hill searching for Red Frog Beach. Because trails are not well-marked here in Panama, I never found the beach, but I did find the frogs with a little help from a friendly Scottish woman who owns Up in the Hill organic chocolate farm and ecolodge. She spotted me wandering around her garden looking for directions and taught me how to identify the sounds of the frogs. With a lot of patience and determination, I finally found a pair of these stunning creatures.
DAY 6 BYE BYE BOCAS
BACK TO PTY
After three days in paradise, take a morning flight back to Panama City and get ready for your next adventure. You’ll probably get back to town around lunch time as it’s just a quick 45 minute flight from Bocas. You’ll have much of the afternoon and evening free to explore the city. You could take a try out another restaurant, or like locals take a stroll on the Cinta Costera or Amador Causeway. If you’re down for a real adrenaline rush, try out the only urban zipline experience in Panamá at Poin if you dare.
DAY 7 EL VALLE DE ANTÓN
Panama is blessed with natural beauty. From idyllic tropical beaches to lush green mountains, Panamá is stunning. I loved getting a taste of both on my first trip to this tiny, little country. After a lot of researching, I decided that hiking La India Dormida in El Valle de Anton was a must. The town of El Valle de Antón actually sits at the bottom of an ancient, extinct volcano. The dramatic ridges that surround the town are what remains of the crater. They make for beautiful hikes unlike any others I’ve ever done. La India Dormida is the most popular hike in El Valle de Anton. It is named for its silhouette that is said to resemble a sleeping Indian girl.
GETTING TO EL VALLE
Take an Uber or the metro to the Albrook bus terminal early in the morning. There you can purchase a bus ticket for a mere $4.25 one way. I boarded the bus on platform 53 and in just under 3 hours, I was transported to another world. The air was cooler. The vibe was chill. Best of all, the scenery was awe-inspiring.
The first bus departs the city at around 7 am, so depending on what time you arrive in El Valle, you can grab lunch before you hit the trails. I personally recommend La Ranita Gourmet. They have a wide selection of menu items from burgers to an entire schnitzel section–which is to die for.
The trailhead, called La Piedra Pintada, is located a short distance outside of town. You can walk about 15 minutes from town or arrive by taxi. The entrance fee is $3. I have done the hike twice with a friend and on my own. Both times I’ve wandered off the actual trail a little as trails are not well-marked here in Panama. Saying that, we were approached at the start by a young, indigenous guide who offered his services, but we declined and successfully made it to the top to take in the breathtaking views. The hike takes about two hours and can be slippery in spots depending on whether it’s dry or rainy season. Toward the end of the trail, it’s necessary to scale some rocky areas, but then it opens up to rolling peaks and a panorama that’s unbeatable.
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The hike takes about 2 hours, so if you still have some time in the afternoon, you could take another taxi to the nearby waterfall Chorro Macho or browse the beautiful market in the center of town. The plants and vegetables in the market are so colorful and the locally made products are a great souvenir to take home at a low price.
WHERE TO STAY IN EL VALLE DE ANTON
MIDRANGE: CABAÑA VILLA VICTORIA
Loved by guests, this beautiful property boasts gorgeous tropical gardens, colorful birds and an easy walk into town.
MIDRANGE: NOMADA REPUBLIC HOTEL EL VALLE
Modern, off-the-beaten-path hotel in a tranquil setting. Wake to epic mountain views and enjoy top-notch service.
LUXURY: THE GOLDEN FROG INN
Well-appointed rooms set against the backdrop of El Valle de Anton’s beautiful mountains. Grounds feature lush gardens and sparkling pool.
There are numerous places to eat along the main street: from Colombian fare to pizza and barbecue. Because El Valle is a sleepy little town, there’s not a lot to do after dinner time. Spend the time relaxing in your hotel room taking in the views and looking at your amazing pictures that you’ve taken before you head back to PTY for another day of fun.
DAY 8 BACK TO PTY
I made sure that I had time to visit the Mariposario in El Valle before catching the bus back into the city. It opens every day at 9:30, only closing on Tuesday. The Mariposario El Valle de Anton or Butterfly Haven is a lovely spot for butterfly lovers of all ages. The enclosure is home to an estimated 1,000 butterflies native to Panama. You’ll walk through a small maze of flowering plants and trees marveling at numerous blue morphos, glass wing and zebra butterflies just to name a few. The employees speak English and Spanish and offer up really interesting facts that I never knew about these creatures and their life cycles. The Butterfly Haven is tucked away on a side street in town and costs $7 for foreigners and $5 for residents.
After visiting the Mariposario, grab the “Panamá” bus at the stop close to the gas station on the main street in town. Make sure you don’t wait too late in the day to leave. The last time I was in El Valle, the last bus departed at 2:30 on a Sunday. Finally, when you get back to Panamá, you’ll have some time to pick up souvenirs in Casco, sip a cup of Geisha coffee, do that one last thing you didn’t do or start planning your next trip.
TRAVEL DAY
As you reflect on your whirlwind adventure in Panama, you’ll find yourself marveling at how much you’ve experienced in just eight days. From the architectural wonders of Panama City to the incomparable beauty of Bocas del Toro, and finally the lush highlands of El Valle – you’ve traversed a country of incredible diversity and charm. This 8-day itinerary offers just a taste of what Panama has to offer, leaving you with unforgettable memories and, undoubtedly, a strong desire to return. Whether you’re sipping world-class coffee, spotting rare wildlife, or simply soaking up the sun on pristine beaches, Panama proves to be a destination that caters to every type of traveler. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Panamanian adventure today and discover why this Central American jewel is quickly becoming the hottest travel destination of 2024!