Planning a trip to Panama and looking for the ultimate backpacking itinerary? Look no further! In this guide I’ll share the ideal 10 day itinerary to help you maximize your time in Panama including the best times to go, where to stay, what to do, and food and drink recommendations.
The main airport in Panama is Tocumen (Panama City). If you are flying in from anywhere international, you’ll land here. That’s why I chose to outline this itinerary starting from Panama city, BUT, it’s important to note that this itinerary is totally doable from either direction depending on where you are coming from and where your next destination is.
With 10 days you’ll really only be reaching the tip of the iceberg with what you’ll have time to see in Panama! There is so much to discover, you could really spend a few months and not see everything. This 10 day itinerary will give you a taste of what Panama has to offer and take you everywhere from the coastal beaches to the Panamanian jungle!
Panama City
1 day
How to get there
If you are flying into Panama it’s almost inevitable you’ll end up here because the main airport in Panama is Tocumen (Panama City). There are a few options to get from the airport into the city. The drive is about 30 minutes depending on traffic and you can take a taxi for about $25 USD. Alternatively, you can take the city bus from Tocumen airport for $1 USD. Panama also has Uber - which is a great option for travellers looking for a quick ride into the city!
What to do
If you are arriving in the morning, this is the perfect time to wander around Casco Viejo. This area is a UNESCO world heritage site and has some jaw-dropping Spanish architecture leftover from Panama’s colonial period. There are an abundance of churches and markets to explore in this area as well as some more trendy bars and restaurants. Grab a delicious coffee and breakfast and a local cafe and get ready for a packed day! A couple cafe’s I would recommend are Nomada Eatery, Mahalo, and Teimpos.
A must-see in Panama City is obvious - the Panama Canal! The most common place to view the famous canal is at the Miraflores Locks. The Miraflores Visitor Center is just a 15 minute drive from downtown Panama City. Remember, Panama city has uber! So this might be your best option if you are on a tight timeline. It’s best to visit the locks in the morning to get the best view of the locks in action, which is why I recommend going right after breakfast.
Spend the rest of the day wandering around the city, and if you’re adventurous hike up Cerro Ancon for an awesome view of the city. After working up an appetite on the hike you might want to make a trip to Mercado de Mariscos for some delicious seafood.
Playa Venao
2 days
How to get there
There are a few options to get from Panama City to Playa Venao. The cheapest is by public bus from Albrook Station. First, you’ll need to get the bus to Las Tablas which costs $10. This bus runs every hour from 6am to 4pm and the bus ride is 4 hours long. Once in Las Tablas, you’ll need to take the bus to Pedasi, which is another 4 hours. From there, you can take a shuttle to Playa Venao (11am, 2pm, 4pm and 7pm) which costs $5.
Another option is to take the shared shuttle service from Panama City. There is a daily shuttle leaving at 730am from downtown Panama City. The trip is 5 hours long and costs $40.
Lastly, you can consider renting a car for the duration of this 10 day itinerary! This will cost approximately $300, depending which car rental company you choose.
What to do
Surfing is the #1 reason people visit Playa Venao! It is one of the best places in Panama to go surfing and attracts people from all over the world. You can purchase a lesson or rent a board for the day. Check out these carriers for some different options:
Depending on which hostel you choose to stay at there are often other activities like beach volleyball, yoga, and hiking offered daily.
Spend the day being active and reward yourself with some delicious grub at the end of the day! Playa Venao has lots of options for food including pizza and even sushi!
On your second day, consider doing a day trip to Isla Iguana. There are a bunch of tour operators that run 1 day excursions.
Santa Catalina
2 days
How to get there
The fastest and most efficient way to get to Santa Catalina from Playa Venao is simply to get a taxi. There are not many bus routes or shuttles that go between the 2. The ride takes about 5 hours and costs $80. If you can find other travellers to split the cost, this is the best option.
What to do
One of the most notable things to do in Santa Catalina is take a day trip to snorkel at Isla Coiba. It is known to be one of the best places in the world to see sharks! Coiba also has 760 species of fish and 33 species of sharks! If you have your diving certificate you can also visit the island to scuba dive, which is amazing.
If you aren’t into the water, try checking out the trek to Punta Roca! This hike winds along the west coast of Santa Catalina and leads to an epic lookout.
On your second day consider renting kayaks and heading over to Isla Catalina. The beaches are all white sand and you can spend the day exploring the island.
Boquete
1 day
How to get there
Hello Panama has a shuttle service from Santa Catalina to Boquette, which seems to be the easiest and fastest way to get between the 2 places. The trip costs $35 and takes about 5 hours.
What to do
The most notable thing to do in Boquete is hike up Volcan Baru. There are many tour operators that do full day excursions. I recommend Boquete Outdoor Adventures. They have an overnight trip that leaves at 5pm and returns at 530am. The cost is $85. There are also some half day hikes available if you are pressed for time.
If you’re not up for this adventure, there is still tons to explore! Panama is known for its coffee, and there are some great coffee tours in Boquete. You can also wander the town and try some of the amazing food Boquete has to offer. Punto de Encuentro offers a traditional Panamanian breakfast with vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Lost and Found Hostel
2 days
How to get there
Hello Panama has a daily shuttle from Boquete to Lost and Found Hostel that costs $25 and only takes 1 hour! This is the simplest option, although taking the public bus is more economical. To take the bus from Boquete to Lost & Found, Take a public bus from Boquete to David. The bus departs from the main park in town and it will cost around $1.75.
From David you have 2 options:
OPTION 1
At the main terminal in David, find the bus that goes to Changuinola. This is the bus that goes to Bocas del Toro, but let the driver know you want to go to The Lost and Found. It will be approximately one hour on the bus until you reach our stop. After you pass the police checkpoint in a town called Valle de la Mina, it will only be one more minute before you reach our stop. You will see our sign on the left hand side of the road, and the bus will drop you on the right. You will see a trail going up the hill. Follow our signs until you reach the beginning of the trail. From there it will be a 15 minute hike, approximately, before you reach the hostel. If the buses going to Bocas del Toro are very full, no problem, there is another option...
OPTION 2
At the same terminal, there is another bus that goes to the town of Gualaca. For two dollars, the driver will take you to the pretty town of Gualaca. Let them know you are going to The Lost and Found and they will drop you near the end of their run at a little Chinese supermarket (El Chino) where you will catch a smaller bus that is going to “Hornito”. This will also cost $2. Again, tell them you are going to The Lost and Found.
What to do
Wake up with a stunning view of the sun shining over the cloud forest in La Fortuna Nature Reserve. Grab a cup of organic, locally grown coffee and take your time to enjoy this special moment. Lost and Found serves freshly made breakfasts, healthy lunches, and delicious and nutritious dinners. Enjoy a meal while taking in our beautiful views of the Hornito Valley and Volcan Baru.
Some more daily activities you can enjoy at Lost and Found are:
Swim or picnic at Gualaca River Canyon
Explore and swim at Celestine Waterfall
Practice yoga in front of an incredible view
Flex your mind with the Indiana Jones Treasure Hunt
Experience local farming practices with our Organic Coffee Tour
Explore the mountains on horseback with our Horseback Riding Tour
Meet new people and dance around in our Jungle Lounge Bar
Talk a walk through our full size labyrinth
Explore the jungle through one of our many hiking trails
Watch the sunsets and the clouds roll by in one of our hammocks
See hummingbirds, coatis, monkeys, and many other animals
Make new friends, share stories, and make memories
Bocas del Toro
2 days
How to get there
You can book the Hello Panama shuttle daily shuttle from Lost & Found to Bocas del Toro. This is the easiest option as the price includes the ferry to the main dock in Bocas del Toro. This costs $30 and takes about 4 hours.
You can also take the public bus to Almirante. The bus comes by Lost and Found about every 30 minutes, the journey is approximately 3.5 hours, and only costs $8. After that you’ll need to catch a taxi to the ferry terminal and take the ferry over to Bocas del Toro’s main island, Isla Colon. The ferry runs everyday at 7am and 12pm to Bocas del Toro. The journey takes 1 hour and 40 minutes.
What to do
There is so much to do in Bocas del Toro, you could easily spend a few weeks! BUT a quick 2 day itinerary is to arrive as early as possible, check into your accommodation, then head to Starfish Beach. After lounging in the sun for a few hours, wander around the Old Town and grab some grub! Bocas del Toro has some great food options,
On your second day, consider doing a day snorkeling trip to Zapatillo Island then hit up The Floating Bar after for a much deserved refreshment.
If you are in Bocas del Toro on a Saturday and looking for a party, you’ll definitely want to check out the pirate ship booze cruise (Black Magic Bocas)! This leaves from the main dock on Isla Colon and costs $39 for the whole day (1-7pm).
If you’re not in a rush after your 2 days in Bocas del Toro, I definitely recommend spending a few more days exploring Red Frog Beach, heading up to Up The Hill Coffee for a taste of the island, or making the hiking trek out to Wizard Beach.
