Perfect Panama 14 Day Itinerary: Travel Made For You

If you’re searching for the best Panama 14 day itinerary, look no further!

How long to spend in Panama depends entirely on your travel style, but it’s a question I get asked a lot. Since it’s one of my favourite travel destinations, I recommend at least 2 weeks in Panama!

The beauty of the wilderness, sleepy fishing villages and bustling energy of Panama’s capital was an intense blend of excitement and tranquillity. I went from the hustle and bustle of Panama City to the soothing ocean sounds of coastal waves to hiking in dense cloud forests.

I’ve created a ton of useful resources to help you plan, but I wanted to put together the perfect Panama 2 week itinerary to make planning even easier for you. Panama is a wonderful country, diverse, ever-green and full of life, filled with culture and tradition; you’re going to love it!

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Discover The Perfect Route For 2 Weeks In Panama

I visited towards the end of my 10-month world trip and although we were short on cash by the time we reached it, meaning we couldn’t do all the activities we wanted, the country stole our hearts nevertheless. 

It’s a magical place to spend your holiday, and with my Panama 2 week itinerary I hope you will feel confident to visit, too. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

In this post, I’m sharing with you the best 14 day Panama itinerary to help you plan your trip, plus some additional route alternatives. I’m also including topics on:

• Ideas for places to stay suitable for all budgets
• Some of the best nature hikes to do 
• Must-visit attractions and hidden gems.

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Are 2 Weeks Enough To Visit Panama?

How many days in Panama do you need? 2 weeks in Panama are enough to experience the best of the country. You can certainly visit the highlights and get a feel for the country in 14 days!

With a Panama 14 day itinerary, you’ll be able to visit the capital, the highlands and both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts; take wildlife treks; visit Indigenous tribes; enjoy water sports; and immerse yourself in local culture.

This itinerary is fast-paced, but I have provided alternate routes and suggestions on where to skip. If you prefer slower trave,l you might want to remove a destination. However you do it, remember it’s impossible to see everything.

If you do have slightly longer, I have included a few additional locations as well which can be added on or switched with the main destinations. I’ll make a note of them as we go through this two weeks in Panama itinerary.

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Summary: Panama 14 Day Itinerary

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How to Plan The Best Panama 14 Day Itinerary

While you consider how many days you’ll need to visit Panama you also need to think about how to plan for your adventure. Here are some things to think about:

• When will you travel? Carefully consider the pros and cons of travelling during the dry or wet season. The dry season is the best time for beach exploration, however, it brings crowds and higher prices. We travelled in the shoulder month of May and although it rained on some days, we enjoyed fewer crowds.

• How much travel time to factor in? Moving between locations can take a long time, in some cases you may need to set aside half a day to travel. This depends on your mode of transport; to make the most of your time, shuttles are the best option.
• Where will you stay? Are you comfortable staying in hostels or do you prefer hotels? Panama has a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets. I will include some top-rated accommodation options in this itinerary to help guide you.

• How much do you want to spend? Before you travel to Panama it’s a good idea to have a realistic budget. Panama is not a cheap country, but it gets slightly more affordable once you leave the city. I will include some of our own costs below to guide you.
• Will you be taking tours? Don’t forget to book these in advance and budget accordingly. Research the tour and excursions you’re interested in doing. I will include some of the best-reviewed tours to help you choose.

• Which attractions will you visit? Some attractions are best suited for certain times of the year. For example, if you want to go whale watching there’s no point visiting during the dry season. Check in advance the attractions you want to visit and plan accordingly.

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Panama City: Days 1 & 2

Unless you’re coming into Panama by sailboat from Colombia, more often than not you’ll be flying into Panama City. Tocumen International Airport is where you’ll land and from there you can easily make your way into the city.

The city was an unexpected surprise for us. We weren’t sure what to expect but after a couple of days exploring we came to appreciate this bustling hub. You’d be forgiven for thinking you were in a different country!

With its modern skyscrapers, coastal walkways, surrounding jungle and old-town charm, the city has the perfect blend of contemporary, natural and historical qualities.

Activities In Panama City:

To start your Panama 14 day itinerary, you’ll need a couple of days to explore the best of Panama City and there are some popular attractions to visit. For us, the old town – Casco Viejo – was a highlight and an absolute must-visit. 

Casco Viejo is an absolutely stunning district with a rich history dating back to the 17th century. I would also suggest a bike tour along Cinta Costera and Armadour Causeway or a visit to the Metropolitan Park. If you’re into engineering, the Panama Canal should not be missed either!

From Panama City, one of the best-rated tours is a visit to the Embera Tribe. The Embera people live deep in the jungle and are known for their incredible knowledge of the rainforest. Although we didn’t do this excursion (next time) I can imagine it would be an epic adventure for any nature and culture enthusiast.

👉 Further Reading: We’ve written a whole guide to visiting Panama City filled with travel tips and 21 amazing things to do. 

Where to stay in Panama City?

📍Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo. (Luxury option)
📍Corcho Rooms. (Mid-range)
📍Selina Casco Viejo. (Budget)

San Blas Islands: Days 3 & 4

Next up on my ultimate Panama 14 day itinerary: the San Blas Islands! An archipelago of hundreds of tropical islands on the Caribbean Coast it’s not to be missed. It’s governed by the Guna Yala people who have opened up their home to tourists. The islands are like a dream, truly heaven on earth.

I was lucky enough to sail from Colombia on a 5-day trip which allowed us to visit more secluded islands. For me, it was a dream come true, an adventure I had on my bucket list for years and one that did not disappoint.

You can expect azure, turquoise waters, crystal-clear and warm with busy coral reefs, sandy shores and islands filled with coconut palms. Most of the islands we visited were uninhabited, bar a family or two, while some were busier.

The busier islands are usually reserved for the day trippers. However, no matter which island you visit, it’s a place for sun lounging and snorkelling, fresh fish and evening bonfires.

To ensure this 14-day itinerary works, I would suggest you arrange an overnight trip from Panama City. This will include transport, accommodation, meals and a guide. 

👉 More Information: To help you choose the best San Blas Island tour for your trip we’ve written a guide to the top paradise island tours here.

El Valle De Anton: Day 5

Even though I didn’t visit this location, I’ve added it as an option for you. It’s optional because it’s a nature destination, much like Boquete, so you might not want to visit two similar locations; however, a stop here would make a lovely addition to your Panama 14 day itinerary!

That said, if you prefer an additional day in Panama City or San Blas, you could drop El Valle from the list.

If not, it will help break up your journey to Playa Venao. That said, El Valle is a stunning destination in Panama. It’s nestled in a crater of an old volcano surrounded by volcanic mountains and offers superb hiking opportunities, including short and scenic trails. 

It’s a lovely place for nature lovers, with cool temperatures and a beautiful market where you can try delicious local food and find unique souvenirs.

Where to stay in El Valle?

📍The Golden Frog Inn. (Luxury option)
📍Valle Paradise. (Mid-range)
📍Bodhi Hostel & Lounge. (Budget)

Playa Venao: Days 6 to 8

Playa Venao is a small bay in the Azuero Peninsula and a fantastic spot for surfing. If you haven’t surfed, don’t worry, you can get lessons, and the waves can be perfect for beginners. 

The beauty is that Playa Venao is relatively unknown and if you’re hoping to visit an off-the-beaten-path destination don’t miss it from your Panama 14 day itinerary!

Since it remains an offbeat location filled with more locals than tourists it’s a fab place to immerse in Panama beach culture. You can expect to find long stretches of pristine beach backed by wild jungle. That said, it is slowly becoming more popular. Now is the time to visit before it loses this wonderful charm! 

The town is built up enough to find good accommodation, beach-side cafes and restaurants and on the weekends there are a handful of lively bars.

👉 Further Reading: Discover all the fun things to do in Playa Venao with our travel guide. Hopefully, it helps you decide if this location is right for you! 

Activities In Playa Venao:

I would suggest a day trip to the nearby Isla Iguana, a Nature Reserve where you can snorkel and enjoy nature. There is a turtle sanctuary you can visit nearby and of course, the surfing and beach will take a lot of your time.

There is also a waterfall trek, although, at the time of visiting, we didn’t know about it, so we missed it. But I’ve read it’s a nice half-day adventure. 

Playa Venao is a little tricky to get to, especially if you’re using public transport. It can take a while on public buses; if you’re short on time, skip El Valle to reach Playa Venao from Panama City by shuttle bus.

👉 Helpful Information: If you decide to catch the bus, here’s a full transportation guide on how we did it.

Where to stay in Playa Venao?

📍Selina River. (Co-working option)
📍Eco Venao Lodge. (Mid-range)
📍Nao Venao. (Budget)

Boca Chica: Days 9 to 11

Boca Chica is the perfect (and more affordable) alternative to Bocas del Toro, somewhere you’ve probably heard of. If you want something similar but less developed, this could be perfect…

With this in mind, I wanted to give you the Boca Chica option to make this Panama 14 day itinerary more unique and useful to you. 

Although we have yet to visit Boca Chica, I’ve read that it is a serene, less-travelled area that serves as an entry point to the Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park. An area of 25 protected islands most of which you can visit to enjoy a lovely, relaxed atmosphere.

It’s said to be an authentic island destination where you can go snorkelling and spend days lounging around the beach, much like you can in Bocas. But instead, you’ll find fewer tourists, less infrastructure and better prices, all with the same charm as the former.

If this is your vibe, don’t miss it from your itinerary! 

For me, it’s a no-brainer. I will be visiting Boca Chica on my next trip to Panama.

Alternate Route: It’s also on the Pacific Coast, which means it’s closer to Playa Venao, Santa Catalina and Boquete. If you’re struggling to fit it all in, switching Bocas del Toro to Boca Chica will save you half a day of travel.

Where to stay in Boca Chica?

📍Apartamento Basalina Boca Brava. (Luxury option)
📍Boca Chica BnB. (Mid-range)
📍Boca Brava Lodge. (budget option)

Boquete: Days 12 to 14

Next up, we’re heading to Boquete. This is a busy town in the highlands of Chiriquí Province and is known for its coffee plantations and national parks, like the Barú Volcano National Park, to the west. Boquete is a magical place, popular with tourists although it has retained its local charm.

I absolutely loved my time in Boquete; it’s another destination not to be missed from your Panama 14 day itinerary.

There are a lot of fun activities to keep you busy in this mountain town, but the highlight for us was the hiking trails. Boquete is overflowing with hiking trails which allow you to explore the surrounding nature. 

A popular trail is the Pipeline Trail, and another is the Lost Waterfalls. There are also some lesser-known trails, such as Mirador Piedra del Musgo. You can visit coffee plantations and chocolate workshops, go horseback riding and get your heart pumping on quad bike adventures. 

If you have time, try and visit the Caldera Hot Springs and Los Cangilones de Gualaca which is a canyon you can swim in. Combining these two activities into a day trip would be a good addition to your 2-week Panama itinerary. 

👉 Further Reading: If you want to read more about Boquete, we’ve written a useful guide where we go over 19 fantastic things to do.

Where to stay in Boquete?

📍Hotel Panamonte (Luxury option)
📍La Residencia by Villa Alejandro (Mid-range)
📍Agartha Hostel and Camping (Budget)

Other Sites To Add To Your Panama 14 Day Itinerary

These three locations are less frequented by foreign tourists but they still remain popular spots to visit. You will find all the essential amenities and more. 

Santa Catalina: 3 days

Santa Catalina is a sleepy fishing village, and much like Paya Venao, it’s the place to go for surfing. It’s better known than Playa Vena,o but it’s still a place where you can enjoy local culture and not feel overwhelmed by tourists.

You can expect breathtaking sunsets which fill the sky, surfing for all levels, long stretches of beach and a relaxed boho-casual vibe.  

The great thing about Santa Catalina, surfing aside, is that you can arrange a trip to a stunning national park. Coiba National Park is an absolute paradise for nature enthusiasts. It’s a fantastic place for scuba diving and snorkelling with its diverse marine life. 

Route Note: Playa Venao and Santa Catalina are similar destinations. However, if you wanted to visit them both you could skip El Valle de Anton and subtract a day from Boca Chica or Boquete.

Where to stay in Santa Catalina?

📍Hotel Santa Catalina Panamá. (Luxury option)
📍Hotel Iguanito. (Mid-range)
📍Sasy Tipis. (Budget option)

Hornito: 1 day

Hornito is another mountain location you can add to your Panama 14 day itinerary. It’s in the middle of David and Bocas del Toro, and due to its location it makes a good alternative to El Valle de Anton. Or simply somewhere to break up the journey between the Pacific and Caribbean Coasts.

It’s a forgotten town in the mountains so you’ll be able to lose yourself in cloud forests and watch for wildlife, but there isn’t much else around. If you’re a backpacker, you might be interested in visiting the Lost and Found Hostel nestled in the wilderness at Hornito. 

Bocas Del Toro: 3 days

Unfortunately, we didn’t make it to Bocas del Toro. We decided it would be similar to the San Blas Islands and opted to visit Puerto Viejo in Costa Rica instead. However, for you guys, it might be somewhere you want to add to your list.

Here’s why: Bocas del Toro is a treasure trove of vibrant coral reefs and laid-back Caribbean vibes. It’s a fantastic spot for those who love exploring coastal paradises and also has a lively vibe that attracts a backpacking community.

Route Note: There is plenty of information out there regarding Bocas del Toro and you’ll find it on almost all Panama itineraries. However, it’s also on the other side of the country and getting there can be time-consuming. If you’re short on time, you could skip it or switch with San Blas or Boca Chica.

Where to stay in Bocas del Toro?

📍La Coralina Island House. (Luxury option)
📍Bambuda Lodge. (Mid-range)
📍Bastimentos Hill Guest House. (budget option)

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Panama 14 Day Itinerary Travel Tips

• Travel restrictions. For the US and UK, travel into Panama is restricted to 3 months. You do not need to get a visa before you travel,l as this will be generated on arrival at the airport. You need at least 6 months valid on your passport.
• Only plan a rough itinerary. This itinerary is here to help you plan, but I always suggest leaving a few days of flexibility. Something might come up and usually does, and if you’re trying to stick to a rigid itinerary, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.

• Afternoon siesta. Panama does have an afternoon siesta due to the heat. In smaller villages and towns you might find businesses close for a few hours during midday.
• ATM & Panama currency. Panama uses the US dollar and the Panamanian balboas. Although the two are almost interchangeable, we did find we got slightly more if we paid in balboa. Mostly, all tourist spots allow card payments, and ATMs are easily found. If you’re visiting markets, islands or heading away from the tourist route make sure you have cash.

• Power and data. If you’re coming from the UK, you will need an adapter; sockets in Panama are the same as the US. We took a multi-plug adapter, which we used throughout our travels. For data, you can purchase an eSIM online or once you reach Panama (avoid purchasing from the airport unless you have to) opt for +Movil or Digicel which have a better range.
• Amazon resources. If you’d like to know exactly what we recommend taking on your trip to Panama, you can visit our Amazon store here. We’ve compiled a list specifically for travelling around Panama to help you pack for your trip and make sure you don’t forget anything!

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Budget & Planning

Planning your Panama 14 day itinerary is probably going to be more than you expect. As I mentioned above, Panama is not an affordable country to visit. In fact, it was one of the most expensive countries we visited on our world trip. At times, the prices were the same as those back home (UK).

This is madness to me, but the points it loses in affordability make up for everything else!

To give you an idea of how to budget, here are some of our daily costs broken down below (keep in mind we travelled as backpackers and ate out only once a day).

Choosing Your Accommodation

I stayed in budget hotels and hostels, and although we opted for private double rooms, we still chose the cheaper accommodations. This was perfectly acceptable although I would research the hotel first and make sure the reviews are above average. I like to use Booking as I can read plenty of reviews.

On average, we were paying around $40 a night.

If you choose to stay in shared dorms the price is around $10 to $15 per person, in some situations, it becomes more logical to opt for a private room. 

Choosing Your Transportation

Pro Tip: Public transport in Panama is great. To be honest, public transport in the whole of Central and South America is great. You will be able to find local buses to take you to wherever you want to go on a regular basis. They are cheap and comfortable enough. Usually, long distances will be reserved for coaches, while the shorter routes will be in minivans. 

As a tourist, it’s always likely you will pay a little more than locals but in Panama, we felt we were charged the same. Which is another reason we loved the country! It’s hard to estimate to cost of a trip, but they aren’t expensive.

Expect to pay around $2 an hour.

It’s also possible to use Uber in Panama City and David. We’ve written this guide to help you use Uber (train aside) as we feel it’s one of the best ways to travel around Panama City, especially if you’re in a group. 

👉We’ve written a few transportation guides, including all pricing, which will help you plan your trip to and from these destinations:

• Panama City to Playa Venao
• Playa Veano to Boquete
• Playa Venao to Bocas del Toro

Choosing Your Activities

Pro Tip: Time your excursions right. One of the most important things to ensure you visit all the places on your wishlist is to plan your tours and excursions ahead of time, especially if you’re travelling during peak season. If you don’t, you risk missing out, which isn’t the end all but it can put a downer on your day.

That said, tours in Panama don’t come cheap. On average, tours start at $80 per person but can easily reach over $100. The San Blas tour I recommend taking from Panama City will set you back at least $150 per person while the Embera Tribe excursion will cost $100 per person.

Although most hiking is free, you might have to pay an entry fee. For example, the Pipeline Trail in Boquete was $10 per person. For a Boquete coffee tour, it’s around $50, same goes for an e-bike tour $50.

Renting a surfboard in Playa Venao was $20. While a trip to Isla Iguana is $65.

Food & Drink

To be honest with you, we saved money by not drinking, eating at local restaurants and making meals, usually peanut butter sandwiches, in our hostels. Once you leave this safety net your food and drink bill is going to skyrocket. Panama is not cheap for eating out.

If you would prefer to eat out you’ll need to budget at least $15 to $20 per person, per meal (+ soft drink), not including alcohol. If you’re lucky, you’ll find local restaurants which serve traditional rice and bean dishes for $5 to $10, this is where we usually ate.

Traditional Foods To Try In Panama

• Sancocho: This clear soup is a superb blend of chicken, vegetables, and yam, creating a lovely and comforting dish perfect for foodies.
• Tamales: A basic tamale consists of a corn dough that enfolds a filling of chicken, beef, vegetables, or a combination of all three. Before cooking, the tamales are wrapped in banana leaves to prevent burning and contain the juices
• Patacones: In Panama, “patacones” are tostones by a local name. Patacones, fashioned from twice-toasted, unripe green plantains, don’t taste like sweet plants made from ripe green plants.
• Carimanolas: yuca fries stuffed with beef, often mixed with cheese. The yuca is boiled, mashed, mixed with flour, butter, and eggs, and then formed into dough balls.
• Arroz con Guandú y Coco: It’s a fantastic mix of rice, peas, and coconut milk, creating a delightful and flavorful side dish, commonly found in Panama.
• Ceviche: Panama’s ceviche is stunning, featuring fresh seafood marinated in citrus juices, making it a refreshing and delicious option, especially by the coast.
• Ropa Vieja: This is a superb dish made from shredded beef, slow-cooked with tomatoes, peppers, and onions. It’s a lovely taste of Panamanian tradition.

Weather In Panama

Panama has two seasons: wet and dry.

For the most part, tourists flock to Panama during the dry season, as this is when you’re guaranteed sunny, dry weather. However, it’s also the most expensive and busiest time to visit.

On the flip side, the wet season brings humidity and rainy days, although not as rainy as you might expect. Generally, the showers come in short bursts towards the afternoons and evenings. In regards to prices, you will also find cheaper rates and fewer tourists. 

👉 To help you plan when the best time of the year to visit Panama is for you, we’ve written a month-by-month weather guide here.

What To Pack For Panama?

Since Panama has both wet and dry seasons, knowing what to pack can be confusing. In truth, you don’t need to pack too differently as the temperatures remain constant throughout the year. 

Instead, you will only need to pack a rain jacket and potentially some warmer layers for the cooler evenings if you are visiting the highlands. 

I’ve created a packing list to help make life easier for you and to take out the stress of packing. This useful resource is perfect for your 2 weeks in Panama, you can download your copy below by joining my making list:

More Resources For Panama

Is it your first time visiting Panama? If it is we’ve got tons more useful content to help you plan your trip. To find all our articles, head over to our Panama Page here. 

Some of our more popular reads include:

• Boquete: Where To Stay In Boquete Panama: The Ultimate Hotel Guide
• From Boquete: 10 Best Boquete Tours Panama: Coffee, Hiking, E-Bike
• From Panama City: 11 Best Panama City Boat Tours: Cruises, Canoes & More
• From Panama City: 11 Unique Panama Tours: Indigenous, Dancing & More

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The Wrap Up: Panama 14 Day Itinerary

I think this is the ultimate Panama 2 week itinerary, and I’m happy I’ve got to share it with you! However, how long to spend in Panama is up to you, but 2 weeks is just long enough to experience Panama City and both coasts. There is, of course, so much more you could see and do that after your trip, you’ll likely want to return; we sure did!

My favourite place was Playa Venao and so I would highly recommend a visit. I also enjoyed the San Blas Islands and exploring Casco Viejo in Panama City. For the places we didn’t go, I most want to visit Boca Chica and Coiba Nature Reserve.

A combination of these destinations in your itinerary will provide you with culture, history, beach, nature and a lively atmosphere.

I loved every moment of our trip to Panama and am looking forward to returning. In the meantime, know that we felt safe travelling around Panama and I hope you have the best time and enjoy the country as much as we did.