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Introducing Panama

Panama  fosters a traveler’s sense of exploration. From trekking the rainforest, sailing from island to island, exploring the ruins of Spanish forts, and getting to know its unique culture, this country has the makings of a great adventure.

When is the best time to visit?
Panama is a year-round destination, but many prefer to travel there during the driest season from mid-December to mid-April.

 Where to go in Panama?
Discover the classic destinations of Panama City and the Panama Canal, swim with colorful fish and lounge on the white sand beaches of the Archipielago de Bocas del Toro, visit the forested hills of the highlands, and fall in love with the colorful culture of the Peninsula de Azuero.

How many days do I need?
Spend at least a week exploring Panama’s natural wonders and scenic highlights.

Explore trips by duration: 7 days · 8 days · 10 days

Panama Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Casco Viejo, Panama City
Map of The Wonders of Panama - 7 Days
The Wonders of Panama - 7 Days

Panama is a beautiful country brimming with history and diversity, and this 7-day itinerary offers an exciting sampling of its many charms. You'll explore the capital, from its quaint colonial streets to its famous canal to its more modern attractions. Then venture out into the countryside, where you'll learn about the customs of indigenous locals, meet rainforest wildlife, and tour the Caribbean beach town of Portobelo.

Bocas del Toro
Map of Family Adventure in Panama - 7 Days
Family Adventure in Panama - 7 Days

Discover the colorful streets and magnificent beaches of Panama on this week-long, family-friendly trip. Spend a few days in Panama City, where you'll sail down the Panama Canal and explore the city's vibrant, historic neighborhoods. Then head to the Caribbean paradise of Bocas del Toro for beach time and wildlife encounters before ending your journey back in the capital.

Valle de Anton
Map of Ultimate Panama Road Trip: Panama City, Gamboa, Pacific Coast & More - 15 Days
Ultimate Panama Road Trip: Panama City, Gamboa, Pacific Coast & More - 15 Days

Panama is a great place for a scenic and adventurous road trip. In 15 days, this self-drive itinerary will take you around the most notable regions of the country. Begin in Panama City, then hit the road to discover the jungle, beautiful mountains, charming villages, and pristine islands. Some stops along the way include Gamboa, El Valle de Anton, Boquete, and the Pacific Coast.

Panama City Skyline
Map of Best of Panama City - 7 Days
Best of Panama City - 7 Days

Melding colonial history and bold modernity, the cosmopolitan capital of Panama is a thriving hub in Central America. With this active weeklong itinerary, you'll explore the city's best neighborhoods, boat through the Panama Canal, and take day-trips to nearby national parks and indigenous villages. Finish with a ferry to the Pearl Islands in the Gulf of Panama for a dose of beachy relaxation.

A waterfall near the village of Boquete
Map of Panama Multi-Sport Adventure - 11 Days
Panama Multi-Sport Adventure - 11 Days

Get ready for an active trip to an undiscovered region of Panama that combines beautiful landscapes, exuberant nature, and pleasant weather. On this 11-day multi-sport itinerary, you'll fly through a cloud forest, raft along a river, and trek up a volcano where you can witness two oceans from above before camping under the stars—an unforgettable experience!

The Pearl Islands
Panama Island Tour: Panama City, Pearl Islands & Bocas del Toro - 10 Days

This 10-day tour of Panama takes you from the city to the islands. Visit the world-famous Panama Canal and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Casco Viejo in Panama City. Then, venture to the Pearl Islands for some whale watching, hiking, and beach relaxation. Return to the city for more exploration, and head to Bocas del Toro for a few more relaxing free days by the beach enjoying nature walks and the surrounding waters. Spend a bit more time in Panama City to close out your visit.

Panama Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Our Latest Panama Content

Bocas del Toro, Panama
Best Time of Year to Visit Panama

Panama is a great destination at any time of year, not least because it's so close to the Equator that temperatures don't change by season. However, its tropical maritime climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons, differs by region and elevation. Plus, there's a year-round calendar of festivals and events to consider when planning the best time to visit, such as the immensely popular Carnaval in Las Tablas preceding the Catholic season of Lent.

Miraflores Locks, Panama Canal
How Many Days to Spend in Panama

You can have a great getaway in Panama in as short as a long weekend if you stick to Panama City and its immediate environs. However, spending at least a week to discover a more meaningful section of this small yet diverse Central American nation is recommended. With up to 17 days, you can comfortably explore several of the country's diverse regions, experiencing the best colonial cities, island retreats, cultural highlights, and plenty of exciting activities.

Tropical island in Panama
Panama in December: Travel Tips, Weather, & More

December is the start of the dry season in Panama, so combine that with the major holiday of Christmas and it's a busy time of year to visit. But with great weather, you might find the peak season worth it anyway. Read on to learn more about visiting Panama in December.

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Panama
Travel specialist Zulmy Revette
active 2 days ago

Zulmy Revette

I’m Venezuelan living in Panama for 6 years now. I just fell in love with this country that offers beautiful landscapes, charming people, and great culture. Panama stands by its slogan: Much more...

read more...
Travel specialist Lucía Barrios
active 2 days ago

Lucía Barrios

I have worked in Tourism industry since 8 years. I am keen on the outdoors activities especially those involved in direct contact with nature like hiking, snorkeling. I love to swim, bird watching...

read more...
Travel specialist Reyna Ulloa
active 2 days ago

Reyna Ulloa

My name is Reyna, a young professional from Masaya, Nicaragua. I am a university graduate of Tourism Management and Development, and I declare myself completely in love with Central America. I...

read more...

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Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan

Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

Secure & easy booking

Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.

Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.

100% satisfaction guarantee
Kimkim offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not fully satisfied with us, we’ll work with you to make it right.
kimkim trips are 100% climate neutral
A portion of every kimkim trip goes toward the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. Learn more
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Kimkim is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.

Seller of Travel Registration number: CST #2136279-40.
Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

Trip Reviews for Panama

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

It was a great tour and a wonderful experienc...
Panama | Jul 28 - Aug 2, 2022

Claudio
Claudio B.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Aug 08, 2022

It was a great tour and a wonderful experience. Reyna was great in accommodating our requests to go to San Blas and spend a night there. The trip to the tropical forest and Canal was great as well read more

It was a great tour and a wonderful experience. Reyna was great in accommodating our requests to go to San Blas and spend a night there. The trip to the tropical forest and Canal was great as well

Hotel Review
Tryp Panama Centro by Wyndham
Panama City

good but somehow run down hotel. Good value for money, excellent breakfast

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
two lifts in the entire hotel - easier to use the stairs...
Activity Reviews
Rainforest boat tour OR Soberania national park
Panama City

wonderful - very informative guide. The tour was a success

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
One day to San Blas
Panama City

We changed this into two days - one night. This was by far the best part of the holiday. A wonderful, highly recommendable experience.

Quality of Experience
the islands were amazing; the accommodations basic but lovely. A real experience.
Food
wonderful lobsters, red pargo and other fish. Authentic food, delicious.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
sorry - I have to be critical here. First time ever i did not leave a tip. If it is a private tour, you cannot say "I will be there between 5 am and 5.30 am". We were ready at 4.59 am and the driver arrived at 5.35. We could have taken it more easily.
Transport
The driver spent way too much time on the phone while driving (he was excellent driving with one hand on the terrible road, but still....I would prefer someone looking at the road rather than at the messages on the phone.
Casco Antiguo tour
Panama City

We did it by our own, as we changed the program to have an extra day at San Blas. Casco Antiguo was really beautiful

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Reyna Ulloa
Reyna
Reyna Ulloa
Local specialist in Managua | Reviewed on Nov 21, 2022

Hi dear Claudio, nice to hear from you.

Thank you very much for your kind review :)
It was a truly pleasure to assist you with your trip to Panama.
Our best wishes for you and your family!

Best regards

Even a better trip than we had hoped!
Panama | Jun 23 - Jun 26, 2022

david
david g.
Greenville, SC | Reviewed on Jul 12, 2022

Working with Zulmy was a great experience as together we were able to setup a fantastic, first time trip to beautiful Panama. The balance of tours, and sight-seeing expeditions was a perfect balance. We had some organized excursions where our Guides and Drivers handled all details, tickets, admittances, getting to the front of the lines, and even a meal here and there. However, we also had our own free-time to pursue what we wanted, and didn't want, to do.

Definitely recommend Panama... read more

Working with Zulmy was a great experience as together we were able to setup a fantastic, first time trip to beautiful Panama. The balance of tours, and sight-seeing expeditions was a perfect balance. We had some organized excursions where our Guides and Drivers handled all details, tickets, admittances, getting to the front of the lines, and even a meal here and there. However, we also had our own free-time to pursue what we wanted, and didn't want, to do.

Definitely recommend Panama as a MUST see and do to every traveler. Can't say enough about how well that KimKim coordinated our trip. It was smooth and flawless so that we could just enjoy being there and taking it all in.

Thanks again, Zulmy!

Hotel Review
Riande Granada Urban Hotel
Panama City

It is a nice, clean, comfortable hotel located within walking distance of stores & restaurants. Our room was rather small with 2 beds taking up most of the space, a walk-in closet that was really unnecessary and could've provided more space for guests and also had a nice large shower though. We enjoyed the pigeons coming up to or 8th story room. There are many hotels in the area so would look to stay at a different place next time, however.

Authenticity & Character
Larger rooms. The outdoor "Hot Tub" was anything but Hot. Would be nice to be able to control the Temperature locally without having to go to the Front Desk to have them turn it On & Off. Also, to have hot coffee in the AM ready-to go for traveling would be a nice benefit. We had to order, then wait for coffee, which weren't in styrofoam or other types of traveling cups.
Location
Walking distance to stores and restaurants
Staff
Very pleasant staff and eager to help with everything.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beds were comfy, the in-house restaurant was OK, nothing special.
Local specialist: Zulmy Revette
Zulmy
Zulmy Revette
Local specialist in Panama | Reviewed on Aug 09, 2022

Hi David, Thanks a lot for this review. It was a real pleasure helping you create this trip to Panama.!

Best.

Zulmy

8 Great Days in Panama
Panama | Feb 4 - Feb 12, 2022

Ellen
Ellen S.
Depew, NY | Reviewed on Feb 13, 2022

We had a marvelous 8 days in Panama. Thanks kimkim! Our local specialist Zulmy was with us every step of the way. We had a much delayed flight in and she instantly rearranged a tour for us, she set up Covid tests before our flight back and even sent condolences about a sudden death in the family we had just found out about. Our driver Juan was such a pleasure - super punctual, pleasant and informative. (He claimed his English was terrible, but we were impressed.) We felt very well taken... read more

We had a marvelous 8 days in Panama. Thanks kimkim! Our local specialist Zulmy was with us every step of the way. We had a much delayed flight in and she instantly rearranged a tour for us, she set up Covid tests before our flight back and even sent condolences about a sudden death in the family we had just found out about. Our driver Juan was such a pleasure - super punctual, pleasant and informative. (He claimed his English was terrible, but we were impressed.) We felt very well taken care of by both Zulmy and Juan.
Highlights of our trip in Panama City were the Panama Canal tour and exploring Casco Viejo. The rooftop pool at our hotel that overlooked the Panama City skyline was a hit as well. We also enjoyed the laid back vibe of Bocas del Toro - the snorkeling/dolphin tour was super and also hanging out at Starfish Playa on our own. The food was excellent in Panama, we especially loved the ceviche. The warmth was felt weather-wise and from the people of Panama. We were impressed with the collective Covid precautions taken by everyone. We definitely recommend kimkim and this trip.

Local specialist: Zulmy Revette
Zulmy
Zulmy Revette
Local specialist in Panama | Reviewed on Feb 14, 2022

Hi Ellen.

Thanks for this beautiful review! All my team had a blast just preparing all the details for your trip. It was a pleasure helping you with the coordination of your services.

Hope you had a nice return. We remain available if you want to visit one f our destinations (Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela).

Best.

Zulmy