Panama 4 Day Itinerary: Quick, Easy, FUN

So confession. I went to Panama for longer than 4 days. And I totally think it’s worthy of a longer trip. BUT if you are short on time, and want a cool destination - that is easily accessible with direct and red eye flights - you should add Panama to your list.

Casco Viejo

Of course, if you have more time to spend there, DO. This itinerary is going to base you in Panama City and really just be a “taste” of Panama (which will definitely leave you wanting more). With 5-7 days, I think you could add in Bocas Del Toro, and 9-10 days would allow you to add on both Boquete and Bocas Del Toro - giving you a really nicely rounded vacation of city, beach, and mountains.

I’ll also share a longer itinerary in a later blog post in case you want more tips on how to plan your time if you have more vacation days.

Where should you stay?

I recommend basing yourself in the Casco Viejo area (Old Town). My tour guide was telling me that just a few years ago, it was a rough part of town - but there have been major efforts to clean it up and now it’s very safe (I walked around at night and always felt fine).

Ok well let’s get into the itinerary!

As always, make sure you are traveling safely with TRAVEL MEDICAL INSURANCE

Panama 4 Day Itinerary

Day 0 - Friday

Take a red eye flight to Panama City (PTY), arrive Saturday morning

Day 1 - Saturday

Storyx Rooftop - great view

Morning: Wake yourself up after that red eye flight with a cup of Panama’s premiere Geisha Coffee at Cafe Unido.
Afternoon: Take a walking tour around Casco Viejo, helping to orient yourself and learning about it’s genesis, history, and current landscape.
- I did my Casco Viejo tour thru Airbnb Experiences with Sharon, which was great! I’ll link it HERE.
Evening: Dinner at the Panama Canal restaurant, watching the sunset and ships come thru.
- Recommended timing is 5-7PM as this is when ship activity is most active.
- Restaurant is a bit pricy, but atmosphere is nice.

Day 2 - Sunday

San Blas - Chichime Island

San Blas Islands Full Day Trip - for paradise-like beaches, white sand, clear blue water, and few people.
- If you have time to stay overnight, they will recommend this as it’s a long journey. But I still felt the full day trip was totally worth it (I personally don’t love staying overnight SUPER remote). But for the all day tour, keep in mind that you are leaving at 5:30AM and don’t get to the island until 10AM ish. It was quicker on the way back though.
- Try to visit Chichime Island if you can - it’s generally regarded as the most beautiful (and was hands down my favorite stop).
Night time: Walk Cinta Costera - waterfront blvd that is easily accessed from Casco Viejo. It’s well lit and perfectly safe at night (you’ll see lots of couples and families late).

Day 3 - Monday

LAZOTEA

Daytime: Panama Canal Jungle Tour - this will get you onto the Panama Canal in search of wildlife, as well as a visit to Monkey Island!
- THIS company comes highly rated on TripAdvisor or you could do a tour that also includes a stop to visit an indigenous tribe.
Evening: Do a DIY rooftop bar crawl! (You could also join a tour like THIS one if you didn’t want to do it on your own) .
- If you walk around, you’ll find no shortage of cute bars and rooftops (with staff outside trying to beckon you to come in). I’ll write a separate blog post on a nice itinerary though as well if you are like me and like a plan :)