Panama holidays 2020 & 2021
Book your trip with confidence
Book with us by the end of this year to travel by 31st December 2022 and we’ll give you the flexibility to change your plans for free up to 45 days before you depart.
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. Treat them as inspiration, as each trip is created uniquely for you.
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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![Chagras river, Boquete]()
Enjoy the cooler climes around Boquete -
![Tranquilo Bay, Bocas del Toro]()
Take your pick of activities in Tranquilo Bay -
![The town of Boquete]()
Get off-the-beaten-track -
![Panama Canal, Panama]()
Journey along the Panama Canal -
![Blue and Yellow Macaw, Pearl Islands]()
Go birdwatching in the Chiriqui Highlands -
![Bocas del Toro, Panama]()
Snorkel the colourful reefs at Bocas del Toro -
![San Blas Islands, Panama]()
Meet the local Kuna people of the San Blas Islands -
![San Blas Islands, Panama]()
Visit the numerous tropical islands
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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Family holidays in Panama ![Snorkeling]()
Family holidays in Panama
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.
Read this guide -
The best beaches in Mexico and Central America, country by country ![Tulum, Mexico]()
The best beaches in Mexico and Central America, country by country
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.
Read this guide -
Cruises in Central America & Mexico ![M/S Legacy (Catamaran), Belize City]()
Cruises in Central America & Mexico
Cruises in Central America & Mexico
Explore Panama, Costa Rica, Belize or Mexico on a relaxing and fascinating cruise and see some amazing sights.
Read this guide -
Birdwatching in Central America ![Hummingbird, Costa Rica]()
Birdwatching in Central America
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.
Read this guide
