Central America is home to the world’s most diverse travel destinations, and that includes the beautiful country of Panama. It is an S-shaped land that lies between Colombia and Costa Rica, which makes it a bridge connecting North and South America.
The country is surrounded by two vast waters, the North Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Panama is best known for the Panama Canal, an 81-km (50.3 mi) long canal that stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean.
This makes it an amazing place for vacationers who are up for adventures and beautiful landscapes. On your 3 weeks in Panama, you can stay in affordable hostels or glamping tents, try out traditional and Western dishes, save money on public transport, and enjoy your day by sunbathing or hiking.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GOING TO PANAMA
When is the best time to go to Panama
The best time to visit Panama is during summer, between December and April. It is the driest time of the year, which shows off the country’s tropical beauty.
The months of May to November are not ideal, since rain showers can occur almost every day.
Some festivals and local activities occur after the month of April. If you’re not bothered by some rain, you can consider travelling for the rest of the year. You can still enjoy warmer temperatures, don’t worry.
Although summer is the best time to go, it’s also the country’s peak season. More tourists flock here during this time, and accommodations return to their usual prices after dropping between 10% and 30% during the rainy (wet) season.
Are 3 weeks enough for Panama
Personally, I plan moderately long vacations that allow me to be completely engrossed in what the destination can offer. That way, I don’t have to deal with the feeling of being rushed.
Three weeks in Panama is enough time to enjoy activities on the beach, jump from one museum to another, or hike in the middle of its rainforests.
There are many activities and tourist spots you can include in your 3 weeks in Panama itinerary. The country’s blend of “old and new worlds” allows you to wander in its modern metropolis or visit remote mountain towns.
And because it’s surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, you can relax on beaches and enjoy scenic boat tours.
What to pack
Central America in general is known for lots of bugs, especially mosquitoes. So, when packing, make sure to bring plenty of bug repellent especially if you’re planning to visit during the rainy season.
The sun can get really hot here, so pack some light and breathable clothes together with a hat, sunscreen, and your best swimsuit.
Here’s our 3-week summer packing list and our general 3-week packing list.
How to get around
Panama is well-connected when it comes to domestic transportation, so you’ll have one less thing to worry about.
The fastest option you can go with are flights that cost around $50 to $100, although buses are cheaper (around $15 for long distances) and reliable enough within the country’s mainland.
The second largest airport, Albrook Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport, in Panama City, can take you to the islands of David, Bocas del Toro, Guna Yala, and Pearl, in about an hour or so.
Buses are cheap here, and the network is extensive. There are even routes that can take you to the neighbouring country, Costa Rica, which is incredible. They operate from dusk until dawn, and there are night buses, which can serve as your accommodation during longer trips.
Taxis are available, but prices can vary depending on your driver since they don’t have meters. There are also ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Cabify that will help you get around big cities. Make sure to get an esim before you leave or arrive in Panama so you have data access right away when you land.
Language and currency
Spanish is the official language of Panama, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Panamanian locals are friendly and will try to accommodate you if you seek assistance.
Still, though, it would be very nice to learn simple phrases or words like “Hola” (Hello) and “Gracias” (Thank you), to get along with them.
In Panama, cashless transactions are common in cities, while cash is preferred in rural areas.
What’s intriguing here is that although its official currency is the Balboa (PAB), they do not print their own banknotes, and instead use the actual U.S. dollar bills. However, they do mint their own coins, which coexist with the U.S. ones.
Average travel cost for 3 weeks in Panama
Panama is an affordable destination. However, during winter and its peak season, the prices will see an uptick. But to give you an idea of what to budget:
An affordable trip might cost around $1,200-$1,800 per person, covering budget accommodations, local buses, street food, and free or low-cost activities like beach visits and hiking.
A mid-range trip could be $2,500-$4,000 per person, including comfortable hotels, a mix of public transport and taxis, dining at local restaurants, and entry to popular attractions.
A luxury trip might range from $6,000-$9,000 per person, featuring upscale hotels, private tours, fine dining, and activities like island hopping or guided rainforest expeditions.
Visa
Panama’s visa policy is easy on travellers with passports from the Americas, Europe, Oceania Southern Africa, and East Asia. You can visit and stay in Panama between 30 to 180 days.
But for travellers from most of Asia and Africa, you must apply for a visa in advance through the nearest Panamian Embassy.
Other travel tips
PINNED MAP OF MUST-SEE PLACES IN PLACES
Click the enlarge button on the top right corner. Credit: map data: Google
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3 WEEKS IN PANAMA ITINERARY
This 20 days in Panama itinerary will give you an idea of what activities to do and what sites to visit. I will feature must-see destinations, and include some off-the-beaten-path recommendations, to make sure you explore the country in all its corners.
Whether you’re a solo traveller or not, this comprehensive itinerary will prepare you for the trip.
Initially, you’ll spend a few days in Panama City and experience its nightlife, while trying out different dishes from its top-rated restaurants.
Then, you will explore the jungles in Colon and visit a hidden gem at the heart of Central America, David.
Almost half of your vacation will be completed in Boquete and Bocas del Toro, where you will be hiking, doing beach activities, sightseeing wildlife, and much more.
If you want to see more than Panama on your 3-week trip, I recommend you check out our 3 weeks in Central America itineraries.
Panama City for 4 days
Think of Panama City as a loop, which allows you to fly in and out of the country. Its airport, Tocumen International, the central hub of Latin America, offers flights to various destinations.
You can also use this as a base because you can make a lot of day trips and excursions. Personally, I introduce myself first to the destination before heading into exciting and thrilling parts of the trip.
Activities on the first few days can include hopping from one museum to another, trying out different food, walking around the city’s streets and parks, and visiting historical sites.
While this can still be in the latter part of the itinerary, I like filling the remaining days with fun and unforgettable activities.
While you’re here, it’s a must to visit its historic district, Casto Viejo, the country’s heart of the food scene.
Just by roaming the streets of this district, you’ll be welcomed by the smell of grilled seafood, cooked by locals in their independently-run food stalls or by the country’s skilled chefs in their fancy restaurants.
If you’re looking for day trips, it can include a jungle walk to Parque Nacional Soberania or a visit to Panama La Vieja.
Things to do in Panama City
- Ancon Hill
- Biomuseo
- Casco Viejo – join a hidden gem walking tour or book a pub crawl to party like a local
- Chagres Rainforest
- Day trip to Lake Gatun to see monkeys and sloths – read the reviews on this wildlife tour
- Day trip to San Blas Island – check the price for an all-included day tour
- Discover the BioMuseo
- Embrera Indigenous Village – there’s a combo tour with Chagres Rainforest
- Explore the city via this city tour with a Panama Canal tour or a half-day City and Canal tour or get a hop-on, hop-off bus pass
- Food hunting in Casco Viejo
- Go fishing in M.B. Miller County Pier
- Hike in Metropolitan Natural Park
- Hike to see the views from Ancon Hill
- Museo del Canal Interoceánico de Panamá
- Panama Canal – Canal with Jungle tour or partial tour for Southbound or Canal, Boat Safari, and Jungle Walk with brunch tour
- Panama Viejo Historical Monument Complex
- Punta Culebra Nature Center
- Stroll along the Amador Causeway
- Shop at the Mercado de Mariscos (Seafood Market)
- Taboga Island – book an all-inclusive Catamaran tour or a 3-island and a village tour
- Top Money Island – there’s a private tour you can book
Accommodations in Panama City
- Affordable: Bodhi Panama City or Nomada Republic Hotel or Best Western El Dorado Panama Hotel or The Balboa Inn
- Mid-range: Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Panama or MARINN PLACE or Gran Evenia Panamá Hotel
- Luxury: Bristol Panama or Riu Plaza Panamá or The Santa Maria
Colon for 3 days
Colon is known for being a significant port city on the Caribbean coast. It’s also popular for being the country’s Free Trade Zone, where many people, including tourists, buy goods at duty-free prices.
In addition, Afro-Caribbean culture and historical sites, such as the UNESCO-listed Fort San Lorenzo, make it a beautiful destination to explore.
After a few days in Panama City, you will travel 74.3 km (46.1 mi) to the other end of the Panama Canal, Colon. Depending on the traffic, buses can take around an hour to an hour and a half (costs $2).
There are shuttle buses available, but I’d say they’re not worth the price ($110), as the travel time is almost the same as most buses.
Things to do in Colon
- Centro de Visitantes Agua Clara
- Fort San Lorenzo
- Gatun Locks
- Isla Grande
- Portobelo National Park
- Panama Viejo
- Panama Canal Museum
- Panama Rainforest Discovery Center
Accommodations in Colon
David for 3 days
There’s not much to do in David, honestly, as it’s more of an agricultural part of the province rather than a cultural hub.
However, this city will serve as your base since it is Chiriqui’s capital, and there are many treasures to explore in close proximity. Most destinations will take only between 30 minutes to 1 hour from David.
From Colon, 495.7 km (308.01 mi) away, is David, a city in Chiriqui Province, Panama. The best option to travel here is to book a flight, which costs around $100 since travelling by car or bus will take 7 or more hours (the flight only takes an hour).
The flight must be at Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport, so you must return to Panama City (takes an hour by taxi).
Things to do in David
- Boat tour to the Gulf of Chiriqui
- Catedral de San Jose David
- Discover the local culture at the Museo de Historia y Arte Jose de Obaldia Orejuela
- Explore the Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra Park
- Enjoy the natural hot springs at Aguas Termales in Boquete
- Hike in Parque Nacional Volcan Baru
- Parque Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
- Pesca Panama Fishing Club
- Playa La Barqueta
- Relax at Playa Barqueta
- Sendero Los Quetzales
- Shop at the Mercado Público de David
- Tour the Catedral de San José de David
- Visit Parque Cervantes
Accommodations in David
- Affordable: Hotel Castilla or Hostal Familiar Argeñal or Residencial Coya
- Mid-range: Aranjuez Hotel & Suites or Hotel City Plaza & Suites or Hampton by Hilton David
- Luxury: Hotel Ciudad de David
Boquete for 3 days
Boquete is a small mountain town in Panama, in the westernmost province of Chiriqui. Expect to hike exciting trails, discover waterfalls, spot wildlife, and watch sunset in Panama’s highest peak, the Baru Volcano.
The town is 47.9 km (29.7 mi) away from David, and travelling via bus takes approximately an hour for around $2 per person. Using taxis or car rentals does not make a difference, except that it’s more costly.
Although the short travel time will suggest Boquete is suitable for day trips from David, the many things it can offer deserve at least a few days to immerse yourself.
Things to do in Boquete
- Baru Volcano National Park
- Boquete Tree Trek
- Caldera Hot Springs
- Coffee Plantation Tours
- Chiriqui Viejo River – go river rafting
- Cascada Macho de Monte
- Cloudforest Wildlife – there’s a morning hike that you can join
- Explore Boquete on an e-bike tour or an e-bike food-tasting or panoramic tour
- Explore the Boquete Tree Trek
- Go birdwatching at Resplendent Quetzal – read the tour reviews
- Go on a coffee tour – see the price first
- Hike the trails of Volcan Baru
- Hotel and Coffee Farm Finca Lerida
- Junga de Panama Wildlife Refuge
- Relax in the Caldera Hot Springs
- The Lost Waterfalls
- Take a canopy zip-line tour
- Try dirt biking for a half-day
- Walk around the El Explorador Gardens
Accommodations in Boquete
- Affordable: Buena Vista Boquete or Selina Boquete
- Mid-range: Bambuda Castle or Villa Alejandro or El Oasis Hotel y Restaurante
- Luxury: Boquete Garden Inn or The Inn at Palo Alto or TREE TREK BOQUETE Adventure Park
Bocas del Toro for 6 days
200.5 km (124.5 mi) off the coast of the Caribbean Sea is Bocas del Toro island. Among all the destinations in this itinerary, this island offers the best beaches in the country.
If you’re a nature and beach lover, this is the perfect getaway and the best conclusion to your 3 weeks in Panama itinerary.
The fastest way to travel to this island is a combination of a taxi and a ferry ride. The taxi departs from Boquete and then stops at Almirante in about 3 hours (costs around $35).
Then, from Almirante, you’ll take a ferry for about 30 minutes to get to the island (costs around $5).
After enjoying everything that the island has to offer, you must return to Panama City if you’re catching a flight home. You have the option to book your flight either at Marcos A. Gelabert Airport or Tocumen International Airport in Panama City.
The only difference is that the former is closer to Panama City’s downtown, and Tocumen, the main airport, offers more flights between Europe and the Americas.
Things to do in Bocas del Toro
- Plastic Bottle Village
- Playa Buff
- Hike through the jungles of Isla Bastimentos
- Fifth Friday Bocas
- Parque Nacional Isla Bastimentos
- Boca del Drago
- Zapatilla Island
- Surf at Red Frog Beach
- Snorkel around Coral Cay
- Take a dolphin-watching tour in Dolphin Bay
- Visit Starfish Beach on Isla Colon
- Bird Island
- Kayak through the mangroves
- Explore the Bastimentos National Marine Park
- Discover the underwater world at Zapatilla Cays
- Surf at Playa Paunch
- Enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Bocas Town
- Visit the indigenous Ngabe-Bugle communities
Accommodations in Bocas del Toro
- Affordable: Hostal Hansi or Surfari Bocas or Tesoro Escondido Ecolodge Cabinas
- Mid-range: Aqua Point Condos Rentals or Hotel Bocas Town or Nowhere
- Luxury: Bambuda Lodge or Eclypse de Mar Acqua Lodge or Tropical Suites Hotel
MUST-TRY PANAMANIAN DISHES AND DRINKS
Panamanian cuisine might not be the most famous one from Central America, but it has something to offer. Influenced by indigenous, Spanish, and Afro-Caribbean traditions, Panamanian dishes share similarities with other Central American countries.
Common ingredients like corn, rice, beans, and plantains form the foundation of many recipes, while local spices add unique twists.
If you’re after exploring Panama through its dishes, here are some local foods to try:
- Sancocho – A hearty chicken soup with root vegetables and herbs.
- Ropa Vieja – Shredded beef cooked with tomatoes, onions, and peppers.
- Tamales – Corn dough filled with meat, wrapped in banana leaves.
- Arroz con Pollo – Rice cooked with chicken, vegetables, and spices.
- Carimanolas – Yuca fritters stuffed with ground meat.
- Ceviche – Fresh fish marinated in lime juice with onions and peppers.
- Patacones – Fried green plantains, often served as a side dish.
- Empanadas – Pastries filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.
- Tres Leches Cake – Sponge cake soaked in three types of milk.
- Arroz con Leche – Creamy rice pudding flavoured with cinnamon.
- Bienmesabe – Coconut dessert with a custard-like texture.
- Chicha de Saril – Hibiscus tea, often enjoyed during the holidays.
- Seco Herrerano – Distilled spirit made from sugarcane.
- Batido – Fresh fruit smoothie blended with milk or water.
SUMMARY OF 3 WEEKS IN PANAMA
Perhaps you’ve already explored countries in Asia and Europe and are now looking for a new destination that offers a different adventure.
Or maybe, you were called by its islands off the Caribbean coast to soak in its beautiful waters. Either way, the country is perfect for any traveller who loves culture, beaches, and nature.
Coming to Panamagoes beyond experiencing its scenic views and boat tours. It’s about immersing yourself in their local culture and admiring its natural beauty.
Whether or not it’s your first time setting foot in Central America, Panama is an underrated country that’s more than worthy to visit. I hope that this 3 weeks in Panama itinerary has been helpful in your travel planning.