Best 10-Day Panama Itinerary: Best Places to Visit for Luxury & Adventure

Panama City is a dynamic gateway to Latin America, blending colonial history, cosmopolitan energy and access to incredible nature.

Check into your hotel in Casco Viejo, the colonial old city. After getting settled in your hotel, wander around the cobblestone streets and colorful buildings.

Have sunset cocktails at Tantalo Rooftop and then head to Maito, one of the 50 best restaurants in Latin America.

After having breakfast at your hotel, head to the Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal to watch the massive ships pass through this engineering marvel. After that, take a boat ride up the Chagres River to visit an indigenous Emberá community, learning about their traditions and crafts.

Have dinner at Fonda Lo Que Hay, a casual yet inventive take on Panamanian cuisine.

Start your day with a morning hike at Metropolitan Natural Park, a jungle oasis with sloths and city views. Have Lunch at La Pulperia (order the octopus) or Mercado de Mariscos to have fresh ceviche by the waterfront. Head back to your hotel in the afternoon to get out of the sun, and spend some time lounging by the pool.

Sunset at Amador Causeway: Bike along the causeway with skyline views.

Dinner at Salvaje: Trendy Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) cuisine.

Take a short 45-minute flight to Bocas del Toro. Head to Nayara, Bocas del Toro, a luxurious overwater resort. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at Playa Bluff and having dinner at Azul Paradise: A toes-in-the-sand experience.

Spend the day exploring Isla Bastimentos. Hike through the jungle to Red Frog Beach and have lunch at the Firefly. After lunch, head to Zapatilla Islands for some amazing snorkeling.

Head to Friday's Floating Bar for sunset.

Start your morning on a boat to Dolphin Bay. Visit Starfish Beach, with crystal-clear waters and dozens of colorful starfish. It's the coolest place to snorkel and relax on the beach. Spend the afternoon at Paunch Beach, and head to La Buguita Ocean Lounge for dinner.

Spend the morning visiting an organic cacao farm to learn about traditional chocolate-making. You'll walk through lush plantations, taste freshly harvested cacao and learn about the traditional techniques used to ferment and grind the beans. This hands-on experience offers a deeper appreciation for artisanal chocolate-making while immersing you in the region’s rich cacao-growing heritage. Eat lunch at Up in the Hill Café for some delicious homemade chocolate treats. Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening relaxing at the resort.

Dive into Bocas del Toro’s crystal-clear waters for incredible snorkeling and scuba diving. You can swim alongside colorful coral reefs, tropical fish and maybe even a sea turtle or two. Spend the afternoon relaxing at your overwater bungalow before taking a sunset catamaran cruise to end your time in Bocas!

Fly back to Panama City! I recommend taking the afternoon to spend in Casco Viejo and flying back home the next morning. In case of flight delays, this is the best option. Walk around Casco Viejo, get a massage and relax.

Have breakfast at your hotel and then head to the airport for your flight home!