Panama packs a skyline city, a colonial old town, the canal that joins two oceans and a Caribbean archipelago into one short flight network. Pair Panama City’s Casco Viejo with the islands of Bocas del Toro or the cool coffee highlands of Boquete, and you have one of Central America’s easiest, most varied trips.
Where to Base Yourself
Where to go
Panama City
Casco Viejo’s restored colonial streets and rooftop bars, with a glittering skyline across the bay and the canal on the edge of town.
Bocas del Toro
A laid-back Caribbean archipelago of overwater hotels, mangroves, reefs and beaches reached by boat.
Boquete
Cool, green highlands near the Costa Rican border, known for hiking, waterfalls and some of the world’s most prized coffee.
Book a Tour
Popular Panama experiences
The Panama Canal locks, a day in the Guna Yala (San Blas) islands, and island-hopping in Bocas del Toro are the ones to book. Browse Panama tours ↗
From the Journal
Panama stories
Panama City for First-Timers: Neighborhoods and Where to Stay
Panama City Food and Design: Local Flavors, Molas and Thoughtful Shopping
Two Days in Panama City: Casco Viejo, the Canal and Amador
Panama City by Cruiser Bike: Skyline Paths and Seaside Promenades
Bocas del Toro Beach Guide: Overwater Dreams and Caribbean Rhythm
Playa Venao Beach Guide: Surf Calm and Mindful Minimalism
Mountain Biking in Panama: Boquete Highlands & Cloud Forest Trails
Holiday Traditions in Panama: Parades, Fireworks & Tropical Festivities
Sailing into Paradise: Galápagos & Bocas del Toro Luxury Yacht Adventures
Guna Yala (San Blas) Islands: What to Know Before You Go
Visiting the Panama Canal: Locks, Boat Trips and Gatún Lake
Boquete: A Guide to Panama’s Coffee Highlands
Family Friendly
Panama with kids
Why kids will love it: Giant ships squeezing through the Canal, rainforest next to the city and islands beyond. Parent tip: Check ship transit times so kids see the locks in action.
More family trips in Latin America →Plan it
Your Panama trip, sorted
Two oceans, one canal and a colonial old town with a view.
Where to stay
Pick your base
A boutique hotel in Casco Viejo for the city, an overwater or beachfront stay in Bocas del Toro, and a coffee-farm lodge in Boquete.
Eat + drink
Where to eat and drink
Ceviche and fresh seafood at the city’s fish market, sancocho, Caribbean coconut rice in Bocas — and Boquete’s celebrated single-origin coffee.
Where to go
Where to wander
Casco Viejo’s plazas and rooftops, the canal and Amador Causeway, the islands of Bocas and the Boquete highlands.
Where to goWhat to pack
Dress for the tropics
Light, breathable clothes and a rain layer — the wet season runs roughly May to November — plus a warmer layer for Boquete’s cool evenings and reef-safe sunscreen for the islands.
5 days
How to spend your time
Two days in Panama City, then a short flight to Bocas del Toro for island time.
Worth booking
Reserve these ahead
A Panama Canal visit, a day trip to the Guna Yala islands, and island-hopping boats in Bocas del Toro.
Luxe JetterPlan your Panama travel wardrobe
Boutique shopping
Shop Panama & Panama’s designers
Boutique shopping in Latin America → · Style your finds in Luxe Jetter ↗
More in Central America & the Caribbean: Costa Rica · Punta Cana · All Central America & Caribbean destinations · Antigua Guatemala first-timer’s guide
New guides: Bocas del Toro for First-Timers · Bocas del Toro Food Guide · Three Days in Bocas del Toro
Make it your Panama
From the city guide
to your next chapter.
Choose your pace and the people coming along. Build a flexible outline for Panama, then return to these guides for the details.
Plan my Panama trip ↗A little more inspiration
Pack for the tropics with Luxe Jetter ↗Bring the colors and character of your destination into your travel style.
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