10 Best Day Trips From Panama City, Panama

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You’d need months to see all Panama has to offer. The country is richly blessed with colorful native peoples, a tropical rainforest teeming with wildlife, and beautiful Caribbean islands that invite relaxation.

But what if you have limited time with a cruise ship excursion? What if you’ve already done all the things to do in Panama City? What if you want to get out of town to explore the country?

You might be shocked at how much you can see, just by taking day trips from Panama City!

2 people pose at Gatun locks sign on the Caribbean side of the Panama Canal. A favorite day trip from Panama City.

Having lived in Panama for years, we’ve done our share of day tripping. We’ve whittled down all the places we’ve been to our (and our guests’) favorites, with unique trips that suit different interests.

So here is our list of the best day tours from Panama City, Panama. We’re sure you’ll find something fun that you’ll enjoy.

Plan your trip to Panama

Before going into the day trips themselves, we want to ensure you can enjoy your entire trip hassle-free. So here’s a list of resources that will help with all your travel planning.

PANAMA TRAVEL PLANNING ESSENTIALS
✔ Accommodation: Don’t overpay for your stay! Trivago shows prices from all the top booking sites so you can find the best hotels and rates.
✔ Travel Guide: This book is Amazon’s top seller.
✔ Flights: Panama City’s Tocumen Airport code is PTY. Check prices here.
✔ Airport transfer: Use a taxi or Uber, or book an airport shuttle for slightly more. Your driver will greet you in the airport, help with your bags, and take you to your hotel.
✔ Visas: Find out what you need and apply here.
✔ Travel insurance is an inexpensive and smart investment. You’re covered for medical emergencies, hotel cancellations, flight delays, baggage delays, lost luggage, and more. Check prices here.
✔ Getting around: Use taxis, Uber, buses and the metro to get around Panama City. Elsewhere, there’s an extensive public bus system. We recommend renting a car to make the most of your vacation.
✔ Currency. Panama’s currency is known as the Balboa (/B.), but it only exists in coinage. In reality, the country uses the US dollar.

Where to stay in Panama City, Panama

Most of the best hotels in Panama City can be found in these three areas:

  • Casco Antiguo – Best for the culture or nightlife. It is full of restaurants and bars. Both Las Clementinas and Tantalo have pleasant rooftop terraces and plenty of Panamanian ambiance.
  • Bancaria, Marbella, and Bella Visita – Best for shopping or business, near Panama’s skyscraper-filled financial district. This is also where you’ll find high-end boutiques, as well as some of the best restaurants. Two hotels to consider: The Bristol Hotel and W Panama.
  • If you’re here for the canal and nature, stay at Gamboa Rainforest Reserve. It’s located on 340 acres that overlook the Panama Canal. Excellent choice for families, near Soberania National Park, and 30 minutes from the city. Closer to town, Holiday Inn Panama Canal is just a 2-minute drive from the entrance to the Miraflores Visitor Center.

1. See the Panama Canal

  • Approximate travel time: 20 minutes / 6 hours
The Miraflores locks on the pacific side of the panama canal

Whether sailing through or exploring it on foot, the Panama Canal one of the best places to visit in Panama. It may be the world’s best example of engineering brilliance, as well.

Up until it was completed in 1914, ships had to navigate all around the tip of South America to get between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The canal cut shipping time in half and now contributes about 40% to the country’s economy.

from Panama City, it takes about 20 minutes to reach Miraflores Locks. The Visitor Center has a viewing platform designed to help you watch the ships from shore (read our Panama Canal guide here). Or, you can enjoy a day traveling through the locks yourself by booking a partial or full transit.

ⓘ TIP: The Visitor Center closes at 5 p.m., but the on-site restaurant is open until 11 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. It’s a great option for visitors who’d like to experience the canal at night without any crowds, while enjoying a great meal.

2. Go golfing in Panama

  • Approximate travel time: 27 minutes (Summit Gold Resort)
titleist golf ball next to the hole golfing in panama

Thanks to 100 years of American presence, golf has become a popular year-round activity in Panama. There are quite a few new courses and remodeled older courses, making some of the best greens in Central America.

If you fancy a golf day trip in lush tropical scenery, you have your choice of golf courses near Panama City. Two to consider are Summit Rainforest and Golf Resort and Tucan Golf Club.

ⓘ TIP: From April thru December, golf in the morning because it often rains in the afternoon. Ask your hotel to arrange a taxi to take you back and forth.

3. Day trip to Zona Libre, for tax-free shopping

  • Approximate travel time: 47 minutes
shopping in zona libre free trade zone colon panama
Jeans clothes hanging in the store. Bali island shop.

Colón is a decadent colonial city that was forgotten after Panama regained control of the Canal. Since then, it’s become a bit of a “wild west,” earning a well-deserved reputation as a place you don’t go without a reason.

For most people, the best reason to visit is Panama’s tax-free zone, Zona Libre. The Colon Free Zone has a range of duty-free merchandise you can buy: appliances, jewelry, sporting goods, cell phones, cameras, computers, and more.

ⓘ TIP: Bring your passport and shop to your heart’s content: Purchases for foreigners are possible up to $2000.00 — but you can buy more than that amount if you have it shipped home!

4. Historic ocean-to-ocean train ride

  • Approximate travel time: 1 hour
San lorenzo at the entrance of the panama canal

The historic Panama Canal Railway dates from 1855, built for the California 49ers heading to California during the Gold Rush. The 90-minute ride takes you across the Isthmus from Panama City on the Pacific, to Colon on the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of the Panama Canal and lush rainforest surroundings from a luxury observation car.

Note that the train departs in the morning and returns to Panama City in the late afternoon, so you will need to find activities during the day. Shopping in the Free Zone is the most popular tour (see the link above), but you can also combine this with other destinations on the Caribbean coast, such as Portobelo, Fort San Lorenzo or the locks.

5. Soberania National Park, for wildlife

  • Approximate travel time: 32 minutes
Beautiful blue colored bird at Soberania National Park in Panama

While the untamed Darien Gap is a multi-day excursion, it takes only half an hour to transport yourself from the concrete jungle to the actual jungle. In Soberania, trails lead through the luscious green rainforest, and you’re pretty much guaranteed to spot a variety of Central American wildlife.

Soberania National Park is a favorite Panama City day trip. Guides at the park’s Rainforest Discovery Center can tell you all about the area’s wildlife while you watch the many hummingbirds that enjoy the center’s feeders.

The centerpiece of the park is a 100-foot-tall (32m) Observation Tower, which offers unmatched views of the tropical forest canopy. There are also some wonderful hiking trails to enjoy, particularly Pipeline Road, a world-class birding route.

While at the park, we’ve seen everything from howler monkeys and sloths to leaf-cutter ants, colorful blue morpho butterflies, toucans, and other tropical wildlife.

Soberania is best visited early in the morning when animals are active and alert. On the way back, you can stop off at Parque Municipal Summit, which is a small zoo and botanical garden.

There’s no bus access to the park. Either rent a car for the day or take an organized tour. As far as Uber or taxi service, it’s next to impossible to get someone to pick you up when you want to go home.

ⓘ TIP: Soberania National Park is open every day from 6 am to 4 pm. The best wildlife viewing opportunities are at dawn. Most animals tend to sleep in the heat of the day.

5. Portobelo and Isla Grande, for Caribbean ambiance

  • Approximate travel time: 2 ½ hours
Isla Grande is one of the best day trips from Panama City. Here, our son stands on a rock in the foreground, ready to photograph the turquoise Caribbean water and hill outcrop in the distance.

The port city of Portobelo is is a great Caribbean day trip from Panama City. Expect beautiful beaches, islands and historical landmarks.

During the Spanish Colonial era, Portobelo played a key role, as the end point on the Camino Real. All the treasure Spain looted from Inca Empire was stored in its customs house before being shipped to Spain. Knowing that, English pirates like Sir Francis Drake attacked the city repeatedly. Fun fact: Sir Francis met his end in nearby water, buried in an iron casket that has still not been found.

The old fortifications are still there, and postcard-perfect Isla Grande is just a stone’s throw away. At Isla Grande, you’ll find stunningly beautiful beaches and islands. Bring your swimwear so you can snorkel and relax on the beach.

ⓘ TIP: Portobelo is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama.” The other part is Fort San Lorenzo, which lies further west, on the other side of the Panama Canal.

6. Fort San Lorenzo excursion, for old Spanish colonial ruins

  • Approximate travel time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
fort san lorenze day trip has spectacular views of the caribbean sea

Just north of the Canal, Fort San Lorenzo saw of many battles between pirates and Spanish settlers. The ruins offer a window into Panama’s colonial history and make you feel like you’re in the middle of a Pirates of the Caribbean set.

We visited Fort San Lorenzo a number of times and always enjoyed it. Its fascinating history, preserved walls and tropical surroundings make it a truly enjoyable destination. There’s also a secluded beach nearby, so we always bring swimwear and cool off before heading back to Panama City.

7. Embera Indian Village, for indigenous culture

  • Note that you can’t do this on your own. This experience is only available through an organized excursion.
Linda with Embera girls in traditional dress.

The Embera are an indigenous tribe that live completely off the grid in the Panama jungle. They earn a living by selling hand-woven baskets and wood carvings, and by inviting tourists to visit their communities. We had the chance to visit an Embera community in the Darien, and it was a memorable and rewarding experience.

You can only visit the tribe with an authorized guide. A day tour to the Embera Indian village begins with a (motorized) canoe ride down the Gatun River, so be on the lookout for spider monkeys, turtles and caimans along the way. While at the village, you’ll share a typical meal, learn about the Embera way of life, and have an opportunity to purchase their exquisite handicrafts.

ⓘ TIP: The Embera women create exquisite hand-woven baskets. Some are so tightly woven that they can hold water! Although you can purchase them in Panama City, you’ll help the tribe more (and save money) by buying your baskets while you’re in the village.

8. Camino Real, for local life

  • Only visible through a guided tour
Exploring the camino real trail with local tour guide

The Camino Real (King’s Way) is an ancient cobblestone roadway that runs between Panama City and Portobelo. It played a significant role in the time of pirates and conquistadors, connecting Panama City on the Pacific with Portobelo on the Caribbean.

A day exploring the Camino Real is fun, fascinating and super informative. We loved it. Not only do you learn about the early days of the country, you’ll get insights into the Camino from a historian. Tours are available in both English and German.

On this tour, you will see cobblestone sections of the old path, deep within Chagres National Park. You’ll enjoy a hike through the jungle and boat over the water, far from civilization. Then you’ll visit a campesino village where you’ll enjoy a Panamanian lunch, learn about their lifestyle, and see their traditional dances.

ALSO READ:
10 Best Day Trips From Panama City, Panama

9. Taboga Island, for island life

  • Approximate travel time: 30 minutes
flock of pelicans circling the island

Only a 30-minute ferry ride away from the city, Taboga Island is one of the most popular day trips from Panama City. Taboga dates from Spanish colonial times and has the second oldest church on the continent (1550), making it a cultural and historical landmark.

People day trip to Taboga for its white sandy beaches, a small town with delicious restaurants and cafes, and good views from the top of San Cruce. Speaking of which, if you don’t fancy ordering fish, we recommend Panamanian ancocho. It’s Panama’s national dish.

Locals take the Taboga Express from Panama City to Taboga Island. The 30-minute, 12-mile boat ride costs $20 round-trip. Along the way, you’ll enjoy ocean breezes, views of Panama City’s skyline, and seeing all the ships anchored outside the Panama Canal.

ⓘ TIP: You can also take a catamaran there with Panama Sailing Tours. Their service includes an open bar, snacks, and lunch.

10. El Valle de Anton, for waterfalls and mountains

  • Approximate travel time: 2½ hours
swimming at a waterfall in el valle

Cheap and easy to get to, El Valle de Anton is a favorite getaway for Panamanians and visitors looking for mountain hikes and waterfalls.

Lying within the caldera of an extinct volcano, El Valle sits 1,968 feet above sea level. Its slopes are covered by humid tropical forests crisscrossed by rivers and stunning waterfalls, but it has more to offer than just that. It’s also a favorite day trip for the mountain views, a nice artisan market, thermal springs, an orchid sanctuary, and El Nispero, a small tropical zoo and botanical garden.

This is one Panama day trip that is well worth the drive. At least we thought so: We probably went there more often than anywhere else while we lived in Panama. Though it was rarely a day trip. We liked to stay overnight and sleep in the cool mountain air. It’s such a nice place to relax.

ALSO READ:
10 Best Day Trips From Panama City, Panama

Where to stay in Panama City, Panama

Most of the best hotels in Panama City can be found in these three areas:

  • Casco Antiguo – Best for the culture or nightlife. It is full of restaurants and bars. Both Las Clementinas and Tantalo have pleasant rooftop terraces and plenty of Panamanian ambiance.
  • Bancaria, Marbella, and Bella Visita – Best for shopping or business, near Panama’s skyscraper-filled financial district. This is also where you’ll find high-end boutiques, as well as some of the best restaurants. Two hotels to consider: The Bristol Hotel and W Panama.
  • If you’re here for the canal and nature, stay at Gamboa Rainforest Reserve. It’s located on 340 acres that overlook the Panama Canal. Excellent choice for families, near Soberania National Park, and 30 minutes from the city. Closer to town, Holiday Inn Panama Canal is just a 2-minute drive from the entrance to the Miraflores Visitor Center.

Gear you’ll need for a Panama day trip

But first, let’s discuss the country’s hot, humid, tropical weather. The tropical sun can take a lot out of you, so it’s important to prepare ahead.

Here’s a checklist of the essential things to bring on a Panama day trip:

We also suggest you carry cash in small bills, as most local vendors won’t accept credit cards.

ⓘ TIP: If you’re prone to motion sickness, take some sort of medication before you begin your tour. Speaking from personal experience, we keep Bonine motion sickness tablets on hand. less We find it causes less drowsiness than Dramamine, and it lasts for 24 hours so we don’t have to worry about being queasy on the return trip.

Are you ready for a Panama City day trip?

Even if you only have one day, there are still have so many attractions to discover, all within only a couple of hours of the country’s capital. It’s worth taking a break from the city to see another side of the country. You’ll quickly discover an amazing variety of landscapes and activities which are just a quick drive away.

boats on a secluded beach in panama. The text overlay says the 10 best day trips from panama city panama

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Written by Linda

Linda is multilingual and has been to over 50 countries. Her insatiable love of travel, cuisine, and foreign languages inspired her to create As We Saw It, where she documents her trips, shares practical itineraries, and offers insider tips. She’s passionate about helping fellow travelers save time, money, and hassle, and loves to discover new places to explore.

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2 thoughts on “10 Best Day Trips From Panama City, Panama”

    • Thanks for your comment, Renuka. It’s good to hear from you again.

      That bird is pretty, isn’t it? We saw a lot of fantastic wildlife while we were living in Panama. My favorites were the sloths and coatimundis. Wish I knew more of the bird names, though. 🙂

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