Elevate Destinations

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

Panama: A secluded tropical beach with gentle waves rippling over shallow water, bordered by dense, lush green forest under a partly cloudy sky.

Panama

Tropics on the edge

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.

Best time to visit Panama

For dry season: January - May

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Sample Itineraries

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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.