Panama 7 Day Itinerary

Panama 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Panama City

  • Arrival: Fly into Tocumen International Airport (PTY) and take a taxi or Uber to your hotel
  • Accommodation: Stay in the El Cangrejo neighborhood, known for its restaurants and nightlife
  • Activity: Explore the historic Casco Viejo neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the nearby Panama Canal Museum
  • Tip: Try some local cuisine like empanadas or ceviche at a street food stall

Day 2: Panama City

  • Breakfast: Enjoy a traditional Panamanian breakfast at Café del Arte
  • Activity: Visit the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center to learn about the Panama Canal’s history and operation
  • Lunch: Head to the Fish Market (Mercado de Mariscos) for some fresh seafood
  • Afternoon: Explore the BioMuseo, a museum showcasing Panama’s natural history and biodiversity
  • Evening: Enjoy a sunset view at the rooftop bar of the Trump Ocean Club International Hotel & Tower

Day 3: Gamboa Rainforest Reserve

  • Transportation: Take a shuttle or drive to the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve (approximately 30 minutes)
  • Activity: Explore the rainforest via an aerial tram, hike to a waterfall, or take a boat tour on Lake Gatun
  • Lunch: Enjoy a meal at the reserve’s restaurant, which offers stunning views of the surrounding forest
  • Afternoon: Visit the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve’s animal exhibits, including monkeys and sloths

Day 4: Boquete, Chiriqui Province

  • Transportation: Fly from Panama City to David (DAV) and then take a shuttle or drive to Boquete (approximately 1.5 hours)
  • Accommodation: Stay in the town of Boquete, known for its coffee plantations and natural beauty
  • Activity: Explore the scenic town, visit a coffee farm, or hike to the nearby Volcán Barú National Park
  • Tip: Try some of the local coffee at a café or shop

Day 5: Bocas del Toro Archipelago

  • Transportation: Fly from David (DAV) to Bocas del Toro (BOC)
  • Accommodation: Stay on Isla Colón, the main island in the archipelago
  • Activity: Explore the colorful town of Bocas, visit Starfish Beach, or take a boat tour to Red Frog Beach
  • Tip: Be prepared for some rain and humidity in this Caribbean archipelago

Day 6: Bocas del Toro Archipelago

  • Breakfast: Enjoy a beachside breakfast at one of the many restaurants on Isla Colón
  • Activity: Take a snorkeling or diving trip to explore the archipelago’s coral reefs and marine life
  • Lunch: Try some fresh seafood at a local restaurant
  • Afternoon: Visit the indigenous Ngäbe Buglé community or take a boat tour to another island in the archipelago

Day 7: Return to Panama City

  • Transportation: Fly from Bocas del Toro (BOC) back to Panama City (PTY)
  • Activity: Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring a local market
  • Departure: Depart from Tocumen International Airport (PTY)

Visa Requirements

  • Citizens of many countries, including the US, Canada, and EU nations, do not need a visa to enter Panama
  • Check with the Panamanian government’s website for specific requirements based on your nationality

Transportation

  • Taxis: widely available, but agree on a price before departing
  • Uber: available in Panama City
  • Shuttles: book through your hotel or a local tour operator
  • Flights: book domestic flights through Copa Airlines or Air Panama

Other Tips and Information

  • Language: Spanish is the official language, but many Panamanians speak some English
  • Currency: The US dollar is widely accepted, but you may also receive Panamanian balboas as change
  • Safety: Take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings, especially in crowded areas or at night
  • Health: Consult your doctor about any vaccinations or medications recommended for travel to Panama