Destination guide

Panama trip planner

Two oceans, an iconic canal, and Caribbean island paradise in Bocas del Toro.

Panama is small, connected, and diverse — a modern capital next to a rainforest, an engineering wonder of a canal, the San Blas islands, and Bocas del Toro's laid-back Caribbean vibe. Easy to combine in a single trip.

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Canonical: https://haienaplan.com/destinations/panama

Best time to visit

Dec–Apr (dry season)

Currency

US Dollar (Balboa is pegged 1:1)

Language

Spanish

Top experiences in Panama

Panama Canal

Miraflores locks visitor center — watch container ships transit up close.

Casco Viejo

Panama City's restored colonial quarter with rooftop bars and boutique hotels.

San Blas Islands

Indigenous Guna Yala islands with palm-fringed sandbars.

Bocas del Toro

Caribbean archipelago with reef snorkeling and starfish beach.

Sample itinerary

Days 1–2: Panama City — Casco Viejo, Miraflores locks, and Amador Causeway.
Day 3: Day trip to Gamboa rainforest and monkey islands on Gatun Lake.
Days 4–5: San Blas 2-day boat trip — sleep in a hut over turquoise water.
Days 6–8: Fly to Bocas del Toro — Zapatilla Cays, dolphin bay, and Red Frog Beach.

Foods to try

SancochoCevicheRopa viejaPataconesHojaldrasSeco de Herrera rumFresh seafood

Travel tips

US dollars are used everywhere — no need to change money.
San Blas trips require booking with a Guna community operator.
Rain-forest hikes need repellent and waterproof shoes even in dry season.
The old canal locks are still active — time your visit for a ship transit.

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