Day Trips from Panama City

Panama City's surroundings are so fascinating... They hide some of the best local activities such as tours of the Gamboa rainforest, whose lush natural enclaves are home to a rich fauna and flora.

Also, in the indigenous villages, the ancestral traditions of Panamanian music, culture and gastronomy are preserved. The fun seems endless as the Gulf of Panama is also a paradisiacal destination with dreamy beaches characterised by bright sand, crystal clear waters and amazing marine life. Some of the favourite hideaways are Taboga Island and San Blas Island. But that's not all, read on!

The natural beauty of Panama City and its surroundings make it the ideal destination for a hiking experience. You can start at Soberania National Park, which is located just thirty-five minutes from downtown. I assure you that the wilderness of this place will not leave you indifferent, since it is home to around 760 species of mammals, amphibians, birds and reptiles.

Generally, you will go up El Camino de la Plantación until you reach the Canopy Tower viewpoint, one of the best places for bird watching. You'll also come across waterfalls and spots surrounded by wildlife and tropical plants. Keep an eye out for two-toed and three-toed sloths, and even black hawk eagles, black-cheeked woodpeckers and antshrike.

The main advantage is that it offers a low-intensity route, suitable for the whole family. But in any case I recommend you join a guided tour, where an expert will take you to the most special spots along the 4 kilometre stretch. This way, you will be able to learn more about the flora and fauna that surrounds Panama City It will even be possible to admire the original stones of the Camino de Cruces built in 1527.

Interesting details

• Price: from 175 €, usually includes entrance to the National Park and Canopy Tower (if selected).
• Duration: approximately five hours.
• Disadvantages: Not recommended for pregnant women or travellers with health problems.

Pack your comfiest trainers for a fun-filled, approximately six-hour tour of the Gamboa Rainforest from Panama City. Here you'll find everything, including a natural sanctuary where hectic everyday life can't penetrate.

In addition, the Gamboa Reserve is a very relaxing and charming place, where some of Panama City's most interesting activities are hidden away, such as taking the aerial tram and flying through the treetops to appreciate the panoramic views. And if you consider yourself an adventurer, you can take the cable car up to the highest peak at 85 metres above sea level.

Along the way you'll be accompanied by the sounds of nature, such as the whistling of howler monkeys. You can also explore natural areas at the Butterfly Farm, the Orchid Centre, the Frog Pond and the Sloth Sanctuary. Note that you will be at the foot of Ancon Hill, as the reserve was built in this area and is inspired by the old Tivoli Hotel of 1905.

When you book a guided tour to the Gamboa jungle, you'll have a comfortable return trip, which usually includes a boat ride along the iconic canal.

Interesting details

• Price: from €173, the cost usually includes entry to the Gamboa Reserve.
• Duration: around six hours.
• Advantages: Usually includes a boat ride to visit the Panama Canal.
• Disadvantages: Not wheelchair accessible.

If you want to get to know the eastern side of the Panama Canal, you have to travel approximately fifty minutes to the Chagres National Park This place allows you to connect with nature through the soothing sounds of animals. To do so, you will immerse yourself in a canoe ride on the Chagres River, whose immensity captures some of the best landscapes of the region.

At the end of the stretch you will find a refreshing waterfall where you can bathe. For this, it is advisable to wear your swimming costume under your clothes, as there are no places to change in the area. Of course, flip-flops or booties, hiking sandals and sunscreen are also a must for this trip. After escaping the heat and humidity of Panama City you will descend to the Embera Indian village.

Here a professional guide is likely to teach you about local life through cuisine, rhythms and performances. In fact, the locals usually greet travellers with a welcome dance. In this village you can watch canoes and dresses being made, as well as buy handicrafts or get temporary tattoos, for which you'll need cash. There is also a toilet to change your wet clothes, so bring an extra change of clothes.

Details of interest

• Price: from €101.
• Duration: approximately seven hours.
• Advantages: Usually includes drinks, lunch and snacks.
• Disadvantages: If your accommodation is in Playa Bonita or near Tocumen International Airport, pick-up may not be available.

Just outside the city you can experience an unforgettable adrenaline rush by joining a zip line adventure in the jungle. In the middle of nature an expert instructor will be waiting for you for a basic lesson before you start. Afterwards, you'll be prepared with safety equipment including helmet and harness to swing along a 2 kilometre cable system.

You'll pass over Gatun Lake and its wooded areas, where the weather is more pleasant. In general, this outdoor adventure offers 5 zip lines and optional activities such as kayaking and horseback riding. The best part is that transfers from your hotel or central locations are usually included.

Details of interest

• Price: from 116 €.
• Duration: between three and four hours.
• Disadvantages: pregnant women should not take part in this activity for safety reasons. In addition, the area is dominated by mosquitoes and can be a problem for people who are allergic to mosquito bites.

The Panama Canal connects to wonderful locations via boats that sail daily. If you plan to spend at least 7 days in Panama City I recommend joining a guided experience to reach the popular Monkey Island, where you will learn about its history and conservation. This way, you will be immersed in the biodiversity and get to know the habitat of the capuchin monkeys.

Specifically, in the reserve it is possible to spot howler monkeys, lemurs and tamarins. Along the way you will come across colourful boats representing Panamanian commerce and tourism. You will also pass by protected islands where you will see toucans, caimans and crocodiles. For an enjoyable visit it is important to respect the animals, follow the instructions and take advantage of the guide's enriching comments.

Interesting details

• Price: from 64 €.
• Duration: between three and four hours.
• Advantages: includes return transport by minibus, as well as an expert guide.
• Disadvantages: not wheelchair accessible.

If your idea of the perfect holiday includes glistening sand and crystal clear waters, you definitely need to escape the hustle and bustle of the city to Taboga Island. It's an hour away by ferry or boat and is a great place for swimming, water sports or a day of sunbathing. If you book a guided experience, there are also recreational activities on board to make the trip more interesting.

It has a historic charm and at the back lies a pristine bay. From here you may visit a village known as the village of flowers, where the second oldest church in Latin America is hidden. Also, keep an eye out for dolphin sightings along the Pacific Coast from June to November.

If you plan to visit Panama City with children, this can be a good plan, as the area is surrounded by life. In fact, you can rent snorkelling, diving or kayaking equipment from €5.

Interesting details

• Price: from 93 €.
• Duration: approximately six hours.
• Advantages: Meals, an open bar and swimming equipment are usually available on board.
• Disadvantages: Not recommended for children under 6 months or pregnant women between 8 and 9 months.

Another must-do destination on your itinerary is a full day trip to Isla Grande, a private beach where you can swim in crystal-clear waters and appreciate the colours of the coastline. It's the perfect experience to recharge your batteries and explore hidden spots close to Panama City. Here you can take refuge under the palm trees and appreciate the Panamanian Caribbean, with delicious seafood dishes in front of the sea.

In addition, you can visit the town of Portobelo, between Colon and Panama City, where you will find ruins of the first fortifications of Panama, including the Fort of Santiago. During a guided tour you can learn about the Afro-Caribbean history and culture of the area, as well as snorkel, walk through colourful passages and visit the Túnel del Amor mangrove swamp.

Details of interest

• Price: from €157, the cost may include entrance to the private beach of Isla Grande.
• Duration: around 11 hours.
• Disadvantages: Due to the length of the trip, it is not recommended for short itineraries.

You've probably heard of the San Blas Archipelago, a popular Panamanian destination where you can enjoy tropical scenery on par with the Caribbean. Specifically, it is made up of the Waily, Pelican and Perro islands. To take advantage of its territory, I recommend you sign up for a group tour, which is characterised by turquoise waters, stops at the island of Ucubusi to see coral reefs while snorkelling and a wide range of water sports.

During this experience you can also visit one of the filming locations of the House of Paper known as Pelican Island, where several scenes from Tokyo and Rio were created. Additionally, you can see fish, starfish and spot a sunken ship in the depths of the iconic Dog Island.

If you want to immerse yourself in the secrets of the islands, you have two options. You can spend a full day wading through the natural pools, snorkelling, kayaking and starfish spotting. The itinerary is shorter, but enriching and quite affordable, with options available from €114.

Another alternative is to experience paradise by booking a 4-day tour of the San Blas archipelago. There are usually organised tours that include a boat trip from island to island, 3 nights in a private cabin with shared bathroom on Waily Island and some meals. This way, you can live like a local and make the most of your holiday. Both options allow you to visit the indigenous Guna community to learn about their way of life, cuisine and traditions.

Details of interest

• Price: Day trips start from €144, while you can stay 4 days for around €518.
• Duration: If you visit the island and its surroundings in one day, you'll need approximately 14 hours. While longer excursions take approximately four days and three nights.
• Advantages: Both options offer you all the necessary amenities depending on the number of days selected, as well as the company of a local expert.
• Disadvantages: Entry to the Guna Yala region is usually not included.

• Plan your route: it is important to have an itinerary with the places to visit to establish the safest routes, transfers and precautions. If you don't know Panama City very well, it is advisable to book a guided experience.
• Adequate clothing: take cool clothes, extra changes of clothes and special trainers for the type of destination you plan to visit.
• Use sunscreen: Panama is a country with high levels of UV rays, so it is important to take care of your skin and apply sunscreen every three hours.
• Safety: Panamanian places are safe and the locals are happy to welcome travellers, however it is important not to go without being informed of the risks. For example, in Colón, beware of street gangs.
• Travel insurance: it's important to take out travel insurance for peace of mind, and you may be asked for it at immigration.
• Passport: some excursions or activities require an identity document to be able to participate; it is also one of the travel requirements requested at Tocumen International Airport