Classic Panama tour
Panama
Panama holidays 2020 & 2021
Travel with confidence
With our flexibility promise, and a dedicated expert to advise you while you plan, you can book with certainty with Audley.
Panama’s capital is the only city in Central America to have real heft on the global stage, and its mighty canal is undoubtedly an engineering tour de force. Comparatively few visitors venture farther afield, but our specialists have explored Panama’s remoter areas, from rainforests to coastal mangroves. They’ll tell you that other treasures lie in store on this twisting strip of land. They can suggest experiences beyond the city for your holiday to Panama, such as birdwatching around Gatún Lake (home to 385 species), exploring botany with the indigenous Emberá, and snorkeling with turtles in Bocas del Toro.
Elsewhere, as part of a Panama itinerary, you can embrace the cafe culture and tropical forests of El Valle, and wander among coffee plantations in highland Boquete. Or, escape into another world entirely on the isolated San Blas Islands, home to crystalline waters swimming with eagle rays and nurse sharks.
Elsewhere, as part of a Panama itinerary, you can embrace the cafe culture and tropical forests of El Valle, and wander among coffee plantations in highland Boquete. Or, escape into another world entirely on the isolated San Blas Islands, home to crystalline waters swimming with eagle rays and nurse sharks.
Creating tailor-made tours
for over 20 years
Suggested tours for Panama
These tours give you a starting point for what your trip to Panama could entail. They cover routes we've found work particularly well and feature some of our favourite places to stay. Treat them as inspiration, as each trip is created uniquely for you.
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![Panama City by night]()
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![Old Panama City]()
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![San Blas Islands, Panama]()
Grand tour of Panama
Panama -
![Bocas del Toro]()
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![M/S Panorama]()
Cruising through Costa Rica and Panama
Costa Rica and Panama -
![Tango Mar beach, Tambor]()
Costa Rica & Panama tour
Panama and Costa Rica
Why travel with Audley?
- 100% tailor-made tours
- Fully protected travel
- Established for over 20 years
- 96% of our clients would recommend us
Best time to visit
Our specialists advise on the best months to visit Panama, including information about climate, events and festivals.
Request a brochure
Our detailed brochures feature trip ideas and travel experiences recommended by our specialists.
Useful information for planning your holiday in Panama
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Timezone
UTC -5 -
Flight time
Approx. 13 hours (Via the USA or Europe) -
Recommended airlines
American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia, United Airlines
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The official language is Spanish, although English is widely spoken.
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The standard of food across Panama is good however menus are simple and basic with few choices. White rice is a staple part of restaurant menus and it is usually accompanied by meat, chicken and fish. Vegetarian dishes are hard to come by.
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The national currency in Panama is the balboa. Panama is one of the few countries in the world that doesn't issue paper money therefore US dollar banknotes are used exclusively and US dollar notes and coins are legal tender.
Panama in pictures
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![The Quetzal trail, Boquete]()
Hike the Los Quetzales Trail -
![Blue and Yellow Macaw, Pearl Islands]()
Go birdwatching in the Chiriqui Highlands -
![San Blas Islands, Panama]()
Meet the local Kuna people of the San Blas Islands -
![Panama City by night]()
Take a city break in Panama City -
![Cala Mia]()
Escape to the beautiful island retreat of Cala Mia -
![Chagras river, Boquete]()
Enjoy the cooler climes around Boquete -
![Darien, Panama]()
Meet indigenous communities -
![The town of Boquete]()
Get off-the-beaten-track
Our expert guides to travelling in Panama
Written by our specialists from the viewpoint of their own travels, these guides will help you decide on the shape of your own trip to Panama. Aiming to inspire and inform, we share our recommendations for how to appreciate Panama at its best.
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![Snorkeling]()
Family holidays in Panama
A Panama family holiday is ideal if your children are aged 10 and over. Considered an off-the-beaten-track destination it offers something a little more adventurous than the typical family trip.
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![Tulum, Mexico]()
The best beaches in Mexico and Central America, country by country
Thinking of including some beach time in your Central America trip? We outline the best beaches in each country and why we’re especially drawn to them — whether it’s for their sand, their snorkeling, or their ambiance.
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![M/S Legacy (Catamaran), Belize City]()
Cruises in Central America & Mexico
Explore Panama, Costa Rica, Belize or Mexico on a relaxing and fascinating cruise and see some amazing sights.
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![Hummingbird, Costa Rica]()
Birdwatching in Central America
Tiny in comparison to its sister regions to the north and south, Central America covers just 0.1% of the world's surface, yet it contains an unparalleled level of biodiversity.
