The Republic of Panama may be best known for its iconic canal that connects the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, but that isn’t all there is to see in Panama. In this post, we provide tips for spending three weeks in Panama and enjoying all it has to offer.
Many people visit the Panama Canal to watch a ship, or even be a passenger on a ship, as it makes its way through the locks from one ocean to another. It is, after all, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and is certainly worth a visit, but don’t spend all your time there! Continue reading to see what other wonders you can find exploring Panama.
Week 1: Explore Panama City & Vicinity
One of our tips for spending three weeks in Panama is to begin your journey in Panama City, the capital and largest city in the country. The city is easily accessible from the US, making it a popular destination for travelers seeking adventure and nature.
How to Get to Panama City
There are several options for getting to Tocumen International Airport (PTY), located about 30 minutes from downtown Panama City, Panama. From the US, there are direct flights from Miami, Houston, New York, and Los Angeles. Several major US air carriers and Copa Airlines, the flag carrier of Panama, offer direct flights, with flight times ranging from 3 to 7 hours, depending on your departure location. Flights from Europe arrive at PTY by way of Frankfurt, Madrid, or Amsterdam. Once you arrive, it’s easy to get a taxi or shuttle to your hotel.
How to Get Around
Driving in Panama City is challenging even for the most experienced drivers. There is a ton of heavy traffic, narrow streets, unclear (or missing) road signs, a lack of proper lighting at night, and an aggressive driving style.
We do not think a car is necessary to get around Panama City. Taxi and rideshare services are readily available and affordable. The metro system offers two lines for getting around the city and is worth checking out.
Accommodations
There is a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels, depending on what interests you and in what part of town you want to stay. Consider these the best areas of Panama City to stay: Casco Viejo (historic district), Marbella (waterfront), Bella Vista (high rises), Obarrio and El Cangrejo (budget/residential), Calidonia (good shopping), Costa del Este (upscale/quieter), and Punta Pacifica (luxury).
Activities
We recommend spending two full days in Panama City. Start with exploring the colorful streets of Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is the city’s historic Old Quarter where you will find beautiful colonial architecture, quaint plazas, and excellent restaurants.
On day two, stroll along the Cinta Costera, a waterfront promenade with stunning views of the city skyline. The promenade stretches for over 3 miles along the Bay of Panama. The promenade is a beautiful green space with bike and pedestrian lanes. Consider renting a bike if you don’t want to walk. Along the promenade, you may find food and drink vendors and several piers where you can take a boat tour of Panama Bay or go fishing. This is your vacation so it’s also important to relax and soak in the culture.
One day arrange for a day trip to visit the Panama Canal and Miraflores Locks Visitor Center. You won’t want to miss seeing one of the most impressive engineering feats in the world.
While there also take time to visit the Biomuseo, a unique museum dedicated to Panama’s natural history. A taxi fare from downtown to the Panama Canal will cost about $20. You can also arrange to take an organized tour, which we often think is better if we are short on time.
One day consider a day trip to relax on the beaches of nearby Taboga Island. Ferries leave from the Amador Causeway and take about 30 minutes. Once you arrive on the island you can get around on foot.
A day trip to the San Blas Islands is also possible, although it makes for a long day. If you choose to do this trip you will want to hire a tour operator. The area is very remote and requires multiple passport control stops. The roads are also difficult to navigate. But the views? Definitely worth it.
If you follow these tips, you will enjoy spending your first week in Panama getting to know the country’s history and culture. It is a great introduction to what will surely be another fabulous two weeks! Read on for what we consider the highlights of week two.
Week 2: Boquete and Volcan
Next, head to Boquete. This charming little town is in the Chiriqui Highlands, near the border with Costa Rica. It is surrounded by the majestic Barú Volcano and the lush forests of the La Amistad National Park. The climate is cool and the natural landscape is stunning.
Boquete is a popular destination for both Panamanians and tourists. In fact, there is a thriving expat community which has led to the development of restaurants, cafes, and shops that cater to an international clientele.
How to Get to Boquete
The easiest way to get to Boquete from Panama City is by air. The nearest airport is the Enrique Malek International Airport in David, about 45 minutes from Boquete. We flew into David and rented a car. It was relatively easy to navigate around David and find the main road to Boquete. A rental car isn’t necessary though. You can also hire a taxi or a shuttle to take you to Boquete. Other options from Panama City include the bus or driving, but the trip takes approximately 7 to 8 hours. The cool thing about these options is the route takes you on the Pan-American Highway. If you’ve got time, it might be the way to go.
Accommodations
You will find a variety of accommodation options in Boquete. There are several comfortable hotels with swimming pools and spas, close to the town center and within walking distance of shops and restaurants. There are also some charming bed and breakfast locations, generally in the residential part of Boquete. Some are within walking distance of town, others are not.
We enjoyed seven nights in a vacation rental through VRBO. The house was situated in the Valle Escondido area behind locked gates and surrounded by a golf course. It was a lovely place for morning coffee. This location did require transportation to get into town.
Boquete also has several eco-lodges that offer a sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodation option. These lodges are located outside of Boquete and also require a car.
Activities
Coffee Plantations
Boquete is known for its coffee plantations, and visitors can take tours of the coffee farms to learn about the cultivation and production of coffee. There are several tours to choose from, but we enjoyed our tour at Finca Dos Jefes. The tour was informative and thorough, and the coffee was outstanding.
Outdoor Adventures
In addition to coffee, Boquete is known for its outdoor activities, such as hiking, birdwatching, and whitewater rafting. We used Boquete Outdoor Adventures to arrange several tours. Our first tour was a morning hike through the forest surrounding the perimeter of Volcan Baru National Park. The rainforest and waterfalls were spectacular.
On another day we enjoyed whitewater rafting on Class III and IV rapids. The tour included a lovely picnic lunch along the shore with iced tea and water. It was truly an exciting experience and a great way to cool off! Finally, we arranged for a half-day zip-lining tour on the slopes of Volcan Baru. If you have never tried zip-lining but always wanted to, this is the place to do it.
For the more adventurous, try hiking to the summit of the volcano. It is the highest point in Panama, offering breathtaking views. This hike is not for the faint of heart. It is quite challenging and takes approximately 6 to 8 hours roundtrip.
Birdwatching is also an excellent activity. The area is home to a diverse range of bird species. Sign up for a tour or explore on your own.
There are plenty of activities in the Boquete area to keep you busy for at least a week! But, also, take your time and enjoy this area’s beauty. And, if you get bored, do what we did, and drive about 75 miles to the border of Costa Rica. It’s a beautiful drive but it will take you most of the day to go and return.
After following these tips for spending week two in Boquete Panama, you will be ready for a little downtime and some much-deserved rest and relaxation.
Week 3: Bocas del Toro
After exploring Boquete, head to Bocas del Toro, an archipelago located in the Caribbean Sea. The area is composed of several islands, islets, and cays. The exact number of islands in Bocas del Toro varies depending on the definition of what constitutes an “island.” These islands are known for their pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and laid-back atmosphere.
How to Get to Bocas del Toro
The main town in the province is Bocas Town, located on Isla Colón. There are no direct flights from David, Panama to Bocas Town at the present time. However, you could fly from David to Panama City and then take a connecting flight to Bocas del Toro. It’s always a good idea to check with airlines and travel agencies for the most up-to-date information on flight schedules and routes.
The best and least expensive way to get to Bocas from Boquete is by shuttle. The drive takes about 4 hours, but you will get to see the local way of life and the beautiful countryside. We made shuttle reservations through Boquete Outdoor Adventures. And, at the time, we paid about $30 per person for the shuttle.
The most popular way to get around is by water taxi, which can take you to different islands and beaches in the area. You can also rent a bicycle, scooter, or ATV to explore the island on your own. Taxis are also available in Bocas Town, but they can be quite expensive compared to other forms of transportation.
Accommodations
There are a variety of hotels and bed and breakfast locations to choose from depending on which island you want to visit. Honestly, there are so many islands it was difficult to decide which ones to visit. In the end, we chose to stay several nights on Isla Bastimentos, which is home to the Bastimentos National Marine Park, and several nights on Playa Venao. Our hotel on Isla Bastimentos, the Eclypse de Mar, was terrific with its over-the-water bungalows, glass floors, and excellent breakfasts. This place is, in our opinion, hard to beat for the area.
Activities
Bocas is the place to go to recover from all your outdoor adventure activities in Boquete! Here you will want to spend your days lounging on the beach, kayaking, snorkeling, diving in the coral reefs, or taking a boat tour of the islands. If you want more nightlife, take the water taxi into Bocas Town. Here you will find an active nightlife scene with bars and restaurants serving up fresh seafood and tropical drinks.
The suggested tips for spending week three in Bocas del Toro, Panama will have you rested, relaxed, and ready to return home.
Tips for Traveling in Panama
A few additional tips for spending three weeks in Panama include the language, safety concerns, currency, and climate.
Language
Spanish is the official language of Panama. If you are spending three weeks traveling around the country, one good tip is to learn some basic phrases before your trip. However, many people in the tourism industry speak English, especially in popular destinations like Panama City and Bocas del Toro.
Safety
Panama is generally a safe country for travelers, but it’s always a good idea to take basic safety precautions like not flashing valuables and avoiding walking alone at night.
For women traveling alone in Panama, it’s important to take extra precautions to ensure your safety. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Dress conservatively. Panama is a conservative country, and women are expected to dress modestly. Avoid wearing revealing clothing or clothing with offensive language or images.
- Be aware of your surroundings. When traveling alone, it’s important to be always aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking alone at night and be cautious when accepting invitations from strangers.
- Use reputable transportation. When traveling alone, it’s best to use reputable transportation, such as licensed taxis or ride-sharing services. Avoid using unmarked taxis or accepting rides from strangers.
- Stay in a safe area. When choosing accommodations, try to stay in a safe area, such as a popular tourist district or a well-lit neighborhood. Avoid staying in remote or poorly lit areas.
- Stay connected. Keep your friends and family updated on your whereabouts and plans. The best way to stay connected is via phone or social media and let someone know where you’ll be staying and when you expect to return.
Currency
The official currency of Panama is the Panamanian balboa, but the US dollar is also widely accepted. ATMs are available in most cities, but it’s a good idea to carry some cash with you, especially in more remote areas.
Climate
Panama has a tropical climate, with hot and humid weather year-round. It’s a good idea to pack lightweight, breathable clothing and to stay hydrated while traveling.
Conclusion
We enjoyed our trip through Panama. The people were friendly and hospitable. The country was beautiful, from the cities to the mountains to the oceans. We will definitely visit again if we have the opportunity.
If you are interested in visiting Panama or want to know more tips for spending three weeks in Panama, please send us an email and we’ll be in touch.
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