Panama City, Panama-day-trips

Best Day Trips from Panama City, Panama

Panama City, the vibrant capital of Panama, offers a unique blend of urban excitement and natural beauty. When you’re ready to venture out of the city for a day, there are plenty of exciting options to choose from. Here are some of the best day trips in and around Panama City:

1. Gamboa Rainforest Reserve

  • Distance: 45 minutes from Panama City
  • Cost: $40-$60 per person (including transportation, lunch, and activities)
  • Time: 8 hours

Experience the lush rainforest of Gamboa, just a short drive from Panama City. Take an aerial tram ride through the canopy, hike to the stunning views at the top of the reserve, or simply relax in a hammock overlooking the Chagres River.

2. Pipeline Road

  • Distance: 1 hour 15 minutes from Panama City
  • Cost: $20-$30 per person (including transportation and lunch)
  • Time: 6 hours

For birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, Pipeline Road is a must-visit day trip. This scenic road winds through the forest, offering opportunities to spot over 500 species of birds, monkeys, sloths, and other wildlife.

3. San Blas Islands

  • Distance: 2 hours from Panama City (including ferry ride)
  • Cost: $80-$120 per person (including transportation, lunch, and activities)
  • Time: 8 hours

Escape to the Caribbean Sea and enjoy a day of sailing and snorkeling among the stunning islands of San Blas. Visit indigenous villages, go swimming in turquoise lagoons, and spot dolphins and sea turtles.

4. Boquete

  • Distance: 3 hours from Panama City
  • Cost: $30-$50 per person (including transportation and lunch)
  • Time: 8 hours

Boquete is a charming town nestled in the mountains of western Panama. Take a scenic drive through the cloud forest, visit the iconic Pipeline Road, or enjoy hiking, rafting, or horseback riding in this natural paradise.

5. Fort San Lorenzo

  • Distance: 1 hour from Panama City
  • Cost: $10-$20 per person (including transportation and entrance fee)
  • Time: 4 hours

Visit the historic Fort San Lorenzo, a 17th-century Spanish fort that once guarded the mouth of the Chagres River. Learn about the history of the area, explore the ruins, and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Whether you’re interested in nature, history, or adventure, there’s something for everyone on these best day trips from Panama City, Panama.