Panama is a country where tropical landscapes, vibrant culture, and extraordinary biodiversity come together between two oceans. Explore the cosmopolitan energy of Panama City, discover the historic streets of Casco Viejo, experience the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal, or venture into lush rainforests, remote islands, and coastal landscapes to encounter the country’s remarkable wildlife. Whether you’re seeking luxury, adventure, gastronomy, nature, or culture, Panama offers unforgettable experiences in every corner. Our tailor-made journeys combine carefully selected accommodations with authentic local experiences, allowing you to discover the country at your own pace.
Panama City & The Pacific Coast
This immersive Panamanian itinerary seamlessly pairs urban history and engineering marvels with pristine, untouched tropical nature. Transitioning from the vibrant streets and rainforests surrounding Panama City to a secluded private island in the Pacific, it offers an ideal balance of guided discovery, rich biodiversity, and exclusive beachside luxury.
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Highlights:
- Historic Panama City & Canal: Explore the cobblestone streets of UNESCO-listed Casco Viejo, sample fresh ceviche at the local fish market, and enjoy VIP access to the Miraflores Locks on the Panama Canal.
- Rainforest & Gatún Lake Adventure: Hike through the biodiverse Soberanía National Park to spot sloths and monkeys, then cruise past massive ships on Gatún Lake.
- Luxury Historic Living: Stay in the heart of Casco Viejo at a beautifully restored 17th-century Jesuit convent turned luxury design hotel.
- Private Island Hideaway: Unwind in a beachfront casita on the 400-acre private resort of Isla Palenque, surrounded by seven pristine beaches and primary rainforest in the Gulf of Chiriquí.
Panama City & Bocas del Toro
This dynamic Panamanian itinerary offers an ideal blend of historical exploration, iconic canal engineering, and eco-luxury coastal living. Transitioning from the energetic streets and rainforests surrounding Panama City to an exclusive overwater villa retreat in the Caribbean, it strikes a seamless balance between immersive guided discovery and all-inclusive tropical relaxation.
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Highlights:
- Historic Panama City & Canal: Take in 360-degree views from Ancón Hill, sample fresh ceviche at the historic fish market, explore UNESCO-listed Casco Viejo, and enjoy VIP access to the Miraflores Locks on the Panama Canal.
- Rainforest & Lake Expedition: Hike Soberanía National Park to spot howler monkeys and sloths, then navigate past massive container ships on a Gatún Lake boat tour.
- Boutique Colonial Luxury: Stay in the heart of Casco Viejo at a restored 17th-century Jesuit convent transformed into a high-design luxury hotel.
- Overwater Private Island Sanctuary: Relax on Frangipani Island at Nayara Bocas del Toro in an overwater pool villa with glass-floor marine viewing, private pools, and access to pristine snorkeling, mangroves, and Caribbean marine life.
Panama City Stopover
This rich Panamanian itinerary focuses on the deep history, engineering wonders, and vibrant Afro-Caribbean cultural traditions of the country. Based out of a landmark luxury hotel in Panama City’s historic district, it seamlessly combines iconic city sightseeing with a deep-dive cultural excursion to the Caribbean coast.
Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
Highlights:
- Panama City & Canal Exploration: Take in 360-degree views from Ancón Hill, sample fresh local ceviche at the historic fish market, stroll through UNESCO-listed Casco Viejo, and enjoy VIP access to watch ships pass through the Miraflores Locks.
- Portobelo Cultural Immersion: Travel across the isthmus to the historic Caribbean port town of Portobelo (a UNESCO site) to visit centuries-old Spanish forts, take a boat ride on Portobelo Bay, meet the local Congo queen, and witness a private Congo dance performance.
- Community & Arts Connection: Visit La Escuelita del Ritmo in Portobelo to learn how music and dance are used for social inclusion and youth development in the local Afro-Caribbean community.
- Boutique Historic Accommodation: Stay at a beautifully restored 17th-century Jesuit convent transformed into a luxury design hotel in the heart of Casco Viejo.
Panama City
Best Time to Visit: December–April
Panama City combines a modern skyline with the historic charm of Casco Viejo. Discover the city’s colonial past, explore the Panama Canal, enjoy its growing culinary scene, and use it as a gateway to the country’s extraordinary natural landscapes.
Boquete
Best Time to Visit: December–April
Set in the highlands of Chiriquí, Boquete offers cooler temperatures, dramatic mountain scenery, lush landscapes, and some of Panama’s finest coffee. Explore plantations, hike through cloud forest, and experience the region’s distinctive agricultural traditions.
Bocas del Toro
Best Time to Visit: February–April & September–October
The Bocas del Toro archipelago offers a laid-back Caribbean escape surrounded by turquoise waters, tropical forests, and beautiful beaches. Explore the islands by boat, snorkel and swim in the Caribbean, discover local communities, or simply slow down at a carefully selected island retreat.
When is the best time to visit Panama?
December through April is generally the driest and most popular period to visit Panama. The country’s tropical climate means that rain is possible year-round, but its diverse regions can offer excellent experiences in different seasons.
How many days should I spend in Panama?
Panama is ideal for a shorter journey, with even one week allowing travelers to combine Panama City with rainforest, mountains, or the coast. We generally recommend 5–10 days for a more relaxed experience.
How far in advance should I plan my Panama trip?
We recommend planning at least four–six months in advance. For peak travel periods and smaller boutique properties or private island stays, earlier planning is recommended to secure the best availability.
Is Panama more than the Panama Canal?
Absolutely. The Canal is an important part of the country’s history, but Panama also offers tropical rainforests, cloud forests, islands, beaches, indigenous cultures, coffee plantations, and extraordinary biodiversity.
What are the best places to visit in Panama?
Panama City, Boquete, the Pacific coast, and Bocas del Toro are among the country’s highlights. The right combination depends on whether you prefer nature, adventure, culture, or relaxation.
Is Panama suitable for luxury travel?
Yes. Panama offers sophisticated city hotels, boutique mountain properties, private island retreats, luxury catamarans, and carefully curated nature experiences.
How do I get around Panama?
Panama City is well connected to the country’s major destinations by domestic flights, while private road transfers and boats are used to reach more remote areas and islands such as Bocas del Toro. Exeter Latin America arranges transportation as part of each private itinerary.
How safe is Panama?
Panama is safe for our private journeys, with carefully selected hotels, guides, drivers, and local partners. Exeter Latin America works with partners we know and trust to provide reliable support throughout your journey.
Is Panama family-friendly?
Yes. Panama is particularly convenient for families because of its relatively compact geography and wide variety of experiences, from rainforest wildlife and beaches to the Panama Canal.