Panama,  Travel Itinerary

Panama: Ultimate 7-day Itinerary through Tropical Paradise

small hut on the water in Panama
We’ve built this itinerary to cover all the important things we think should be seen in Panama.
 
Don’t have 7 days to explore? You can easily break it down into fewer days by just picking what is most important for you to see. However, we recommend spending at least 5 days visiting the most essential parts of Panama and not getting too overwhelmed. You can find at the end of the article a 5-day suggested itinerary to help you get inspired.

Day 1 & 2 - Panama City

Panama City is vibrant with culture and innovation with its magnificent skyline and unusually shaped buildings all across the city. 
 
Panama City has so much to do and see. It boasts having one of the most incredible pieces of engineering work in the world – the Panama Canal.
Be sure to also visit:
    • The Biomuseo
    • Old Panama
    • Casco Antiguo
Panama city skyline
cargo ship on Panama Canal

Day 3, 4, 5 - Bocas Del Toro

Bocas Del Toro is paradise. It is one of the most famous and visited parts of Panama. It has everything from tropical reef creatures to glistening sandy beaches. And if you like to party and meet some adventurous travellers then you will love this fabulous destination. 
 
This is the perfect place to enjoy the Caribbean sun and escape reality. Make Bocas del Toro a top priority to visit when travelling around Panama.
 
When visiting here you must also take the minibus to the other side of the island to Bocas Del Drago. It boasts beautiful deserted beaches here which truly make you feel like you have washed ashore on a deserted island. Whilst around this side of the island you should also take a stroll to the famous Starfish Beach where you can enjoy some local cuisine and alcoholic beverages.
Palm trees with the ocean in the background in Playa Buff, Bocas del Toro
restaurant terrace in the water in Bocas del Toro, Playa Buff

Day 6 & 7 - Boquete

Boquete is tucked away in the green highlands in Panama and is an outdoor lover’s paradise. The scenery is breathtaking with views of the incredible Volcano Baru towering over this small mountain town. Here you can enjoy the many hiking trails Boquete has to offer as well as admire the coffee plantations or just relax for a few days and meet the friendly locals. Don’t forget to visit the famous flower garden in Boquete, you will never see anything quite so colourful and magnificent again.
 
Green fields with mountains in the background in Boquete
View of Volcano Baru from Lookout Point
If you have followed our suggested route at the end of day 7 you will find yourself on the other side of the country from where you started.
 
Don’t worry, as you can easily get back to Panama City or easily travel onward to Costa Rica if this is your next destination.

Author

  • Full-time doctor, part-time traveller. I am the kind of traveller who travels on a shoestring and somehow manages to pack two weeks worth of clothes, a tripod and all my books into a little rucksack.

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