10-Day Panama Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Panama itineraries

Compiled by

SteffPanama travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Days in Panama, incl. Panama City and Bocas del Toro

  A 10-day private tour through 3 major destinations: Panama City's historic sites, Pearl Islands' pristine beaches, and Bocas del Toro's marine sanctuaries. Highlights include 6-hour Panama Canal cruise through Miraflores Locks and UNESCO-listed Panama Viejo ruins.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Panama City & Pearl Islands

    Arrive in Panama City in the afternoon to skip rush hour traffic from Tocumen Airport. Have dinner in the safe, walkable Costa del Este district. On day 2, take the 7:30 AM ferry to the Pearl Islands. The 90-minute journey gets you to Contadora Island early enough to enjoy a full beach day.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Pearl Islands & City Heritage

    Spend day 3 exploring the Pearl Islands. Book whale watching tours in the calm morning waters if you're visiting July through October. Back in Panama City on day 4, start at Panama Viejo ruins when they open at 8:30 AM before it gets too hot. Visit the historic Casco Viejo district afterward.

    
  • Day 5

    Panama Canal

    Plan for an early start with 6:30 AM check-in for the northbound transit. You'll get the best views of ships going through Miraflores Locks. Bring sunscreen and a light jacket for the air-conditioned boat. The full transit takes about 6 hours through both Miraflores and Pedro Miguel locks.

    
  • Days 6-8

    Bocas del Toro

    Fly to Bocas in the morning. Stay on Isla Colón for convenient access to activities. Visit Ngobe indigenous villages one day for authentic cultural experiences. Spend another day watching dolphins at Dolphin Bay and snorkeling at Carol Cay. Go early in the morning when the water is calmest.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Panama City

    Use your last full day to explore the Amador Causeway. It's especially lively on weekends when local families visit. Book your departure flight after 11 AM to avoid morning traffic.

    

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• 10 Days in Panama, incl. Panama City and Bocas del Toro

  A 10-day Panama tour showcases three distinct regions: historic Panama City with Miraflores Locks, Boquete's coffee highlands at Finca Lerida, and Bocas del Toro's Caribbean islands. Accommodations include 9 nights in luxury settings, private transfers, and domestic flights between destinations.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Panama City

    Plan to arrive early in Panama City to beat the heavy traffic. Base yourself in the historic Casco Viejo district. The best time to explore its cobblestone streets is before 10 AM, before cruise ship tourists fill the area. On day 2, visit the Panama Canal. Get to Miraflores Locks by 9 AM to watch ships pass through between 9 AM and 11 AM.

    
  • Days 3-5

    Boquete Highlands

    Take a 1-hour flight from Panama City's Albrook Airport to David, then drive an hour to Boquete. Pack layers since the highlands are 15-20°F cooler than the coast. For the cloud forest skywalk, wear sturdy shoes with good grip. Morning fog can make the suspension bridges slippery. On coffee tours, wear long pants and closed shoes for walking through the plantations. The 4,000 ft altitude affects some visitors, so take your first day slowly.

    
  • Days 6-8

    Bocas del Toro

    Getting to Bocas takes a 4-hour drive from Boquete plus a water taxi to the main island. Schedule the Dolphin Bay and Zapatilla Island boat tour on your first full day, with day 8 as a backup in case of bad weather. You'll need reef-safe sunscreen for snorkeling sites. Water taxis run between islands until 6 PM, so plan your island hopping carefully.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Return to Panama City

    Book an afternoon flight back to Panama City to avoid morning fog delays in Bocas. Get to Albrook's domestic terminal 1 hour before departure. Use your final night for shopping at Multiplaza Mall, just 15 minutes from the airport.

    

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• 9 Days in Panama, incl. Panama City and Pacific Coast

  Remarkable 9-day tour through 3 key destinations: Panama City's UNESCO sites, Gamboa Rainforest Resort in Soberania National Park, and Pacific Coast beaches. Features Miraflores Locks, Emberá village via dugout canoe, and optional activities from aerial tram rides to surfing, all for around $2,500.

  

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  • Day 1

    Panama City

    Land at Tocumen International Airport and make your way to central Panama City. The trip takes 30-40 minutes but plan for extra time during rush hour from 4-6 PM. After checking into your downtown hotel take a walk along the Cinta Costera waterfront to see the city's impressive skyline.

    
  • Day 2

    Panama City & Canal

    Get an early start in Casco Antiguo the UNESCO-listed colonial quarter. Visit before 9 AM to avoid crowds on the cobblestone streets. At 10 AM head to the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center to watch ships pass through. Visit the observation deck first before exploring the museum when more visitors arrive.

    
  • Day 3

    Panama Canal Transit & Gamboa

    Take a partial canal transit starting at the Gailard Cut. The trip runs 4-5 hours and you'll spend time on deck so pack sunscreen and water. Transit times change with the seasons so stay flexible with your schedule. In the afternoon travel to Gamboa Rainforest Resort about 45 minutes from the city.

    
  • Day 4

    Gamboa Rainforest Resort

    Spend the day at Gamboa. The aerial tram runs every hour from 7 AM to 3 PM. Go before 10 AM for the best wildlife spotting. A recent visitor shared: "The early morning tram ride offered incredible birding - we spotted toucans and a sloth with her baby. The naturalist guide made all the difference in spotting wildlife."

    
  • Day 5

    Emberá Village

    Take a 45-minute dugout canoe ride up the Chagres River to visit an Emberá community. Pack quick-dry clothes and water shoes since you'll wade to shore. Bring US small bills for handicrafts. You'll spend about 5 hours total including traditional dances and lunch.

    
  • Days 6-8

    Pacific Coast

    Travel to the Pacific Coast which takes about 2 hours from Gamboa. You have three full days to enjoy the beach and resort activities. Watch out for strong currents in the Pacific waters and check with staff about safe swimming spots. Divers will find the best visibility during dry season from December to April.

  • Day 9

    Departure

    Plan for a 2-hour drive back to Panama City airport. Book afternoon flights to avoid morning traffic especially on weekdays.

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