Elevate Destinations

Experts in socially responsible luxury travel. We design travel experiences that support conservation and local communities without skimping on comfort.

Panama

Eco-Luxury Adventures

Explore Panama's dynamic diversity

Panama is less frequented by tourists than other Central American countries and has a world of beauty to share.

Explore the Old Town of Casco Antiguo in Panama City, with its winding cobblestone streets and rooftop cafes. Watch giant ships pass through the iconic Panama Canal. Snorkel in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Oceans, and explore the lush rainforests, full of monkeys, colorful birds, and other wildlife.

Panama is also home to hundreds of islands and picturesque, white sand beaches — some of which you'll have all to yourself. Visit the tropical islands of Bocas del Toro or Isla Palenque and marvel at how few other people you encounter.

Let an expert travel designer plan your next trip

Sample Itineraries

Inspiration for your custom adventure

What our travelers are saying

  • Belize: A tropical beach with white sand, palm trees, green bushes, and clear blue sky. The calm ocean waves touch the shore, and a small hut is visible in the distance by the water.

    “Everything was great overall. This was a last-minute trip, and my first one with very little kids. I'm glad I invested in a guided private tour, which made the experience doable as a single parent.”

    –Aisha Shaheen, Belize

  • “Lana and Elevate Destinations had the wisdom, insight, knowledge, experience and compassion to guide me down the path to the perfect trip to match where I was in my life. She paired me with the perfect hotels and excursions and the volunteer work that filled my soul in ways I didn’t know possible.”

    –Stefanie Lerner, Costa Rica

  • Belize: Four people smile while serving food outdoors under a canopy. Two women and a man hold serving spoons over large yellow buckets, with plates of food in front of them. Another young woman stands to the side holding her plate.

    “The most amazing trip! We will never forget and never be the same. And we will be back! Elevate Destinations was the perfect partner for our adventure and will be planning our future travels.”

    –Leslie Hsu Besner and Family, Belize

  • “All the guides were amazing and super knowledgeable. I especially enjoyed travel near Arenal. It was very beautiful and the adventures were very informative. Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been and if you want to be immersed in wildlife it is definitely the place to go.”

    –Leah Donehy, Costa Rica

  • “Elevate Destinations did a fantastic job of hearing how we identified ourselves and the activities we thought we wanted to explore. The schedule was full without wiping us out, and each day proceeded seamlessly. We all even noted that doing the jungle first and ocean second was ideal for our family. We look forward to returning and to using Elevate Destinations again!”

    –The Campbell Family, Belize

  • “Dominique is a wealth of knowledge and wonderful to work with. We loved our trip and can't wait to book our next vacation!”

    –Nichole Savenor, Belize

Your Questions Answered

What to know about Panama

When is the best time to visit Panama?

The best time to visit Panama is during the dry season, which runs from December to March, while the “green season” lasts from April to November. However, don’t let the possibility of rain during the green season deter you from visiting. Typically, the rain falls in the afternoons, leaving behind sunny and fresh conditions the next morning! Temperatures remain consistent throughout the year, with lows in the 70s°F and highs in the 80s°F. July and August are particularly appealing, as they see the migration of humpback whales and the nesting of sea turtles. These months are great for families looking to vacation in Panama!

How many days do you need in Panama?

Panama is a highly versatile destination. Travelers with just a weekend can explore the rapidly developing Panama City and easily take day trips to some fantastic national parks nearby. Given the country's diverse microclimates, which include coastal areas, mountains, and forests, a 10 to 12-day itinerary would be more ideal, depending on your interests.

What are the best things to do in Panama?

Exploring Panama’s natural beauty and biodiversity is a top priority for many travelers. Some of the best ways to experience Panama’s incredible ecosystems include surfing, diving, snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, and cycling. In Panama City, visitors can enjoy a vibrant local street life, chic shops, high-quality hotels, and a diverse range of restaurants.

What does a typical Panama itinerary look like?

For the ideal Panama itinerary, we recommend starting in Panama City for a few nights, then exploring the mountains and interior, and concluding with a visit to the coast. As Panama is an isthmus connecting the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, you have a choice of two coasts. The San Blas islands, with their pristine white sandy beaches, are within reach, as are other private islands boasting luxury lodges. Panama is great for a very active vacation. You can also book a very special experience to visit Panama’s indigenous people, the Embera or the Kuna.

Will we visit the Panama Canal?

The Panama Canal has a profound impact on Panama City's history and geography, making it worth an in-depth tour. When visiting the Miraflora Locks, you can watch the ships passing through the locks. We can provide an expert guide who can explain the history of the Canal, as well as the engineering feat behind it.

Why should I choose Elevate Destinations as my Panama travel guide?

Elevate Destinations partners with ground teams that invest in Panama’s conservation and community initiatives. We select eco-luxury hotels in Panama that support livelihood in environmentally sensitive areas. Our team has traveled broadly throughout Panama and can curate an itinerary that is the best match for you and your family. Your booking will support our community initiatives there, including our award-winning Buy A Trip, Give A Trip program. Our experienced guides are expert biologists and naturalists, as well as being great at interacting with the human species!

Where are the best places to visit in Panama?

Most people traveling to Panama begin in Panama City, where you can explore the historic old town, Casco Viejo, and stroll along the rapidly developing Amador Causeway, offering stunning views of the Panama Canal and the Pacific Ocean. From Panama City, you can adventure in the mountains and cloud forest of El Valle and the beautiful backcountry and surfing coast of Pedasí, Cambutal, & Venao, the coffee plantations of El Boquete, and the Pacific archipelago of Bocas del Toro. Panama is rich in islands, so you can also visit the San Blas Islands and other private islands, such as Isla Palenque, which is teeming with nearby dolphin pods.
Start planning your next trip