Panama Tours & Trips
Where do two oceans meet and rainforest thrive? Panama, of course! From Panama City's modern skyline to Bocas del Toro's Caribbean islands, it’s a wonder, for sure. Check out San Blas archipelago, Boquete's highlands, and the Pearl Islands. Casco Viejo, Gamboa's jungle, and Coiba's coral reefs offer a Central American experience that's truly extraordinary.
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- J
JM • traveled in February, 2025
A quick getaway of some Panamanian highlights. Comfortable -if somewhat worn- accomodation. Well-coordinated transportation.
Panama: Panama city and Boca de Toros - 7 days - J
Joseph • traveled in September
I had a really great experience overall. I would have given 5 stars but there was a couple of transfer issues and scheduling that could be improved. The guides I had were very knowledgeable and personable. Next time I will ask more questions re transfer and hotels. Would recommend for the budget conscious.
Explore Panama and Enjoy Paradise at Playa Bonita - A
Alexander • traveled in February
I should start this review off by stating that not only have I traveled quite extensively but I am also a travel agent and book people on tours similar to this one. The drive from Panama City to the "dock" took about 3 hours through the Panamanian mountains and jungle. Once we were off the main highway the road became much more of a roller coaster ride, if you get motion sick make sure to take some gravol prior to leaving Panama City. This road is also filled with pot holes so be prepared to swerve around them. The views from the mountain tops was amazing but brief. Once at the "dock" was were things got a little more interesting. What they call a "dock" is really a dirt parking lot, be prepared to get a little dirty, as the dust gets kicked up by all the cars dropping off/picking up passengers. Neither my wife nor myself speak any Spanish so it was near impossible to communicate with the people at the dock to try and figure out which boat we were suppose to get on. Originally we were told that it would be about 20 - 30 mins and someone would come get us and take us to our boat. After an hour to and hour and a half I started asking around what boat we were suppose to get on. Make sure to ask your driver to let you know which boat and company you are taking. As the companies that operate the boats are not Bamba. The ride from the dock to the island was very rough as the winds were quite high. Nothing you can do about that but be prepared to get wet. The water and air are both warm so it's not so bad. Had we known prior to leaving the dock though we would have put on our swim suits. Once we arrived at the island we figured out that we were not on the island on our itinerary that was given to us from Bamba, no update was sent along to us to let us know about any change in islands either. After 4 - 5 hours of travel and waiting to get on the boat, we found out that we weren't on the island we thought we were meant to be on. Again none of the locals on the island spoke English so we weren't sure what we were meant to do. Luckily one of the other passengers spoke enough Spanish and English to help us out and we figured out that we were indeed where we were suppose to be. Bamba should have emailed us prior to our departure to let us know of this crucial change. Once on the island though everything was better than we had expected, the hut we had was great, the islands and water were beautiful and the food was delicious. It was pretty much the same thing each day just different variations of fish and rice. We had up graded our package which said we would have more options to choose from, again this was not the case, everybody was served the same dish each meal. Overall it was an incredible experience and I would recommend the San Blas Islands to anyone looking to getaway from the hustle and bustle of the real world, just be prepared for a very rustic experience. I would also recommend that anyone looking to do this trip brush up on their Spanish as Bamba doesn't have anyone on the ground, either at the dock or the islands representing the company that speaks even passable English.
San Blas Yanis Island Budget Experience 4D/3N
Table of contents
- The best Panama tour packages
- Travel Panama your way
- Best tour companies for Panama tours
- Best places to start your Panama tour
- Discover Panama tours for every budget
- Panama tours for every type of group
- Top Panama travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Panama
- Panama travel guides - curated by our experts
- Contact our Panama travel experts
- What our customers ask about Panama Tours & Trips
The best Panama tour packages
Compiled by
SteffPanama travel expert at TourRadar
9 Days Across Panama: Culture, Mountains & Caribbean Paradise
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Panama has lots of natural beauty.”
Wayne, traveled in November
Duration 9 days Destinations Panama City, San Blas Islands, Bocas Del Toro, Boquete Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- NZ$3,194
Duration 7 days Destinations Panama City, San Blas Islands Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- NZ$3,884
Panama's rich heritage comes alive over 6 days, from historic Panama La Vieja to the pristine San Blas archipelago. Miraflores Locks, colonial Casco Antiguo, and Taboga Island's beaches showcase the country's diversity. Package includes breakfasts, English-speaking guides, and Panama City accommodation at approx. $150 per day.
Duration 5 days Destinations Panama City, San Blas Islands Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Receptivo Aborigen Tours From
- NZ$1,552
Panama: Panama city and Boca de Toros - 7 days
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Comfortable -if somewhat worn- accomodation. Well-coordinated transportation.”
Jack, traveled in February
UNESCO-listed Casco Viejo and Taboga Island's crystal waters highlight Panama's contrasts. Gamboa Resort accommodations, rainforest canopy cable car rides, and Miraflores Locks visits create varied experiences. The package includes 5 nights' accommodation, daily breakfast, and guided tours.
Duration 7 days Destinations Panama City, Bocas Del Toro Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Operator Receptivo Aborigen Tours From
- NZ$2,242
Duration 8 days Destinations Panama City, Embera Village, Bocas Del Toro, Boquete Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator GUIDEcuador Travel From
- NZ$4,920
Miraflores Locks cruises, UNESCO-listed Casco Viejo tours, and Embera Village visits highlight this intimate Panama tour. The 4-star Holiday Inn Panama Distrito Financiero serves as base for Soberania National Park wildlife viewing. Private English-speaking guides lead personalized tours through Panama City.
Duration 6 days Destinations Panama City, Soberania National Park, Gamboa Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Agate Travel From
- NZ$5,678
Explore Panama and Enjoy Paradise at Playa Bonita
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Loved Ecuador and all the places visited. Would have given 5 stars but as mentioned the transfers and small details that make all the difference.”
Joseph, traveled in July
Duration 8 days Destinations Panama City Age Range Ages 10+ Operator BM Tours From
- NZ$1,951
San Blas Yanis Island Budget Experience 4D/3N
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Chichime has few tourists compared to some of the other islands. The hosts are preparing fresh seafood for lunch and dinner.”
Stefan, traveled in February
A rugged 4x4 ride through jungle terrain from Panama City leads to the stunning San Blas archipelago. Beachfront cabanas on Yanis Island serve as your base for 3 nights while visiting Natural Pool and Dog Island's shipwreck. Package includes local guide, transfers, and 9 meals.
Duration 4 days Destinations Panama City, San Blas Islands Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
- NZ$727
Panama City unfolds from your 3-star hotel base at approx. $230 per day. Miraflores Locks, Pipeline Road in Soberania National Park, and UNESCO-listed Casco Antiguo's colonial streets await. Private airport transfers and expert English-speaking guides ensure intimate city tours.
Duration 5 days Destinations Panama City, Soberania National Park Age Range Ages 10+ Operator Bamba Travel From
- NZ$2,006
Duration 7 days Destinations Panama City, Gamboa, Colon Age Range Ages 11+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Panamazing DMC From
- NZ$3,218
Travel Panama your way
Best tour companies for Panama tours
Panama travel options are pretty interesting right now - G Adventures runs a solid 8-day local experience that takes you through both Panama City and out to the San Blas islands, which gives you a good mix of city life and island time. DERTOUR's "Panama - Das Beste" covers similar ground but handles things a bit differently. I should mention that while these tours are popular choices, I haven't gotten specific feedback from our travelers yet about their experiences on either one. I'll be keeping an eye on reviews as they come in from TourRadar customers who've taken these trips, since that's always helpful for future travelers. What's particularly useful about the G Adventures option is that it specifically includes time in the San Blas archipelago, where you get to connect with the Guna people and learn about their culture firsthand. The whole Panama local encounters route lets you really dig into both urban and island life over those 8 days. Just keep in mind that prices and exact itineraries can shift depending on when you're planning to travel. Once we start getting direct feedback from travelers who've taken these tours, I'll be able to share more detailed insights about what works well and what to watch out for on each route.
Best places to start your Panama tour
Panama City kicks things off for most tours - we've got 46 different itineraries starting from this fascinating capital where old colonial buildings stand next to modern high-rises. Some travelers prefer starting in Bocas del Toro instead, with its laid-back Caribbean vibe and island setting. Our booking patterns show most people lock in their tours about 16 days before heading out, which works well for getting the dates you want, especially on the popular routes. A lot of our guests combine time in Panama City with trips out to places like Monkey Island to see the wildlife or head to the San Blas islands for some incredible beaches and genuine time with indigenous communities. What makes Panama really special is how you can go from tropical beach weather to cool mountain air in just one trip - there's everything from simple day tours to longer multi-week explorations that cover it all.
Discover Panama tours for every budget
Panama tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top Panama travel itineraries to fit your plans
Demographics
Solo Travelers56 tours- Couples64 tours
- Seniors (50+)16 tours
- Family49 tours
Best time to visit Panama
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter travelers to Panama consistently choose tours that blend cultural immersion with island experiences. The most sought-after winter itineraries start with visits to the San Blas archipelago, where you'll spend 3-4 days exploring pristine islands and meeting Guna communities. Our customers particularly enjoy the early morning journeys through jungle highlands, often spotting sloths and monkeys along the route before reaching crystal-clear waters. Another popular winter option focuses on Panama City's heritage, combining walks through Casco Antiguo's colonial streets with guided tours of indigenous Embera villages, where you'll learn traditional crafts and medicines directly from community members.
- 33 tours
- popular 58 tours
- 58 tours
- Spring 2026
Spring gives you perfect weather for discovering Panama's diverse highlights. Our 5-day express tours pack in all the good stuff - you'll cruise the canal, explore Panama City and walk through Soberania National Park where hundreds of bird species live alongside white-faced capuchins and also Geoffroy's tamarins. Many travelers love combining canal transits with time in mountain towns like Boquete; you get to walk suspension bridges above cloud forests and visit working coffee plantations. The spring temperatures are just right for hiking and outdoor activities, and our guests really value the time spent with indigenous communities learning about their daily lives and traditions.
- popular 59 tours
- 59 tours
- 58 tours
- Summer 2026
Panama's summer tours blend cooling island experiences with rich cultural connections. Most visitors start with 3-4 days in the San Blas archipelago, where pristine waters and welcoming Guna communities create memorable encounters. Early jungle drives frequently reward travelers with sights of sloths, monkeys and also wildlife before reaching secluded swimming spots. Panama City heritage tours weave through Casco Antiguo's colonial architecture, then connect visitors with Emberá villages, where community members share traditional craft-making and natural medicine knowledge. Our independent travelers value the freedom to combine snorkeling at shipwreck sites with cultural activities like traditional weaving workshops. Many guests choose itineraries splitting time between Boquete's elevated coffee estates and Bocas del Toro's Caribbean waters, where mangrove kayaking and marine life viewing complement the mountain experiences - this mix of highlands and coast proves especially popular during warmer months.
- 56 tours
- popular 58 tours
- 54 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
Panama's autumn visitors have three distinct ways to explore during the comfortable fall season. City-based tours remain a top choice, combining full Panama Canal transits with walks through the historic Casco Antiguo, before heading to Soberania National Park, where white-faced capuchins and Geoffroy's tamarins often peek out along Pipeline Road. Many travelers pick tours that blend cultural highlights with stays at Gamboa rainforest lodge, taking aerial tram rides above the canopy and visiting nearby sloth sanctuaries. Those interested in indigenous culture often travel by dugout canoe up the Chagres River to meet Emberá communities, where locals share knowledge of medicinal plants, traditional crafts and also village life. The dry autumn weather makes these riverside visits particularly enjoyable, with trails in prime condition for hiking. Some visitors extend their stay to the Pacific coast, where all-inclusive resorts serve as ideal bases for kayaking, diving and also surfing adventures.
- 52 tours
- popular 57 tours
- 32 tours
Panama travel guides - curated by our experts
Contact our Panama travel experts
Tassanee
Expert in Panama at TourRadar
Tassanee is one of our seasoned Panama Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Panama tours answered!
- Choose from 68+ Panama tours
- 12 verified reviews by TourRadar customers
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Call us
+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Panama Tours & Trips
How can I experience authentic Panamanian culture as a visitor?
You'll love exploring the San Blas Islands where the Guna Yala community really opens their doors to visitors. Jump right into their traditional dances learn about their fascinating history and pick up some beautiful handmade Molas directly from the artists themselves. If you're up for something really special head to the Emberá villages along the Chagres River where you can try your hand at weaving watch their mesmerizing dances and take part in ancient rituals. They'll treat you to a delicious lunch of fresh fish and plantains and you can even stay overnight in traditional Emberá cabins if you want the full experience.
What natural areas can I explore outside Panama City?
Just beyond the city you've got Soberania National Park this amazing rainforest that's super easy to get to by car. Pipeline Road is where you want to be for wildlife spotting you'll see all sorts of monkeys sloths and if you're into birds you'll be in heaven. Want to go a bit further? Chagres National Park is fantastic and that's where you'll find those Emberá villages I mentioned you'll get there by taking this beautiful canoe ride down the Chagres River which is an adventure in itself.
What are some off-the-beaten-path routes worth exploring?
You really shouldn't miss El Valle de Antón it's this incredible town built right in an old volcano crater. The drive there across the Centenario Bridge is absolutely gorgeous. Or head down to the Azuero Peninsula if you want something really special the traditional villages like Parita and La Villa de los Santos are just charming and Playa Venao has some of the most beautiful untouched beaches you'll find. People love these routes because they're peaceful authentic and you get to really connect with local life away from the tourist crowds.
Where can I find hidden cultural and natural gems?
Check out Natá de los Caballeros if you're into history - there's this amazing church from 1520 that most tourists never see. And here's a real insider tip: visit Oria Arriba village where you can watch traditional craftwork see an actual sugar cane mill in action and enjoy some authentic Panamanian food. What's really cool is that your visit actually helps support the local community and their school.
How do I get around Panama?
Getting around Panama City is pretty straightforward you've got taxis and Uber everywhere which makes life easy. For longer trips there are comfortable buses connecting all the major spots like Panama City to Colón. If you're heading to San Blas Islands you'll need to take a 4x4 to Cartí port then hop on a boat to the islands. Most TourRadar folks just go with our transport packages it's just easier that way and you don't have to worry about figuring it all out yourself.