Panama Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- The best Panama tour packages
- What people love about Panama Tours
- 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
Duration 7 days Destinations Panama City, San Blas Islands Age Range 18 to 80 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- NZ$3,509
Duration 10 days Destinations Panama City, Boca Chica, Parida Island, Boquete, Bocas Del Toro Age Range 5 to 80 year olds Operated in English, French, Spanish Operator Responsible Travel South America From
- NZ$6,564
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 up to 99 year olds Operator Bamba Travel From
- NZ$1,919
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 up to 99 year olds Operator Bamba Travel From
- NZ$695
Panama City's UNESCO-listed Casco Antiguo showcases ships navigating Miraflores Locks. Guests stay at Gamboa Rainforest Resort in Soberania National Park, meet Emberá Indians via dugout canoe, and relax on Pacific Coast beaches. The 9-day tour includes Local Host guidance and partial Panama Canal transit.
Duration 9 days Destinations Panama City, Gamboa, Soberania National Park Age Range up to 80 year olds Operator Globus From
- NZ$4,089
What people love about Panama Tours
- San Blas Yanis Island Budget Experience 4D/3N
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.
- Panama Circuit, Taboga and Gamboa - 6 days
This tour exceeded my expectations. Everything was well-organized, from the transfers to the excursions. I loved visiting the Old Town and the boat ride on Gatun Lake. The trip to Taboga Island was a true paradise.
- Panama: A beautiful way to visit in 6 days
A quick getaway of some Panamanian highlights. Comfortable -if somewhat worn- accomodation. Well-coordinated transportation.
Travel Panama your way
Our explorer tours really dive into what makes Panama special. The best ones run for 8 days and take you through a mix of city life and remote villages. When you stay overnight in traditional Embera cabins, you'll learn hands-on skills like basket weaving, eat what local families eat and see how daily life unfolds in these communities. If you're up for something different, we've got routes through the San Blas islands where you'll sleep in basic Guna community lodges - and I mean basic. You won't find hot water or reliable electricity, but that's what makes it real island living. The routes also take you into Soberania National Park, where guides lead you through thick rainforest trails to spot wildlife. These tours work well for people who want to understand Panama beyond the usual tourist spots, especially if you're interested in indigenous cultures and don't mind simple accommodations.
Select from our extensive range of 31 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Panama with our expert guides leading the 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.
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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
If you're looking to explore Panama on a budget, our San Blas Islands trips are really popular with travelers. These 2-3 day experiences start with an early pickup from Panama City, followed by a beautiful drive through jungle highlands and boat rides out to remote spots like Yani Island. The water is incredibly clear - perfect for swimming - and you'll find plenty of natural pools filled with sea stars. Meals are fresh and local; think just-caught fish or chicken served with crispy patacones. What our guests love most is how they can mix active time with lazy beach moments. You might paddleboard between islands, check out old shipwrecks while snorkeling or just swing in a beachfront hammock. The boat trips to Isla Misdup are especially good - there's this amazing sandbar where the swimming conditions are just right.
For those seeking extra comfort, our luxury tours blend high-end stays with real cultural experiences. You'll start off in Panama City's finest hotels before exploring both modern districts and colonial quarters with expert guides. The itineraries include premium Panama Canal cruises, time in El Valle de Antón's volcanic area and nights at boutique coffee estates up in Boquete's highlands. You'll walk suspension bridges through misty forests, visit working chocolate farms and learn about coffee production right where it happens. Many guests spend time in Bocas del Toro too, staying in beautiful waterfront suites and taking private boats to quiet snorkeling spots and empty beaches.
Panama budget tours
Panama tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
30 tours in PanamaPanama's most in-demand group tours stretch across 8 days, weaving together cultural encounters with nature exploration. Our travelers tell us they appreciate how these journeys start in Panama City, then venture thoughtfully into indigenous territories. The tours showcase village life with the Emberá people, where participants learn about craft-making and traditional medicine that's been carried forward across generations. Each itinerary includes a partial transit through the Panama Canal, explorations of historic Casco Antiguo, and guided walks in Soberania National Park. In the jungle highlands near Gamboa, visitors take aerial tram rides above the canopy and meet rescued sloths at local sanctuaries. These group experiences stand out because they balance structure with freedom - you'll join scheduled cultural activities in indigenous communities, but also have time to explore colonial neighborhoods or relax poolside at your own pace. Many itineraries stretch to the Pacific Coast, where resorts provide comfortable bases for group kayaking, diving, and nature explorations.
Small Group
36 tours in PanamaThe small-group Panama tours center on genuine cultural exchanges, running 8 days from the colonial corners of Panama City into remote Embera communities, where local families teach traditional crafts and basket weaving techniques. What makes these journeys distinctive is staying overnight in Embera cabins, experiencing indigenous life in an authentic way. Groups often venture to the San Blas islands, immersing themselves in Guna culture through simple island accommodations, locally caught seafood and quiet beaches ideal for swimming. Active elements blend naturally with cultural discovery - you'll find yourself gliding across 12 interconnected zip-lines that span two miles of lush rainforest near Anamuya, navigating to hidden villages in traditional dugout canoes and learning age-old weaving methods from indigenous artisans using natural dyes. Our travelers tell us that the intimate group format creates deeper connections with communities they visit and lets guides adjust activities to match the group's interests.
Private / Personalized
21 tours in PanamaOur private tours are all about flexibility - you can start any day and shape the trip around what interests you most. These journeys typically run 5-10 days, mixing city experiences with nature outings. You'll have your own guide and driver throughout, starting with in-depth Panama City tours that cover both Miraflores Locks and the old quarter of Casco Viejo. Many guests opt for full-day Panama Canal cruises where you see the entire lock system at work. The Soberania National Park visits are fantastic - private guides know exactly where to spot wildlife along the trails. We also set up personal visits to Embera villages where you'll learn about local traditions straight from community members.
Top Panama travel itineraries to fit your plans
Our week-long tours really show off what makes Panama special. Many travelers love starting in Panama City then heading to the Caribbean coast. You'll spend 2-3 nights in San Blas at places like Yandup Lodge, using each day to visit different islands - Fragata, Perro Chico and more. Some tours focus on Guna Yala communities where you'll learn traditional crafts firsthand. Back on the mainland, you'll walk Soberania Park's rainforest paths and visit Embera villages along the Chagres River. Many trips wrap up in Bocas del Toro watching dolphins play and snorkeling near Coral Key.
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Ten days gives you time to really get to know Panama. Our full tours begin in historic Casco Viejo, then head to the Pearl Islands where you can watch whales (July through October) and snorkel clear waters. From there it's off to Bocas del Toro to meet Ngobe communities and spot sloths and monkeys in mangrove forests. Other routes climb into Boquete's highlands for walks across suspension bridges in misty forests and visits to coffee farms. With these longer trips, you can properly dive into each experience - learning coffee-making techniques, watching marine life in Bocas and also exploring the Canal's lock system from every angle.
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Two weeks lets you see Panama's full range, starting in the capital and winding west through El Valle de Antón's volcanic landscapes. In Parita, you'll meet artisans crafting diablico masks, taste fresh sugar cane juice in Oria Arriba and hike Boquete's cloud forests. The journey takes you to Bocas del Toro's Caribbean waters for mangrove explorations and snorkeling at Coral Cay before beach time at Red Frog. These extended trips include lesser-known spots and free days to visit places like El Valle's butterfly farms or try rafting near Boquete if you're feeling active.
See all toursDemographics
Our solo travelers tell us they really click with Panama's tour setup - there's plenty of social time but also space to do your own thing. The 4-5 day city tours hit a sweet spot, especially during the canal transit where you naturally chat with others while ships squeeze through the locks. Early birds love joining the small group hikes in Soberania National Park tracking down howler monkeys and ticking off rare birds. The San Blas budget trips are perfect for meeting people - you'll share boat rides out to remote islands and often end up watching sunsets together on empty beaches. You'll get time in local markets and historic areas too, which works great for exploring at your own speed.
Couples tend to go for our longer 8-10 day trips that mix culture with cozy moments together. Most kick off in Panama City with private tours through Casco Antiguo's colonial streets before heading somewhere more secluded. Gamboa Rainforest stays feel extra special - you can take private canopy tours, book spa treatments or watch wildlife right from your balcony. Some couples head to the Pacific coast next where the all-inclusive resorts nail that balance of activity and downtime - maybe kayaking together early then getting a couples' massage later. Up in Boquete's mountain climate, pairs can wander coffee plantations and take scenic hikes in the spring-like weather.
Young adults gravitate toward tours that keep them moving and experiencing new things. The San Blas trips are a big hit - you'll snorkel around shipwrecks, paddleboard between islands and sleep in simple but authentic island spots. Multi-day tours often take you hiking Pipeline Road in Soberania National Park where three-toed sloths and various monkey species hang out. Many folks spend time in Bocas del Toro for the surfing, island hopping and laid-back Caribbean atmosphere. The Embera village visits add real depth - you'll paddle traditional dugout canoes and learn about medicinal plants from people who've used them for generations.
Our senior travelers appreciate tours that balance comfort with cultural experiences. The 5-day city-based trips work particularly well, combining nice hotels with expert-led tours of the Panama Canal and historic areas. Several routes include gentle nature walks in Soberania National Park on flat, well-maintained trails - perfect for spotting wildlife without pushing too hard. The Panama Canal transit tours are especially popular since you get proper seating, good meal service and also great views while passing through the locks. We build in plenty of time for traditional craft markets, colonial churches and independent exploring with rest stops along the way.
The San Blas Islands work brilliantly for families - our 3-4 day tours give everyone time to settle into the rhythm of island life. Kids get excited right from the morning jungle drives when they spot monkeys and sloths from the car windows. The pace feels just right on the islands; you can explore a shipwreck while snorkeling, try out ocean swings or wade through natural pools looking for sea stars. A lot of families love staying at Gamboa Rainforest Resort where the aerial tram gives you a bird's eye view of the canopy and there's a sloth sanctuary nearby. We've found the indigenous village visits really open children's eyes - they get to try traditional crafts themselves and see how other kids live completely differently.
- Solo Travelers47 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
- Couples17 tours
- Seniors (50+)12 tours All tours for Seniors
- Family43 tours
Best time to visit Panama
- Summer 2025
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.
- 47 tours
- popular 51 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
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.
- 47 tours
- popular 49 tours
- 43 tours
- 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.
- 38 tours
- popular 41 tours
- 38 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 35 tours
- 32 tours
- 30 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!
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+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.