Best of Panama City - 7 Days
Highlights
- Get a private tour of the city's most historic neighborhoods
- Take a mini-cruise through the Panama Canal while dining on brunch
- Go hiking in a national park and look for monkeys and exotic birds
- Visit an indigenous community and tour their living quarters
- Sunbathe on a pristine tropical island (or sign up for watersports)
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Panama City | Panama City |
| Day 2 | Explore Historic Neighborhoods | Panama City |
| Day 3 | Panama Canal Boat Tour | Panama City |
| Day 4 | Hiking in Soberanía National Park & Boating in Gatun Lake | Panama City |
| Day 5 | Indigenous Community Excursion | Panama City |
| Day 6 | Beach Time in the Pearl Islands | Panama City |
| Day 7 | Depart Panama City |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Panama City
Welcome to Panama City! After landing at Tocumen International Airport, you'll be picked up by a private driver and transferred to your hotel located 30 minutes away. You'll have the rest of the day to relax at your hotel, or get out and sightsee if you're feeling energized. The capital and largest city in Panama is steeped in history, yet much of it today is surprisingly modern (it is often considered the most modern and dynamic capital in Central America).
Since you're touring more historic areas tomorrow, you may want to explore newer areas of the city today. A good vantage point is to walk around Punta Paitilla where you can see the glass skyscrapers towering from the waterfront. Consider walking through Costa del Este, an upscale neighborhood and business area that evokes a bit of Miami or Los Angeles with wide, palm-lined streets, high-end shops, and restaurants. Punta Pacifica is another modern area with a slew of luxury condominium towers perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean—also within walking distance to high-end shops and restaurants.
You can also rent a bike and pedal along the Causeway, which connects four small islands made up of rocks excavated from the Panama Canal. Once a base for US forces, the islands have since been turned into a place for joggers, walkers, and bikers with refreshments along the way. There’s plenty to do after dark if you want to join the city's buzzing nightlife. It is advised that you stick to the downtown area, which is safe, rather than venturing too far without a guide.
Day 2: Explore Historic Neighborhoods
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Panama Canal Boat Tour
Today, you'll take a fun group excursion, via mini-cruise, through the Panama Canal, often called the 8th Wonder of the Modern World. This narrow land bridge between the North and South America continents acts as a water passage between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans—a must-see when visiting Panama City.
For a bit of history, the idea to link the two oceans dates back to at least the 1500s when the Spanish explorer, Vasco Núñez de Balboa, first crossed the isthmus in 1513. After several failed attempts to make the project happen, the idea didn't come to fruition until 1904 when the United States began construction across the 50-mile length. The canal officially opened in 1914 under US control and was not transferred to Panama until 1999.
Your boat tour begins with the transit of the Miraflores Locks where each vessel is raised 59 feet (18 m) above sea level in two distinct steps. You will then enter Miraflores Lake—a small artificial body of fresh water that separates Miraflores from Pedro Miguel Locks, the second set of locks on the Pacific side. You'll also get to photograph the narrowest part of the channel, called Gaillard Cut. Brunch will be served on board and the entire outing lasts about 6 to 8 hours.
Day 4: Hiking in Soberania National Park & Boating in Gatun Lake
Today, you'll have an early breakfast, and then head out of the city for a five-hour trip where you'll experience a part of Panama that is surrounded by tropical woods and animals. Soberania National Park is just 20 minutes from Panama City, yet hosts over 1,300 types of plants and 525 bird species. There are dozens of trails that allow visitors to submerge in the luxuriant nature of Panama, and you'll walk through one of them with your guide.
Following the hike, you'll take a boat ride around Gatun Lake and explore some of its islands. This is an area rich with monkeys, iguanas, and crocodiles, which you can observe in their natural environment. Listen for the cry of the howler monkey that mixes along with the chant of exotic birds for the ultimate reminder of your traveling status.
Day 5: Indigenous Community Excursion
Today, you'll spend the day experiencing an indigenous community named Embera, located within Chagres National Park, located about an hour outside of Panama City. The adventure starts with a 20-minute canoe ride toward the Chagres River where you'll immerse yourself in the natural surroundings with unique species of tropical flora and fauna. Continue the journey with a hike through the jungle until you get to a refreshing waterfall where you can cool off before hiking a bit further to reach the Embera village.
One of the village chiefs will meet you and then provide a brief presentation of the community's lifestyle and traditions. You'll meet the welcoming and friendly residents and get a tour of the village. See their thatched-roof huts built on stilts (to protect from floods and wild animals) and traditional dug-out canoes up close. Later in the day, you'll watch a performance of traditional music from bamboo flutes and handmade drums, as well as traditional dance. You'll also enjoy a meal with the locals, including fresh fish and fried plantains.
At the end of the tour, you'll also have the ability to browse exquisite handicrafts, including baskets and colorful clothing, some of which are made out of local plants. Consider purchasing one (or more!) of these authentic items to help support the local Embera lifestyle. You'll return to Panama City in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Beach Time on the Pearl Islands
Today, you'll take an early morning transfer by ferry to get to the Pearl Islands, aptly named for the large black-lipped pearl oysters once abundant in its waters. The archipelago—a group of 250 or more islands and islets—lies about 30 miles off the Pacific coast of Panama, and provides the perfect place to take a beach break.
To arrive, you'll take an early morning transfer by ferry to the archipelago where you'll be able to enjoy a relaxing day on the beach. For a bit of history, these islands were first occupied by Indians before the Spanish discovery and were frequently used by pirates in the years that followed. Now it’s a perfect destination for those in search of peace and relaxing pristine beaches. For instance, Contadora, Saboga, Viveros, and San Jose Islands all offer superb landscapes and host magnificent marine life.
Towels and deck chairs are available at the beach club, and lunch is included. You'll also have the opportunity to arrange activities and tours like diving, snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and whale watching (seasonal). In the afternoon, you'll return by ferry with plenty of time to enjoy your last evening in Panama City.
Day 7: Depart Panama City
It's time to say goodbye to Panama! After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy any remaining free time in the city. At the designated time, you'll be escorted to the airport for your departure flight home.
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