Panama in 1 Week and 2 Weeks

Panama is a great country to spend a couple of weeks exploring. You can find an excellent diversity in its towns and cities and I believe there really is something for everyone here.

From modern Panama City to surfer-friendly Santa Catalina. The cool and full of adventure Boquete to the islands of Bocas Del Toro. You can get into the native culture in San Blas or explore a volcano crater town in El Valle De Anton.

Here are some suggested itineraries to get you started planning your holiday to Panama.

Adventure and Beach (1 week)

Fly to David - Boquete (3 days)  - Bocas (4 days) - Fly out of Bocas

You can take advantage of international flights to Panama’s northernmost airport in David and head straight to Boquete for some mountain activities, including volcano hikes, rafting, bird watching and hot springs.

Once you’ve had your fill, head to Bocas Del Toro where you can end your vacation with some beach time and exploring the various islands located in Bocas. If you have some energy left you can visit bat caves, starfish beaches and Sloth Island.

Canals and Kumarca (1 week)

Panama City (3 days) and San Blas (2-3 days)/ El Valle (1-2 days)

Spend some time exploring the modern Panama City and see how almost 900,000 Panamanians live. There are many great activities that can occupy your time in this great city including seeing how the city has developed over its history with Panama Viejo and Casco Antiguo.

Once you’ve had enough city time, head to San Blas where you will be one of a very few people to visit this remote location. You can get to know the native Kuna Yala people while staying in one of the tiny islands with a local family and also experience one of the most beautiful locations in the world.

If you have a couple of extra days round your trip out with some time in El Valle De Anton. Take in the mountain air, have a dip in the hot springs or attempt one of the tougher hikes in the region, La India Dormida.

Panama en total (2 weeks)

Panama City (3 days) - San Blas (2 days) - Panama City - El Valle (2 days) - Boquete (3 days)- Bocas Del Toro (4 days)

Tip: You can also visit Santa Catalina after Panama City or instead of El Valle if you’re into surfing.

If you have more time, you could easily extend your stay in one of these places. I spent 6 weeks in Panama and could have certainly spent much more time exploring the country.

Check out some articles on travel in Panama here: Panama Travel Guides.

Any suggested itineraries or places off the beaten track that you can recommend?