Visitors can choose to take a day trip here or spend several nights on the islands. Panama is an incredible country that has much more to see than four days in Panama City. If you have more time, head to Boca del Toro or Colón after Panama City. The bathroom also had impressive design elements, such as original tiles from the 1930s and cozy bathrobes that I spent most of my time in (hehe).
In three days, travelers can get an in-depth look at Panama City and the Panama Canal. With just one week, it's best to focus on no more than two regions, for example, combining Panama City and the Canal Zone with the Central Caribbean or with the Antón Valley. Plan to dedicate about 10 days to a vacation in Panama that encompasses multiple areas and places of interest, such as the Azuero Peninsula, Boquete or Bocas del Toro. Andy's father wanted to see the Panama Canal Museum, which is located in the original building used as headquarters when the canal was built.
To this day, they don't know exactly how many people died, and years later they found mass graves of women, children and the elderly that were created to cover up this massive and illegal violation of human rights. If you only have three days, it's best to focus on a single destination, and the logical option is Panama City, which has a lot to see and do, especially if you include the Panama Canal. This 10-day itinerary begins in Panama City with a flight to David and then a two-day boat trip to Isla Palenque, in the Gulf of Chiriqui, for two days to snorkel, kayak and hike before heading to Boquete for rafting, ziplining, coffee shop tours and hikes through the Barú Volcano National Park. On the third day, fly to Bocas del Toro to enjoy three days of relaxing on the beach, snorkeling, surfing, wildlife watching and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of a tropical island in this Caribbean archipelago. Then, fly to the Pearl Islands for two days enjoying pristine beaches and water activities, including whale watching (July to October).
Tour groups in the region usually offer full-day and half-day visits to coffee plantations, including learning about the history of the coffee production process, seeing the actual processing, and taking coffee tastings. I haven't been to Panama yet, but I love the idea of doing so and buying one of their famous hats while I'm there. Then, to Boquete for zip-lining and other outdoor activities; to Bocas del Toro, to enjoy three days of relaxed Caribbean lifestyle; plus two days in the Gulf of Chiriqui, including a sailing adventure, before fly back to Panama City. Next, cruise the locks of the Panama Canal by boat, and then explore the wildlife-rich Metropolitan Natural Park or the ruins of 16th-century Old Panama.
You can also choose another destination for a day trip that's not too far away to take your night flight home to Panama City. Basically, the United States government bombed and destroyed one of the most populated neighborhoods in Panama with the purpose of attacking Manuel Noriega, the country's military dictator, who had been accused in the United States of drug trafficking. Return to Panama City for a guided walking tour of Casco Viejo, then head to the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center to observe the ships that pass through the Canal. In addition to meeting the locals, visiting a Panamanian hat maker and exploring the neighborhood, Víctor also includes a history lesson in his tours.
