Seven days is enough to see the best of Panama without rushing: two days in Panama City for Casco Viejo and the Panama Canal, one day in the rainforest, and three or four days on the islands — the Guna Yala (San Blas) islands on the Caribbean or the beaches of Bocas del Toro — before flying home. Below is a day-by-day plan, a shorter 5-day version and tips to adapt it to your trip.
The week at a glance
- Day 1: arrive in Panama City, sunset in Casco Viejo.
- Day 2: the Panama Canal (Miraflores Locks) and Panamá Viejo.
- Day 3: Gamboa and Soberanía National Park — rainforest, birds and Gatun Lake.
- Days 4–5: the San Blas Islands (Guna Yala), with a night on an island.
- Day 6: back to the city — a free day for the Amador Causeway, shopping or a last day trip.
- Day 7: departure.
Day by day
Day 1: Arrive and explore Casco Viejo
Most international flights land at Tocumen International Airport, east of the city. Check in, rest, and head to Casco Viejo, the historic district, in the late afternoon, when it is cooler. Walk its plazas, the cathedral and the seafront promenade, and stay for dinner on a rooftop with views of the skyline. Our Casco Viejo guide has a walking route.
Still choosing a hotel? Compare the best areas to stay in Panama City: Casco Viejo for atmosphere, the banking district or Punta Pacífica for modern hotels.
Day 2: The Panama Canal and Panamá Viejo
Go to the Miraflores Locks in the morning and watch ships rise and fall between the oceans from the viewing decks; the visitor center explains how the Canal works. Our guide to visiting the Panama Canal compares Miraflores with the Agua Clara Locks on the Caribbean side. In the afternoon, visit Panamá Viejo, the ruins of the first Spanish city on the Pacific, and climb its cathedral tower. End the day with a walk or bike ride along the Amador Causeway, where ships line up at the entrance of the Canal.
Day 3: Rainforest day in Gamboa and Soberanía
Less than an hour from the city, Soberanía National Park protects rainforest along the Canal. Start early on Pipeline Road for birds, monkeys and sloths, then take a boat on Gatun Lake to see the ships and the islands of the Canal up close. Everything you need is in our Gamboa and Soberanía rainforest guide.
Days 4–5: The San Blas Islands (Guna Yala)
Leave very early by 4×4 to the coast and continue by boat to the islands of Guna Yala, an autonomous territory of the Guna people with white sand, palm trees and clear water. Spend the first day swimming and visiting a community island, sleep in a simple island cabin, and use the second morning for snorkeling or the natural pool before heading back to the city in the afternoon. Read our San Blas Islands guide for how to get there, which islands to choose and how to visit respectfully.
Day 6: A free day in Panama City
Rest after the islands or pick one last plan: the Biomuseo on the Amador Causeway, a ferry to Isla Taboga, shopping, or a final dinner in Casco Viejo. If you prefer another day out, our 7 best day trips from Panama City include Portobelo and El Valle de Antón.
Day 7: Departure
Leave plenty of time to reach Tocumen: traffic in Panama City can be heavy, especially at rush hour and when it rains.
Option B: Bocas del Toro instead of San Blas
Prefer surf towns, jungle islands and more restaurants and nightlife? Swap days 4–6 for Bocas del Toro, on the Caribbean near Costa Rica. Fly from Albrook, Panama City’s domestic airport, to Bocas Town and spend three days island-hopping, at the beaches and snorkeling, then fly back on day 6 or early on day 7 (check that the times work with your international flight). Our Bocas del Toro travel guide explains which islands and beaches to choose.
Only 5 days?
- Day 1: arrive and Casco Viejo.
- Day 2: the Canal in the morning, Panamá Viejo or Amador in the afternoon.
- Day 3: Gamboa rainforest.
- Day 4: a San Blas day trip (a long day, but possible) or a closer island such as Taboga.
- Day 5: departure.
Have more time?
With 10 days or more, add the highlands: fly or drive to David and spend two or three days in Boquete for coffee farms, cloud-forest hikes and Volcán Barú, and continue to Bocas del Toro. Other good additions are El Valle de Antón, a mountain town in an old volcanic crater, the Pearl Islands on the Pacific, and the forts of Portobelo on the Caribbean coast.
Planning tips
- When to go: the dry season, roughly December to April, is the most popular; the rainy months are greener and quieter. See the best time to visit Panama.
- Money: Panama uses the US dollar (with its own Panamanian balboa coins). Carry cash for the islands and small towns.
- Getting around: taxis and ride-hailing apps in the city; tours, shuttles or a rental car outside it; domestic flights for Bocas del Toro and David.
- Pack: light clothes, a rain jacket, sun protection, insect repellent and shoes with good grip for the rainforest.
- Book ahead: island transport and hotels fill up on weekends, holidays and in the dry season.
Transport schedules, tour times, park rules and entrance fees change. Check the official sources and your operators before you go. We do not list prices or schedules in this guide.
Turn this itinerary into a real trip
CanalMarket Travel organizes tours in Panama, Dubai and the UAE. Questions about your days? Ask Laura, our AI travel assistant, any time.
Run a hotel, tour company or restaurant in Panama? Browse places in Panama or list your business on CanalMarket Travel Guide and reach travelers while they plan their week.
Panama itinerary FAQ
Is 7 days enough for Panama?
Yes. Seven days is enough for Panama City, Casco Viejo, the Panama Canal, a rainforest day and three or four days on the San Blas Islands or in Bocas del Toro. Add a few days if you also want to visit the highlands around Boquete.
Should I choose San Blas or Bocas del Toro?
Choose San Blas (Guna Yala) for quiet, undeveloped islands and simple cabins run by the Guna people. Choose Bocas del Toro for more beaches, restaurants, surfing and nightlife. Bocas is easiest by a domestic flight; San Blas by 4×4 and boat.
How many days do I need in Panama City?
Two full days cover Casco Viejo, the Panama Canal and Panamá Viejo. A third day lets you add the Gamboa rainforest or the Amador Causeway.
Can I see the Panama Canal and the rainforest in one trip?
Yes. The Miraflores Locks are on the edge of Panama City, and Soberanía National Park and Gamboa are less than an hour away along the Canal, so you can see both on consecutive days or even in one long day.
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