Panama Itinerary: How to spend 3 weeks in Panama
Oh, how beautiful is Panama. Deep green forests, dreamy beaches, clear blue water and mystical mountains – the country is full of unexpected adventures that will make you question why you didn´t explore Panama sooner. Some even describe Panama as the cheap version of Costa Rica. In fact, both countries are not only neighbours but can offer similar experiences that will last for a lifetime. If you are travelling Costa Rica and are looking to continue your route through Central America, this Panama itinerary is just right. It takes you around 3 weeks and leads you through the highlights of the country.
DAY 1 // ARRIVAL
If you are starting your Panama itinerary from Costa Rica, you´re probably having a shorter day of travelling. There are buses from Puerto Viejo bringing you directly to the border where you are guided through immigration and to the next bus that brings you to your boat leaving to Bocas del Toro.
If you are flying into Panama City, you can either catch a domestic flight to Bocas del Toro or you take the long bus ride from the capital to the start of the itinerary. As Bocas del Toro is an absolute must on your trip through Panama, you cannot miss out on the incredible islands. At one point on your trip, you need to make the long trip to the other side of the country. Therefore, it´s recommended to do it in the beginning and make your way back to Panama City by bus with great stops in between.
DAY 2-5 // BOCAS DEL TORO
Bocas del Toro is a picturesque archipelago on the Northwestern end of the country close to the border to Costa Rica. Here, you will find a true paradise. The region counts nine main islands, 52 cays and thousands of islets. For travellers, Isla Colón (the biggest island with the main town) and the Isla Bastimentos are most popular to stay on.
During your time, you can visit countless beautiful beaches, such as the Red Frog Beach, hop on a boat for a day trip to La Isla Zapatillos with some beautiful snorkeling or dance your heart out at the Filthy Friday Festival. Bocas del Toro will definitely offer a unique time and introduce you the beauty of Panama.
Three days in Bocas is a decent amount of time for the area. However, this is one of the places where you do not want to leave. If you have more than 3 weeks, this is a great opportunity to stay for a bit and get lost in the paradise islands.
DAY 6 // ROAD TO BOQUETE
From Bocas del Toro, you can book your transportation to Boquete. You will fist take the boat and hop on a mini van to drive all the way through the mountains. This will take about half a day. Be prepared for some rough and curvy roads.
DAY 7-9 // BOQUETE
Boquete is any outdoor fans paradise. Surrounded by the peaks of Panama, the small mountain village is the perfect base for hikes and long walks. You will be surprise how alive the place is, crowded by both locals and tourists.
Two full days in Boquete are great to explore the highlights of the area. However, if you have more time, you can easily spend up to a week in Boquete and still haven´t seen all the different trails.
The Lost Waterfalls Trail and the Pipeline Trail are two of the most common hikes to explore. If you are looking for the ultimate experience, you can hike the Volcan Baru (the highest peak in the country). Some travellers also take the chance to book a coffee or chocolate tour to learn more about the area.
Also, make sure to stroll over the local farmers market and spend an evening in one of the many delicious restaurants in Boquete.
DAY 10 // ROAD TO SANTA CATALINA
From Boquete the Panama Itinerary leads to the Pacific Coast of the country. Santa Catalina can be reached within approx. 4-5 hours. You can book all your transportation via your hostel or use bookaway.com.
DAY 11-12 // SANTA CATALINA AND COIBA
Including the afternoon or evening you arrive, two full days in Santa Catalina are ideal. The highlight of the area is actually not the small surfer village itself, but rather the nearby Coiba National Park.
The marine reserve is a hotspot for divers. But you can explore the beautiful place in different ways. Most popular is a full-day snorkel tour where you will stop at different snorkel spots and also spend some time on two of the islands in the National Park. You can also book a few nights in one of the cabins in the park, but be aware that this is a very basic accommodation.
Santa Catalina itself is known to be the surfers place to be in Panama. You can chill by the beach, book a surf lesson or stroll through the few small shops and cafés in the village.
DAy 13 // ROAD TO EL VALLE DE ANTÓN
To reach El Valle de Antón, you need to take the public bus. As Santa Catalina is quite off the beaten track, there are not the usual shuttle routes you can book. And even if you find an offer, they are ridiculously expensive and require a minimum of 4 passengers. From Santa Catalina you catch the bus to Soná in the early morning (around 6 am). At the bus stop in Soná, you might be lucky to get a bus directly to Panama City or you first need to take one to Santiago and then change to Panama City.
On this bus, ask the driver to drop you off at the entry to El Valle from where a local shuttle leaves regularly. It is also good to stay in contact with your host in El Valle de Antón as they can give you clear instructions.
DAY 14 // EL VALLE DE ANTÓN
With El Valle de Antón you are adding a unique stop to your Panama itinerary. It´s not an unknown place, but still skipped by most travellers. One day (plus the half of the day of your arrival) will allow you to explore the area and get a completely different impression of the county. The grass hills of El Valle are perfect for hiking and scenic walks.
You can hike up to La India Dormida and enjoy a panorama view over the area. The local market is perfect for some shopping and at Chooro Las Mozas, you can dip into the refreshing water.
DAY 15 // ROAD TO PANAMA CITY
Your next stop are the incredibly beautiful San Blas Islands. To get there, you need to stay one night in Panama City. Take the local shuttle from El Valle de Antón down to the main road and catch one of the buses to La Ciudad de Panama. You can leave directly in the morning and take the rest of the day to explore Panama City. Or you go for a quiet morning in the mountains and arrive in the capital during the evening.
DAY 16-19 // SAN BLAS ISLANDS
San Blas – an absolute paradise in the Caribbean. The one and only way to explore San Blas is to spend a few nights on board of a catamaran or a sailing boat. There are multiple offers online as this is the most popular way of travelling the area.
You will need to book a shuttle from Panama City to the harbour, which will pick you up at 5 am. Around midday, one of the countless taxi boats will drop you off at your home on the water. Its ideal to stay between two and four nights, depending on your time and budget. But even if you are on a tight budget, this place is worth spending a bit more than planned.
You will go snorkeling, walk over the most beautiful islands, jump into the clear water and get to know the Kuna Yala culture of San Blas.
Traveller´s tip:
If you are planning to visit Colombia afterwards, take the chance and book a sailing trip from San Blas to Colombia. There is no road connecting the countries and you can only go by plane or by boat. The trip will take you 5 days in total – an experience you for sure won´t forget.
DAY 20 // PANAMA CITY
On your last day, you will leave San Blas in the early morning and return to Panama City in the afternoon. This means you will get another full day in the capital. Make sure to explore the beautiful Old Town and look out for a roof top bar for the sunset.
DAY 21 // DEPARTURE
The last day is for your departure.
Click here to check out a perfect 3-week itinerary for Costa Rica!
