Panama 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Panama City and the Canal

  • Morning:

    1. Arrival at Tocumen International Airport (transport options: taxi, Uber, or pre-arranged transfer).
    2. Check-in at your hotel in Panama City. (Recommended: Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage site.)
    3. Breakfast at a local café. Try the traditional “gallo pinto” (rice and beans) or “huevos rancheros”.

  • Afternoon:

    1. Visit the Panama Canal Museum to understand the history and significance of this engineering marvel.
    2. Take a tour of the Miraflores Locks Visitor Center to observe ships passing through the canal.
    3. Lunch at a local restaurant near the canal. Try “ceviche” or “sancocho”.

  • Evening:

    1. Explore the vibrant neighborhood of Casco Viejo. Visit Plaza Herrera, Iglesia de San Jose, and enjoy the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
    2. Dinner at a rooftop restaurant in Casco Viejo with panoramic city views.

Day 2: San Blas Islands and Indigenous Culture

  • Morning:

    1. Early breakfast, as you’ll have an early start.
    2. Transfer to the Gamboa Dock (approx. 1 hour from Panama City).
    3. Take a speedboat tour to the San Blas Islands. (Please note: Some tours require a minimum number of participants.)

  • Afternoon:

    1. Spend the day exploring the pristine beaches, snorkeling, and interacting with the Kuna Yala indigenous community who inhabit the islands.
    2. Lunch on the island or bring your own food.

  • Evening:

    1. Return to Gamboa Dock in the late afternoon.
    2. Transfer back to Panama City (approx. 1 hour).
    3. Farewell dinner at a restaurant with traditional Panamanian music and dance performance.

Things to Know:

  1. The official language is Spanish, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
  2. The currency is the Balboa (B/.), which is equal in value to the US dollar ($).
  3. Tap water in Panama City is generally safe to drink, but it’s always better to play it safe and stick to bottled water.
  4. The electrical outlets use Type A and B plugs, so bring an adapter if necessary.

Visa Requirements: For most nationalities, a 180-day tourist visa is granted upon arrival at Tocumen International Airport. However, it’s always best to check the latest requirements with your local embassy or consulate.

Transportation: Taxis and Uber are widely available in Panama City. For longer distances, consider hiring a car or arranging a private transfer. Boat tours for the San Blas Islands can be booked through tour operators in Panama City or online.