Panama City, Panama-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Casco Viejo

Morning

  • Arrival: Arrive at Tocumen International Airport and take a taxi or shuttle to your hotel in Casco Viejo (Old Town)
  • Breakfast: Head to Cafe Unido for a delicious breakfast sandwich and coffee
  • Explore Casco Viejo: Wander the cobblestone streets, admire the colonial architecture, and visit the iconic Plaza de la Independencia

Afternoon

  • Visit the Panama Canal Museum: Learn about the history of the canal and its significance at this interactive museum
  • Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Panamanian meal at El Señor Picantería, a local institution
  • Visit the Amador Causeway: Take in the stunning views of the city skyline and the bay

Evening

  • Dinner: Head to La Tasca for a delicious dinner and try their famous paella
  • Sunset: End your day with a scenic sunset view at the Amador Causeway

Day 2: Modern Panama City

Morning

  • Breakfast: Grab breakfast at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in Punta Pacifica Mall
  • Visit the Miraflores Locks: Witness the engineering marvel of the canal at this viewing platform
  • Shopping and Lunch: Visit the upscale Punta Pacifica Mall for shopping, dining, and entertainment options

Afternoon

  • Visit the Biomuseo: Learn about the natural history of Panama and its unique biodiversity at this museum designed by Frank Gehry
  • Relax at a beach: Spend some time relaxing on one of the nearby beaches, such as Santa Maria Beach or Punta Pacifica Beach

Evening

  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Donde Juancho for some delicious Caribbean cuisine
  • Nightlife: Experience Panama City’s vibrant nightlife in the El Cangrejo neighborhood

Day 3: San Blas Islands

Morning

  • Breakfast: Grab breakfast on your way to the ferry terminal
  • Ferry to San Blas: Take a scenic ferry ride to the San Blas Islands (approximately 1 hour)
  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Guna Yala, the indigenous community that governs the islands

Afternoon

  • Explore the islands: Visit various islands, snorkel, or simply relax on the beach
  • Visit a Guna village: Learn about the culture and traditions of the Guna people at their villages

Evening

  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Guna Yala
  • Return to Panama City: Return to Panama City by ferry (approximately 1 hour)

Day 4: Outdoor Activities

Morning

  • Breakfast: Grab breakfast before heading out for the day
  • Hike and Zipline: Go hiking and ziplining through the lush rainforest at the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve
  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at the reserve’s restaurant, La Veranda

Afternoon

  • Visit the Soberania National Park: Explore the park’s diverse ecosystem and spot monkeys, sloths, or toucans
  • Relax at a spa: Treat yourself to some well-deserved relaxation time at a local spa

Evening

  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at El Rinconcito for some delicious seafood cuisine
  • Stroll along the canal: Take a leisurely stroll along the Panama Canal and enjoy the evening atmosphere

Day 5: Departure

  • Breakfast: Grab breakfast before departing for the airport
  • Last-minute shopping: Visit any last-minute shopping destinations or return to your hotel for some packing time
  • Departure: Depart from Tocumen International Airport, bringing back memories of an unforgettable Panamanian adventure!

Additional Tips and Information:

  • Safety: Panama City is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
  • Transportation: Taxi drivers in Casco Viejo can be friendly, but it’s always best to agree on the fare before departing. Use official taxis or ride-sharing services for added security.
  • Currency: The Panamanian balboa is pegged to the US dollar, so USD is widely accepted; however, local businesses may appreciate using local currency.
  • Weather: Panama City has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: dry (December to April) and rainy (May to November). Pack accordingly!
  • Language: Spanish is the official language, but many locals speak English in tourist areas. It’s still appreciated if you make an effort to learn some basic Spanish phrases.
  • Tipping: Show appreciation for good service with a 10-15% tip.

Where to Stay:

Some popular hotels and neighborhoods include:

  • Casco Viejo: This historic neighborhood offers boutique hotels, charming guesthouses, and apartments. Consider staying in this area for its unique character and proximity to main attractions.
  • Punta Pacifica: For a more upscale experience, stay in the Punta Pacifica neighborhood, which features modern high-rise hotels, shopping centers, and dining options.

Restaurant Recommendations:

  • El Señor Picantería: This local institution serves traditional Panamanian cuisine with a twist. Don’t miss their famous paella!
  • La Tasca: Enjoy delicious seafood at this beachside restaurant in the Amador Causeway area.
  • Donde Juancho: Experience Caribbean cuisine in the heart of Panama City.

Other Tips and Recommendations:

  • Book activities and tours in advance: To ensure availability, book activities like boat tours or ziplining adventures ahead of time.
  • Purchase a local SIM card or portable Wi-Fi hotspot: Stay connected with family and friends while exploring Panama City.
  • Exchange currency at the airport or a reputable currency exchange: Avoid exchanging money on the street to minimize your chances of being scammed.

Have an amazing trip to Panama City!